19 JULY 1930, Page 15

BRITISH SUGAR.

A certain Cornish farmer who has recently begun to grow sugar beet and is delighted with the crop reckons that the feeding value of the tops is worth not less than £4 an acre. I discussed the estimate with some of those most closely concerned with the crop. They said that some few farmers put the price even higher ; but that they themselves in any statistical accounts of value reckoned the feeding value at a minimum of £3 an acre. In any case the figure is of high importance. To the money received for his beets from the factory, which is big and sufficient to leave a good profit, must be added this feeding value of the tops and the cheapness of the pulp returned from the factory, the beneficial effect on the next crop (and this is very high) and not least the permanent improvement of the soil due to the depth to which the roots penetrate.

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