LAMB LOSSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1938, Page 3

LAMB LOSSES

SERIOUS POSITION DISCLOSED IN CANTERBURY PARASITES CAUSE OF TROUBLE!! Farmers in the south are seriously concerned over losses among , lambs due to parasites. At a recent meeting of the North Canterbury executive of the Farmers' Union, Mi- J. W. D. Hall stressed the serious position which had arisen. The trouble seemed to be general. Dr. M. C. Franklin, of Lincoln College, was carrying out experiments in the Hororata and Darfield districts, Mr Hall proceeded. The experiments were being carried out on a small number of lambs, which were divided into three groups. The farmers who had provided the lambs were assisting in giving information that would be of benefit to all farmers. The Hororata branch had decided to write to Mr H. E. Herring, M.P., and ask him to use his influence in an endeavour to secure a grant to cover the losses. Was the trouble due to the grass on which the sheep grazed? queried Mr D. J. Hawke, who said that his sheep, which were graced on tussock, were not affected by the trouble. “My neighbour, who grazes his sheep on tussock, has had greater losses than I have,” retorted Mr R. G. Bishop.

One member who said that flocks had not experienced losses when they were grazed on rape, was countered by another, who said that losses of sheep turned on to rape in some districts were heavy. It was decided to seek financial assistance to cover losses which might occur during the progress of experiments, and also to approach the freezing works companies to see if they were prepared to help.