FARMING IN WAIKATO

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6668, 23 July 1928, Page 10

FARMING IN WAIKATO

FEELING or optimism:. PROSPECTS TOK THE SEASON. Prospects for all branches of the farming industry in the Waikato for the coming season appear to be brighter Jdym they have been since 1921, and a spirit of optimism is in evidence. The winter has been comparatively mild, only a few frosts having been experienced. There has not been an excessive fall of rain. The heavy top-dressingsof fertilisers which the farms have received during the past IS months have had a very beneficial effect on the pastures, which are in good heart. The dairy stock has never been in better condition and calving is proceeding satisfactorily. The dry weather experienced during the early months of this year suited the sheep - farmers, and the ewes ' throughout the district are in splendid condition. The lambing season is in progress and numerous lambs arc to be seen with the flocks. The first lamb born at the Euakura State farm made its appearance two days ago, and since then six more have been born. The stud and Southdown flock ewes arc producing fine quality animals, and indications point to this season being highly successful. The present weather is ideal for lambing. Lambs will come forward in increasing numbers for the next eight weeks. The majority of the Waikato sheep breeders arc principally concern-ed-with the fat lamb trade, and reports indictatc that the prospects for this business arc very cheerful. There is a keen demand for beef and fat cattle breeders arc optimistic regarding the outlook. Another sign that better times arc ahead is that the AVaikato land market has been very busy lately. There is a keen demand for one-man farms and several large propertic -shave been subdivided to meet this demand. Land agents report that they have transacted more business this winter than they have done for years.