HAWKE’S BAY’S SEASON

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6901, 6 May 1929, Page 10

HAWKE’S BAY’S SEASON

A Rising Production

BURNING SURPLUS FEED

Over half a century's farming of the high-class sheep country of uawke 'a Bay has lessened its productive capacity not a whit, says an exchange. In puint. of fact, without the aid of topdressing, production per acre is, in most cases, definitely increasing as the result of closer settlement and improved farming methods. Except on some of the flats which comprise a relatively small proportion of trio province, very little topdressing has been done. The view of many farmers on this rich limestone and papa country is that there would be little advantage in further increasing the naturally prolific pasture growth in tile summer season, since in many eases it already necessitates very heavy stocking for control purposes, with the result that in the leaner months of Iho winter the farmer finds himself embarrassed with a surplus of stock. But those advancing that view in no wise discount the value of manuring. It is recognised, too, that in many cases on such rich land, top dressing can be made a valuable ally by the most expert of farmers in the manipulation and marketing of stock. Of recent years a notable feature of development in Hawke’s Bay lias been the cutting up of large estates of firstclass country, by owners providing for their families. The increase in production per aero resulting from this natural subdivision is in many cases -remarkable. These new owners of smaller areas usually “take over” strongly financed, with an intimate knowledge of the country, and generally fitted to make an immediate success of their venture.

The IO2S-20 fanning season in Hawke’s Bay has been one of the very best on record, both from the points of view of production and market values. There are farmers with a life-long experience of the land there who arc positive that the past season was a distinctly margined record. The autumn found Hawke’s Bay, in common with most pastoral areas of the Dominion, with-a great surplus of feed. So great, in fact, that grass burning on dantlionia country has in recent months been widely resorted to.. There has been an exceptional demand for cattle for pasture control purposes. Early buyers who filled their needs at moderate prices count themselves fortunate and those who expect to be able to carry bullocks fat through the winter and into the spring are expecting to reap a comfortable profit on their compulsory investment.