FARM NOTES.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12591, 6 September 1906, Page 9

FARM NOTES.

The rain on Slonday extended as far south as Timaru, but was only in the form of a short shower. Slore would have been welcome as tho ground in munv parts is now getting very dry. 'South Canterbury and North Otago have had a very light rainfall during tho- winter, and unless there are good rains in tho spring thero will not bo sufficient moisture m the soil for plant development during the summer. In tho Oamaru district the country is in need of rain as tho soil in the paddocks appears almost as dry as in summer. Early sown grain is showing up well but late sown seed is not germinating on account of the want of more moisture.

Wherever lambing is at all forward, thero appears to ho an excellent percentage" and as thero is now a good spriii" of grass in tho paddocks, these early lambs shouldcome on well. Tho feneral lambing will not commence till he iniddio of tlie month, and in later districts till the Ist of October.

Fit cattle are evidently moro plenti- , ful than was expected to be the case, the mildness of the winter and a plentiful supply of turnips having enabled graziers to turn off a larger proportion than usual for the time of year. A number of farmers who have lines of wethers fit for the factory are agitating for the reopening of the Belfast Freezing Works to enablo them to sell, as the butchers can only absorb a certain proportion each week, and their . requirements are not equal to tho num- | her of sheep that is said to be ready j for slaughter. The exporters, in view ! of the state of the London market, are, however, not inclined to operate, and farmers do not caro to book sheep for the factory on their own account, but aro prepared to send them to tho yards if tin works are opened. Tho directors of the Canterbury Frozen Sleat Company are going to consider , tho matter.