WOOL CLIP FOR OTAGO

Southland Times, Issue 24227, 10 September 1940, Page 11

WOOL CLIP FOR OTAGO

Quality Expected To Be Better EXCELLENT CROP AND FEED CONDITIONS (Special to The Times) DUNEDIN, September 9. A larger wool clip of better quality than that of last season should enable growers to take fullest advantage of the extra 3d per lb they are now receiving under the Empire purchase scheme, compared with the 1938-39 season.

When auctions were held last year the benefit of the increase in the average price was largely lost by producers because of the clip being lighter and of poorer quality, as a result of which a great deal of Otago-grown wool had to- be appraiseH in lower grades than usual. Following on one of the mildest winters experienced in Otago for many years the wool clip for the coming appraisal season should show a marked improvement on that of last year. Stock has wintered exceptionally well and there have been practically no losses in most districts. Growers anticipate encouraging shearing, with the quality well above last year’s very ordinary standard. The wool should be well grown and there should be no sign of any break in staple. FEED CONDITIONS Crop and feed conditions throughout the province are on the whole excellent, North, Otago being the only real exception. Farm work generally, thanks to the fine, mild and dry winter, is well ahead of normal, except in such districts as the wetter parts of west and south Taieri.

North Otago is now becoming seriously dry and some anxiety is being felt by farmers on the lighter lands. In the main Taieri district feed conditions are good. Root crops have lasted well and in most cases have escaped the dry rot and disease. The Clutha district is in the same fortunate position. Many farmers are sowing or making preparations to sow “war wheat,” tempted by the satisfactory price the Government has fixed. Even in. Roxburgh and other Central Otago districts which do not normally grow any appreciable acreage of wheat, large.areas have lately been got ready for spring sowing of this cereal. Stock generally is in good heart, and with a continuance of the present conditions until lambing becomes general in about a month’s time record percentages should be obtained.