Good Farm Conditions Continue

Northern Advocate, 30 April 1940, Page 9

Good Farm Conditions Continue

Sustained dairy production, consequent upon the unusually prolific autumn growth of grass, has been the feature of farming operations throughout Northland during the past month. All dairy companies are well ahead of last season's output, while in some of the more recently developed areas, where fresh country is still being brought in, record figures have been established. Although the season is far advanced and three slight frosts have occurred, pasture is still making movement. Rain has been sufficient to promote feed growth, but has not occurred in excessive quantities. Milking In Comfort. One pleasing effect of this has been that farmers have been able to continue milking longer than usual without unpleasant wet conditions round yards and sheds. This, again, coupled with the absence of really hot weather, has had its effect in the quality of the cream —grading figures for the province having been most satisfactory. All kinds of stock will be facing the winter in excellent condition. The cold, clear weather of the past month has been especially beneficial for flocks, and there are more forward conditioned lambs than for many years past. Ample Hay Reserves. Most farms are holding large stocks of hay, final cuts being made as late as the end of March. Crops have harvested well, maize being particularly abundant. With the export season coming to an end, and congestion at the freezing works fewer boner cattle are changing hands, dealers, in some instances, having been-caught with a surplus and faced with a grazing problem until their stock can be killed.Already some demand for milking cattle is apparent and at recent clearing sales good grade stock has been selling freely at prices well in advance of the corresponding period last season. Pig Demand Slackens. Prices for pigs, which have established all time records, are now beginning to tail off with less milk available. A few store pigs are being acquired by those who make a practice of carrying them over until the spring, when excellent prices are commanded. In Northland stores are mainly carried through on fern runs. Farmers are evidently anticipating a wartime shortage of materials and at clearing sales wire and secondhand iron are being sought after eagerly.