SHEARING SEASON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26915, 29 October 1948, Page 6

SHEARING SEASON

ACTIVITY IN OTAGO BUSY PERIOD SOON QUALITY OF EARLY CLIP Provided the weather remains fine, shearing will be in full swing throughout Otago within the next two weeks. Most of the early shearing has been completed in the province, and sheep farmers are busy tailing lambs at 1 present. Shearing has begun on the flat at Cromwell, but will not start on the stations until the first or second week in November. The same applies to Omakau and Ranfurly. In the Heriot district, shearing is not yet in full swing, but activity will increase in the next few weeks. On the down country of Clutha and the surrounding districts lambing has been in progress to prevent a start with shearing. On the Taieri, week-end labour has been recruited by farmers recently to assist them with shearing. The catalogue for the first fleece sale of the season at Dunedin on December 20 next is already almost full. This clip appears to be opening in Very good condition. The wool is well grown, being free from tenderness and breaks, reflecting the exceptionally favourable weather experienced in Otago this year. Although some of the wool contains a little dust, this is a natural condition in a dry year. All things considered, the offering for December should be one of excellent quality. t There appear to be plenty of shed hands available in Otago this season, but it is apparent that sufficient blade shearers are not being trained. An interesting feature of the labour position this year has been created by the Government’s removal of the summer subsidy on rabbitskins. A number of rabbiters, who in the past have continued their operations throughout the year, have already ceased their activities and are diverting their energies to shearing. This has relieved the shortage of shearers to some extent, but it is giving the rabbits a lease on the land which may lead to serious trouble for certain farmers later. Lambing has been exceptionally successful throughout Otago this year, with the exception of those West Otago districts which suffered heavily from the storm some weeks ago. Lambing percentages are generally high, but the overall figure will be lowered when West Otago flocks are included.