FARMING NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1592, 26 June 1903, Page 2

FARMING NOTES.

A COLD and stormy week haa'been experienced, bleak westerly wiuds, accompanied by sleety shov>eis, prevailing day uud night, to the great discomfort of all who are engaged in outdoor work. Stock have been considerably knocked about by the inclement weather, and, unless well fed and sheltered, have lost condition. Turoip-ted stock are having it very wet and sloppy uuderfoot, and but little prin. gresa is boing made, while, in some cases, on loamy soil, heavy cattle have bad to be removed from the turnips fields to save the roots from beiug trampled out of sight altogether. Iu Buch weather some dry feed for stock is of the greatest value, and a little hay ot good straw taken out to them daily is a great help in keeping up the uuimal warmth, which, even with lots of roots and grass, is apt to get low during cold spells. Horses need extra feed at this season, particularly growing colta and mares iu foal, the latter being very susceptible to cold rains, aDd are the better for some good chaff and a warm cover.

Farm work particularly is at a stand stiil, and wilt be eo UDtil the weather improves. Indeed, land work, save, perhaps, the ploughing of stubbles, or old grass lea, is better left alone than carried out while the soil is in a water-logged and sticky condition. As might he expected, the majority of the country ruarts are just now in a muddy and heavy stale, though the traffic has been greatly reduced of late, the absence of good road metal being uU ways felt at this time of the year. How* ever, with 'he progress of Wuikato aod increased revenue of local bodies, the latter will doubtlessly, seriously attempt the metalling of main roads throughout the district, a otep which must result in an immediate and permanent benefit; to all who follow farming pursuits as a means of livelihood. In this connection the Waipa County Council is to be commended for its earnest endeavour to grapple with the question, as evidenced by the rocenc proposal to permanently improve the main thoroughfares in the County by means of borrowed money, a system which has been adopted with great advantage by local bodies on the West Coast of this Island, and in the South. The markets have been fairly busy during the week, though salts have been somewhat interfered with by the weather. Fat stock are in good demand at improved rates j stores, also, are wanted at late values. Grain and chaff are firm, the latter being in brisk demand with only moderate supplies coming forward. The wintry weather is causiug a heavy consumption of horse feed, for wh on prices are steadily advancing. Produce is selling freely, prices being unchanged. A good demand exists for, practically, all lines, and heavy consignments are com ing into the Auckland market from the South. Butter is firm, prices unaltered. Poultry are selling well, also eggs, the latter ranging from Is 6d to Is 9d per doz. Fruit is improving, the weekly supplies of apples and pears showing a marked shrinkage in quantity. Bacon and hams are firm at late rates.