AUTUMN GROWTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24878, 27 April 1944, Page 4

AUTUMN GROWTH

higher farm output good entry to winter With rainfall above the average during the early autumn conditions in farming districts are exceptionally favourable for the drive for increased *ood production during the coming season <> meet the demands of the Imited Nations. . ~ Pastures are flourishing m all districts, and milk output bince March has made a remarkable recovery after setback of the dry spell earlier in the season. The abundant growth has covered the countryside with a green sward, giving farming areas the appearance of spring rather than the bleakness heralding the approach of winter Mild temperatures have a!so stimulate I growth and production and no frosts nave yet occurred in the Waikato tin. autumn, which is unusual. Winter Feed Conserved Farmers say that the autumn is one of the best from a productive point or view that some districts have experienced, in spite of the drawback oi the reduced quantity of fertiliser supplies. Any increase to improve the nutriment value of the spring growth would yield good dividends in butter-fat output. In consequence of the present flush 01 grass, feeding out has not yet become necessary and farmers are able safely to conserve winter feed supplies which will be available to bring stock into the next production season in good heart. With such a start, and the hope of an increased ration of fertiliser, farmers are optimistic as to the results of their effort on the food front. Increase in Butter-lat The effects of the favourable turn in the season have been shown in the returns for March, in which the output of butter showed a substantial increase over that of the previous season. Gradirgs for export in that month were I over 14 per cent higher than those of I March, 1943. Some of this increase took place at tne expense of cheese, but in terms of butter-fat produce graded for export for the first eight months of the current season is now only a little more than 12 per cent less than that of the corresponding period of the previous season and about 19 per cent below that for the eight months of the 1941-42 season.