AN OPEN SEASON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26215, 27 July 1946, Page 4

AN OPEN SEASON

QUALITY IN STOCK OTAGO’S GOOD POSITION The open season which has been experienced. in Otago and Southland has been exceptionally favourable to stock and there is ample evidence that the quality ■of all classes has improved. Fat cattle have been coming in tQ the Dunedin market in excellent condition. It has been noticeable at Burnside that a steady demand is being maintained for wethers instead of for the heavier weights of ewes as has been the case in past years. ' There is usually a dearth of cattle during September and October, ■ between winter and spring feeding, but there is everything to suggest that a continuation of the present mild weather will provide a > better supply this year than for many years past. •» , . Exceptional prices have been paid at Burnside recently for fat pigs. The scarcity of pig feeds has caused many breeders to cease or curtail production, and sufficient supplies are not coming to hand. Young stores have been in particular demand. Breeders operating in a small way have been influenced by the regulations which provide .that all pigs shall ,go through the open market. The exceptional weather has not had any appreciable effect on the clubroot and dry rot that have been affecting turnip-growing in Otago. 'lt appears that the fault is in the seed itself or in the ground. The production of small seeds has increased considerably, and this will be helped by the prevalent conditions. A less fortunate feature of the season is the encouragement it has given to the grass grub. It has increased in parts of Otago and some pastures have been eaten out To the stage where replanting will be necessary. Black barblock concertina wire, steel screw nlckets, gas cookers, etc., are advertised for sale by the War Assets Realisation Board