DAIRY SEASON

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1940, Page 5

DAIRY SEASON

RESULTS IN WAIKATO (Per Press Association—Copyright). HAMILTN, May 21. With the dairy season drawing to a close, Waikato farmer's can look back on one of the best, years, as far as dairy production is concerned, experienced for some time. After a late spring, feed came away quickly in the early summer months, and, as tlie result- of ample rainfall and fairly! mild weather conditions, pasture growth has been maintained right up to the present time. Several prominent. fanners when interviewed declared that this au- , Gunn had ■ boon one of the best for a number of years. Unlike some previous mittimus, there bad been no sudden drop in dairy production during February, March and April, some ; herds milking well up to the time ! they wen* dried off. Early frosts in ■,/ March and April chocked, pasture growth, but recent sunny wcathei and warm rain have ensured that farmers will not have to draw upon their winter feed reserves as early as in other \<*ars. Herds in the Waikato are now being dried off, as on most farms in the district calving commences in the second week hi July. Prospects for plentiful supplies o' feed for the winter, months and the early spring appear good. Ihe abundance of feed in the summer made it possible for farmers to make large quantities of hay and ensilage. and these supplies have not yet been drawn upon to any great

extent. Hoot crops have also boon fairly stood.. Dairy cattle in the' Waikato are in good condition, and provided a mild winter and spring is experienced farmers' can look forward to a high standard of production in the early} part of, next season.