Board of Trade returns from a number of famers throughout the east and west show that the number of male persons in regular employment at the end of January was 12.4% less than in January 1914. As 15.6 of the persons employed a year ago have joined naval or military forces it is evident that farmers have been only able to fill the places of 1 in 5 of those who have joined. It is estimated that unless the farms are to work short-handed or a means can be found to economise labour some 80,000 additional permanent male labourers and 90,000 casual will be required in the summer. Steps are therefore being taken to meet the difficulties in various ways. The use of machinery is being developed and more land is being laid down to grass.

Banbury Guardian April 1 1915