Evening star., 1938-07-31
BY Sudduth

rough grazing land, or land taken out Of
cultivation, Is considered. This land turned
into grazing has been taken out of culti-
vation because the farmer cannot make
any money on the present scale Of costs
and price levels.
The National Farmers Union thinks the
government fails to accord to agriculture
at home the importance it deserves.
spokesman for organized farmers said:
THE value Of the sales of farm products
for 1867 in England, Wales, Scotland
and North ireland was 81 $3.50, 900 900. This
figure is greater than the gross agricultural
revenue Of any dominion or empire coun-
try. 1t is sum exceeded by only one or
two British industries. The total pur-
chases made annually from the United
Kingdom by either empire or foreign coun-
tries falls far short of this figure.
Those would sacrifice our home agricul-
ture, our land and the farming population
to the interests Of international trade and
finance would do we'll to remember this"
Department of Agriculture figures put
the value of farm products for the year
1867 at s73, 500, 900 increase over the pre-
vious year.
But spokesmen for the farmers do not
enthuse over such figures. They maintain
production costs have taken all the Joy
out of such figures and that net returns
are far more important.
The National Union of Agricultural
Workers says farm employees in 1887 had
an income of s2oOoO,ooo more than the
1888 wage bill.
Rising Feed Cost Cited.
Feedstuf1s were 80 per cent higher in
1887 than in 1895. The farmers bill for
feed was upped $50 900 900 in two years.
Fertilizers, implements and every other
element of farm production have gone up
steadily.
1t is true that prices for farm products
took steady upward trend in 1887 But
as production factors continued to jump
in 1898, the trend of prices was down the
ladder. BY April, 1888. farm prices had
dropped to points below the figures Of
April, 1897.
The farmers contend that the periods
Of low prices have drained farm capital,
lowered the productivity of their equipment
and depressed their prospects of the future.
Farmers contend that the amount of
subsidies granted have been insignificant
when compared to the losses the diversified
crop farmer has sustained
Regardless Of the Governments confident
attitude, there is more restlessness among
the farm population than is apparent on
the surface; workers continue to leave the
Ia nd hxy fho
marginal land is turned back to pasture and
the problem continues to grow
Malnutrition Enters Picture.
Another interesting factor in the farm
situation Is touched upon by the report
Of the Committee Against Malnutrition,
which disclosed that the chief deficiency
in the underfed portion Of the population
is In foods relatively the most expensive
dairy produce eggs, fresh fruit and vege-
tables
The committee recommended that the
income Of the small worker must be raised
or that prices must be lowered so every
family can have its share Of these vital
food products.
Established food boards, urged this royal
committee. Buy. store and distribute food
stuf1s in bulk, increase the distribution OF
fish and make the nation physically ft.
There is no present indication Of
change in the attitude of the Chamberlain
government 1t Is satisfied with its en1er-
gency plans. 1t has confidence in the fleet
and its future allies. 1t is determined to
trade with those nations who make Brit
aims industries possible by buying their
raw materials.