MILK GETTING SHORT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 55, 7 March 1946, Page 4

MILK GETTING SHORT

DRY WEATHER AFFECTS CITY SUPPLY CONDITION OF STOCK GOOD. Cattle and sheep of the Wanganui district came through the exceptionally dry season very well and with little loss of condition. The principal effects of the hard season were felt in the dairy herds, with the result that milk yields are down considerably below normal and some difficulty has been experienced in maintaining a lull supply to the city. On every farm in this district the stock stood up to the feed shortage well and had not been so badly set back as stock in parts of the North Island, Mr. W. Harris, stock inspector to the Department of Agriculture, Wanganui, stated yesterday afternoon. The immediate and most perturbing of tfie repercussion ot the abnormal circumstances was the reduction in milk yields, which had caused the supply authorities some concern. The maintenance of a full and uninterrupted supply of milk is of the utmost importance and to achieve this it has been necessary to draw on temporary sheds. Additional permits are being issued to sheds approved as suitable for supplying milk for human consumption.

Most primary producers were able to carry on over the dry period without the need for utilising supplementary feed, but at least a few of them have had to feed out hay. The rain at the week-end came at a most crucial time for farmers. Already pastures are changing colour and taking on a greener hue. The present cold snap may retard autumn growth to some extent, but with another fall of rain in the near future there should be enough ground moisture to give the required incentive for seasonal growth.