WICKARD ORDERS
RATIONING FOR
FARM MACHINES
Washington, Sept. 16.–(U.P.)–Secretary of Agriculture Claude R. Wickard has issued a temporary order rationing all farm machinery. However, the plan does not over repair parts, automobiles, trucks, track-laying tractors or any equipment ordered by government agencies.
The regulations provide for the establishment of county rationing committees to administer the program. Farm machinery is classified into three groups. Those vitally essential to current needs may not be bought without a certificate from the committee. Other times are in the second group, and may be purchased by the mere certification of the farmer to his dealer that they are essential to his current production. Only hand tools and smaller horse-drawn equipment may be sold without restriction of any kind.
Wickard announced that the rationing plan will be administered by Fred S. Wallace, head of the AAA. Later, a permanent plan for distribution of farm machinery will be worked out. Shortage of this equipment is caused by conversion of the larger plants to war production. It is expected in Washington that the entire output of such supplies will soon come from only a few small plants.
