NEXT SEASON’S SHEEP

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 35, 23 May 1938, Page 1

NEXT SEASON’S SHEEP

DECANI) FROM WAIKATO WETHERS,. AND HOGGETS The probable effect of the facial eczema outbreak this year on next season’s stock requirement:* by the Waikato lias boon freely canvassed by sheepowners of the Gisborne district, which supplies a large proportion ot the annual sheep requirements in the, South Auckland area.

It is certain that all stock purchased will he carefully inspected lor signs of the disease having been present during the past autumn. It also seems certain that there will be a big demand, in view ot the extent of the replacements necessary to bring the flocks in the Waikato hack to the past season’s strength, before the eczema took its toll.

The nature of the demand is one ior speculation. Breeding ewes. no doubt, will be in demand again, as before, while an early search Jor wetliers and hoggets also may eventuate in order to maintain the carrying, capacity of the farms.

Inquiries for the purchase oi breeding . ewes usually commence in the spring, when many "Waikato iarmors often make forward deals with Gisborne and Coast sheepowners. It is too early yet to speak of Values, but if the "Waikato docks are. to be brought up to their former strength, buying during the coming summer should be unusually heavy. A motion expressing sympathy with the farming community concerning the ravages of facial eczema, among livestock was passed at a. meeting of the council ol the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. It was also decided to urge the’Government to carry on 'research in the matter, even, after the present epidemic was over.