EARLY FROSTS CHECK GROWTH

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14959, 23 April 1949, Page 4

EARLY FROSTS CHECK GROWTH

EXCELLENT SEASON AT TAURIKO ■ BENEFITS OF AUTUMN TOP-DRESSING (Times Correspondent) The second frost of the year was observed in the Tauriko district on Easter Monday morning. Although not of the severity cf the first one, pastures will in consequence suffer a set-back, and little growth will be made from now on.

It has been an excellent season for feed and most dairy farms in the district still have quantities of rough feed and top -to clean up before the cows dry off next month. Swedes and soft turnips as supplementary fodder crops are reported to be growing well and very little fly and blight has been noticed this year. Newy-sown grass is showing up well although any more early frosts will certainly give it a severe check. Most farmers are now busy on their autumn top dressing and manuring programme, as ' they realise that, by top-dressing in April and May, the pastures are- kept strong and healthy through the cold, wet winter months and come away more quickly in the spring.

A number of farmers have taken advantage of the recent fine spell to paint and improve their farm buildings. Routine, work such as harrowing, draining, fencing, gorse and blackberry grubbing, and general repairs will be the programme on most farms from now until the feeding-out commences about June.

PHENOMENON NOTED AT WHAKAMARAMA

CONTINUANCE OF GOOD SEASON Early frosts which caused some damage along the coastal lands bypassed the Whakamarama district. This phenomena has occured on several previous occasions when early frosts have been reported. It may be due to a warm upper air current as the district is approximately 700 to 800 fee!; above sea level. Steady growth continues unchecked and grass sown a month ago is showing up well. Although nearing the end of the season some herds are reported to be responding exceptionally well and on most farms the final clean-up should be equal to the best season of about eight years ago. Undoubtedly the season has been a good one. A good season was greatly needed to bridge the gap caused by two previous bad one. Following the elimination of bush-sickness stock generally attained a high standard of health and it is pleasing to note that this is being maintained. Naturally there have been troubles but these are mainly traceable to lack of experience and insufficient or bad feeding. »