Anxious Farmers Watch for Rain

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 260, 24 January 1928, Page 12

Anxious Farmers Watch for Rain

MILK OUTPUT GOES DOWN FACTORIES SHORTEN STAFFS Dairy fat production in the province of the North Island has been seriously affected by the protracted spell of dry weather. It is clear that the season’s figures will be heavily reduced even in the event of copious rain falling before the peak milking period is past. So far, however, there is little hope of material relief from rains, and many dairy factories have shortened their staffs on account of the diminished output. On account of their geographical situation, the Auckland and Waikato Provinces are among the first to feel the strain of dry weather, and even if heavy rains were experienced now, it is doubtful whether the normal output could be retrieved in the heavier producing districts. Supplementary fodder was not sufficiently mature to withstand the ramifications of the drought, and many farmers are now regretting their implicit faith in the elements, which have not failed them so drastically for nearly 20 years. Some of those connected with the dairying industry perceive a silver lining in the dry spell, and cautiously advance the suggestion that in the long run all will be for the best. The average farmer, who sees his milk cheque diminishing month by month, however, prefers to believe that if he had a spell of nice, soft rain to brighten up his pastures and bring back his cows to normal productivity, he would lay down his head with greater comfort and sleep with an easier conscience on these hot midsummer nights. Naturally enough, he hopes that the soil will respond readily to the rain—when it comes—and that the winter will be a profitable BARE PADDOCKS Bare, paddocks and lack of fodder a.re causing anxiety in the Morrinsville district, where a big drop in production figures has been recorded. Further south, in the Tauranga locality, production has dropped only during the past two weeks, but the position is fast approaching the serious stage, and hopes are entertained for rain. Rangitikei, Mana\fratu and Taranaki appear to be faring better, than the Northern districts. One of the few districts to have experienced rain during this month is the Far North, where light falls were recorded on three days last week. These were not appreciable, however, and dairymen are beginning to complain of depleted returns. Apart altogether from the disadvantages (and incidentally the benefits) of recent fires, farmers generally are anxiously watching the skies for the sign of a broken cloud, and the first shower will be universally welcomed and hungrily devoured by parched and cracked pastures.