WINTER PASTURES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 578, 8 July 1933, Page 4

WINTER PASTURES

The suitability of the Rotorua I district for the fattening of ] stock for the early market has sometimes been brought into question owing to climatic conditions militating against an appreciable growth of feed before the late spring. While there may be a certain amount of reason behind such a belief, and while it may be admitted that spring growth is behind districts favoured with warmer climates, it has yet to be remembered that the winter here is generally congenial for the carrying of stock upon regular' pastures. This has been proved by definite results recorded this week from Ngongotaha. In January last Mr H. M. Martin bought a line of four and six-tooth Romney-cross wethers from the Opotiki disttrict. He earried them on ordinary pasture, without any handfeeding, until this week when they were shipped to Westfield and topped the market with a return of £1 ls.'Admittedly the sheep were well-woolled and in fine condition, but it, neverthe- 1 less, proves that high-class stock can be turned off our pastures despite any misconception which may be entertained about the climate of the district. If sheep can be plaeed upon the market in June, straight from the pasture, in such a condition as to demand top price, it proves indisputably that stock can be raised here at no great climatic disadvantage in comparison with other districts. In emphasising this point it must not be taken that we advocate a neglect in providing adequate winter feed, but the illustration of this sale is useful in proving that winter pastures in Rotorua can more than hold their own in permanent maintenance value.