Farming Notes.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXVI, Issue 4003, 5 February 1909, Page 2

Farming Notes.

The return of dry, breezy weather, after the recent showery spell, is very welcome to grain growers, whose harvest operations were for the time being promptly checked. However, the bulk of the grain which was in stook during the rain has since been dried and stacked. The majority of oat crops being now secured, with the exception of some discolouration caused by rust, are well grown and in good condition.

The late break in the weather is also of importance to potato growers, whose main crops are now ripening off. With the resumption of hot days coining on damp soil the result will be disastrous to potatoes if lett in the ground, and no time should be lost in getting the tubers lifted. It is a good plan to leave the potatoes in large heaps in the field well covered from the sun and rain to sweat for a week or two before pitting for winter use. If this is done the potatoes will keep dry and sound, while the interval thus given enables all damaged and diseased tubers to be detected and removed before they are finally put away. For turnips and green fodder crops generally the season has been highly favourable, and rarely, if ever, have the swede crops throughout the district presented a finer appearance. The take was exceptionally good, and since then the weather has been just the thing required, consequently a phenomenal growth lias been witnessed. Judging by the extensive areas of turnips grown, with every promise of heavy yields, the number of stock required later to cope with the amount of feed available must of necessity he very large, and careful graziers are already in the market for suitable lines.

As might be expected, pastures arc still full of feed, with stock generally in good condition. In this connection it is noteworthy that the undue shrinkage in milk yields from dairy herds still continues, in spite of the abundance of feed, many dairymen asserting that their cows did as well last season when the drought prevailed as this season when there is lots of grass. This peculiarity is not confined to this district, but is also being experienced in Taranaki, and may be caused by climatic conditions not generally understood.

The markets have been brisk during the week, a more healthy tone being observable Fat stock arc unchanged, supplies being plentiful, and scarcely so keenly bid for. Stores of all classes are wanted, the tendency of prices being upward, and with the promising outlook for turnips this is certain to he intensified, buyers already going round the dairying districts in search of weaned calves.

Grain and chaff are unchanged, the market outlook being none too bright at present.

Produce is coming forward in ample quantities, and a good demand existing, though prices sometimes are moderate. Butter is plentiful, without change in price, the close, hot weather lowering the quality of dairy butter. Poultry are wanted at [.full rates, eggs being firm at Is per dozen.

Fruit is in fair supply and brisk demand, high prices ruling for choice sorts.

Bacon and hams arc in heavy supply, while the consumption is not so large as it might be. Dressed pork is not 100 brisk of sale at 3d per lb. Young pigs have had a big drop, and are now' slow of sale.