DRY SPELL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 April 1943, Page 2

DRY SPELL

DROUGHT ON EAST COAST CATTLE FEED BECOMING SCARCE. DAIRYING SEASON OVER. The drought conditions which have prevailed in the East Coast district for the past two or three months are now causing farmers grave concern and the position is becoming very serious for stock. Even if rain falls in the immediate future, it is considered that it will be too give any lasting benefit, as frosts have already set in and have checked the growth of grass. From the farmers’ point of view, last month was the worst March experienced for a great number of years. In Masterton and district only about 30 points of rain were recorded, while in East Coast areas there was practically no rain at all. In consequence cattle feed is meagre and will be very scarce in the winter months. Many farmers obtained grazing elsewhere weeks ago, but others have not been so fortunate, and at present it is almost impossible to get grazing of any description. The dairying season has now finished, the dry weather having caused a sharp falling off in factory supplies. The demand for cattle is still pretty strong and it is hoped that the market for certain classes will hold out until rain brings some relief. The price of hay has risen, but this is due to there being hardly any on the market. Northward of Mount Bruce to Pahiatua and along the foothills of the Tararuas, in districts like Carrington, for instance, the season has been quite favourable and the country is in good order. These areas catch a fair amount of rain from the Tararuas which does not reach the Wairarapa Valley generally and the East Coast. Lambs from the Eketahuna district have done wonderfully well this season, which has also been most suitable for the harvesting of small seecls, such as clover, etc. Sheep manage to get through dry weather fairly well and it is remarkable how they can thrive in a drought. Lambing is seldom affected save in most unusual conditions.