Spring arrives early in the Waimarino

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 15, 11 September 1984, Page 13

Spring arrives early in the

Waimarino

Weather The weather which we have experienced in this district this winter would be the mildest for a considerable number of years. This seems to have carried on into the spring. As a result stock are in good health. Following the good autumn, numerous sets of twins can be seen amongst the early-lambing ewes and, barring a severe storm during lambing, percentages should be higher than average. On the beef farm grass staggers may again be the biggest problem. This is caused by a shortage of magnesium in the cow's body due to the rapid spring growth which' doesn't allow time for the grass to extract this element from the soil. Devaluation Devaluation has resulted in an immediate increase in beef prices to the farmers selling cattle, while store stock have also risen in price. This will mean more capital being outlayed to carry the same number of cattle on the farm. Prior to the wage/ price freeze, inflation was a major problem for all farmers because of their inability to pass on increased costs. As a result of the wage/ price

freeze, lower inflation was bringing stability to agriculture and improving New Zealand's export competitiveness. Farmers do not need a return to high rates of inflation, and are apprehensive of the long term effects of devaluation. Noxious plants Spring also brings along the noxious plant problem. Barley grass and variegated thistle will be the first to receive attention with broom showing up in ungrazed areas and on riverbanks. Nodding thistle has become a problem in the Waimarino now, and constant attention is required to control this weed. Germination seems to occur in most newly'sown pastures throughout the year, and these areas must be closely watched for at least three years. Hemlock is another weed which is on the increase in the district. It is most noticeable in bush areas, along shelter belts, waste ground and occasionally on a roadside. "One year's seeding brings ten year's weeding," is an old saying still true today. Sheep measles Sheep measles in export lamb is a continuing

problem for our lamb industry and moves are being made to have the handling of affected carcases charged to the farmer concerned. Too many farmers seem to bd relying on the sixweekly dosing of dogs with Droncit. Droncit is very effective against true hydatids, and after twenty-five years of effort, hydatids has reached a very low level in

adult sheep. Providing vigilance is continued for a few more years it will become a disease of the past. However, sheep measles has a shorter life cycle than hydatids and Droncit by itself, is less effective against them, but used in conjunction with the proper feeding and control of dogs is still the best means of controlling sheep measles. Election The annual election for the Electoral Committee of Meat and Wool Boards took place during July. Farmers lof the Wanganui area which includes Waimarino) had a vote this year and reelected Donald McNab. The Electoral Committee which represents all eligible farmers, meets twice a year with each Producer Board. They elect members as required to each Board and keep a close watch on the Board's performances.