NEW DAIRY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21251, 3 August 1932, Page 12

NEW DAIRY SEASON

A FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK STOCK IN GOOD CONDITION ABUNDANCE OF AUTUMN GROWTH Dairy herds throughout > tho Auckland Province are in particularly good condition owing to an abundance of autumn growth and tho opening of tho new season should bo accompanied by heavy production. Tho season is now in its early beginnings, but present indications are most encouraging. During tho past season tho total dairying output of tho province was slightly above tho previous season's figure. Although tho output from tho Waikato and central Auckland districts was checked by a dry sumjjier, there was plenty of rain in North Auckland and phenomenal results were secured. One of tho features of tho past few years has been tho development of North Auckland as a dairying district. Suppliers have increased and the factories in the North have made rapid strides in building up their output. Mild autumn weather in all parts of the province resulted in a "bumper" growth of grass. Ample supplies of winter feed were assured and herds have maintained their condition. Tho new spring growth will not coine away until Septemfber and at present, when the grass is "dead," ensilage, hay and roots are the main fodder supplies. There have been plentiful supplies of feed for early calvers. Good Appearance of Herds Dairymen are particularly pleased with the way the stock has carried and visitors to country districts state that the herds present a good appearance. Too much will depend upon the weather conditions from now until the end of the year to forecast at present. One dairyman said yesterday that every hope was held for a good season. "Tho stock is in such good 'nick' that they will have a flying start," he said. "When pastures come to life they should respond at once." A large increase in the number of suppliers is predicted this year. Owing to low prices for wool and fat stock there has been a considerable turnover to the dairying industry and butter-fat has become the mainstay of the primhry producer. This was reflected in the increase of suppliers, more especially to North Auckland factories, during the past season, and there should bo a further increase this year. Maori suppliers are also on the increase due to the native land consolidation scheme and the assistance they have received from tho Native Department., Production Per Oow One result of the extension of dairying country at tho expense of grazing country was a slight lowering in tho production per cow during the past season. Much of the country used for dairying has not been entirely suitable and probably during the coming season there will bo a similar tendency. However, recent years have seen a steady improvement in the average production, which eight years ago stood at 1601b. fat per cow. It is now woll over 2001b. per cow. It is not expected that there will be any shortage of dairy stock consequent on the increase in suppliers. It is pointed out that the Waikato and central Auckland districts are well established as dairying areas and tho principal field for increase is in the North Auckland district. Owing to the operation of the 4A scheme, farm labour should not bo difficult to obtain. In addition, the closing of opportunities in tha cities has resulted in whole families being engaged on farms. According to tho manager of a city registry office these factors have caused a lessening in the demand for youths and share-milkers for farm work. In dairying opinion, the London market shows a fairly favourable tone. A certain amount of buying has taken place for finest grade butter, August and September shipment, at lid f.0.b., which is about Id below the figure at the corresponding time last year. Prices are better than iu recent, weeks.