SERIOUS LOSSES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20080, 28 October 1939, Page 14

SERIOUS LOSSES

CATTLE ON COASTDAIRY HERDS SUFFER < STOCK ON HIGH COUNTRY I CONDITIONS IMPROVING f Althoug i "ondiiions are rapid!. in’- j proving throughout Ihe GLborne anri| Ea.sl Coast districts, the cattle herds in some pints were badly hit by the shortage of 100 i in tin* winter and early spring,

Reports an* still coming to l.aun of mortality in some areas where the feed failed even mere seriously than in the vicinity < f Gisborne, arcl soni 1 ’ of the losses to high country herds nave continued even up to within a ,ew weeks ago, according to statements made by s.t ition owners durhig the past few lavs.

In tho Waiapu Valley some of the dairy herds suffered very severely, and it is estimated that during the

.etc winter and early spring approximately 300 dairy cows died as a result of the shortage of Iced and the very cold conditions during the short winter. Slow Waiapu Response

The Waiapu Valley was .slower in lespondlng o the spring conditions than tile Gisborne Mats. Hess sunlight than usual was experienced, and the pastures were backward tor some time, but the grass is coming away well now, and the herds are picking up in condition, although the heavy mortality is being seriously felt by the Maori owners. Growth is prolific everywhere on the Gisborne Mats at present. In fact, .here has been a good response for some time, the growth starting even before the rains set in. On the hill country, however, the feed is very short. The country looks very green everywhere, but the district needs ome warm weather now to bring away an adequate growth. Back-Country Mortality

Throughout the winter there was sufficient feed for Hie sheep in most cases, but the station cattle suffered as a result of the short growth of grass, and mortality has continued in tome parts of the back country even up to within a few weeks ago, the cattle in many eases being too weak .c drag themselves out of soft places where they have gone in search of grass. For the most part, the weather has been coifi on the high country so far, and a warm spell is needed to help on the growth, which is ready to come away when favourable conditions arc experienced. The cool weather has not affected ‘.he stock or the pastures on the lower hinds, however, and the country m the region of Gisborne lias seldom looked better, while (he stock is mostly in excellent lettle.