SWING TO SHEEP

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 128, 16 June 1937, Page 15

SWING TO SHEEP

Mixed Farms Favoured In Waikato INFLUX OF COAST EWES With kundreds of tkousands of sheep pouring into the Waikato annualiy from the East Coast, South Auckland farmers cohtinue to show an increasing preference- toward mixed farming. During the year ended March 31 last about 280,000 head were railed from the four principal Bay of Plenty railway stations to destinationg in the Waikato, an increase of 46,000 head over the previous season. Values again ruled at record heights. While some farmers have been tempted by the lure of high wool prices and the llrm mutton market to quit dairying, the most obvious trend, according to Waikato stock dealers and land agents, lies in the development of raixed farming. Certainly in the early par of the sheep seaso when values were at an abnormal level the position was unfortunate for those who contemplated a change and, pointing out the inopportune conditions, a uthoriti.es doubted whefher it could profitably be carried out. However, the demand continued. Heavy Rail Consignmenta. Whero, a few years ago, the traffic was almost non-existent, speclal trains in February aud March brought thousands of sheep to distributing centrea in the Waikato, a large proportion of the consignments being sold at Morrinsville and re-railed to widely-scat-tered farms. Subsequently it was estimated that the exodus of sheep from the Gisborne district in- 12 months totalled 355,000 head, an dncrease of about 30,000 on the previous year. All but 50,000 went to northern - districts, which absorbed neariy 300,000 breeding cwes and some thousands of wethers. By rail the consignments of , sheep from the principal Bay of Plenty stations to which flocks were consigned from Poverty Bay were as follows: —

Labour Difficulties. Labour troubles were undoubtcdly one of the root causes for the extension of sheep running. Unable to procuro eldlled assistance a,t wages they could afford to pqy, many farmers reduced their herds and oitilisod spaxe grazing for fattening sheep. However, many farmers are realising the value of running sheep with their herds, a practice that was ilrst brought about a few years ago when dairy producers pufchased stor.e lambs in January or February very cheaply, turned them into the paddocks for six weeks or two months and disposed of them at a handsome proflt.

Head. 1936-37 1935-36 Tauranga . . 57,486 52,980 Te Puke .. 52,808 40,347 Edgecombe . . 64,366 63,201 Taneatua .. 105,479 77,636 Totals .. 280,139 234,164