THE COCKSFOOT HARVEST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2932, 18 November 1916, Page 12

THE COCKSFOOT HARVEST

J.'KOSI'ECTS J) OR COMING SEASON. Tho last two years' drought has had its effect upon tho cocksfoot paddocks of Banks Peninsula, and this year the majority of the paddocks aro coming'away slowly indicating a lato season. Tho paddocks aro very patchy, and clover and other grasses seem to'have a good hold (says tho "Akaroa Mail"), 'i'hero is a good growth, hut tho dry -weather has had its effect upon tho cocksfoot. Soiho of tho higher paddocks aro coming away well, but good rains are required to make good even crops. From presont indications tho cocksfoot will be fairly late, and tho paddocks should bo fairly clean if there is not too much rain. The area shut up for cocksfoot is small again this year, and the price for ."seed should again bo fairly high, as last year's etoclcs were well cleaned out. It is not likely, however, that muoh of this season's seed will go to outside markets, owing to tho shortage of shipping. Thero should bo a good demand on the local market, though probably the area of bush felled in tho North Island is much smaller' than usual, owing to the war and shortage of labour; It is expected that seed will bo a good price, and 0110 offer of Bd. per lb. for the coming season's Wop for a sample of 12-Jlb. is reported. The shortage of labour is tho most serious matter tho farmers havo to contend with, and this year the shortage will, he felt acutely.