IDEAL WEATHER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27514, 7 October 1950, Page 4

IDEAL WEATHER

Lambing In West Otago RECORD SEASON EXPECTED September in West Otago was one o? the mosi pleasant on record. The month started off with a series of mild frosts, and a brief spell of easterlies in the middle of the month, and then a fortnight of beautiful spring weather. A further easterly brought very welcome rain. Fortunately it was not of the cold, blustery type. All farm work is well ahead and, with lambing in full swing, this is one of the busiest periods of the year. The early lambing this year has been a record one, and if the fine weather continues for another 10 days percentage will be well above previous seasons. Twins and even triplets are common. In one case two sets of triplets were born in one mob. All the wheat was sown during the month, an unusual feature for West Otago. The current practice is lo sow' nearly four bushels to the acre, and most of the wheat in the area is of the Cross-7 variety. The earliest sown* is now showing green and has got away to a good start. Prolonged rain will be needed before the summer if drought conditions are to be avoided. At the moment creeks and springs are down to the low level usually associated wdth late summer. Even shepherds would probably not object to a steady, warm,rain for 36 hours. It would mean a lot to in the district, especially those on shingley ground. There is no shortage of feed, as heavy dews have been keeping the grass fresh.