GREEN PASTURES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 66, 26 April 1946, Page 6

GREEN PASTURES

TRANSFORMATION OF PLAINS DROUGHT STRICKEN AREAS RECOVER Two months ago, the substantial plains area of the Rangitaiki and the Opoui*iao, Onepu and Waimana valleys were in the grip of one of the severest droughts on record for the Bay of Plenty. Some of the most fertile land in New Zealand was rapidly being laid waste by day after day of merciless sun and wind, which extracted the last drop of moisture from the ground, leaving hundreds of acres hard, dry, brown and useless. Here and there, stunted patches of maize struggled against climatic conditions in which they were never meant to exist, whilst practically the only green feed available to cattle was that cut from the sides of drains, and that which fought for existence in any of the other low-lying patches. Few farmers who surveyed their parched land two months ago, in fact, dreamed that in a matter of eight weeks, the plains would once again present a green and fertile appearance.

Yet such has been the case. In these eight short weeks, the plains have responded to an amazing degree, to the alternating periods of drenching rain and warm weather. The direct result is shown in the improved condition of the stock, and statistically by the increase in dairy production figures. Outlook Greatly Improved

Perhaps the most remarkable form of recovery, is that which is taking place in the Opouriao Valley, an area which suffered extensively. Here, subterranean clover is springing up. beneath the brown turf, causing it to actually mushroom. Practically no resowing will be required. Onepu was hit perhaps harder than any other area, although numbers of the older farmers, who have learnt through experience, to prepare for any- contingency, were not caught unprepared. Onepu is now fast regain ing its normal fertility. At Waimana, farmers who were preparing for complete resowing now find that very little will be necessary. In the vicinity of Te Teko and Edgecumbe, the recovery is as remarkable as in other parts of the djshict.

Dairy Production

With this greatly improved outlook for the winter months, farmers will be enabled to hj.d. stock, that would otherwise have bad to be disposed of to the detriment of produc-

tion next year. In fact, those who found it possible to Ccrry on two milkings per day ha/-- already increased production substantial'./. The Rangitaiki Plains Co-operat' e Dairy Company is at present making one and a half tons of butter per day more than it was a month ago. On March 16, the statistics show that output increased sharply as a result of the two days drenching rain which fell on March 10 and 11. Peak production of 10 \ tons was attained on March 27, and this level was maintained for almost a week before it commenced to drop in accordance with the drying off in the herds. Although the quantity at present being produced is below normal, the rate of decline is in accordance with past years. The effects of the drought are apparent from the fact that where this time

last year twelve tons were being manufactured, now the production has dropped to 10£ tons. On the other hand, the increase over the past six weeks is shown by the fact that at the beginning of March 1946, output was 6 tons below normal, whereas now it is but 4|-.

Benefits of Drought An interesting comment on the condition of the plains was given by one farmer of Te Teko, who was interviewed by a Beacon representative. A prolonged period of drought, he claimed, was beneficial to the country. In the past it had been the making of the plains, particularly the swamp areas. Some 30 years ago, a similar drought was experienced in the Bay. Until that time, no one on the low-lying areas had made much of a success of farming. After the drought, where formally wet-rushes and buttercup ruled, clover, rye grass and paspalum were .cultivated. The drought which had just been experienced, he said would carry with it similar benefits, which would be apparent in years to come.

Although prior to the rain, fears that a serious outbreak of eczema would occur, it has now been ascertained that this will definitely not be the case. The reason, as put forward by Mr E. R. Mai’ryatt, Fields Inspector, Department of Agriculture, is that there was no long sustained period of direct heat, and this, together with the number of cool nights experienced, served to harden the new grass.

The Hay Position With regard to the hay position, it is learnt that although this is far from good, it is, nevertheless, for the present, satisfactory. The Whakatane Hay Committee has investigated all applications made by farmers through merchants for hay and chaff, and has approved of all requests. Altogether, applications' for

a total of over 500 tons of hay, most of which will be obtained from the South Island, to be distributed throughout the district, have been dealt with. Owing to the high price, farmers are buying no more than is absolutely necessary to see them through the winter months. In addition to the above quantity, some 300 tons of hay was imported to the district before the control committee was established. It is expected that approximately a further 250 tons may still be required as the winter proceeds, to ensure the survival of capital livestock. In the meantime, the position of farmers, which a short time ago was desperate, is becoming increasingly better, and next season should bring production back to normal.