SHEEP RETURNS.
BIG DECREASE IN FLOCKS. The 1920 sheep returns, .just published, show a somewhat unexpectedly large decrease from those ot the previous year—23,014,500, compared wiih 25,828,554 in 1919. and 2(>,535.302 in 1918, the last being the highest return in the Dominion’s history. It was thought earlier in the season that the blockage of some of the freezing works would keep the figures near those of 1919, but this factor operated apparently to a very minor extern-. The primary cause of the tailing away was the generally bad lambing season in both 1018 and 1919. Over a million lambs fewer \fcrc tailed in 1920 than in 1919, and the latter year showed a substantial decline on tire figures oi 191 S. The potential breeding flock* were thus seriously reduced. Moreover. the expansion of dairying in the North Island has been carried oiC principally at the expense of sheep holdings. Whilst land is soaring in
price, necessitating its being put U the fullest producing capacity, am while dairying is so remunerative, in
creasing sheep figures cannot be looked for. In two years we have dropped approximately 3J million sheep. If under existing conditionthe movement is arrested at the present stage we need have no occasion for concern.
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Bibliographic details
Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 4 October 1920, Page 3
Word Count
206SHEEP RETURNS. Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 4 October 1920, Page 3
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