FEED FOR STOCK

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 13 March 1946, Page 6

FEED FOR STOCK

(By Dept. of Agriculture). In view of the serious drought wfeich is affecting production in parts of the North Island it is necessary to appeal to all farmers in the more favourably situated districts to save as much surplus feed as possible. The seriousness of the- position is emphasised by the fact that in some -districts stock are not only short of feed but they are becoming short of water. Unless rain falls soon the farming industry will receive the greatest setback it has ever suffered. Even if rain does fall soon the prospects for the winter are extremely black in the northern districts and our food-production efforts in New Zealand are likely to be retarded. This is serious, not only for us in New Zealand, but also for the peoples of Europe who are depending on our food supplies. Immediate relief is necessary. Bain is our greatest need, and while we can't do anything in this direction, farmers in certain districts can materially assist those suffering from feed shortage by conserving as much, hay as possible during the next few weeks. Every pound of hay will be required. In fact, a preliminary survey of surplus stocks already available in other districts shows that only a small part .of the shortage in hay requirements of the affected districts can be supplied from elsewhere. It is felt, however, that considerable quantities of feed can be conserved by farmers, particularly in the South. We appeal to all those with such surplus feed to save it in the form of hay and advise their merchants of any surpluses they nave on hand. (Good stray should' also be saved and as chaff is a. valuable commodity which can be shipped easily, as much oaten chaff as possible should be made. In the affected (districts farmers may help themselves to a certain extent by sowing green feed oats or barley on any vacant cultivated ground as soon as conpermit.