FARMING NOTES.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1598, 3 July 1903, Page 2

FARMING NOTES.

The weather has been fine though somewhat dull and overcast during the week, and the absence of sunshine has militated against the speedy drying of laud and roads. However, with a warmer temperature and no cold rains, stock are ( doing much better, good progress being made by cattle and sheep on swedes. Houghing is now becoming very general, fairly large areas of turnip land tieing already cleared of roots, and in such cases no time should be lost in gettiug the land turned over, so as to ensure its fertility and also check the weeds, which spring very quickly after the stock are taken away, li the land is moderately clean a furrow of about three inches deep is ample if grain is to follow ; as, if ploughed much deeper, a larger proportion of the manuria! elements left by the turnip crop and stock will be buried beyond reach of the crop, both oata and wheat being comparatively shallowrooted. The swede crops are now fully stocked, and are holding out well. A good demand also exists for all lota still on sale, prices being a shade higher. The heavy state of the roads is at present a matter of considerable concern to the farming community, particularly in the back districts, many of which are from this cause practically cut off from the markets. Light tratfio can with some difficulty still be carried on, but the transport of heavy farm produce is in many cases impracticable, to the great inconvenience and loss of the producers. Just at present nothing can he done to remedy matters, and the only hope is for an early and fine spring to harden the roads. The markets have been brisk during the week, fat stock being in good demaud, with prices ftill on the upward grade. Sheep are in better enquiry, buyers for this class going round the district in quest of fat sheep and lambs. The recent announcement in reference to the sale of the Auckland Freezing Works to Messrs Hellaby is freely debated by farmers and stockbreeders, a hope being generally expressed that the change will not lessen the competition for fat lambs and other export stock, the local rates for which have almost invariably being lower than those ruling for similar stock in the South. Store stock are in brisk demand, at the late improved prices, practically all lines showing an advance. Dairy cowb are coming forward in increased numbers and meet with brisk competition, but the late extra prices are scarcely maim tained. Grain and produce continues firm, prices showing no alteration. Potatoes are in heavy supply, sound tubers being worth £3 10s per ton, onions £7 to £8 per ton. Butter is unchanged, very heavy stocks still being on hand. Salt butter is very dull of sale. PouMy are in brisk demand at full priceswEccs. selling from Is (id to Is !Jd perTOodH pickled do Is 2d to Is 4d per do;Hj Fruit is firming, and in better demaK/ apples ranging from 4s 6d to 9a per case according to quality. Bacon and hams are in brisk demand, prices unchanged.