FROM COWS TO SHEEP.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 832, 30 July 1910, Page 8

FROM COWS TO SHEEP.

A SOUTHLAND INSTANCE.

Several instances of farmers deserting sheep to go in for dairying have been given lately. The Fairfax correspondent of the "Southland Times" gives a reverse instance.

"Sheep," lie says, are fluctuating greatly in price, and through the extra high prices ruling a number of dairy farmers are discarding cows and giving their attention to sheep. But if there bo anything in prediction, the price of wool at the ensuing sales will not bo equal to last, that it was unwise to put all the eggs, in one basket. True, sheep and. cows do not thrive together, but 100 wellbred ewes can with safety be run with 25 cows, with several paddocks and frequent changes. It is marvellous tho number of sheep and cows that can be kept and fed well on 130 or 200 acres of land. Providing winter feed for both is the great essential, and well-wintered is half-summered. The doubt of tho milking machine, together with the continuous work attending cows arid milking, are the causes which turn many farmers' attention to sheep. However, if the price of cheese remains as stable as it has been these few seasons back, then the cow-spanker will come out on ton. True, there are-many diseases that milking herds are subject to, such as abortion, red-water, and many others, but there is an element of risk with stock of all. sorts and there is no guarantee for safety with any kind, so that tho farmer' must take the risk, using all care. Buying old cows at cattle sales should 1m avoided, and a gnarautce as to soundness or correctness should be insisted upon. Two farmers joining together and buying a herd is. much tho more satisfactory way, then speying. and fattening the unsuitable."