SIGNIFICANTLY, the morale of Worcestershire farmers was at a very low ebb exactly half-a-century ago as they looked back on a "horrible" 12 months.

Their depression was aired at the AGM of the county branch of the National Farmers Union and was fully reported by the Journal.

Secretary Mr F.R Jeynes said they had just come through "a very black year." Rapidly shrinking resources and increased indebtedness to the banks meant that farmers had reduced production and lost much confidence.

Production targets set by the Government had clearly not been reached due to bad weather through the year and also from the accumulative effect of a series of other severe blows, including the removal of some subsidies.

With the end of Marshall Aid, agriculture, as the largest dollar-saving industry, had been expected to make an all-out effort to meet the needs of the nation's post-war expansion programme, and it was through no fault of the farmers that this had not been possible.

The county NFU was also deeply concerned in 1952 about a drop of 25 in the number of milking herds in Worcestershire. There were then 1,530 herds compared with 1,555 at the same time in 1951.

The branch chairman, H. Milton Morgan said he could not over-emphasise the seriousness of the position when cattle and heifers, which were the potential for milk production, were being slaughtered for meat.

n The Croome Hunt was in gloomy mood, too, at this time 50 years ago. The Journal reported the anxiety of officials over the future of the hunt in view of poor support.

The Master, Mr Jack Baylis warned followers that he would be unable to continue without better support. Costs of about £2,500 a year were exceeding income.