FARMERS BEWARE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 April 1927, Page 13

FARMERS BEWARE

EARLY WINTER PREDICTED SUDDEN SEASONAL CHANGE f From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Monday. A sudden change in the seasons is predicted by a well-known agriculturist at Hamilton, who states that an early winter will be experienced in the Waikato, and farmers will be well advised to look ahead and make preparations for the conditions which will undoubtedly prevail. The opinion offered was that of Mr. A. W. Green, farm supervisor, of Hamilton, who has made an exhaustive study of the rainfall and the humidity ©f the soil in the Waikato. He states that the exceptional rainfall recorded up to the present date causes a great difference in the soil temperature, and that must influence the growth of all plant life. This season the farmers could not expect to obtain the abundant growth of feed which usually follows the first autumn rains after a dry summer. By the end of February the rainfall recorded for the year was about nine inches above the average. To that had to be added the unusual March record of 7.54 inches. Consequently farmers had found that ir\ practically all drains the water reached winter levels and might become quite alarmed over the drainage problems of their lands. Similar conditions might not, however, be experienced again for years. It must not be forgotten that the fall represented over 750 tons of water an acre and most of that fell during the first three weeks of the month. It was, therefore, only reasonable to assume that the change from summer to wintor conditions would be sudden and earlier than usual. Late-sown grass and forage could not be expected to make rapid growth. It was noticeable how few mushrooms appeared in the pastures this season and that could be taken as a reliable indication of the extent of growth made by other plants. Those farmers who took the opportunity of sowing young grass early in the season when advised to do so had reaped the benefit. Quite a number reported excellent results and in some instances the young grass was now ready for €he first feeding-off.