THE PRODUCE MARKET.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 24, 11 January 1912, Page 4

THE PRODUCE MARKET.

Writing on December Ist, with regard to the weather and the dairy industry

outlook at Home, I lie “Commercial .Record” says:—“Although the wcatlicr lias again turned milder, the country has recently had a touch of decided cold, and the agricultural outlook has undergone a change in consequence. Early frosts arc always to lie deplored as arresting the growth

■of vegetation, besides cutting down certain herbage, which was becoming pretty plentiful on pastures. There is little doubt that damage has been done to grass lands, which is unfortunate with herds and Hocks in many instances having again to bo fed upon foods stored for use at a later period in the winter. It has yet to be seen whether the milder weather now prevailing will show recovery from the frost, which happily did not penetrate far into the ground. Of late the improved pastures had stimulated the supply of milk, which is none too plentiful, as can be seen from the very high prices ruling for butter and cheese. In those districts where lambing is in progress the cold spell was very unfortunate. Very severe weather, however, has prevailed in the north, and while it lasted farmers found much difficulty in obtaining food for the cattle in the stalls. Usually feeding stuffs have been already stored, but the continuance of growing weather this autumn, also the delay in farm work, caused this to be delayed to a later period than usual. The late rains have done good, not saturating the land too much, and provided the open weather can last for some little time, the outlook for the farmers will be improved. The butter market continues very high, but it is believed that the top has been seen, and that from now quotations will decline steadily downwards. As regards cheese the English make is far too short to permit of any reduction in price, and although increased quantities are coming forward from New Zealand they will be required to meet the demand of the trade.”