FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 319, 9 January 1909, Page 6

FARM AND DAIRY.

Though the depressed spirits of agriculturists oil account of the persistent rain is noticeable (says the Palmerstoii correspondent of the Dominion), some members of the farming community state that the warm rains that have fallen will do a certain amount of good, and, taken on the whole, will probably more, than counterbalance the reported losses. One fanner became quite enthusiastic, in an interview with a local pressman, over the slate of affairs prevailing. " Prior to the rain," he stated; •' things were getting decidedly dry, Now you can almost see the grass arid rape crops growing. AVby," he continued. " fat lambs and sheep are being lopped oil' everywhere, ready for the freezing works.'' Enquiries made elsewhere elicited the fact t'hat this Has indeed so. Buyers from various meat and freezing companies are reported to have purchased 30,000 fat lambs in the Pahialua district alone. Indeed, the supply is almost greater than the demand, and one operator, closely in touch with the sheep market, states that in consequence there is every probability of fat lambs drop, ping in price—that is, as far as freezing companies ale concerned. On the othei hand, the increase in feed that, promises has already occasioned much keener demand for all kinds of store stock than existed a few weeks ago, :uid prices gem erallv are hardening. Dairy farmers too, are likely to feel the benefit of the rain. The yield of the cows were in some instances commencing to fall off to ail extent that might have been serious enough. Now, however, with warn moisture in thu ground, the grass will grow afresh and they should readily re cover.