WAIMEA NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 7

WAIMEA NOTES

With tho advent of August we usually look for milder weather with tho grass showing signs of spring growth, but at present we are experiencing & run of hard frosts^—tho most severe wo have had this winter—and though the days are beautifully warm and sunny, thoro will be little growth until wo have a warm rain followed by a spoil of mild weather. The winter, taken right through, has been unusually mild, and there are those who suggest that tho spring will ho cold, with a succession if frosts which should have come a month or more earlier. Let us hope that these prophets are wrong, for tho fa finer has scarcely recovered from tho disastrous 1927-28 season with its late cold spring and dry, hot summer. Though tho grass is not . making milch growth, otbor signs of spring are not wanting, \oung lambs may be seen in all directions frisking about in the warm sunshine, an occasional fruit treo is in blossom, while small shoals of whitebait are making their appearance in tho river. " . t It is quite obvious that Waimea, larmers are recognising the vaiuo of Inning and top-dressing their land. In ai directions they are to be seen at work with their drills, while lorry loads ol lime and manure are to be met with in all parts of the district. The destvuct.ioirby fire of the timeworks at Kaka has been a great loss to the Nelson farmers. The lime was of exceptionally fine quality and, as it is carried freight free on tho railways, it could be landed in tbe -AVaimeas very cheaply. The destruction of the Kaka works has led to an increased demand -for btoko lime. The works there are going at high pressure to cope with the demand and. though orders can not always Im tilled at once, there is very Ijttle delay in their fulfilment. ' , . With the high prices ruling for dairy produce, (lie farmers are looking forward to increased returns from their dairy herds. The Waimea Company has sold its output of cheese until (ho end of December for 9id per lb. This is equal to over 2s per lb butterfat—a most satisfactory price. At present extensive repairs are being carried out at the factory, and when these are finished it is anticipated that the working costs will ho substantially reduced. Although .the da hying season cannot, lie saiil "to have begun, arrangements have already been mado for tho supply of “bobby” calves to the local freezingworks.' It. is understood that tho price of these will also show an increase, the amount paid being 7s per calf.. However, this season it is'stipulated that Hie calves must be live days old, instead of three, days as previously. Still. 7s is a good price for a caff ami to' the man with 20 cows they will mean quite a tidy sum. Altogether tho dairy farmers can look forward to a. profitable season with the high prices at present ruling tor produce.