PASTURES AND CROPS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 2, 15 February 1913, Page 244

PASTURES AND CROPS.

JANUARY.

Officers of the Fields and Experimental Farms Division of the Department report as follows on the condition of the pastures and crops during the past month : Bay of Islands.—A severe drought has prevailed here, practically from October, and rain still seems as far away as ever. It has had a disastrous effect upon the crops and pastures of the volcanic soils around the Bay of Islands, and has severely affected the dairying industry. ■ The other three northern counties have been favoured with a few showers occasionally, and in consequence the pastures and crops are much better. The fly has been very troublesome this summer to the flockowners, who have had to resort to shearing their lambs to prevent disastrous results. Turnip crops are badly in want of rain.— W. J. Dunlop. Whangarei.There was practically no rain last month. Pastures are all dried up, and at the present time there is apparently no prospect of the drought breaking. This is the longest period of dry weather in the north for many years. All grain crops are in the stack now, and grass-seeding has commenced.— A. P. Speedy. Auckland.—When the old year departed a strong north-easter blew, which brought threatening weather. New Year’s morning opened with dull and cloudy weather, followed by rain which fell at intervals during the day. The air was sultry. The spell of fine weather enjoyed for weeks previously broke, and it seemed as if unfavourable weather was about to set in. The squally weather made things unpleasant, and right up to the Bth it rained heavily on and off. Then it cleared up, and fine days followed, which allowed harvesting operations to proceed apace. Farmers were not slow to take advantage of the fine weather in getting their crops secured, which they did, with few exceptions, in splendid condition. The greater portion is now stacked, and some of the crops that are intended to be kept over are nicely thatched. The majority of the crops of oats, wheat, and barley were- fairly heavy. Rye-grass crops were also good, and yields of good clean seed is reported. The pea crops have also been very good, particularly in the Auckland District. The farmers have also paid considerable attention to cultivating and preparing their land for root crops. Turnips, mangels, carrots, and other small crops are beginning to make splendid headway since the late rains set in. The pasture country is also freshened. Stock are still in fair condition. - The factories are going well, although the dry weather retarded the milksupply. The milk test is about the average. Rowan. Te Aroha.— month was remarkably dry, there being only two light rainfalls, which freshened the root crops, but not enough to make any decided improvement in pastures. Excellent crops of hay and oats have been harvested. A few plots of spring-sown oats are not yet quite ready. Turnips and rape crops are fair throughout, but a good fall of rain is badly needed to give the crops a fair start. Root crops are practically free of the fly, &c., so far. Potatoes are good generally, and there is no trace of blight to date. J. L. Morris. ■■ Hamilton.—Beneficial rains at the beginning of the month; hot and dry weather during the remainder, with the exception of a few heavy showers in the last week. Grain crops are being harvested, and are light, owing to the wet spring and late sowing. Root crops are looking remarkably well, and potatoes are very free from blight up to the present.: J. Kerr. King-country.—The weather was favourable for all harvesting operations. Some good crops of hay and oats have been stacked. In some parts of the district root crops could have done with more moisture, but, taken on the whole, turnips and mangels are showing fair growth. The bush-burning has been carried out under satisfactory conditions.B. Bayly. ' . . ' ■

. Ohakune. —The month opened with heavy rain on the night of the Ist, and from then on—the 28th and 31st exceptionally dry and warm weather was experienced. Pastures throughout the district are amply providing for all classes of stock. Owing to the lengthy spell of dry weather, late-sown turnips have not made the same headway as those sown earlier, but on the whole root crops throughout the district present a satisfactory appearance. Cocksfoot is well filled and headed, and should the present favourable conditions for seed-saving continue the produce of a large area should be on the market before the end of February. Exceptionally good bush-burns have been obtained throughout the district, and farmers are at present busy sowing the different seeds thereon. Oat crops are looking remarkably well and are gradually reaching then’ final stages of maturity.— P. Barry. Bay of Plenty. Some heavy rain fell early in the month, which was badly needed. Pastures and maize crops have since come along wonderfully, but still maize is much later than usual. Potato crops throughout the district are affected with blight, very few escaping. Harvesting is just completed, and about the average crops of oats have been obtained. — John Case. New Plymouth.—The New Year brought a welcome rain, which continued during the first week, followed by a fortnight’s fine weather, and then a very changeable week. Most of the hay and ensilage has been made, and the yield is well up to the average. Pastures are looking particularly well. There is an abundance of feed. The root crops as a whole are below the average : many are very patchy. The late-sown turnips promise to be far better than the early. Maize is looking well.— B. E. Fairfax-Cholmeley. Stratford. —The fine dry weather of last month was very favourable for haymaking, burning, &c., but it began to affect the pastures, and the milk-supply was on the decrease and turnips at a standstill. During the early part of the month very heavy rain fell, which freshened up all vegetation and saved the late-sown turnips, mangels, &c. During the rest of the month we had fine weather with intervals of good rain. The farmers’ winter feed is now well assured.— Austin F. Wilson. Mangaweka.The past month was an exceptionally good one for farmers in this district. Opportunities were given to those who had bush to burn, and good use was made of them. Nice rains fell throughout, dispelling all fears of a drought. Old pastures have browned up considerably, but are still supplying a great quantity of fattening-feed. Potatoes so far are free from blight, and good crops are expected. Cocksfoot looks very prolific this summer, cutting being now in full swing. All stock are in good condition. A. Melrose. - Poverty Bay. The weather was very hot and dry during January. There is fair feed on the inland hill country, but near the coast pastures are rather short and dried up. Water for stock is short in some localities. There will be good crops of maize, as they got a fair start before the very dry weather set in. Settlers are taking advantage of the dry weather to get fires through the logs and standing dry trees, and a considerable area of bush country has thereby received a good clearing of useless timber that has hampered mustering and other work.— William Boss.

Wairoa. —Exceptionally hot weather prevailed throughout the district during the past month, to a great extent parching up the face of the country and thereby withering the pastures, but there still remains an ample sufficiency for all needs. The season’s oat crops for this county ought to prove record ones,, whilst all root crops grown have thrived well. A few days’ good rain at the present time would be greatly appreciated by the majority of farmers in the district. Stock of all classes are doing well.— F. Mullaly.

Waipukubau.—The weather this month was very dry over the whole of the district, and feed is getting,very dry and parched. Rain fell on two days only, and, drying winds following, all the moisture that had fallen has been evaporated, leaving the ground as dry as before. H. 0. M. Christie.

Pahiatua.—Total rainfall for the month, 5-51 in. Rain fell on seventeen days, the heaviest fall being 1-56 in., on the Ist. Corresponding month of last year 1-52 in., rain falling on fifteen days, the heaviest fall being 0-42 in., on the 12th. The rain during the month retarded the harvesting a little; but, on the other hand, the district has derived great benefit from the moisture, as it has given the pastures and root crops a good start. The north-west winds, however, retarded growth on the wind-swept hills.— T. Bacon.

North Wairarapa.— past month was very sultry and dry, pastures and all green crops suffering accordingly. In the Eketahuna district there were occasional

showers, which were of great value to stockowners, and there is abundance of feed. Within the vicinity of Masterton the country is' dry. On the 27th instant the weather broke, and a fair amount of rain fell, which-was wanted. Turnips and rape were suffering before the rain fell, but will now recover. Stock throughout the district are looking well. Harvesting is well advanced. I expect wheat will be good, and oats about the average.— J. 8. Rankin.

Masterton. —During the month of January we had twenty-five days of very hotdry weather, but rain fell on the 27th and 28th, and had a very beneficial effect upon the rape crops, many of which had been languishing for want of nourishment. Farmers took advantage of the fine weather to harvest their crops, and I anticipate a very fair yield of both oats and wheat. Caterpillars made their appearance and did a good deal of damage, oats suffering the most. Algerians appear to resist the ravages of the pest. I also notice the turnip-fly has done considerable damage, and in some cases the turnips have had to be resown. There have been some excellent crops of good clean cocksfoot - seed saved this year, and a lot of really good seed has been allowed to go to waste. There were some very good crops of early potatoes, and the present crops are looking very well. Feed is plentiful throughout the district.— T. G. Webb. Wellington.—The weather during January was generally mild and pleasant, a few days warm steady rains freshening up pastures, which were browning rapidly. All crops of oats, turnips, and maize are also looking well. All classes of stock are in good condition, although in the past few days the milk-supply has declined.— G. 11. Jenkinson. - Blenheim.—The weather during the month was very hot and dry until the 28th, when there was a set-back to winter, snow falling on most of the high country, and the temperature falling to nearly freezing-point that night, changing again yesterday (30th) to summer. Harvesting is nearly finished week or two will see the endand already a quantity of oats has been cut for chaff. Owing to the lateness of the frosts, the yield of peas is below the average ; in some cases they were so poor that threshing operations had to cease.— F. H. Brittain. Seddon. —The weather-conditions for the month of January were very favourable both from harvesting and grazing points of view. Kain fell on five days at intervals, which all pastures sorely needed, and did not interfere with threshing operations. There have been record crops of barley, ranging from 50 to 67 bushels per acre. Most farmers in this district are fortunate in having a considerable, amount of rape on hand, enabling them to hold lambs pending settlement of the freezing-works dispute.—.®. T. Sinclair. Nelson. The weather for the month was changeable. Heavy showers of rain fell on several days, which improved the pastures and green, root, and late corn crops. Though the total rainfall for the month was 3 in., more is wanted, the strong hot winds having dried up the country to a certain extent. There is still a fair amount of corn to be harvested, and some of the late crops have not been cut yet.— Gilbert Ward. Westland.—Weather-conditions throughout last month were most unseasonable for the time of the year, and, instead of getting warm summer weather, it was more like winter most of the time. There were nineteen wet days, and the rainfall to date (29th) has been 6-61 in., the maximum fall being on the 20th, when 1 -42 in. was recorded. Agricultural pursuits were considerably hampered, and in a good many instances crops which should have been cut are still standing; while in other cases they are spoilt, owing to inability to stack through continual wet weather. This is very unfortunate, as the settler on the West Coast largely depends on his hay for feed for stock through the winter months. There is a coating of snow on the high country, and present appearances point to an early autumn. J. Walton. Kaikoura.—During the earlier part of last month exceptionally hot and dry weather prevailed, the country thereby becoming too dry for green crops. Rains falling on the 22nd, 28th, and 31st benefited these greatly, and they are now coming on well. Grain crops, generally speaking, are good throughout the district, and are being got together in good condition. Potatoes promise to be a fair crop. — William S. Goodall. Ashburton. —Very warm weather was experienced in the early part of the month, 90 degrees of heat being registered; On the 27th a very heavy hailstorm passed over the lower portion of the district, which completely threshed out some of the oat crops. 2-70 in. of rain fell during the month, which will greatly help the turnip and rape crops. —G.: Branigan.

■ Fairlie. —A very unfavourable-month—very dry, windy weather. All crops have suffered. Harvesting has commenced, and is much earlier than was expected; a good many crops have only half filled. It is expected that oats will be scarce. Rain fell during the last week in the month, which did a lot of good to the root crops, but came too late for the grain. W. B. Manning.

Timaru.—The weather was very unsettled during the month, of January, great heat, heavy wind, snow on the hill country, and some heavy rains which were badly wanted. Harvest is in full swing, and- a large quantity of grass has been made into hay this.season. — J. C. Huddleston. . ; .

Waimate.—The weather during the past month was most changeable, heat and. cold, rain, hail, and winds being general. Cereal crops in some localities look well, but, speaking generally, yields are not expected to be up to, last season’s. Smut and fly a.*e much in evidence, but the chief cause of any shortage in yield may be put down to weather-conditions, which have been anything but suitable for some considerable tune for agricultural pursuits. Pastures have held out well, and feed generally is good, particularly on high country. All'; classes of stock are looking well. Root crops look encouraging, more particularly on areas which, have been well cultivated. Co-operative field experiments under supervision of the Department with both oats and wheat look well. More interest is now being taken in these experiments by farmers generally. Clovers have this season grown well, and it is expected that more grass-seed than usual will be harvested. Peas, beans, and rape are doing well. F. A. Macdonald. Kurow. —The north-west winds that prevailed during last month were very detrimental to growing crops, the hot dry weather having caused cereals to ripen prematurely, and where crops were exposed to the wind considerable loss resulted through shaking. Although the past month was unfavourable for growth, some splendid crops of wheat, barley, and oats are to be seen on the Otekaike Settlement and in the Hakataramea Valley, and the yields give promise of being quite up to the average of last year, providing no further loss is caused by winds, &c. Welcome rain fell on the 20th and 26th, which will greatly benefit root crops, and also help to revive the burnt pastures. Shearing is mostly finished in this district, and sheepowners have had record clips and record prices for their wool. The Waitaki River has been in high flood during the last week, and losses of . cattle and horses off the islands are reported.— G. Reid. 0 amaru.— weather last month ran to extremes: a week or so of hot north-west windsthe thermometer registering 84 degrees in the shadefollowed by cold southerly gales and rains for the latter part of the month. Harvesting has started, but is not yet general. It is to be expected that the yields of oats and wheat will not reach, a very high standard this season. Potatoes are not coming on very well. The district of Kauroo Hill seems to be ahead of the lower country for crops, &c., this season.— W. F. Flower. Palmerston South. —The first half of the month was very dry and warm, the 19th being the hottest day since February, 1909. The outlook was not very promising, harvest coming in too burning up, and turnip crops on the verge of failure for want of rain. During the last fortnight we had a pleasant change, periodically heavy rains freshening up pastures greatly and saving many turnip crops. Crops throughout the district are below the average and not well filled, though better around the coast than inland. Turnip crops are poor, but may be expected to do better after the recent rains. Potatoes are not very promising, and the blight has made its appearance. Total rainfall, 2-81 in.— C. 8. Dalgliesh. Dunedin. —The weather during January for the first part was warm and dry. During the last week there were good rains, but, unfortunately, the high winds spoiled the effect, and a good deal of grain has been shaken. The pastures are beginning to go off a little. Turnips are backward owing to lateness in sowing. Potatoes are fair, and little or no blight is reported in this district. There was an abundant hay harvest, and on the whole the dairy-farmer has a fair prospect for the autumn and winter.— J. R. Renton. Mosgiel.—During the month of January the weather was very mixed, with heavy rain-showers and hail, checking the growth considerably. The blight has made its appearance among the potato crops throughout the district. Harvesting has started, but is not yet general. Small birds are playing, havoc with early-sown crops.— H. McLeod. ■ ■.. . ' . . ~ ■ Strath Taieri.—During the early part of January the weather was very hot, with several days of warm winds which dried up vegetation. The cereal crops are good.

although some of the oats whitened off rather than ripened. The early turnips are promising well, but those late sown are going to be light. Grass is still abundant, and stock of all kinds are in splendid condition.— W. Scott.

Maniototo. —From the 20th December up to the 26th January the district was subjected to very dry weather, accompanied by hot winds. This had the effect of drying up the grass and stunting all kinds of crops. Since yesterday (26th) we have had a splendid fall of rain, and it is still coming down, with no appearance of clearing. Stock of all kinds, especially sheep, are in fine condition.— T. N. Simpson.

Clyde.—The weather for the month of January was very dry until the latter end, when, we were treated to a good shower or two of rain, but not enough to do the district any good as regards the advancement of crops. — Thomas N. Baxter.

Lawrence. —The weather was extremely hot, with drying winds in the first portion of the month. The effect was to bring the grain crops on too rapidly, therefore they will be mostly light both in straw and yield. Turnips have also suffered with the dry spell. The fly has been very , severe in some cases, and also the grub. Stock of all descriptions are looking well. Harvest will be considerably earlier than last year.. R. Barron. ' ' ... •

Balclutha.—During the month heavy gales prevailed, and much damage was done to crops and fruit. A good downpour of rain is badly needed. ■ Pastures have gone back considerably, but there is still sufficient feed for stock. Harvest will be light this season, as the crops are filling very poorly. Early turnips are looking very well. Potatoes have come on well, but blight has started in places through the district. Some fine crops of rye-grass in the district. The rainfall for the month was 2-60 in., rain falling on fifteen days, the heaviest fall (68 points) being on the 20th. Total rainfall for the year 1912, 25| in.— H. A. Munro. Owaka.— The weather for January was dry and warm. Crops of all kinds made good growth. Hay-was stacked in first-class condition. Pastures are good, and feed is plentiful everywhere. Potatoes came on extremely well, but, unfortunately, blight has made a slight appearance in some crops. Swedes are most satisfactory, and soft turnips are also looking well. Robert McGillivray. Gore. —During the past month we experienced some very high winds, causing considerable damage to some of the grass crops, as well as burning up the pastures considerably. Grass harvesting is well advanced, and threshing has started in some places',’and the seed should be saved in good order. Gram crops are looking well, and, given good weather, . harvesting should start about the middle of the present month. The yields will not on the whole be so heavy as last year. Turnips are looking exceptionally well, and there is promise at present of a plentiful supply of feed during the coming winter. — B. Grant. Lumsden. weather for January was anything but seasonable. During the first week we experienced nice warm sunny days, and then we had gusty, boisterous winds and incessant bitter showers occasionally, accompanied by hail, and towards the end of the month there was very warm weather with hot drying winds which at times increased to a strong gale, causing a deal of damage to the grass crops by shaking out the seed. ’ Oat crops are very short, and the yield will be very light. Turnips are looking remarkably well, a much larger area being, sown this season. The strong winds we are getting will cause a small yield in grass-seed in many cases.— W. 8. 8.. Cantrell. Invercargill.—January was a good growing month. The oat crop lengthened considerably, and turnips look well. The grass harvest is perhaps on - the light side. Feed is still fairly plentiful, but is going back. This is the season of the year when a stack of ensilage on the farm would be of great value in keeping up the milk-supply. The country at present is looking well. Potatoes never looked better.— J. R. Whyborn. Otautau. —The early part of the month was fine and warm—in fact, almost too dry. After such a long spell of wet weather the ground became hard and caked, but latterly some fine showers came and everything was benefited by them. One particularly fine crop of oats is growing on Ringway, which, I should say, will thresh 100 bushels if not moreso far the best in the district.— H. F. Dencker. Queenstown.The weather for the month was very changeable at timeseven within the twenty-four hours we experienced the weather suitable for the four periods. A fair amount of rain fell, which in some districts has been the actual salvation of grain crops, &c. ; but, generally speaking, pastures, &c., have not benefited to any great extent in consequence of the continual, and in most cases cold, southerly winds following and drying up the moisture within a few hours. — A. Clarke.