DRY SPELL IN NORTH

Grey River Argus, 18 May 1943, Page 3

DRY SPELL IN NORTH

WINTERING STOCK PROBLEMS HASTINGS, May 10.

Not for many years has Hawke’s Bay experienced such a dry spell as that which has prevailed practically since about September last. Prospects of wintering stock are not bright, and where farmers were not able to harvest supplementary feed during the summer the position will be acute. With the rainfall well below normal during the spring, the growth for the early summer period was not nearly as prolific as usual. Although there were occasional showery periods no fall was adequate to promote growth. The position for cattle generally is much worse than for sheep and is giving cause for more anxiety than has been felt for several years. As far as sheep are concerned the farmers’ main worry is with their breeding ewes. Already numbers purchased in the February fairs have had to be retraded at greatly-reduc-ed prices. • Early autumn sowings of o.ats or barley for winter feeding will be of great benefit as in most cases growth has been satisfactory. Already some of these crops have been fed off. The main hope of farmers, is that early frosts will not be experienced. Water has also been .a problem and seldom have creeks been so low. Many dams have been dry for months. Watering travelling lines has been a difficulty for drovers. The shortage of feed has been reflected in the condition of stock offered at the weekly sales. Breeding cows appear to be most affected, but young steers used for crushing purposes show marked evidence of having a hard time. Many farmers have been obliged drastically to reduce their herds, with the result that many high-grade lines which otherwise’ would have been carried over have been placed on the market. This has involved considerable sacrifice and a lengthy period must elapse before normal herds will be restored.

An important feature has been the slaughtering of thousands of calves for veal. This step has been necessary to avert losses. Many well-bred calves which would have been the foundation of quality herds, have been lost to the industry in Hawke’s Bay, and to retrieve the position several breeding seasons will be necessary.