Fruitgrowers and Farmers’ Problems

Lake County Mail, Issue 29, 10 December 1947, Page 3

Fruitgrowers and Farmers’ Problems

Large areas of peas, many of which have been sown for the first time by Central Otago farmers, are now acres of waste. Later crops, now at the flowering stage, are beginning to brown off through lack of moisture. Unless there is early rain, a yield from these areas cannot be expected, stated farmers when interviewed by the “ Mail ” last week. The rainfall of the county as a whole" was much below average for November, and in Central Otago it is this November rainfall that is so important to early crops. Most farmers consider this to be the driest season for many years. Peaches are leaving the district in increasing daily quantities, and do not appea*- to-be seriously affected by the lack of rain. It is known, however, that many fruitgrowers have once again exploited the hills in the hope of finding extra sources of water to supplement their races. Several growers lost early fruit by a late frost. Apple crops are almost nil, having been destroyed by the late frost. Shearing and haymaking is well advanced and wool is leaving the district in every available truck. It is expected that this season will yield a record clip.