THE FLOCK.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3369, 24 September 1931, Page 2

THE FLOCK.

ATTENTION TO CONDITION. The woolgrower in New Zealand has good reason for despondency in respect of the prices he is at present obtaining for his product. He is not alone in his troubles, however, for wool values the world over have depreciated, and his wool-growing brothers in other countries are beset with the same serious difficulties. The present conditions cannot remain indefinitely. The “come back" to better wool prices may be prolonged, as was the case in former depressions, because in this depression there are many unusual difficulties involved which had not to be contended with previously. Quite a lot has appeared in .print recently, and much of it is from authoritative sources, respecting a certain deficiency in quality of New Zealand crossbred wools as required by the Bradford mills. Seemingly there is some truth in what has been written, but in producing wool, as in all things, there is always room for improvement, and there are many woolgrowers in the Dominion who will be well advised if they pay more attention to quality (says the farming writer in the Christchurch Press). This very naturally involves the health and general well-being of their flocks. Good wool prices over a period of years seem to have

brought a degree of laxity, the results of which are now aggravating the situation. If quality were better, prices would be better, for it goes without saying that even in depressed times a superior quality of wool must bring a better price than poor quality, also it should cost little more, if any, to produce the higher grade article than the inferior one. Meantime, are the rank and file of sheep farmers taking full precautions to keep up the general health of their flocks, let alone improve the quality of the wool?

The health and general welfare of the flock should be the first consideration. The same care and attention must be paid to the selection of rams, culling and feeding. Dipping plays an essential part in the production of lamb, mutton and wool in this Dominion. Too many farmers are prone to minimise the importance of this practice. It is an operation which can only be regarded in the light, of an investment which is well worth the time and expense, provided always the dipping preparation used is of undoubted quality and the manufacturers’ instructions are carefully followed. New Zealand is well sei’ved with several types of firstclass dipping materials of world-wide reputation. Parasitic gastritis is too prevalent among New Zealand flocks, but this can be successfully held in check. The cost of suitable vermifuges, weighed against loss caused by worms, is a bagatelle. Internal worm infestation saps health and strength and detrimentally affects quality. There are many vermifuges available of varying quality. Different types of worm infestation may require the application of different remedies. If the latter are properly and regularly administered worm infestation is effectively checked. The sheepman should see that his flock, which is his capital, is in the best possible condition to reap the full benefit of the better prices, which, it is hoped, are ahead. If he breeds well, culls well, feeds well, dips well and doses well (where necessary) he does all that is possible.