Lincoln College’s Report Oh March Weather

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31030, 9 April 1966, Page 19

Lincoln College’s Report Oh March Weather

Although many overcast or foggy mornings left the impression that March was dull, the days often improved and became sunny and warm, and near-average hours of sunshine were recorded, says the monthly weather report from Lincoln College. Winds were lighter than usual, but l,3in more rain than the average fell during the month. Earth and air temperatures were slightly higher than usual. The hottest day was March 25, when 77.6 degrees was recorded compared with a highest temperature of 80.6 degrees last year and 89 degrees in 1964. The lowest temperature of 39.5 degrees was recorded on March 12, compared with a lowest

of 32.9 degrees last year and 28 degrees in 1964. There were no frosts, and although the rainfall of 3.48 in was higher than average it was lower than the 4.73 in which fell in March last year. There were 176.8 hours of sunshine, compared with 137.6 hours last year and 160.5 hours in 1964.

Rain early in the month and dull conditions combined with warm earth temperatures to keep pastures and lucerne growing. A dry spell in the middle of the month helped to harden off feed. Lucerne growth was such that some farmers mowed it and were attempting to make hay as the month ended. Most lucerne areas would be fed off on a ration-grazed basis, and large areas could be closed for autumn-saved pasture. New pastures and greenfeed areas struck evenly and made satisfactory growth. Forage crops were expected to provide heavy yields. Apart from a few cases of foot abscess in ewes, a slight increase in footrot and some isolated cases of flystrike, stock health remained satisfactory, the report said. Ewes were heavier than they had been for several years and went to the rams in rising condition.