THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13611, 21 December 1909, Page 10

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS.

CATERPILLAR PEST,

Harvesting operations have now commenced, in tho (Aniberley, Leithh'eld, and Omihi districts. Haymaking has been in full swing during the last fortnight. The -weather has been all that could be desired, and several crops of oats and Cape uarley have already been cut and stooked. The crops .generally are looking excellent, and given fine weather, splendid yields are promised. The wheat crops have seldom looked so well. The caterpillar pest is again evident tin's year, especially amongst the grass. Several farmers report that their grass seed is being destroyed by the caterpillars. The pest is reported to be severe in tho Yl'aiau district, where some crops of barley and oats have been gone through.

Our Cheviot correspondent writes: — So far Cheviot is experiencing splendid weather for the crops, with an occasional heavy shower, and we are also remarkably free from nor'-westers, so that, taking it altogether, farmers should ho satisfied. Several crops of oats will be fit for cutting within the next week. It was anticipated that there would not be sufficient oats grown here this year for local requirements, but most farmers seemed to put in oats as an after thought, and. these late-sown crops have all done well, with the result that there will be an abundance of oats in this district. Caterpillars have made their appearance again, but so far they have conr fined their attention to eating the Sag off the wheat. How soon they may attack the oats, if at all, is a matter of conjecture. Farmers tell mc that in those paddocks that have been fed off very close there are hardly any signs of the pest, but where the grass has been allowed to grow rank, they are present- in thousands. All wheat crops are doing well, especially those around Spotswood, those crons across t'ho Waiau river calling for special mention.. Iv a few cases patches of wheat are down by recent rain, but they may stiffen up- again. Haymaking is not gone in for to any great extent, owing to no dairy factory being run here. -». few of the farmers, however, recognise the usefulness of a stack of hay, and shut up a paddock accordingly, 'tfie late. frosts experienced here havo reduced the plum and pear crops to small dimensions. The apple crop, however, will be good, and the fruit of better size than in previous 3 - ears. No blight is to be anticipated in the potato crop, judging by present appearances.