AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 15184, 23 December 1909, Page 8

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 22. The following agricultural statistics, are published in the "Gazette." The areas given are as on December 10. The yield for this year is estimated, and for last year the actual figures are given: — ■WHEAT.

There is a large increase in the area of peas in Marlborough and of maize in Auckland and Taranaki. The season has been highly favourable, and the condition of the crops generally is better than at the corresponding date last year. The exceptions are the Awatero Valley (Marlborough) and Central Otago, in which localities deficient rainfall has caused very light yields. Rust has appeared in the cereal crops in several districts, but serious effects are not feared. Caterpillars have manifested themselves in parts of Marlborough, but the visitation is not regarded with great apprehension. Early turnips in some localities have been seriously injured by aphis. Potato disease is reported to be prevalent in several localities. The condition of pastures generally is exceptionally good, and the hay crop is abundant and being saved in excellent order. Rain is beginning to be needed for the main turnip crop as well as for pastures on light soils or exposed situations, and would also benefit crops generally.

Year. Area for threshing'. Yield. Average Acres. Bushels. Bushels 1909-10 . 311,000 11,020,900 35 1908-03 . 252,391 7,872,790 OATS. 34.75 Year. Ar ea for threshing. Yield. Average Acres. Bushels. Bushels 1909-10 . 373,000 17,770 500 47 1908-09 . 406,908 18,906,788 BARLEY. Average 46 Year. for threshing. Yield. Average Acres. Bushels. Bushels 1909-10 , 4' ,500 r.567,000 38 1908-09 . 48,853 1,988,453 RYEGRASS. 39.6 Year. Area for seed. Yield. Average Acres. ■ Bushels. Bushels 1909-10 . 56 550 1,894,660 33 1308-09 . 50,126 1,630,615 COCKSFOOT. 32.5 Year. Area for seed. Yield. Average Acres. Lbs. Lbs. 1909-10 . 29,500 4,451,000 151 1908-09 . .32,705 4,721,159 POTATOES. 144 Year. Area. Yield. Average Acres. Tons. Tons. 199-10 30,500 165,800 6 1008-09 29.919 195,206 OTHER CROPS. 6.5 1908-09. iora-io. Acres. Acres. Turnips . 530,636 522,550 Rape \ .' . 220,240 225,035