SERIOUS FALL IN PRODUCTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 41, 18 January 1944, Page 4

SERIOUS FALL IN PRODUCTION

COMMENTING on the effect of the continued dry weather, Mr C.J. Parlane, general manager of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., said everyone has been hoping that copious rain would fall, but the much-desired downpour seemed to be still far off. Day by day production had lessened and farmers were fearful that the continued drought conditions would prevent their dairy herds being restored to. reasonable production for the rest of the season. The position was very serious, and the effect "must be felt right throughout the community. There, seemed little that could be done to correct or alleviate the position. Experienced farmers were seeing to it that their stock received as much water as could be supplied, while some were already using reserve supplies of hay and ensilage. Mr Parlane said he was unable to give figures indicating the falling off in butterfat production throughout the company's territory,, but said it was substantial and likely to be more so unless good soaking rains were experienced quickly. From reports received we understand that the! Rangitaiki Dairy Company's figures do not show the same percentage of decline, but nevertheless there is no gainsaying the fact that rain is still badly needed and that the downpour experienced last week was of all too short duration to be of lasting good.