CROPS BACKWARD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20660, 10 January 1942, Page 8

CROPS BACKWARD

POOR GISBORNE SEASON PRODUCE MARKETS QUIET This is proving one of the poorest seasons for crop growth in the Gisborne district for some time, and most of the crops are so backward that the yields are expected to be affected considerably. Maize has lacked both rain and warmth. This crop does not require much rain after it has been properlyestablished, but it received insufficient during the early stages of growth and at a time' when were seasonal and a great deal higher than they are now. During the past three weeks, however, temperatures have been much lower than usual for the mid-summer and sometimes have been almost like those of early winter. ■ Maize requires heat at this time of the year, even if there is not much rain, for it can secure moisture enough from the dews at night. The yields, therefore, are expected to be adversely affected. Slow Maize Market The demand for maize during the holiday period was stagnant, and the market is still quiet, although it is hoped that further inquiries will be received from outside centres during the next few weeks. The present fixed minimum price is 6s Id per oushel, f.o.b. Gisborne. Straw crops are ripening off now, and yields here appear to be satisfactory and the quality of both the straw and the grain appears to be good. Peas grown for export also are looking well, and the crops are beginning to ripen olf. The export bean crops, however, are not in as good heart as last year, following the cold summer weather, but some of those in sheltered places have done fairly well. Variable Ryegrass Yields The ryegrass seed harvest is proceeding, but yields have been erratic. No indication has been given yet of the new season’s values, those for the old season’s seed remaining nominally at 10s 6d per bushel, f.o.b. Gisborne, for mother seed and 10s for permanent pasture* Paddock sealing in the perennial ryegrass paddocks in the Gisborne district is progressing favourably, and more than a quarter of the total area has been dealt with. The instructor in agriculture, Mr. E. M. Ojala, states that the yields are very patchy, some excellent ones being reported up to 60 bushels to the acre of farmers’ dressed seed and with the prospect of a comparatively small dressing loss. This was a well managed area of four acres. On the other hand, some very poor yields have been encountered, one of 15 bushels to the acre of farmers’ dressed seed and one, even, producing barely 10 bushels to the acre. Some of the poorer yielding paddocks wiil lose a substantial amount from goose grass.