WEATHER AND CROPS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 252, 6 August 1941, Page 7

WEATHER AND CROPS.

IN THE ANAMA DISTRICT. SHEEP •‘WINTERING- WELL. The rainfall recorded at “Laggan,” An am a, in July was 197 points, that for the same month last year being 29 points. The total registered this year to the end of July is 2,126 points, while over the same period last' year 2,343 points fell. There were a number of hard frosts during July, also a little foggy weather but not so much as lower down on. the plains. On many days there was bright sunshine along the foothills while the cloudy and raw conditions could be plainly seen toward Ashburton . and along the coast. On two occasions during the month snow appeared imminent hut passed off again with only a tinge of whiteness on the ground. Owing to the frosty conditions with the thaw making the ground somewhat sticky not much agricultural work was done. Autumn-sown crops are showing well up now but much growth is not expected at this period of the year. When warmer conditions return good headway should be made by all cereal crops. With the shortage of turnips a good deal of chaff has been fed out to sheep. The local chaffcuttor was required to send out an extra stand-by cutter run with a tractor to deal with the rush to ensure ample supplies ovei' the frosty weather. Sheep are looking very well, even with the lower ration of turnips, but the winter has been good for stock if dry feed has been available.