CROP AND STOCK PROSPECTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 47, 19 November 1907, Page 2

CROP AND STOCK PROSPECTS.

AN EXPERT'S OBSERVATIONS,

An export in agricultural affairs, who has just returned from a visit to the south, gives a favourable account of crop and stock prospects. Tho .rapid rise in the price of wheat has led to a considerable area being sown in excess of tho early intentions of farmers, and probably tho amount of wheat sown in October is the largest that that month, has known for a great-many years. The area in oats is also larger than last year. The early-sown crops are looking well, and the showers that.fell in Christchurch during Show week appear to havo been pretty general, and must prove very beneficial. Tho grass was very slow in making any considerable growth, but towards tho end -of October, the warmer weather which set in gave it a pretty good start, and the condition of the pastures generally is now fairly satisfactory, both for grass and crops, though further rains would bo beneficial. Stock generally is in excellent condition, and the lambjng is practically finished, with an increase little, if anything, behind that of last season. A very large area has been planted this year in turnips and rape, and it is anticipated that there will be a large export of frozen lambs. The milk supply has lately iiicreased substantially,' thanks to tho warmer weather and better grass. The output of cheese in Southland, where the season has been more favourable than in tho northern districts, is vory largo. Fruit prospects are generally excellent. In the North Island, the warmer weather of the last two or three weeks has greatly improved tho position in respect of both crops and atook, but in some distriots both »ro still backward.