WEATHER REPORTS FOR FARMERS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 10

WEATHER REPORTS FOR FARMERS

IMPORTANCE AT SHEARING TIME .LATER EXTENSIONS OF SYSTEM The recently instituted system of radio weather forecasts for farmers Is reported to be filling a long-felt want The reports have been shown already to be so reliable that some farmers state that they have been saved a not Inconsiderable sum of money, particularly now that shearing is in full swing. At shearing time, whilst it Is most desirable to have dry sheep ready for shearing, It is also most Important not to liberate shorn sheep Into the dangers of an unforeseen southerly or drenching rain from the north. The resultant set-back not only causes high percentage of losses but is reflected in next season’s reduced wool clip from the sheep involved. The actual forecast is compiled by the meteorological office from last moment data that has arrived during the day. A very good idea of weather conditions for the next twenty-four hours is then available. The forecast is transmitted every day except Wednesday, at 3.30 p.m., from station 2YA, Normally the other stations do not transmit the report, as it Is understood that 2YA Is quite capable, with the aid of valve receiving sets, of covering the whole Doihlnion from north to south. On Wednesdays, however, when the Wellington station is silent, the forecast Is transmitted by all the other stations. What is Attempted. The Meteorlogical Office confines Itself to a general outline of future weather conditions with particular reference to conditions likely to affect farming operations. At present no actual advice Is given to farmers. They are left to decide a suitable course of action themselves. At a later date it is hoped that the-weather situation, as defined by the meteorologists, will be analysed In detail by an officer of the department with a knowledge of practical farming. When this takes place, actual advice will be suggested to farmers throughout the Dominion as to the best course to follow in view of future weather conditions in their districts. These daily reports .whilst useful at this time of year in connection with shearing operations, it is hoped, will have many other desirable uses at other seasons. During lambing time a sound forecast has obvious advantages. During the coming harvesting season, it is not unlikely that many a crop of hay will be gathered to best advantage on account of the forecasts. Spraying operations in orchards, and fruit-picking itself, will also find the reports decidedly helpful. When the system has been running for some little time It is hoped that farmers and other primary producers will-be able to adjust their operations to weather conditions in a manner hitherto impossible, with, of course, a considerable saving of both time and money.