CROPS ON THE FARM,

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18809, 3 December 1932, Page 6

CROPS ON THE FARM,

EFFECT OF DRY WEATHER* HAY MAKING WELL ADVANCED. EARLY PLANTING OF ROOTS Favoured with a long spell of fine weather, Waikato farmers have made good progress with their haymaking, which commenced a little earlier than usual this year. Because of the continued dry weather a number of ers who had closed their Helds with the intention of making ensilage have decided to cut the crop for hay. Although there is a fair amount or growth in the pastures of this district, and the fields have looked green, the crops are not as heavy as those o previous years, due in a large measure to the dry conditions. According to a well-known Hamilton authority, ryegrass is the dominant species this year. Cocksfoot has not made the usual growth, but it is noticeable that buttercups are very prolific. fne weather has been responsible for this. Some months ago a dry season v\as predicted, and farmers were aawsut to sow their root crops earlier. This prophecy appears to have been well founded, and farmers may profit by sowing swede crops as soon as possible. It Is usual to sow these at about Christmas week, but the sooner the better is the advice tendered this year. Mangolds, soft turnips, maize, and potatoes should be well cultivated at present in order to retain the moisture in the soil, and promote growth. It is not yet too late to sow a small area of maize or millet, should any farmer consider he will be short of feed at the end of February and m the autumn months. It is noticeable that the large grey caterpillar is prevalent among the mangold crops this season, doubtless due to the dry weather. This caterpillar emerges from the ground at, night and eats right through the young mangold plants at the soil level. There ap-| pears to be no remedy for this pestm Up to the present time potato and. tomato blight has not been serious