Cowmen Are Turning Over To Sheep

Northern Advocate, 11 January 1938, Page 7

Cowmen Are Turning Over To Sheep

I, Special To “Northern Advocate 1 '! HAMILTON, This Day. Considerable concern is being expressed by leading dairy industry men in the Waikato regarding the tendency of dairy farmers to reduce the number of their cows and replace them with

sheep. This movement is growing rapidly, as is revealed in the official figures over the past few years.

Several leaders of the industry consider that the movement will have national repercussions in the financial

returns of the country.

Questioned as to the reasons for the change over, some leaders frankly admit that farmers prefer to make

financial sacrifices rather than continue tolerating the worries of obtaining and retaining satisfactory farm labour.

Experienced milkers were difficult to obtain, and the better monetary inducements offered on other labour markets were producing an unsettling effect which made it difficult to keep the labour available.

Another factor is the demand for better accommodatincu for farm workers.

It is admitted that sheep do not require so much attention as do cows, although the rising cost of shearing is becoming a serious factor in the wool industry.

Uncertainty as to* the future of the guaranteed price and its capacity to cover the increase in farm costs and establish a reasonable standard of living for the farpner has been given as another reason for the decreasing popularity of dairy farming. There is every indication, said some leaders, that the aggregate output of dairy products in the current, season will be less than for previous seasons.