SHEEP FOR DRY AREAS

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 18

SHEEP FOR DRY AREAS

FAT-TAILED BREED SUGGESTED CROSS WITH MERINO POSSIBLE of the Corriedale, along with crossbreeding with certain English breeds in Australia, there are still great possibilities which have not by any means been fully investigated. It is even thinkable that a cross between a broadtailed sheep and the Merino might eventually be so stabilized that a drought-resisting, double-purpose sheep might be evolved.” Mr A. F. Barker, former professor of textile' industries at the University of Leeds, who is now visiting Australia, has made several highly provocative statements about the future of sheep and wool in this country. Among them is the one quoted above, states The Sydney Morning Herald. He sees great possibilities ahead of Australia, and believes that the Merino and Corriedale are by no means the last words in the evolution of types or breeds especially adapted to our conditions.. “In view of the varied climatic and seasonal conditions prevailing in Australia,” said Mr Barker, “it may well be

that other sheep could be introduced to advantage.” From experiments carried out in North China, he added, there was already the suggestion that a cross between the broad-tail and the Merino might give a sheep with a wonderful drought-resisting constitution and a wool of more than ordinary interest. “As a matter of fact,” he said, “certain Chinese sheep do produce a type of wool which, properly amalgamated with the Merino, might be a more beautiful fibre than any yet produced. FINE OR COARSE WOOLS

“In England,” continued Mr Barker, “mutton is rated at shillings and wool at pence per pound, and breeding is conducted accordingly. But when the wool Is all-important the type produced should be most carefully considered. In 1925 the price per pound of a 70’s quality was 5/2 and of a 56’s 2/10. Thus there was some encouragement to produce the finer fleece, even if the weight was light. “Today the difference between such qualities is so little that it pays the farmer much better to produce a 121 b 56’s quality fleece as against an 81b 70’s quality fleece; and it is even thinkable that the coarser fibre may bring a better price per pound. Thus it behoves the wool grower very carefully to follow the trend of the market.

“Only those who truly understand the possibilities which have yet to be investigated and followed up can realize what yet remains to be achieved,” concluded the former professor. “And I would suggest that the next step is for more of you to take a real interest in the science and technology underlying your industry. Success in the future lies along the lines of co-opera-tion.”