Fanning Notes.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 301, 30 April 1894, Page 2

Fanning Notes.

j By "Agricoia." | THE PRICES OF SHEEP. Farmers are beginning to wonder when the prices for the various classes of sheep will be such as will warrant the breeding of the same. As stated in my previous notes, we shall never have well-balanced prices before the | farmers settle down to breed all classes of stock, and so regulate tbe market. There has always been a tendency to " rush " the market with either one class of stock or the other — such as all sheep or all cattle — and of course the results have been a rush in the prices — of a downward tendency. Now, in order to have uniformity in prices, tbe farmers will have to rear both cattle and sheep, and the results must materially follow — viz., regular prices. The stock sales held lately have been some* what disheartening to breeders. I noticed that at the sale in Campbelltown lately there was scarcely a bid for the stock submitted. At the sale held at Feilding on Friday last there were bids, but the auctioneer had to exercise his stock of patience in order to secure the same. The fartners look at one another and ask, "What is to be the upshot of this 1 " THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. Notwithstanding the croakers who predicted the-downfall of the industry, it still prospers and is extending its borders. Rangitikei has come out of its shell at last. A meeting was held at Bulls last Friday evening to take into consideration the formation of a company for the purpose of working a jjairy factory. Rangitikei was an old settled district when your district was in its infancy, and only now has made a move in the dairy industry. I was very pleased you took up the question of the formation of a company for the establishment of a creamery at Wai* tuna. The settlers there have been talking about the matter for some time past, but mere talking will not form the company. Let some two or three take tbe lead, canvass the district, and call a meeting of settlers, and then something tangible will be the result. Mr Simpson, of Colyton, appears to have faith in the dairy industry, as he has just purchased trom Mr Wilson (a noted breeder up the Coast) eight splendid heifers, some ot which are springing to calve, and for which he I paid a good figure. They are halfbred Alderney. PREPARING LAND FOR THE PLOUGH. I notice a number of farmers who took up bush land about ten or fifteen , years ago are preparing land for the plough by stumping it, «fee. Mr Ferry, of the Kiwi tea, lias about 30 acres ploughed, and a goodly number of I settlers in that district have consider- ! able areas under cultivation. Mr Freeman, of the Makino road, had 12 acres under crop last season, and intends to have more this winter, He informs me that he can clear his land for about £2 per acre. The settlers in bush districts find that they have to make provision for the winter season or sell their stock at a sacrifice. THE TURNIP CROPS. I am informed that the turnip crops throughout the district have been * failure. Of course there are a few ex* ceptions. It appears that a blight similar to what is known as the leech blight has destroyed the crops. This may count as one reason for the low prices of sheep at the present time, as it will mean a scarcity of feed for the winter.