FARM AND STATIONO

Otago Witness, Issue 1880, 2 December 1887, Page 6

FARM AND STATIONO

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL PROSPECTS. The prevailing weather during the spring months may be briefly described as unusually cold, dull, and variable ; consequently vegetation was so much less vigorous and generally unsatisfactory in the estimation of farmers and graziers as to occasion fears regarding the crops and pastures. Towards the close of October a welcome change occurred and the following fortnight was characterised by an agreeable, genial temperature, which had a magical effect on the young grain and grasses. During the past two weeks the temperature has been comparatively low for the season of the year, and there have been occasional high winds which would have had a baneful efEect but for the mild rainfall at intervals and an atmosphere charged with moisture. Growth has therefore lately been rapid and unchecked, and while this will be numbered among the backward seasons, the reports of the present appearance of crops and pastures are uniformly favourable. Because of the mild winter, farm work was well advanced early in August, and although frequently interrupted, subsequently it was perseveringly kept in hand, and, speaking generally, springsown grain was put into a sound seed bed. During the month the preparation of the land for root and green crops has been diligently proceeded with, and already a fair proportion of the area intended for turnips has been sown. Should the cool dripping weather continue for a week or two it will promote the vigorous growth of the young plants and protect them from attacks of the fly. In that case more than average crops of turnips would this season be assured. The extremely low prices obtainable for potatoes render the extent of planting exceedingly problematical, but unless in very late districts the seed is in the ground for the general crop. It is very generally known that so far in the season farmers have been unusually busy, and it is understood that there is an increased area under cultivation, but any expressed opinions as to the extent compared with that of the previous year, or the relative proportions under different crops, would be merely speculative. Of the grain crops, oats are more favoured throughout southern Otago and Southland, and probably will have again this season to be mainly relied on. Notwithstanding the low values of beef and mutton during the past 12 months, turnips will be extensively grown, and this is satisfactory, because it indicates a determination on the part of farmers and graziers to provide an ample supply of winter food for stock. Although the outlook at present is the reverse of encouraging, it is remarkable that farmers generally are less despondent than might have been expected. What with the low prices for grain, wool, and stock, and undiminished rates of interest and charges to battle against, the struggle has been severe and prolonged. Taking everything into consideration, the present hopefulness of the class is almost incredible. The crops, on the whole, are certainly promising, the pastures luxuriant, and stock in unusually forward condition, but prices of all descriptions of agricultural products are wretchedly low. Hopes must certainly be entertained of a material change in values

for the better, as within the past few weeks fat sheep suitable and intended for freezing have realised prices not at all justified by London quotations for frozen mutton. It must be, therefore, that shippers speculate on what they deem inevitable— a rise in the Home markets because of the scarcity of winter feed throughout the United Kingdom. It is also just possible that wool — New Zealand crossbred especially — will command fair prices as the season advances. It has doubtless been noticed that superior crossbred wool has been keenly competed for, and brought relatively high prices at the Australian sales of this season. The supply of the material of the particular texture and quality is by no means abundant, and consequently New Zealand growers are to a certain extent warranted in the expectation of a keen demand for what may be fairly termed a special production of the colony. The recent advices of an advance in the price of breadstuffs in the Home markets, and the desire on the part of British buyers to purchase cargoes to arrive of Australian new wheat are also reassuring. Again oats have been a decided failure throughout the chief producing countries in Europe. This cereal, therefore, should command a remunerative price after harvest, for even now our own markets are comparatively bare of supplies'. Barley is just now only procurable in small quantities at a high price, if of a superior quality, in any Australasian market. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, they appear to justify the conclusion that the value of grain will not be affected so seriously as was anticipated a short while ago. With the prospect of an abundant harvest, unusually luxuriant pasturage, and live stock free from disease and in excellent condition, farmers and graziers have some grounds for the belief that the pressure of their difficulties will soon be somewhat lightened.