MILD WINTER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1940, Page 6

MILD WINTER

BEST FOR MANY YEARS STOCK IN GREAT FETTLE. A GODSEND TO FARMERS. In the opinion of those best qualified to speak, it is many years since farmers in the Wairarapa have experienced such a mild winter as has been the case this year. "I have never seen, anything like it,” said a Masterton. auctioneer this morning. He added that it was fortunate that the weather had been mild, as otherwise there would have been a lot of dead cattle owing to the shortage of feed earlier in the year. The position as'a whole gives a good deal of cause for satisfaction and if the present favourable conditions hold, this season’s lambing percentages.should be excellent. It appears that Wairarapa is not the only district that has been blessed with mild weather. Reports from Canterbury and elsewhere speak of the non-wintry character of the winter, bright sunny days and an absence of snow. Many stockowners entered the winter with some trepidation, with scant pastures and other feed in short supply, but the mild weather has relieved their fears. In consequence, stock, both sheep and cattle, are in splendid fettle. Ewes are coming into lambing in excellent condition. Even if the weather doos break, it is pointed out. the ewes are now in a much better condition to stand up to it. Not a great number of lambs are to be seen yet in the Wairarapa. On the low country some may be noticed but it is too early yet for most Wairarapa areas, especially the hill country. Dairy farmers are also benefiting by the favourable weather and they report that cows are coming into milk well.