DAIRYING IN SOUTHLAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 14

DAIRYING IN SOUTHLAND.

FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS.

The wonderful summer weather experienced in Southland (says rtihe “Times”) during the holiday season has brought about a tremendous improvement in the appearance of the country, and the beneficial effect on the pastures is most noticeable. So growth-producing has been the past' fortnight or more that feed lias begun to get away from .stock and is approaching that stage of super-develop-ment in which it is more rank than nutritive.

While those in more northern climes have suffered from the effects of an over abundance of moisture, the New Year lias certainly opened very promisingly for the Southland farmers. There has been a succession of gold and blue days which have been as gratifying to the man on the land as. to the citv-dWellers. While these latter have been delighted from the point of view of splendid holiday Conditions, the contentment of the rural settler liarc been deeper on account of the huge benefit derived by the country’s primary activities. _ . As far as dairying is concerned, the season promises po be a very good. one. Present conditions and results are much on a ,parallel with those ruling at the same period] last year, hut are

three years ago, when ai disastrous early diminution in milk yields set in on account of the over-dry weather experienced. Tho conditions ruling at present, however, have been partioularyl suitable for growth, and the province is now in the happy position of having more than sufficient feed for stock requirements while the prospect-s for good supplementary yields are very promising. Providing; (the weather continues at all astisfaetory, the likelihood of high production .light into the back of the season is good. There is still a fair amount of turnip and rape seed being put down and wliat has already been sown is striking well. With the excellent grass growth this season, a record; amount of haymaking is occupying the attention of the farmer, for the necessity of supplementing a straight-out turnip ration is being increasingly (recognised. _ It is generally contended that insufficient attention is given to this class of fodder. and further, that the average yield of hay per acre is likewise not so large as it should bo, but it seems that record yields are to he attained 1 in Southland this season. There is certainly a tremendous sale for mowing machines this year and several firms find their stocks .getting low, one- well-known firm having sold completely out of machines. There should certainly be ' no danger of a shortage of feed' for the winter months. - • . very different from those prevailing