IN GREAT ORDER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 4

IN GREAT ORDER

FEW STOCK TROUBLES FAVOURABLE SEASON BEST FOR SOME YEARS GISBORNE DISTRICT In the absence of stock diseases and ailments, the present spring promises to be the best for some years in the Gisborne district. Most of the usual troubles expected at this time of the year are almost entirely absent, and. generally speaking, the slock is in good condition, having recovered well from the past summer’s abnormally dry conditions. One of the benefits of the past dry season is that all roughage in the pastures has been cleaned up, removing cover for the protection of parasites. As a result, very little parasitic trouble is being experienced in the (locks. Pasture growth throughout the district was gradual from the start, and although some farmers complained for a time that growth was backward, the grass has come on well during the past few weeks, though not with such a great flush as to cause scouring. There is the normal looseness, but scouring has been almost entirely absent in all classes of stock. A little bloat has occurred among dairy cattle, but there has been nothing to cause concern. Station Cattle Recover (Hill country gattle are reported to be recovering much of the condition lost during the months of drought. These cattle were the most affected during the past season, and owing to the lateness of the autumn rains insufficient feed was provided for them to maintain their condition throughout the winter. There was growth enough for the flocks throughout the winter, but the cattle herds suffered to such an extent that a fairly high rate of mortality was experienced, despite the fact that the herds were cut down considerably in numbers. Their recovery in condition should be rapid now that a good pasture growth .has commenced on the high country. 'A few odd losses have occurred among the lambs this season, but the mortality has been below normal. Lambing percentages are reported to be good, and the lambs are making good progress under favourable conditions.