STOCK INCREASES ON NASSELLA AREAS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 10

STOCK INCREASES ON NASSELLA AREAS

Stock numbers have been doubled in four years on four problem properties purchased by the Government in North Canterbury since 1960.

Details of progress achieved on these blocks were released by the North Canterbury Nassella Tussock Board’s policy renew committee at a meeting of the board last week. They were described by the convenor of the committee (Mr D. R. Wilkie) as an “eye-opener.” The properties were heavily Infested with nassella, and the owners elected to sell to the Crown, which has accepted responsibility for the rehabilitation of these areas. The Washcreek farm settlement originally comprised 2384 acres, of which 842 acres were transferred to the Tiromoana settlement, and 100 acres to forestry in 1964, with the balance of 1442 acres being put under development.

With 875 acres of cultivation, and considerable oversowing, stock capacity increased considerably, the report stated. Other development had consisted of extensive fencing, topdressing and spraying. Progress was good and nassella control effective.

Stock numbers as in June last, with the numbers as at February, 1962, shown in parenthesis were:— Breeding ewes 2623 (1160), replacements 1079 (343), other sheen 152 (141), run cows and heifers nil (76), other cattle nil (62). The 1962 figures included the area since transferred. Lambing percentages had been lifted with 1217 lambs being sold fat, and the wool clip was in excess of 40,0001 b, the report stated. Tiromoana, of 5937 acres, was purchased in 1962, with 842 acres later being acquired from Washcreek. Fourteen hundred acres were transferred to forestry in 1964, leav-

ing an area of 5379 acres under development.

On acquisition, all the area was in native pasture, with about 1500 acres infested with nassella. Since acquisation, 1812 acres have been cultivated and there has been considerable new fencing, farm track construction and oversowing and topdressing. ; Heavy nassella areas have ;been kill-sprayed. Stock numbers as at June last, with the estimated capacity as at March, 1962, in parenthesis, were:— Breeding ewes 4849 ( 2210), hoggets ,2156 (790), other sheep 156 ' (60), run cows and heifers 269 (170), other cattle 336 160). Better Lambing

Lambing percentages ini creased from 74.6 to 99.6, the wool clip in the 1965-66 season was 60,2441 b and 2133 lambs were sold fat.

Coringa farm settlement consists of 3616 acres purchased between 1962 and 1964, and 1745 acres purchased earlier this year. Originally all in native state, 2211 acres have now been cultivated. Considerable fencing, farm tracks and housing were required for added stocking.

Stock numbers, as at June this year, with the estimated figure for May, 1962, being shown in parenthesis, were: —Breeding ewes 5782 (1600), hoggets 1644 ( 600), other sheep 712 (nil) run cows and heifers 197 (100), other cattle 174 (50). The present figures include stock on the area purchased in April last.

Wool sold last season totalled 52,0001 b, and 1345 lambs were sold fat. Cultivation had been a major factor in bringing nassella under control, said the report. Seedi ling spray was being used as

a secondary and maintenance measure.

Cheddar Valley, of 9556 acres, was purchased in 1962. Since the Lands and Survey Department took over there has been a vigorous programme of spraying, cultivation, oversowing and topdressing, and with 1015 acres lof pasture (originally there were 350 acres), stocking has ■ increased considerably. Stocking

Stock numbers, as at June last; with the stock numbers as at August, 1962, being shown in parenthesis, were: —Breeding ewes 7082 (3399), ewe hoggets 2743 (1189), other sheep 447 (283), run cows and heifers 280 (280), other cattle 194 (79).

Spraying and cultivation had brought nassella under control, and future efforts would concentrate on normal development and maintenance of control, the report stated.

Glenbourne comprises 2251 acres, consisting of Crown leases resumed in 1949 and 1958. It was used as an experimental area for chemicals along with grubbing over the years. It is now included with other nassella tussock blocks. Pasture and crop account for 322 acres, with the balance in native tussock. Stock has gradually increased.

Stocking rates as at June last, with the rates for June 1960, being shown in parenthesis, were:—Breeding ewes 2160 (1547), hoggets 867 (495), other sheep 134 (73), run cows and heifers 137 (4), other cattle 157 (2).

Wool weights have risen to more than 20,0001 b a season, and lambing percentages show a steady rise, according to the report.

Consolidation "On all blocks consolidation is proceeding with additional grassing and control of nassella tussock” the report said. “Other improvements are being affected as required. Although the main job is completed, it will be many years before safe settlement can be considered.”