NORMAL SEASON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 December 1942, Page 2

NORMAL SEASON

POSITION IN WAIRARAPA SHEEP DOING WELL. DAIRY PRODUCTION DOWN. A normal season for stock is being experienced in the Wairarapa this year, especially for sheep. It is seasons of this character, in the words of one well-known Wairarapa farmer, that make the district such a preeminent one for sheep, hay crops and breeding stock. Obviously, such conditions are not the best for dairying, though there are many herds in the district in excellent fettle. Stock generally, it is stated, appear to be thriving well. Here and there some farmers have been disappointed in the weight of their lambs, whiph looked better than was actually the case. At the same time, many other farmers have had good killing weights for their lambs. Moreover, buyers arc selecting'the top weights and it is expected that the buying season will bo well spread. As there are no drought conditions, farmers do not need to rush their lambs to the works owing to lack of feed. East Coast farmers certainly report a pretty dry season but the feed is there. In some years, it is pointed out, the grass dries up by the middle of November. This year, however, the growth has been maintained until Christmas and the grass is now drying off. this being in accordance with a normal season.

The Wairarapa, according to one farmer, is regarded as one of the best hay-producing districts in the North Island. This, again, results from the fairly dry seasons experienced here. Wairarapa hay has been sent as far north as New Plymouth, being regarded as superior to that cut in wetter districts. Some Eketahuna farmers are now buying Wairarapa hay in bulk, as they have found this procedure better than cutting hay in their own wet district.

Dairy production is reported to be not so good this year as was the case last year, a state of affairs that exists, it is’stated, throughout New Zealand. The nights have been cold and the grass apparently has not sufficient moisture for a good butterfat return, a position accentuated by the absence of good, sunny weather after rain. If there is any increase in butter production this season it will be due to the change-over from cheese supplies and not to a better return from individual farmers. On the whole, however, the season is a fair one for the dairy farmer. Some farmers have been disappointeci with the returns from their cows, but others are well satisfied.