FARMING NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1124, 14 December 1901, Page 4

FARMING NOTES.

Thk weather has been cooler during the week, useful showers doing a good deal towards clearing the air avid freshening up vegetation. Some further tain is, however, needed to soak the land, which had become dry for a considerable depth, but what has fallen will do the crops much good. Up to the present this esaeon has been the exact opposite to that experienced last year and crops are certain to bo light. Anything got in early such as Algerian or dun oats which was well established, and to:waid before the dry weather set in, has gone on steadily, and in many cases will be fully an average crop, but late sown lots have so far done badly, and had the present change not taken place, would have got into ear before any length of straw had been produced. Potatoes, also, have been in need of rain, and are much fresher in appearance since the slight downpours during the week. Similar weather conditions have prevailed ir most of the agricultural districts in the South, and everything points to veiy small yields, through a few districts report good crops. The markets have been active during the week, with few changes to report The first wool sales of the season have been held, and unfortunate y the expectations of those who feared a heavy slump in the staple have been _ fully borne out. Prices were simply ruinous Were it not for the demand for fat sheep and lambs the outlook for the stock-owner would indeed he gloomy, Even as it is a marked tendency is being shown towards reducing flocks and increasing dairying ; those within reach of the creameries are adding to their herds of milkers, while those in outlying districts are going in freely for small but useful hand separator, which is now becoming Quito common in selth ra homes, Fat stock arc unchanged, but stores arc easier. Grain is firm at late rates, also farm produce generally. New potatoes arc holding their value, though the quality, owing to the drought, is the poorest scon for many years. bruit ifairly plentiful, beiuc largely imported. The local fruit crop is certain to prove much lighter than anticipated, the cold winds and frosts playing havoc with the young fruit, Bacon pigs are want d, also store pigs and vveaners. Those having these classes for sale should market them before the new year, as prices may fall if the, dry weather cmtinues. Butter is in brisk demand, also poultry and eggs, prices showing an advance.