THE FARM.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 21, 6 March 1924, Page 3

THE FARM.

Very few farmers may credit the extraordinary rapid germination of clover and grass seeds experienced by Messrs. Mclntyre Bros, on their farm at Kereone during last week. On Thursday morning, at about 10 o’clock, they commenced drilling. A very warm rain fell at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, lasting for several hours and necessitating a stop at sowing. By sunset all signs of further rain had disappeared, the night proving warm. Friday was a nice warm day, following the few hours* rainfall of the previous day, the sun was strong and the day an ideal “ growing ” one. When drilling operations commenced at 12.30 mid-day, by careful examination it could be seen that clover and soft turnip seed were actually in the process of germination. Thus, in 26 hours, promoted by perfect growing conditions, the work of germination, usually evident in four or five days, was in progress. On Saturday, the grass seeds were also shooting, and Friday’s sowings could be seen, the clover and turnips breaking through their husks. Along the railway line between Morrinsvillc and Te Aroha the grass is not responding so well as might have been expected after the last rain. The turnip crops around Waihou seem to be coming on well and indicate the wisdom of always having some green ■ «op to keep the cows going during a dry spell. Five or ten acres of lucerne would have been very valuable to most, if not all, of the farmers this season, and dairy farmers cannot afford to allow their herds to go off in the middle of the season.