Autumn a Busy Time for Sheep Farmers

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 21, 23 February 1940, Page 5

Autumn a Busy Time for Sheep Farmers

ATTENTION FOR THE FLOCK MANAGEMENT IN NORTH ISLAND •FARM PRODI'GTION STATEMENT The autumn is a busy time for the sheep farmer. After the weaning of the lambs and the dipping of the whole flock, preparations have to be made for flushing the ewes, fattening the remainder of the lambs, culling the ewes and disposing of surplus stock, turning out the rams, avoidance of and treatment for blowfly “strike,” and crutching states the Primary Production Council in a statement.

North island farmers depend almost entirely on pasture for the flushing of their ewe flock. This explains to some extent the seasonal variation in lambing percentages, the autumn seasons more favourable for green growth giving a higher lambing percentage in Ihe following spring. Where green feed crops or pastures newly sown in the spring are available these may he utilised for flushing the ewes. Frequently small areas of red clover, lu-rei-ne. or temporary pasture, or even specially treated grassland paddocks may lie growing suitable feed for flushing the ewes. The second growth of rape is not commonly used for flushing in the North Island hut it may occasionally he feasible to use it for this purpose. The treatment of the ewes at this period largely determines Ihe size of the ensuing crop of lambs next spring.

Before the rams are put light crutching, or at least a (lagging, should be given to the ewe flock. At Ihe same time the cull two-tootlis, cast-for-age ewes, and cull ewes of all ages should he separated from the main flock and disposed of as circumstances require. Wethers and lambs for fattening should he got away by Ihe end of April so that stock numbers may he reduced to their winter quota. The rams must he put out in good condition and among other things care should he taken to see that their feel, are in good trim. Rains suffering badly from foot rot are of til tie use on hill country. Throughout Ihe time that the rams are out, a daily supervision should he made with a periodical rounding up of the ewe flock and the inclusion or substitution of extra rams as deemed necessary.

Hoggets should not he neglected at Ibis time. Drenching should he carried out periodically. Attention should he paid to the feet of the whole flock throughout the autumn, some degree of foot.-rot treatment being necessary on practically all farms. In some districts also watch still has to be kept for blowfly “strike,” and scouring or dirly hoggets should he brought in.

Some time in June, the main erutchini: 1 commences.

PERMANENT PASTURES Relative lo Hie sowing of permanent pastures on ploughed land, the Primary Production Council stales:— The first consideration is I lie preparation of a good seed bed which should he clean, sweet, moist, fine and firm at llie time of sowing, for these conditions favour rapid and complete establishment of grass and clover plants. The' seed mixture and strain of seed used is next in importance. It is considered better to sow species suitable for average first class land and to topdress so that these can be maintained than to sow species suited only to tiie natural fertility. These mixtures for most soils in the Province are fairly well standardised. Such a mixture aims at a sward of ryegrass and white clover with other species such as paspalum, timothy, cocksfoot and crested dogstail subdominant. Ryegrass forms the base and gives high production in the early spring and autumn and to a less extent in the winter. White clover maintains a dense close sward. For permanency and productivity, only certified white clover and perennial rye should be sown. Unless the white clover is well established the results from the ryegrass and other grasses will he poor and indifferent. White clover establishment depends on a well consolidated seed bed, early autumn sowing, and adequate supplies of fertiliser and lime. In districts where frosts are not severe, early sowing usually results in good growth through the late autumn, winter, and early spring. In districts where frosts are severe, early sowing enables the grass to become well established before the frosts slop growth.