HARVEST PROSPECTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15510, 10 January 1911, Page 9

HARVEST PROSPECTS.

ASHBURTON. [F»OM Omt CoBKESrONDEXT.] ASHBURTON, January 9. The year that lias just closed has nob been altogether one without worry for the farming community. It certainly commenced well, and tho winter, alto gether fairly severe, had many compensating advantages. Then camo one of the driest springs that has been experienced within tho memory of the oldest settlers. Indeed, there was not ■ufficient moisturo in the soil to promote a seasonable growth of vegetation, and the occasional lato frosts did not improve matters. Towards the end of spring the weather proved more favourable, copious rains fell, followed by warm days; which induced quite a mushroom growth and effected a muchneeded transformation of the country. Then followed a period of continuous north-wost winds, which had a prejudicial effect on the prospects of the farmers; and with an insufficiency of fain in October, and well on into November, agriculturists and pastoralists paturally became much concerned, and although pessimists predicted that the country was doomed, others took a more hopeful view of the position, although even they viewed the position with some misgivings. Matters were indeed getting into a critical stays when a fine rainfall commenced on November 14, and being distributed over the whole of the month and throughout the greater part of December, the Country made a remarkable rocovery, and to-day, after passing through a very trying period, the position is eminently satisfactory to all concerned Bnd infinitely better than it was at a corresponding time last year. Rain in sufficient quantities fell at a time when the crops were in a critical state, and with the periodic showers that followed—perhaps with the exception of those sown very early in the season—the crops filled out in a most satisfactory manner, and although much better prospective yields have been recorded at a corresponding time in years fqne by the yields of the harvest of 910-11 as a whole will far exceed those recorded for the last three or four years. WAKANUI AND SUB-DISTRICTS. Wakanui and its sub-districts, including Elgin, Riverside and Seaview, hare aiwayß been a large grain-growing centre, mainly on account. of the exceptional fertility of the soil. As comJarcd with last year the acreage uner white crops appears to bo greater, and while the grain will not hulk up bo largely in the stook as it did last season, it can bo seen at a glance that the yield will bo quite seven bushels per acre better. The crops aro considerably shorter, and tho growth much thinner, but the heads of the grain are well filled, moro_ particularly those sown early, and this will more than compensate for the shortage in the hulk of the straw. "What is of greater importance, too. is the fact that the growth is uniformly even, and the sample of grain shuuld surpass anything that has been produced for a number of years, provided always that it is not damaged in tho stook. There are some typical crops of both wheat and oats on the heavier land in what is known as the Creek bed, where the yields should average from 33 to 37

bushels per acre of wheat, and from 35 to 46 bushels of oats. Of course there are crops that will give a return of fully 45 bushels of wheat and up to 50 bushels 'of oats, but instances of this kind are not common. Some of the late-sown crops are not well grown and this will have the effect of reducing the average yield. In many instances whorp the returns wero only 25 bushels of wheat per acre last year, this year the threshing mills should show up to 35 bushels. There are some fine crop 3 of wheat and oats on tho banks of the Ashburton River that will yield an average of fully 40 bushels per acre, but the average at Riverside and Seaview and in part of the Elgin district will not give a return of more than 30 inasmuch as they wero badly eaten in places by the grubs in the spring. One noticeable feature is that in practically every instance the win-ter-sown wheat is looking far hotter than that sown in the spring., There are paddocks of Bordier whea t to he se.-n here, and there, and as this class of grain appears to be able to withstand dry weather it should become very popular in future. Farmers who have sown it this year are agreed that it should be put in at an early stage of winter, and not in the spring. The farmers in this district complain that the birds have been very destructive this season, and have levied a heavy toll. Very little hay has been saved, or, indeed, grass-seed, this season, but a much larger acreage has been sown with peas, and this class of crop is looking at its best, and is likely to yield from 35 to 40 bushels, per acre. A much larger area has been planted with potatoes, and although the tubers are IcoKing well, there is unmistakable evidence that blight has already made its appearance in a mild form. The rainfall in Wakanui for the year iust ended was at least six inches less than it was in the districts at tho base of the hills, where the total register was 37.16 inches. A great deal of both wheat and oats has already beon cut, and at the end of the present week reaping will be in full swing, and the staoking of oats will also be in progress.

THE PLAINS DISTRICTS. Farmers on that large tract of Plains land that was at one time a tussock waste, hut of later years has been brought into a state of cultivation by judicious fanning on systematic and scientific lines, and by tho aid of a network of water-races, have this year devoted more attention to sheep farming, and consequently there is not so much land under white crop in the Seaficld and Pendarves districts. Tho chief crop grown is oats, and with the aid of superphosphates some excellent crops of this cereal are produced. In consequence of the oat crop being invariably, sown at an early period, it was somewhat checked during the drought in October and the beginning of November, and never .fully recovered altar the rains. Nevertheless, the yields of oats in the districts under review will compare favourably with those grown last year, both as regards yields and quality. In the caeo of later sown oats the returns will be much better. According to opinions of practical farmers the yields would range between 25 and 30 bushels per acre. Some particularly fine crops' of turnips and rape aro to be seen, and these will probably pay the farmers better than crops when tho good price ruling for lambs is taken into consideration. Another compensating feature of this season to Plains farmers is that they had an almost record percentage of lambs. A large area of oats has been reaped, some of which has been threshed or stacked. At Newlands there is about tho same acreage of oats as last year. This season the yields should exceed those of last year by about five bushels per acre, a fair average return being about 25 bushels per acre. Some of the crops, however, will yield over 30 bushels.

There aro some typical crops this season in the Kyle district, tho bulk of which have already been reaped, while most of tho wheat will be in the sheaf at the end of the present week. Most of the wheat sown is Bordier, and this class seems to suit the soil and give infinitely better yields. Tho appears not to havo been so dry nt Kyle, and, as the frosts were not so keen, the crops did not receive any cheek. Last year tho oat crop yielded an average of about 37 bushels per acre, and this season 40 bushels will in all probability be threshed, while wheat will range from 22 to 25 bushels as compared with 19 bushels last year. Rape and turnip crops have grown vigorously, and with much uniformity, the former having stood a wonderful amount of feeding. As an instance of this, a farmer has had no fewer than 1100 lambs on ninety acres for five weeks. Stacks of oats have already been erected, and

farmers aro getting off their lambs in a satisfactory wuv. In the" Dorie district tho yields are correspondingly better. Farmers in this fine district are greatly encouraged by the prospects. The land at Acton boing somewhat heavier, tho yields will be altogether satisfactory, somo paddocks of Bordier wheat boing particularly well grown. Harvesting is now in progress, and will be well advanced during the week, that is, us far as reaping is concerned.

Coming to tho district of Rokeby, above tho Rakaia township, the crops generally arc better than they wero last year by several bushels per acre. Some of the earlier-sown oats aro on the light side, but tho wheat is finely headed and the samplo plump. The yields of wheat should average between 25 and 30 bushels per aero, while outs, which are not extensively grown' this season, should give a return of on average of at least 35 bushels per aero. LAURISTON AND LYNDHURST. In consequence- of tho rainfall oyer this district nearer the hills huving been greater than in the country nearer tho sea-board, tho outlook for farmers is bright. The grub, however, has been very destructive at Lynd-hui-st, Lauriston, Cairnbrao, Sherwood and Mitcham, the country under review, but in spite of this drawback the yielding power of tho crops as a whole is much greater, according to farmers living in the localities than it was last year. Yields of wheat up to 35 bushels per acre will not be uncommon, while, as regards oats, some of the paddocks to be seen from the main arteries will give returns of at least 43 bushels, but the general average of both wheat and oats will be much loss. Rape and turnip crops aro good, and feed generally is still plentiful. Very little grass-seed has, however, been saved owing to the feed having beon required before the rains of November and December fell. HIGHBANK AND BARRHILL.

Both these districts have a large tract of country under white and root crops, and farmers anticipate yields exceeding those recorded last year by at least seven to ten bushels per acre. Grubs did some damage here in the spring, but in spite of that the grain is better filled, and this will more than make up tho deficiency caused by the thin and bare patchos. Stock are doing remarkably well, and a large number of lambs have already been sent to the freezing works. Many of the root crops could not look better, and, turnips Doing at present free from disease, farmers should be able to reap remunerative returns when they arc fed off. Tho farmers of Highbank and Barriiill have, therefore, no reason for complaint. Harvesting will not bo general in tho districts for at least twelve days or a fortnight. METHVEN. Tho Methven district lias always figured prominently as a fiuo graingrowing country, and this year it,has not by any means lost its enviable reputation in the direction indicated. The crops recovered in a remarkable manner from their sickly condition before the rain, and as in other districts the yields of cereals are estimated to exceed those of last year by several bushels per acre. The grain has developed very finely, unci tho ears are well fillod. Certainly tho straw is much shorter than it was last year, but this is a matter that little concerns the farmer, as long as there is plenty of plump grain. Quito a number of the wheat crops to be seen from the roads will yield up to 40 bushels per acre, and oats up to 45 bushels, m some cases perhaps more. The average yield, however, will fa", short of 111686* figures. Turnip crops present a fine healthy appearance, and a somewhat larger acreage has been sown under this crop than there was la.st season. The dairying industry is thriving wonderfully well, and the supply at the . creamery i.s being woil kept up. Thoso engaged in this branch of farming say they are making good payable returns, and intend to go in for it on a larger scale next season. Tho feed supply is still holding out in an encouraging way, and a fairly large number of lambs in the primest condition have already been sent away. Farmers on the Springfield Estate have good prospects ahead of them; in fact distinctly better than last season, when the prospects wore not so good as was anticipated. The straw is comparatively short; but the grain has filled out very plump, and there will be little or no seconds in the wheat crops. Somo of tho oat crops are certainly not so heavy as they should be, but this is tho fault of the earlier part or* the season, and does not reflect on the oxcellent capabilities of the soil. Much of the land at Springfield is being well farmed, and is therefore capable of giving good average cropping returns for many years. > WINCHMORE.

For several seasons, as a result mainly of the visitation of hailstorms and dry weather, the farmers in tho AY inchmore district have not experienced the best of luck, but the present season promises to reward their labours. Stock feed is plentiful, and the cereal crops having recovered from the effects of the dry weather during October and tho beginning of November., have since Idled out and tho corn is almost as largo as peas, with little or no seconds. In tho absence of statistics regarding the acreage under white crops only an approximate estimate can be given, but it is very apparent thai; there is a much larger a'rea under both root and cereal crops as compared , with last vear. Contrary to experience in former year*, tho late-sown crons are. if anything, better than those sown at an earlier period, a result no doubt directly attributable to the late rains. Fortunately tho larger area was sown in late cereals, so that the crops generally are uniformly good, although in some instances tho growth is thin in patches as a result of the attack of grass grubs at an earlier date of the year. In cases where second sowings had to be carried out, the crops have mado wonderful progress, the class of wheat sown being chiefly solid straw Tuscan. However, the largest acreage of wheat sown is Hunter's, which is a root that appears to bo particularly adapted to "the character of the soil in the district. A fair acreage of oats has already been reaped, and during , the present week the whir of the bind- : ers should be heard on all sides. After the oats have been reaped, farmers will bo ready to put their machines in the wheat crops, so that tho harvest will be continuously in progress until it has been completed. According to an old and practical farmer in the AVinchmore district, the yields should average as follows:—Oats, 38 to 42 bushels per acre; wheat, 20 to 25 bushels per acre. Theso estimates are quite ton bushels per acre above last year's totals. There has not been much grass seed reaped or stripped this season, but rape and turnip crops present a very healthy and promising appearance, and tho former crop has already stood a groat deal of feeding off. Pat lambs ara now getting into prime condition; indeod, a fairly' largo number have already beon sent to tho freezing worksASHBURTON FORKS. There is no apparent decrease in tho ordinary cropping acreage in the districts included in the fine strotch of country comprising Ashburton Forks and Alford, and experienced farmers state that, taken, as a whole, tho harvest prospects aro distinctly brighter than they 'were last season, and provided nothing occurs till tho grain has been safely garnered and threshed, ithey are confident that tho yields will exceed those of last season, on

the average, by at least seven to ton bushels per acre. Tho very early-sown orops aro not looking as promising as they usually do, as the dry weather of October and November has left its indelible mark. On the heaviest land the crops, more particularly wheat, while comparatively short in the straw, are exceptionally we'll filled, and yields of wheat and oats ranging between thirty and forty bushels will not bo uncommon after 'tho threshing machines havo done their work; but on tho lighter soils the crops will not, ol course, givo such proiifio returns. Ono outstanding feature in the Forks district, us elsewhere, is that the crops on land that has boon skim-ploughed and thoroughly cultivated are infinitely hotter than thoso sown on the first furrow. An unusually largo acreage has been sown in peas, and somo of these will easily thresh a return of forty bushels per acre, which at 4s per bushel will bring in a satisfactory return to tho grower. Ono drawback, however, to growing peas is that they are somewhat difficult to harvest, but the cultivation of this class of crop lias many compensating advantages. Root crops have also been largely cultivated this season, more particularly in the upper district, and as a wholo theso nave "struck" well and flourished in a very promising manner. Altogether the farmers in this part of tho county should bo deservingly rewarded for their year's work by reaping rich harvest returns. Harvest work has already commenced, but is not general. The crops, cereal and root, in tho district on the outskirts of Upper Ashburton are promising well, and returns will unquestionably exceed thoso of last harvest. In this district, tho field trials conducted under the supervision of the Agricultural Department on the farm of Mr George M'Rao offer a fine object-lesson on the great value of scientific farming. Tests with and without manure havo been made, and it is interesting to note that the manured plots are invariably superior, both from point of quality and quantity. Various classes of grain havo also been experimented with, and when threshed they should be an excellent guide to farmers as to the most suitable varieties to cultivate in the future.

CHERTSEY. OVERDALE, DiIOMORE AND FAIRFIELD. Appearances may ho deceptive, but thero does not seem to be so much land under white crops this season as is usually sown in the districts named, more root crops having been grown; a remark which applies especially to the Fairfield and Dromoro districts. Thero are some fine crops of wheat and oats in the Ovordale and Chertsey districts, where harvest has commenced, and although the straw for the most part is short, tho grain has matured exceptionally well. The crops, too, are fairly uniform in growth, and are likely to thresh more satisfactorily than farmers anticipate; but, as a wholo, a substantial increase on la.st year's returns i.s confidently expected, while the grain will bo a better sample. Average wheat yields should range between 23 and 2G bushels per aero, while oats should give 33 bushels. Of course, it should bo recognised that there are seme late crops that for the season will yield unusually high, while early-sown ones, that ripened too quickly, will reduce tho average to approximately tho estimates given above. Boot crops aro locking well, are free, so far, from parasitic, diseases, and will pay the glower handsomely. As far as grain growing is concerned, tho Dromoro district this season has suffered a severe sot-back as a result of tho dry weather and tho extensive damage done by the grass grubs. There is not a district in the county in which the grubs have worked such destruction, and, taken as a wholo, yields are sure to be below thoso of any ordinary year. Still, many farmers have entirely escaped from tho ravages .of the grubs, and in these instances thero will bo yields of well-developed grain much in excess of last year's returns. Oats havo been mainly sown, and while some crops will thresh out over 35 bushels per acre, it is difficult to strike' an average on account of tho patchy character of the crops on a comparatively large area. Root crops (turnips) have dene exceptionally well, and some of tho finest "strikes" on the Plains are to be semi at Dromore. Feed is still fairly plentiful, stock has thrived satisfactorily, and the harvest prospects, although not so bright as they might have been, have been distinctly worse in former years. A good acreage of crop has already been reaped, and late crops have done much better than those sown early.

Grubs have not worked equal havoc in the Fairfield district, and the oat crops will yield slightly better thai] last year. Stock is finishing "off satisfactorily, feed is by no means scarce, root wops aro above the average, and altogether the farmers of the district arc confident of making a larger turnover this season than last. Harvest work hare is well advanced. LONGBEACH.

It is impossible to deal comprehensively with that fine tract ol' country comprising the Longbeach riding of the county, which includes some of the richest and most fertile land in Canterbury. However, in common with other parts, the land is patchy in character, and it would therefore, bo impossible at this stage of the season to strike, anything like a general average over the whole of the largo riding; but fanners of practical experience agree, that the yields will, on an average, exceed those of last year by at least heven to ten bushels per acre. The straw being short, great substance has gone into the. ears of the grain, which are generally well-filled, and tho sample is plump. Travelling down Graham's Road from Tinwald 10 Ashton, and thence to Longbeach, there are some typical crops of cereals, some of which will unquestionably yield over 40 bushels per aero, but the average will not fall far short of "3 to 30 bushels per acre, including ootli wheat and oats. Farmers appear satisfied, and that is saying a goocl deal. The districts of Huntingdon, AVheatstono, Ashton nnd Watorton are looking much better than they did at a corresponding period last year, and the fertility of tho hind has not belied itself. Harvesting on the dry soils is now in fairly full progress, some of the oat crops are in stack, stock are in goocl condition, and the root crops aro even and well grown. Although the crops on the Longbeach Estate do not cover such a largo area as in former years, thoy will bring the owner good payable returns. The sample is plump and generally good, and some of the wheat crops should yield up to 45 bushels per acre, and onts correspondingly higher, say over 54 bushels per acre. On tho swampy lands of Eiffelton, Flemington and 'Willow by the crops are particularly promising, and should thresh from seven to ton bushels in excess of last year. The main portion of tho white crop is wheat, and, according to farmers, tho average yield will reach 35 bushels per acre, if not slightly better. Some of the wheat

crops will thresh out over 45 bushels, but these instances are not common. Tho average yield of oats can be safely set down at between 40 and 45 bushels per aero, but thero arc several paddocks of Algerians that command attention that will givo a return of from GG to 70 bushels. Root (Tops aro making a particularly iiuo show. In and around Tinwald tho yields as compared with last year will bo infinitely better. Some of tho crops on Cartor's Terrace are the finest that havo been grown for several years, and will thresh between 55 and GO bushels per acre.

At Window and Windermere harvesting is well advanced, and stacking has commenced. Sorao of the crops are unusually light, while others aro good. On the whole, tho average yield will exceed last year's return by several bushels per aero. Root crops look well, and iced is holding out well. Tho crops on the light land in tho Hinds and Ealing districts aro mostly in stack, and will, according to growers, yield from 23 to 27 bushels per acre, while a fair average for the wheat crops on tho light land is from 15 to 17 bushels. There aro some lino crops, however, on tho hoavy lands bordering the river, and hero the yields will bo substantial, and, therefore, will increase the average. Tho dairying industry is making encouraging headway, and, on account of this branch of farming having boon firmly established in tho district, thoro has not been so much grain sewn on tho heavy land this season.

The fertile swampy land at Coldstroam and Lowecliffes is producing somo heavy crops this season much hotter than last. Tho straw is shorter, and thoro is almost an entire absence of blight, while tho ears of both oats and wheat are exceptionally well filled. Tho root crops are a sight to charm the eye of tho agriculturist, and feed of other classes is abundant. RANGITATA. '

Without endeavouring to make any invidious comparison, the farmers in tho greater part of tho Rangitata riding appear to enjoy a charmed existence, both in dry and wet seasons. Of course, a good deal of the lower part of the., riding i.s dry land, but from Mayfield up to the huso of the hills rains fall frequently, and, it would appear, always when it is urgently required. In the Maroiiai), Lismore and Upper Hinds districts, where *he laud varies from first-class agricultural soil to medium-class pastoral and agricultural combined, the conditions prevailing at present are,infinitely more encouraging than they wore last year at a corresponding period, and the average yield of oats and wheat will be at least seven bushels in excess of that recorded for the preceding harvest. j What is of far greater importance, however, is that the samples are plump. Late-sown, oat crops have done better than the early ones, and generally tho root- crops aro a complete success, and stock feed is by no means scarce. Harvesting has commenced.

At Carew, Hackthorr.e, Ruapuna, Montalto, Hckeao and Mayfield farmers have been particularly favoured. The country looks fresh, feed is in abundance, rape and turnip crops form an agricultural picture, while the majority of the oat crops will yield prolifically, many over GO bushels per acre. Wheat has not been extensively sown, but this cereal gives promise of good results. Stock has done unusually well, aud Jambs are arriving at maturity at an exceptionally early date. The dairying industry has been entered into with much enthusiasm in and around Mayfield with gratifying results to those engaged in it, and the supply of milk at the creamery in the district has been kepi up to a largo volume throughout tho season.

'J.lie prevailing conditions in the district* of Staveley, Mount Soiuers, Anama und Springburn are also encouraguig. Tho oat and root crops are healthy and generally promising, and tho dairying industry in the bush country is making singularly good progress. Feed is plentiful and a largo supply of milk is taken daily to the Staveley Company's creamery, and this is likely to be maintained for some considerable time. At Valotta and Upper Westerfield tho country also looks well, and in appearance the oat and root crops are bettor than they were last season at a similar period. Farmers in the district appear to be prosperous and contented. / , Passing through the heavy land of Westerfiokl and Lagnibor one cannot fail to observe a very encouraging state of affairs. The majority of the crops premise prolific yields u\> to 50 bushels, in striking contrast to those of last year. Tho country under review has seldom looked better than it does this season., and as compared with last year the yields in many instances will 'bo doubled. Thirty-five bushel crops of wheat will be common, and a number of oat crops promise to yield up to '3 bushels per acre. Reaping is in progress, and a paddock of Algerian oats has been threshed, which yielded 30 bushels per acre—last year's return from the same land having been* 15 bushels. The oats in question have been sold by tho grower at 2s per bushel. A COMPARISON. A careful analysis shows conclusively that tho condition of the county at the present time is infinitely better than was the case at a corresponding period in 1910. Tho cereal and root crops are much in advance of what they were last year, the former by fully seven bushels per acre, and there is every reason to expect that prices for the new season's grain will compare favourably with the openLog rates for the harvest of 1910. Tho prices at present ruling for fat lambs are better, and in tho event of tho successful ingathering of tlto crops it is safe to assume that tho season will result more advantageously to farmers than its predecessors.