A MILD WINTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 134, 8 June 1929, Page 7

A MILD WINTER.

GOOD GRASS EVERYWHERE.

SHORTAGE OF DAIRY COWS,

The "Star's" travelling correspondent writes: The Waikato country has never looked better for the time of year. Good grass is seen everywhere. A' few sharp frosts have blackened the pumpkins and cut back other tender growths, but has had little effect on pasture land. Although near the middle of winter, the land is still dry and warm. Stock looks well. The feeding out of hay, which in some years has started in April, has hardly yet commenced. One noticeable thing is the absence of water in some of the lagoons and creek beds. These, in many cases, are as dry as in summer time. Willows in many cases are still in leaf, other trees are brightening the landscape with autumn tints. The shortage of dairy cows, and the consequent high price, is causing farmers to consider the question of rearing more heifer calves. It is considered that they will be reared in large numbers during the coming season. A larger number of dairy clearing sales than usual are being held, some farmers, no doubt, owing to the high price ruling for good cows, and the good returns derived from wool and mutton, and the lesser cost of handling the sheep industry, are considering the question of changing over from dairying to sheep. Quite a lot of flocks may be seen on ideal dairying country.

A few of the clearing sales are no doubt caused as an aftermath of- the slump. Although generally most farmers are again becoming stabilised, there are a few here and there who are still finding it hard to make their income cover the outgoings. Many still complain that their rates and taxes are becoming a serious factor. In many cases a well laid down road is worn out long before the sinking fund has extinguished the cost.