Lucerne Factory To Open Earlier

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32099, 22 September 1969, Page 1

Lucerne Factory To Open Earlier

In spite of dry conditions, lucerne growth in the area near the processing factory of New Zealand Lucerne Products, Ltd, at Hinds, Mid-Canterbury, has been good.

The managing director of the company (Mr A. R, Reith) announced at the week-end

that the company’s pilot plant would begin working sooner than expected to handle the new season’s crop. The opening date for the plant is now October 13, but Mr Reith said the plant might open even earlier, , Field inspections of some crops were made last week by Mr H. Van Lith, the factory manager, and Mr Reith. Mr Reith said growth was well ahead of schedule in stands that had been closed in good time—in fact, growth was as far advanced at this stage as it had been for three or four seasons. Rain towards the end of last week had also increased the bulk of green fodder.

Mr Reith said there was more lucerne , in. sight than could be handled by the pilot plant, but by the start of the 1970-71 season the plant would be able to handle another 1500 to 1700 acres of lucerne.

He expected to produce 1540 tons of processed products in the coming season.

A new American forage harvester, due in the country by the middle of next month, would speed up harvesting of the crop for processing, he said.