FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 July 1921, Page 8

FARM AND DAIRY.

SHEEPFARMERS’ OUTLOOK. “SIGNS OF A REVIVAL.” * At the annual meeting of the Sheep Breeders’ Association the president, Mr. S. R. Lancaster, said the unfortunate slump in the wool and mutton markets was reflected in the membership returns, a decrease having to be reported. It was quite clear that some members had been frightened out of the stud business. He hoped, however, that the set-back which the sheep industry had experienced would not last for any considerable period. Already signs were not wanting that a revival was approaching, and prices were beginning to harden in both meat and wool. Though prices for the future did not look too bright, there appeared to be a more confident tone prevailing, and he thought Southdown breeders, who comprised the greater portion of the members, would be well advised to stick to their flocks, and keep them up to the highest standard possible.”

Fifteen new members were elected, the majority being Southdown breeders. Mr. S. R. Lancaster was re-elected president.

A Wanganui resident, who has just returned from a visit to the south, states that he never recollected seeing so many ploughs in operation in Canterbury before. The long spell of dry weather had made the ground very hard, and it was difficult to plough to any depth. The indications were for a record area of wheat being sown. Last year the brewers guaranteed 7s 6d per bushel for barley to growers, and this year the guarantee was ss. The sudden activity in grain-growing in the south is a. great contrast to what took place during the war when the Ministers had to 'beg of the farmers in the grain-growing areas to put in wheat. Times were then too good, and it paid better to let thousands of acres stand in grass and run a few sheep rather than to cultivate. All sorts of excuses such as blight, rust etc., were also offered for the limited area in grain. It will be interesting to note whether the southerners will put forward their excuses again this year under the guaranteed price.