RURAL TOPICS

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6050, 25 September 1903, Page 4

RURAL TOPICS

Fink growing weather has been experienced during the week; warm northerly winds, with ample rain, "iving all vegetation a quick start. Pastures are improving every day, and already a fair bite of grass is available. This new growth, though very sweet for stock, is of a somewhat watery nature for putting on condition, consequently all farm animals, especially dairy cows ore all the better for some dry hay or straw in the bails, which will counteract any tendency to looseness caused by the soft grass, aud also help the milk test at the creameries. Up to the present the spring has been very favourable for farmers, and by the end of this month there should be ample food for all stock. The young grass is starting very quickly, and will have every chance of being well established before the dry weather sets in. Some delay in harrowing and drilling has been caused by the recent rain, but with a few fine days the hnd will be fib for working again, and no time should be lost in getting the seed in. Orchards everywhere are looking well, with every prospect of a heavy crop of early fruit, no damage being caused by heavy winds or frost. Stock are now improving in condition, and from this on a steady advancement should be made, The past winter has been somewhat trying to stock-owners, as notwithstanding its apparent mildness, the excessive amount of rain brought stock dowu in condition, and caused over the average amoont of mortality. Ewes and lambs are now doing well, the mild weather being very favourable for them. All cutting and tailing should be done as early as possible after the lambs are a fortnight old, the stock from the operation being less if carried out when the lambs are young, aud the risk of mortality is also much reduced. The prospect now before our sheep-breeders is unquestionably good. Fab sheep are exceptionally high. The wool market is advancing steadily, while there is a certainty of higher prices ruling for fat and store lambs. The markets have been brisk during the week, fat and store stock continuing in keen demand, and with the increase of pasture feed the latter are likely to still further advance. Grain and chaff are unchanged in value, though an easier tone is observable in feed lines, seed grain being still is brisk demand. Produce is Arm, potatoes and onions ofjgood quality being wanted at late rates, but, with the advance of the season inferior lines are more plentiful, and hard to quit. Seed potatoes are selling well. Butter is firm at late rates. Eggs in unlimited demand at 8d- to 9d per dozen. Poultry are wanted at full prices. The fruit market is without change, and at this juncture contains less interest to local growers, the market being wholly supplied with imported fruit. Bacon and hams are selling freely at late rates. Young pigs are now at high prices.