A trying time on the farms

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33626, 30 August 1974, Page 7

A trying time on the farms

In the last week to 10 days farmers in the throes of lambing their ewe flocks on lowland properties in the province have been going through trying times. Only once a year do ewes have lambs and it. is a frustrating experience to lose them when their mothers have been fed and

shepherded for a year to reach this objective. Any farmer who is worth his salt consequently makes a supreme effort to keep these tiny creatures, w'hich form a vital part of his income, alive, but in the sort of blizzard conditions that swept the province last week, and continued into the third day in a row’, losses are inevitable in spite of the best efforts of man. Throughout the province farmers, their shepherds and members of their fami-

lies were outside for long hours each day in most unpleasant conditions looking after their flocks, including collecting newly bom lambs and their mothers and bringing them into sheds and other shelter.

Some farmers even went to the extent of remaining with their flocks all night, but in many cases this is neither practical nor desirable for disturbing them in the dark can sometimes be more harmful than helpful. But generally New Zealand farms are'operated on a minimum of labour and there is a limit to what individuals can do. Losses w'ere heavy as indicated by the collection of dead lambs by Slink Skins (MidCanterbury) Ltd. but it is certain that they would: have been a lot w'orse but; for the tireless efforts of farmers everywhere, and: every citizen will be just a I little bteter off as a result of the extra overseas earnings that will result.

The accompanying photograph is typical of the scene on many Canterbury farms during the recent storm. Mr H. J. Overton, on the right, is seen out on his West Melton property with his son, Mark, who is home for the holidays from Christchurch Boys’ High School.