DECLINE IN SHEEP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23388, 3 July 1939, Page 8

DECLINE IN SHEEP

Right on top of the estimate that dairy production for the season now ending will show a decline of 18,000 tons comes the interim sheep return, revealing a disturbing decrease of 521,225 in the Dominion's sheep population. Figures like these make gloomy reading, especially at a time when the leaders of the Government are exhorting all sections of the community to increase production, but it would be dangerous to simulate equanimity by ignoring the facts. In this instance no blame can be attached to the primary producer. A bad season, accentuated by further increases in farming costs, has been responsible for his difficulties. It is true that in the past the fanning industry has shown itself to be possessed of amazing recuperative powers, but under the present circumstances the Government has a clear duty to see that recovery is helped and not hindered. The decline in the number of sheep can probably be attributed to a number of causes. In the first place, there was the poor lambing season, responsible for an estimated decrease of 504,352 on the previous season's figures. Then, following an unfavourable spring, there was the long spell of dry weather in summer, necessitating earlier and more numerous killings than would normally have been the case. This latter factor is reflected in the increase of 618,000 carcases in mutton and lamb exports. A check in the natural increase of Hocks has thus been followed by an abnormal decline. In view of British restrictions on mutton and lamb exports, a possible fall in next season's meat production may have no immediately serious consequences, but a reduction in the wool clip, which must be regarded almost as a certainty, will make the plight of the sheepfarmers more difficult than ever.