Sep. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W, 637 



Broom Millet on the Manning. 



J. M. PITT, Assistant Inspector of Agriculture. 



During the last few j^ears broom millet growing has advanced to such pro- 

 portions along the Manning River, that the Hunter River growers cannot at 

 present be looked upon as havinji matters all their own way. The values 

 ruling during 1918-1919 resulted in a larger area heing sown during the 

 spring of last season than perhaps in any year previous. Especially was 

 this noticeable around the Mondrook, Glenthorne, and Mount George sectors. 



The broom millet industry may be likened to a ''cycle." The fibre deterio- 

 rates when stored for any length of time; consequently there is always a 

 demand for the new brush by the various manufaciurers. And because the 

 fibre is used almost solely for broom-making, and the demand for brooms 

 remains somewhat regular, so also is the demand for tlie fibre by these 

 manufacturers a regular one. In normal seasons the supply and the market 

 value likewise remain fairly regular. In years when droughts and floods 

 devastate the main growing regions, as was the case in Victoria and on our 

 own North Coastduring 1917-1918, the market becomes unsettled through 

 supplies being insufficient, and consequently prices rise. Such tempting 

 prices lead to increased sowings, the effect of which is that the market 

 becomes over-supplied, and market values decline, with a reactionary effect 

 on future sowings, until the market becomes normal — the cycle being 

 repeated under the influence of weather conditions. 



To turn out an attractive bale of the first quality requires some consider- 

 able experience, and a little more care perhaps than is required to fill a bag 

 with maize or load a truck with pumpkins. There are many growers on the 

 Hunter and Manning who grow the crop year in and year out, and with 

 years of experience in the handling oi: the cr()[) through its various stages, 

 turn out an article which, beside paying handsomely, is worthy of the name. 

 There are others, however, who, encouraged by tempting prices, try their 

 hands, without more than the slightest idea of how to go about the work. 

 Consequently inferior brush and low prices are obtained. To these growers 

 the following notes, describing the procedure of experienced growers, uiay be 

 useful. 



Climate and Soil. 



Soils and climate suitable for the growing of maize are also adaptable for 

 broom millet, and the alluvial flats of the Manning can be classed among 

 the best. While it is admitted that maximum results are obtained from 

 these rich soils, still payable crops can be produced on soils barely fertile 

 enough for pi-ofitable grain production. Favourable conditions as regards 

 moisture, warmth, and sunshine— a total absence of the former, and the 

 maximum amount of the two last-named at harvesting time — -are most 

 essential for brush of the best quality. Less moisture probably is required 



