AUSTRALIAN WHEAT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22710, 24 October 1935, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN WHEAT

CROPS IN NEW SOUTH WALES AN OFFICIAL ESTIMATE The Government Statistician of New South Wales (Mr T. Waites) has received particulars relating to the areas sown, or expected to be sown, with wheat during the current season 1935-30, and the following estimate is compiled from returns supplied by wheatgrowers throughout the State:The total area sown was 4,039,800 acres, of which it was stated by growers that 3,813,900 acres are to be harvested for grain and 225,900 acres cut for hay. As compared with the total area sown in 1934, there was a decrease of 85,500 acres, or 2.1 per cent. In January rainfall in excess of normal was experienced over the major portion of the wheat belt, but in, the western portions of the plains and Riverina only light falls occurred. The February rainfall showed considerable variations, and, while the southern and central wheat areas generally received more than normal, the northern section had only meagre falls. Dry conditions prevailed in March except in a small section of southern Riverina. Ploughing operations were retarded, and in early districts sowing was commenced on dry seed beds. In April beneficial rains fell in the wheat areas south of the Lachlan River and good germination resulted, while conditions for further planting were ideal. In northern areas, however, the light, scattered rains were insufficient to compact the seed beds and to provide satisfactory conditions for sowing and germination. Light showers only were received during May, and sowing was practically completed in southern und central areas, where the position generally was favourable. In the northern and western areas the continued dry spell seriously affected the sowing and germination. Dry conditions prevailed until the last day of June, when good rains fell in the northern areas, ensuring germination of wheat sown and permitting of some very late sowing. In western areas drying winds and severe frosts, combined with lack of rain, checked the crops and created unfavourable prospects. Southern crops were in good condition, but needed soaking rains to ensure success. In July rainfall in excess of normal was experienced in the greater portion of the wheat belt. The southern areas were especially favoured and prospects of good yields were in sight. In the northern and western areas conditions were not so satisfactory and patchy germination and sparse Btooling were in evidence. The August rainfall was below ' average, and in the northern and western areas the position wag serious, early and substantial falls being necessary to avoid failures. In the eastern Riverina and the southwestern- slopes good growth _ continued, while in the southern portion of the central western slopes crops were about normal. Almost generally there was • a lack of soil moisture, and steady rains were required in anticipation of warmer weather. In September serviceable rain was received in the northern and southern sections of the wheat belt, the central portions generally being below normal. The number of holdings on which wheat was grown this season was 15,706.