GREEN PASTURES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1935, Page 6

GREEN PASTURES.

HEAVY PASPALUM GROWTH

(By Telegraph.—own correspondent.)

DARGAVILLE. this day.

Pastures in this district have not looked so well for some years on account of moist summer conditions prevailing. Paspalum, where it has not been mown or heavily stocked, is very nearly over the fences, and presents a difficulty to the ordinary routine of farming opera-

'tions. . Top-dressing and harrowing, which, in the ordinary course of events would be in full swing, have, in most cases, been postponed for some weeks. The wet conditions of paddocks have also hindered the carriers in landing fertilisers on the various farms.. A good deal of top-dressing has already been done, and, with recent rains, should take effect immediately.

Dairy herds are maintaining production, which is better than usual for this time of. the year. Consequently most herds that would have been on handmilking weeks ago are still being milked by machines. A return to sheep is noticeable here, most farmers either building up their flocks or making a fresh start in this sideline.

A considerable number of fat lambs were got away this season, and. with the prices now obtaining at present an additional income to the man whose farm is suited for mixed farming.