BIG CROPPING SEASON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20620, 22 November 1941, Page 7

BIG CROPPING SEASON

ONLY SLIGHT DECLINE GOOD WHEAT INCREASE EXPORT BEANS AND PEAS Although a small decline has taken place in the area placed under crop in the Gisborne district, the season will be a busy one for grain crops, which should cover more than 4000 acres. The biggest decline is in maize, but in regard to wheat and export beans and peas substantial increases have taken place and have almost made up for the reduction in maize plantings. About 4000 acres of maize were sown last season, but it is estimated that this has been reduced to 3500 acres this season. If the dry weather continues, the croj} may be a light one, and the young crops are suffering already from lack of moisture. It is at this stage that maize requires rain to bring it away to a good start, but thereafter it is able to stand up to a long period of dry weather. If rain does not come soon, the weight of crop at harvest time may be seriously interfered with. Wheat has shown the biggest increase of all the grain crops, and whereas only 60 acres were sown last year the area has reached nearly 300 acres this time. One of the areas is nearly 50 acres. Much of the increase in wheat is due to the decline in maize. Pastures do not make the best progress immediately after a maize crop has been taken off, and some of those going out of maize this season have decided to take a crop of wheat before returning the paddocks to pasture. Many farmers regarded last season’s barley price of 3s 9d a bushel as unsatisfactory, and as a result a considerable reduction has taken place in this crop this year, and the area has been reduced by about half to 100 or 150 acres.

Successful Bean Crops

Following the successful results in the growing of French and butter beans for export last season, a greatly increased area in the district is being contracted for this season. Last season about 60 acres were in this crop, while it is expected that this time from 200 to 220 acres will be planted. This area will include some peas, also under contract for export. Peas were not included in the district’s export programme last year, but if they are successful during Hie present summer there is little doubt that the area will be increased next season, if the demand for the additional quantities exists.

The area likely to be harvested for perennial ryegrass seed in the district is uncertain at present. Much will depend on the rainfall, or lack of it, during the .next few weeks. On present indications, if . there is no change in the weather, many of the paddocks earmarked for seed may be required for stock feeding before the summer is far advanced.

On present appearance, it seems as if there will be a normal harvest of hay. Some of the early crops are being cut already, farmers making use of the present ideal weather for the purpose.