CROPS, PASTURES, AND STOCK.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume II, Issue 2, 15 February 1911, Page 66

CROPS, PASTURES, AND STOCK.

The harvest in the principal grain-growing districts has been nearly concluded without serious interruption, the rains being of short duration, and followed by drying weather. High winds and caterpillars have caused some loss in Canterbury, and many crops, especially of ; oats, have been very light; but on . the whole the yields, exceed anticipations, and the grain is of exceptionally fine quality. A huge proportion of the wheat -has been threshed from the stock ; but most of the oats not yet chaffed are being stacked for the purpose of being cut for chaff as required. Many farms in Canterbury and Otago are reported to have grown insufficient oats for their own needs during the next- twelve months. The Southland crops are now. being harvested ; they vary greatly, and the. yield. all round will be below the average of recent seasons. Good crops of grass-seeds have, been secured in the west coast districts of the North Island ; but elsewhere the yields are very lightthe Banks Peninsula cocksfoot crop being. estimated at 25,000 to 30,000 sacks, as against an average of 70,000 sacks. (A return of estimated yields of corn and other crops will be found on page 108.)

Shearing in the later flocks has been a good deal interrupted by showers. The season’s clip has been generally disappointing in growth and condition — effects of the dry winter and spring. .

The North Island, generally is still suffering from insufficient moisture, although there have, been local heavy downpours. Pastures have dried off badly, reducing the. milk-yield, and compelling .a rush . of stock to sale-yards and freezing-works. Turnips and rape are suffering, both from drought and from blight; many crops being a total failure. Grass and bush fires have done much damage ; but, at the same time, the conditions have been favourable. for good burns, on new clearings. Early and copious rains alone will avert a, serious scarcity of autumn and winter, feed. . In the South Island • generally there have been frequent, showers, and : the situation., as regards feed is fairly satisfactory, though in most parts, Southland excepted, more moisture is needed to insure good autumn growth.

Dairy cattle are showing the effects of the dry weather, and an unsatisfactory close of the dairying season is feared. Lambs are being sent to the freezing-works in large numbers and of irregular.quality ; and the same is to be said in less’degree-regarding sheep. At the. sheep, markets and fairswhich are now being held there is - strong evidence of prevalence of dry weather in the low condition of much of the stock offered.