CROPS IN NORTH CANTERBURY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25086, 18 January 1947, Page 7

CROPS IN NORTH CANTERBURY

EFFECTS OF WEATHER The vagaries of the weather have played havoc with North Canterbury 1 farmers’ efforts to produce bountiful crops and assist with much-needed food production. * | The unfavourable weather in the autumn greatly curtailed the main sowings of wheat at that time, and the total area sown was further limited by poor conditions for spring sowing. Again, it is many years since the weather has been so unfavourable for the sowing of spring crops such as peas, barley, and linseed. Like wheat, the total area sown to these crops has therefore been reduced, and many crops have suffered from the wet conditions. In many cases whole paddocks have been flooded to such an extent as to cause resowing, while in many other instances flooded patches will remain a blemish in paddocks till harvest time. During December, the more favourable weather did much to improve the outlook for all crops, but the recent continued rains are far from welcome. This is the case particularly with growers of small seeds. Up to the end of December, ryegrass crops promised to give yields well above the average, and indications were . that germination tests would be satisfactory. However, the recent rains have caused innumerable crops to, lodge, and many -farmers are now undecided whether to save ryegrass or clover seed. Mowing will in many cases be difficult, and many farmers feel that an increase of blind seed disease is probable. Some crops of ryegrass have already been harvested, however, and many more will come in rapidly with a few days of warmer weather. Wheat Wheat crops at present are looking well and many yields should be heavy. Crops on light land are filling better than usual, and yields in general will be above average. Oat crops, although fewer m number than usual, are looking well. Some reaping has been carried out, but adverse weather has lately interrupted this work. Weather conditions also presented serious difficulties in the sowing of the barley crop. Areas which were drilled early under good conditions on free-draining land promise well, while other paddocks are showing weak patches indicative of waterlogged conditions. In many cases sowing was held up to such an extent as to cause abandonment in favour of linseed or sowing down to pasture in the autumn. Linseed crops, in general, are backward for this time of the year, as many sowings were carried out late in November and some in December. The pea crop has recovered remarkably in few weeks. Most of the crops were showing the effects of the cold, wet conditions earlier on, and second sowings had to be made in many instances. The crusting of the surface soil inhibited growth in many wet paddocks, while completely drowned-out patches remain in some areas. Naturally these paddocks will lower the average yield of the pea crop. ' With the potato crop late planting has been general. In some paddocks the seed was lost completely through rotting in the ground, and many other areas are showing bare patches through flooding. Some crops are looking well at present, but if is too early to forecast ultimate yields.