NOTES AND COMMENT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 371, 4 November 1932, Page 2

NOTES AND COMMENT

EXCEPTIONAL SEASON. It would seem as if the weather had' been specially prepared this season to meet the requirements • of the farmer. The recent rainfall stopped just in time to prevent the great growth of feed becoming slushy. Complications among- stoek were commoncing to show themselves when thc rain ceased and gave pastures a chance to harden up a little and build up nutriment. . ..... * * * *

The increased production in the dairying industr'y resulting from the beneficial climatic conditions has also helped to put heart into the fai*mer. Prices for butter-fat " may not be all that he could desire; yet the increased output cannot fail, in the end, to have its cheering- effeet on the milk cheque. From all parts of th'e Dominion reports indicate that factories are dealing with exceptional supplies and when the sum total of the increase resulting from the good season is added to the 'national production account it will he substantial anc^ materTally help to eounteract th'e ' depression. H6 sfc On the other hand, the stock market has not benefited in the same meaSure. In fact, prices are very disapP'ointing. The flush' of feed has brought forwa-rd fat stock in large numbers with the result that prices are not encouraging, At Frankton on Tuesday the cattle- and sheep pens were full of fat offerings, with the fesult * that 1 the niafket was erratie and prices fell. The fat lamb market, especially, was overstocked and prices were down in consequence. It was disappointing to find heavy fat lambs only bringing • from 11s 3d to 12s, while lightet sorts reached nb higher than 8's to 10s 3d. In fact, all sheep represented poor values. In the cattle line, only high-class offerings approached fair price levels. However, the good season should provide something in the way bf a"set-off,. because st6ck can be brought up to market conditions and topped off. more quickly and at less expense than in bad years. It is not inuch ' consolatibn, but provides a glimmer of comfort * * * * Areas set aside for 'ensilage in this district are showing much- promisfe. will not he - long before1 the mowing machmes are at work, and few farmers should find themselves short of winter feed next year if prop-er attention is paid to- this-important phase of farm management; The indications are that a large quantity of hay will also be saved "this heason to ease winter conditions. 1 > 1 * * 41 *

Farmers generally should be pleased at the decision of the Rotorua -A. and - -P .* • Association to proceed with the efection of a show building, as it will assuredly enable a hatter -and more attractive display of our district products. The pro'vision " of adequate space should make possible the addition of many attractions to the show — attractions which will draw attention and thhs^ give additional adver'tising valne of the, fixtfire. .The -be- . lated awakening of the association- to its responsihilities in this direction is gratfying', n©' douTbt)' biitr there another pha.se of the subjeet, and that is the farmers' attitude. Will the farmsrs, recognising the step forwai'd made by the association, do their part?