“MOST DIFFICULT SEASON”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 13 January 1944, Page 3

“MOST DIFFICULT SEASON”

REPORT TO LINCOLN COLLEGE BOARD "The month has been characterised by high temperatures, strong winds, and abnormally dry conditions,” said the director of Canterbury Agricultural College (Professor E. R, Hudson), in a report presented at a meeting of the college Board of Governors this week (reports “The Press”). “Only 44 points of rain were recorded, and this small precipitation, following upon only 67 points in the preceding month, has resulted in one of the most difficult seasons experienced for many years. “Spring-grown crops are extremely poor and low yields of lupins, peas, linseed flax, and barley will be experienced. Crops for summer feeding and lamb fattening are almost a complete failure. Winter forage crops have had a very unfavourable start. “Wheat yields will probably be 25 per cent, below those which would have been obtained in a normal year. “Pasture production has been at a standstill and little feed is available for stock. Hand feeding of the dairy herd is being practised and difficulty will be experienced in fattening lambs. Fortunately 500 have already been dispatched to the works from Ashley Dene and about 200 will be going from the college as soon as killing operations are resumed. No serious falling off in the condition of stock has yet occurred, but if existing conditions continue this must result. “The prospects for forage crops for next winter are not good, hay reserves are lighter than for several years past, but on the other hand heavy rain falling within the next two months should give a very big growth from pastures. By this I mean that there has been no drain on soil fertility. It is considered that there is not yet any cause for serious misgivings so far as next winter is concerned. “The shearing of Ashley Dene ewes was deferred pending the taking of a draft of fat lambs, but this is now in progress and should be completed within a day or two. Wool shows some evidence of the hard winter experienced and is not as well grown and sound as usual. “Harvesting operations are in full swing and as many of the crops had to be cut earlier than usual it was found necessary to abandon the field day which was to have been held at the present time.”