EASTERN SOUTHLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21386, 14 July 1931, Page 11

EASTERN SOUTHLAND

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Severe frosts continue throughout the district and from 18 to 21 degrees of frost have been experienced at Gore, but the chill of the nights has been more than offset by brilliant sunshine daily. It would naturally follow that such conditions have not assisted the man on the land who is anxious to turn over his stubble and ploughing operations are practically at a standstill. Fa. aiers, however, have time well spent in'giving necessary attention to buildings and fences. So far there is no indication of a shortage of winter feed. Stock is gradually being shifted on to the turnips and if there, is not an abundant supply of such feed there is at least a sufficient quantity to carry stock over till the spring flush of pasture. A few agriculturists sowed down more than was neeessarv for their own requirements and are demanding something in advance of usual rates for areas for lease, an average of fourpence per head per week for ewes being easily forthcoming, while in some instances sales have been effected at a higher figure. THE STOCK MARKET. Seasonably small yardings are a feature of the stock sales held recently in the district. Although fats continue to interest butchers and dealers who have showed an inclination to operate within limits, little business has been done in the store section. Good prime heavy wethers changed hands at up to 17s, with lighter sorts ranging down to 14s, while in the cattle pens lots have been acquired at from £7 10s to £8 15s for prime heavy bullocks and up to £5 10s for fat heifers. THE DAIRYING SEASON. The dairying season is at an end so far as the factories are concerned. The Mataura factory, the last to cease operations, closed at the end of the week, and from now on the various secretaries will be busy preparing the books for the annual meetings of shareholders. Doubtless suppliers will find little cause for satisfaction when the balance sheets are presented, but there must be some consolation in the knowledge that the pay out will probably exceed that made in Taranaki. A healthier tone is in evidence in the cheese market and the most recent sale to be recorded was made during the week when the, Brydone, Edendale, and Fresgford factories disposed' of their outputs in store and afloat at 6 per lb. Current market quotations are up to 62s per cwt, which is equal (including exchange) to 6.06 d per lb f.o.b. The latter end of the season has been given over to the manufacture of butter, the market for which remains firm. HERD TESTING. Dairy farmers generally, despite the restricted returns for their produce, have carried out herd-testing operations throughout the season. A decrease in the number of herds brought under test has certainly been noticeable, but the officers of the association have been kept busy. Herds in the Mataura Valley are showing a remarkable improvement each year, but much can yet be accomplished in this respect. Comparatively speaking, the figures submitted by the association in certain localities bear out the claim made that the standard of the herds under test and the quality of the m;lk supplied to the factories have been greatly improved in Eastern Southland.