CROP FAILURES

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 9

CROP FAILURES

BAD WEATHER SPOILS SOWINGS TROUBLES OF SOUTHERN FARMERS The potato yield in Otago and Southland this year will be well helow the average, notwithstanding the fact that a greater average was planted, an officer of the Department of Agriculture stated this morning. The crop has suffered severely as a result of the unseasonable weather experienced this summer, and in some cases on low-lying country, crops have been totally destroyed by water. To add to this unfortunate state of affairs, blight has been severe on the King Edward variety in most localities. _ Taking all points into consideration, it might be said that the prospects are for half crops compared with those of normal years. _ Some concern is being caused farmers in some instances as to the provision of fodder for stock during the coming winter. Root crops generally are very backward owing to the wet spring, which delayed sowings, and the present cold weather, which has retarded growth. Club root disease is taking a heavj; toll of swede crops, and on the Taiefi some crops have been ploughed under, and in other cases are being fed off because of the ravages of the disease. 1 The trouble is general throughout Otago and Southland., Grass has been plentiful this year, but owing to the inclement weather, conservation of surplus grass for the' winter in the form of hay has been a difficult proposition, and areas closed in the spring for hay production and not yet harvested are still to be seen.