DROUGHT IN NORTH

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1942, Page 4

DROUGHT IN NORTH

FARMERS’ DIFFICULTY Hawke’s Bay and Waikato [Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 25. «, A dry spell of weather is being experienced throughout the Waikato and King Country and unless rain falls soon thg production of butter-fat. is likely to be affected. In many localities there has been no flush of feed, for although rains occurred last month the strong winds which followed soon nullified their effect. The rainfall! so far this month has been well below the average, the fall recorded in Hamilton being only 1-40 inches. Heavy rain is needed to refresh the pastures and stimulate production. Hawke’s Bay is experiencing a spell of dry weather and unless there is a good fall of rain shortly the position of farmers, especially those in the hilly back country, will De serious. The crops of potatoes and pumpkins are good, but they now require steady rain for two or three days. Dairy farmers are worried Grass is drying off, cows are giving less milk, 'and butter-fat production is going down. Some dairy farmers are alrqi'dv feeding out hay to their cattle so that if rain does not come shortly their position will be desperate!. The drv spell is also affecting the grass seed crops and it is doubtful if the acreage will be up to that of previous On the hill country around Hawke’s Bay feed has gone off earlier this season than for years.. This was reflected in the Stor.tford Lodge stock market, when there was little competition from local farmers for wethers which were Is 6d to 2s a head cheaper than last week. In view of the drv conditions farmers are rushing fat lambs into the freezing works before they go back. i In Central Hawke’s Bav much the some conditions prevail and farmers are greatly concerned. If good steady rain does not come soonl.the outlook for the sheepfarmer will be anythin _ but cheerful.