COUNTRY LOOKING WELL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26904, 16 October 1948, Page 9

COUNTRY LOOKING WELL

THE FARM

Although the recent break in the weather caused losses of stock in parts of Otago—confined mostly to the Heriot and Tapanui districts where individual losses of newly-shorn sheep and ypung lambs were particularly heavy—the country generally is looking particularly well at present. The spring is at a more advanced stage than it was at this time in previous years, and a result is the abundance of feed for stock. The past winter was an exceptionally good one, and proof of this can be seen in the very fine display of stock which is coming forward to the Burnside markets. Many years have passed since stock came forward to Burnside in such excellent condition as at present. Farmers of Otago generally are busily engaged in cultivating land for turnips and greed feed, and this work is at a fairly advanced stage. Shearing has been at a standstill as a result of the broken weather, but will be in full swing ag soon as the weather improves. Early shearing has become very popular in various parts of Otago. Although there have been some disastrous results at times, the farmers still speak fairly highly of the advantages gained by getting the wool off the sheep at an early date This practice results in a' saving of considerable time that would otherwise be necessary in going around the paddocks to see that no sheep are cast; it is also a decided advantage m obviating the mis-mothering of lambs at the ordinary shearing time Lambing has been exceptionally good in Otago so far this year, and generally there are high percentages in practically all districts, with the exception of those unfortunately hit by the recent storms. Prevalent winds in oast weeks have had a drying effect on most farmlands in the province. A heavy shower of rain would be of great benefit to the country generally and to those members of the farming community who rely on a tank supply for their water.