FARMING NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 63, 12 February 1936, Page 5

FARMING NEWS.

RURAL RAKINGS. •Exports of wool from Australia in the six months lo December 31 totalled 1,459,053 bales, an increase of 241.591 bales on the exports in the corresponding period of 1934. Britain took 534,053 bales, Japan 366,170, and Belgium 205,788. Nearly all the importing countries took increased supplies, a notable exception being Italy, which took only 6776 bales compared with 30,056 in the 1934 half-year. Patches of manuka scrub in the Wanganui district are displaying withered leaves and on investigation it has been found that a small grub is the cause. It attaches itself to the higher branches of the' scrub and apparently feeds on the leaves. A property owner expressed the hope that it would one day develop a liking for gorse. The Whangarci branch of the Farmers’ Union has recorded a definite shortage of fnnrf. labour in the district, and attributes this to more attractive forms of employment being available for single men. In a remit, the branch has expressed its opinion that where the size or production of individual properties permits, the provision of separate living accommodation for married men would tend to case the problem of securing suitable farm labour. Three litters totalling 54 pigs within a year is tho record of a Large White sow owned by Mr M. K. Hatriek, of Waimatc North. Last February tho pig produced a little of 12, in August a litter of 20, and a few days ago 22 As baconers this sow’s progeny at the current price of bacon would fetch more than £l5O.

Crops of Cross 7 wheat are now being harvested all over the country and are giving generally satisfactory results (says a Christchurch paper). It is to be remembered that is was never claimed that Cross 7 would yield more than Tuscan, but only that it would be about equal in yield to that standard variety. Its claim to value lies in its better milling and baking quality. In addition to this it has certain habits of growth that increase its value; for instance, it has shorter straw, stands up much better, and ripens a few days earlier. The resistance to lodging has proved this year of great value in South Canterbury and it- is probable that a large area will be sown there next year.