PASTURES AND CROPS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 4, 15 April 1913, Page 433

PASTURES AND CROPS.

MARCH,

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.—The severe drought which has prevailed here since the middle of October still continues and is growing more serious to farmers every day. The oldest settlers assert that the present is the severest drought they have ever experienced, and numbers of large creeks have gone completely dry, a condition of things unknown before. It has had very disastrous effects upon all the lucerne experiments being carried out in this district. This is very disappointing, both from the settlers’ and the Department’s point of view, as they are the first trials of this splendid forage plant in the northern peninsula. The much-prized grass (Paspalum dilatatum) of the north has had a good opportunity to assert itself as a drought-resister. It is showing a splendid growth on the rich heavy soils of the Kaitaia district, and is a cheerful relief to the eye after viewing the parched areas of volcanic land in the Bay of Islands County. Fires were rampant during the month, and settlers had a very anxious time in fighting against the withering flames and saving their homesteads and fences from destruction. In many cases their efforts were in vain. Stock are now beginning to show the evil effects of the prolonged dryness, and the outlook for winter is very discouraging indeed. As a result prices at the live-stock sales are considerably lower than they have been for some time. Owing to the very low supply of cream, the local butter-factory proposes to cease operations at the end of the month, but farmers have not had large cheques this season to gladden their hearts.— W. J. Dunlop. '

Whangabei.The drought still continues, and many of the streams are beginning to run dry. Pastures are bare, and the: only green vegetation to be seen is where pas- ; palum is growing. The whole country is more or less fire-swept, and unless rain comes at once there will be a big mortality among stock. Most of the maize crop is a failure. —A. P. Speedy. -

Auckland.—The month opened with fine weather, followed by light showers at intervals; then warmer weather prevailed up till the 11th and 12th instant, when rain set in again. . The moisture quite revived the pastures and gave an exceptional growth of grass all over the districts, green crops also benefiting by the rains. Then dry weather set in again and continued up to the 29th instant, when a change took place, followed by a constant downpour all day, which will do an immense amount of good to the pastures and forage crops, which were robbed of their green foliage by the drought. There is sufficient moisture now to nourish plant-life. I think there is nothing to fear, and there will be an abundance of feed to carry all descriptions of stock through the winter and the spring months. No doubt the dry spell of weather seriously affected the milk-supply for the city, and daffy factories as well; but stock did not suffer much, on account of the farmers having a plentiful supply of hay, maize, and other green food which were given them liberally, and kept them in the pink of condition,' especially dairy cows. The bush settlers are the only ones who have not grumbled at the dryweather. They had large areas of felled bush waiting ,to be burnt off. I notice they, with few exceptions, got good burns. Now that the rains have set in there will be large areas ready for surface sowing at once. The turnip crops and autumn-sown potatoes are looking well. — R. Rowan.

Opotiki.The weather during the early part of last month was .very . dry, but nice mild rain fell on the 11th and 12th. This was badly needed. Pastures are now looking well, and there will be plenty of feed throughout the district to commence the winter with. Early-sown maize is looking well, but that planted later , has not done so well on account of the dry season. — John Case. •• : . , ;

Hamilton.—Beneficial rains on the 11 th, 12th, and 28th of the past month had the effect of freshening up the pastures and promoting a good growth in the root crops, the turnip crops looking particularly well. This district has a remarkably good appearance for this time. of year, and there is every prospect of a good supply of feed for the winter months. Dairy herds are in good order, and the milk-supply is greater than usual at this season. All classes of stock are in good condition, and prices are ruling high. In the back districts, with few exceptions, settlers have had excellent burns, and are busy sowing grass-seed and clovers.— J. Kerr.

Te Awamutu.— March was characterized by exceptional weather from a farmer’s point of view. Twice during the month this district was blessed with splendid warm rains, ensuring abundance of grass for the autumn and a splendid root-crop for the winter. Crops have been harvested in good order, and stock are in splendid condition, with good markets. C. E. McPhee.

King-country.—The weather was most seasonable. Pastures, winter crops, and newly sown bush burns are in splendid order. B. Bayly. - Ohakune.- the Ist to the 16th exceptionally dry weather prevailed throughout the district. Rain fell on the 17th and 18th, and a cold snap was experienced until the 28th. Then warm winds sprang up, which were followed in due course by a heavy downpour on the 29 th, since which date the condition has been variable, light showers alternating with periods of sunshine and frost at night. The spell of comparatively dry weather experienced up to the middle of last month did not appreciably affect pastures, and at present all classes of stock are amply provided for. Turnips, mangels, and carrots are looking remarkably well, and promise to prove a valuable asset to farmers during the winter months. Oats matured earlier this season than is usual for the district, and on the majority of farms where grown have been stacked in good condition. The amount of bushfelling on the different blocks and the successful burns thereon have materially enlarged the area of cleared ground within the district. P. Barry. Gisborne.—There was a nice fall of rain about the 11th of the month, which gave the pastures a start. Further rain fell toward the end of the month, but not sufficient to do much good. The pastures throughout the district are parched in appearance and very-scanty. Unless we have more rain soon, feed will be very short during the coming winter, more especially cattle-feed.— W. Ross. &

New Plymouth.— were frequent light showers during the early part of the month, no heavy rain falling until the 28th. This lasted two days and caused the rivers to rise slightly. Although the nights have been cold the days have been very muggy and oppressive. The wet weather during the early part of the month caused considerable delay and damage to the late crops, and it is feared that there will be a considerable quantity of damaged grain and chaff. Threshing has begun. The yields so far are below the average. The root crops have made good growth, and maize has also done well this year. The pastures are exceptionally good, and there is abundance of feed in all parts-of the district. The milk-yield is deer easing, as is to be expected at this season, of the year , nevertheless cows are milking remarkably well. Within the last two in on th s several of the factories have commenced to manufacture casein. All farmers, are now very busy ploughing and getting in their winter crops, and burning and clearing weeds, the growth of which has been phenomenal. The increasing shortage ,of . casual labour is keenly felt.— R. E. Fairfax-Cholmeley. • ..

. Manga weka.—Fairly dry weather -was experienced during March, Good heavy ram-showers fell on the 13th and 29th, which will do a lot of good to the country. The newly sown burns will benefit by this downfall. On the papa country old pastures still retain a greenness. There is still plenty of feed about, and some good crops of turnips are to be seen. Potato-digging is now general. The tubers vary a good deal as to size, but the table ones are better than they have been for some years. The weather for dipping favoured those who had plenty of water, but others again have not fared so well owing to creeks having dried up. Stock of all . descriptions are. doing well, and if the weather will only continue-warm after this rain feed should be plentiful for starting the winter.— J. A. Melrose. .... . . ’

Feilding.—-The weather was dry during the past month. The pastures were not .of a milk-producing nature, therefore the -yield was disappointing through feed not being succulent. Ensilage would have assisted in keeping up the milk-supply, and no doubt suppliers to factories will take notice when they read of distant friends reaping the benefit, of feeding ensilage to stock during dry and off seasons of the year. We are getting warm rains now, which should send a plentiful supply of feed for the

autumn months. Peas are threshing out very good, while potatoes are turning out well in the Kiwitea and Kimbolton districts, and are very free from blight.— William Dibble.

■.' Wairoa.The weather during the month of March continued very dry, with the exception of. a few refreshing showers that occurred at intervals throughout the month. There was no rainfall to promote growth to any extent, the consequent result being a great shortage of pastures throughout the district, thus causing the settlers anxiety with regard to making the necessary provision for the wintering'of their stock. Stock are in good condition. — T. F. MuTldly. ■ i '

Hastings.—The weather during March was of a pleasant description. Light rain fell on several days, and did much good, especially to turnip and rape crops, while pastures benefited to some extent. Much more rain is wanted. Self-sown grasses germinated freely, after the rain, but are now suffering from drought and high winds. J. G. Parker.

Waiphkhrav.Last month was a slight improvement- on the previous one, there having been a good rain on the 11th, which promoted a fair growth in pastures, and will greatly assist the root crops, which were feeling the effect of the continued dry weather. Stock have got through the dry weather very well, and are in fair condition to face the coming winter.— H. 0. M. Christie. ‘

' Pahiatua. —Rainfall for the month was 4-91 in., rain falling on fifteen days, and the heaviest fall being 1-34 in., on the 11th instant. (Corresponding month of last year : Total fall 4-56 in. on thirteen days; heaviest fall 1-30 in., on the 15th.) The weather during the month was all that could be desired. We had a fair amount of warmth following the rain, and consequently there has been a fair growth both in roots and pastures. I sowed an experimental plot of lucerne on the 27th January; it made its appearance on the Ist February, and it is now 8 in. high. My plot of oats and vetches for winter use is now looking well. The birds were a great nuisance, causing the oats to come rather thin. Indications at the present time for winter feed are good.— T. Bacon.

North Wairarapa.—The past month was favourable for farmers. The recent rains have had a tendency to freshen the pastures and bring away a nice growth. ' If favourable weather continues it should ensure winter feed. Harvesting is practically finished. Late-sown turnips have benefited by the recent rains. Stock also are looking well. — J. 8. Rankin. "

Masterton.—The country got very much dried up in the early part of the month, and the outlook was very serious. Warm rain set,in on the.lBth, continuing for several days, and we have had intermittent showers since, which have saved the situation. In some parts of the district it must have meant hundreds of pounds to the farmers. The ground had become very hard and dry, the grass was withering up fast, and the outlook for winter feed was very gloomy; now, however, a good supply of winter feed is assured. In some parts turnips and rape have done very well, potatoes promise a fair yield, and stock all look in very good condition. I notice pennyroyal is spreading rapidly in parts of the district. T. G. Webb.

South Wairarapa.— fine weather broke up on the 11th of last month, light showery weather following, which was required by dairy-farmers, as their herds had dropped considerably in their milk. At the present time the land is in exceptionally good order for breaking up for autumn cropping. Stock in general are looking well. Many •turnip crops are affected with disease.—& ,C. Jvens.

Wellington. March weather-conditions were very favourable to farmers and graziers. - Grass is abundant parts of the district overgrown. Maize, mangels, and rape, together with all descriptions of stock, are looking very well. . A notable feature of the month’s climatic conditions was the prevalence of dense fogs over alt the higher country.— G. H. Jenkinson. 1 '

• Blenheim.— greater part of the month was hot, dry, and windy. Rain fell after Easter, being followed by two nights’ frost. Heavy rain came on again on the 28th, lasting for several hours, and. the weather became very cold and wintry, but again changed to bright sunny weather. If there are no more frosts the prospects for winter feed will be assured.— F. H. Brittain.

?'• Seddon.-—The weather for the month of March was very variable, consisting of some very warm and extremely cold days. Rain fell at intervals with some exception -

ally heavy winds, particularly at the latter end of the month, with cold showers and a slight fall of snow on the high country. Pastures all through the district are looking well. All chaff cutters and threshing-mills are working full time.— E. T. Sinclair...

Nelson. The odd showers of rain and foggy weather during the month kept the pastures and root crops growing. The native grasses, where they were burnt off during the dry weather, are looking remarkably well. A large percentage of the turnips are young, but they are of good colour and are mailing good growth. The. grain crops are all harvested and threshing-machines are at work. The frost that came about the 24th did some damage to the potatoes, but on the whole they are looking pretty well.-*— Gilbert Ward.

Westland. —-The weather last month was very wet and disagreeable, and at.times exceptionally cold for' the season of the year. The rainfall to date (28th) has been 5-47 in. It has rained on eighteen days, the maximum fall being on the 11th, when 1-05 in. was recorded. Snow fell on the ranges, and owing to the lateness of the season it is likely to remain throughout the winter, and early frosts may be expected in consequence. The weather experienced this summer'has been very detrimental to the farmer, delaying agricultural pursuits generally, and is not at all encouraging for dealing with cultivation on an extensive scale. The majority of settlers seem to think that their attention is better directed by dealing with their land for grazing purposes. H. J. Walton.

Kaikoura.With the exception of two days’ nor’-wester winds, good weather prevailed throughout the month. Harvesting operations are completed, and returns satisfactory. Pastures and green crops are good and promise -well for winter feed. Irish blight is prevalent among potatoes which have not been sprayed.— W. S. Goodall. .. ,

Rotherham. —The weather for the month of March was exceptionally dry, the rainfall being the lowest for some years. We had a slight shower on the 11th instant—the only rain for the month. Pastures are drying up very fast, and unless a good rain comes soon the prospects for winter feed will not be too bright. We had a great deal of northwesterly weather during the month, and a terrific gale, on the 27th and 28th, which caused a big thaw in the back country, the rivers being all in very high flood on the 29th instant. Threshing is well on in this district, but the yields upon the whole are very disappointing. Prices offering for grain, potatoes, and fat stock are good, and farmers generally are in good spirits. Turnips and potatoes are fairly good and free from blight, but badly require rain. The rape crop this year was badly affected by the blight, consequently it did not stand much feeding.— W. M. Munro.

Rangiora.—Early last month very heavy hailstorms did a large amount of damage to the Sheffield district. One farmer, at Waddington, calculates his loss at £6OO. . Paddocks of grain were entirely stripped. The weather during the month was fairly fine and allowed nearly all the grain to be harvested and threshed. The results have not been as good as was expected. There was a great rainfall on the hills, but very little on the plains. These rains caused the Waimakariri to overflow at Bealey and also at Belfast, but I have not heard that it did very much damage. Rainfall for month, 0-5 in.; sunshine, 156 hours 5 minutes. Winds, easterly and westerly alternating.— A. Hughes.

Lincoln.—During March a dry spell of weather was experienced. This, whilst it enabled good progress to be made with the threshing of cereals and the harvesting of clovers, was unfavourable to the growth of green crops and pastures. A good rain would now be very welcome. In some localities blight has appeared in the potato crops. Late crops also have been injured by frost. On some farms skim-ploughing of stubbles has been pushed ahead. Leas, however, are at present rather hard for ploughing.— J. G. Scott. ' ■

Fairlie. — good deal of wet weather was experienced during the month. Root crops and pastures have done well. Potatoes are being dug, and the crop is a very poor one. Large numbers of fat lambs are now going down to the works. High prices are being realized, one mob being sold in the yards at £1 Os. 2d. Ewes are also very dear, two-tooth half-breds bringing up to £1 ss.— W. B. Manning.

Timaru.— March the weather was very unsettled, with high winds from the north-west and south-west, accompanied by constant showers and heavy rain there were also a few frosts. Potato-blight has shown up in a few places. The pastures. have a good growth of grass, and there should be good winter feed. — J. G. Huddleston. >

Waimate. —-The month of March was unusually wet, and threshing operations have been somewhat hindered. < Generally speaking, grain has been safely stacked, and fair yields are expected, although it is thought the average-yields will be much below those of last year. The weather from a grazing point of view has been suitable; Pastures are good, and there is an abundance of feed, and there are now good prospects of .am ample supply of feed to carry stock over the winter months. Turnips, rape, and mangels have done fairly well. Potatoes, although some fair corps can be noticed, are in many cases blighted, but fair returns may be hoped for. Threshing is now in full swing, but finer weather would greatly facilitate the work.— F. A. Macdonald.

Kurow. —We had a fair share of showery weather during the past month, which will ensure a good growth of autumn feed, providing we have no hard frosts to retard growth. Stock of all kinds, both on the high country and lowlands, . are in . splendid condition and in good heart to face the approaching winter. The Waitaid River is in high flood just now, and old residents state that it has not been so high for over twenty years.— G. Reid. . . .■ ■

Oamaru. —This month whs most unsettled throughout. ' North-east rains and southerly winds and rain were prevalent throughout the month, with short periods of warm fine weather between. The pastures have improved considerably on account of moisture. The harvest is practically over, and yields are averaging about 35 bushels in most cases. The potato crop is not reaching expectations and is digging light. Rainfall, 2-28 in.-— W. F. Flower.

Palmerston South. good deal of fog and drizzling rain during the first part of the month, and heavier rains during the latter. Rain fell on seventeen days, the total being 1-60 in. Pastures freshened up greatly, and there is now a good supply of rough feed. Root crops made excellent progress during the last six weeks. Threshing is now in full swing.— G. S. Dalgliesh.

Dunedin. —The weather during March was stormy, cold, and wet —in fa,ct very bad harvest weather, as there was some rain practically every second day. - This had a bad effect on turnips, mangels, and potatoes, as there was no genial sunshine to make up for late sowing. Pastures are fairly good, as they usually require a lot of moisture, and most farms not being heavily stocked during summer, there will be a good deal of rough paddock feed for the winter months. This district has escaped the disastrous floods which did so much damage elsewhere. — J B. Renton.

Mosgiel.—During the month of March the weather was unfavourable for threshing and stacking. Rain fell on the 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th, the heaviest fall being on the 27th and 28th, but no damage was done to crops or stock. Throughout the district pastures are looking well, as well as early turnips and mangels. Threshing is in full swing. The average yield will not be as good as last season. Half the potato plots growing at Milton District High School were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture on the 11th February by Mr. W. T. Goodwin, Orchard Instructor, and are quite green in the leaf and healthy, while the half left unsprayed are blighted very badly. Any one interested in growing potatoes should inspect the plots and see the result.— H. McLeod.

Strath Taieri.—The weather during the greater part of the month was rather cold and dry, with several days of high wind. A heavy rainfall took place on the 28th (2-36 in.), which will greatly benefit pastures and green crops. Cereal crops were saved in good condition, and where threshing has been carried out the returns are satisfactory. Turnip crops are lighter than usual, and blight is noticeable among swedes. — W. Scott.

Maniototo.Good growing-weather during whole of month. Turnips came away very well; plenty of grass, and on high country good rough feed. Stock looking well.— A. T. N. Simpson.

Clyde.—The weather for March was very dry right up to the end of the month, when on the 27th and 28th we experienced very heavy rain. The rainfall for the month was 3-10 in. All rivers in the district rose a considerable height above normal. The majority of farmers have their crops threshed and carted away, and are preparing for next season’s crops.— N. Baxter. . .

Lawrence. —The weather for the month was variable. A good deal of the crop has been cut and stacked. Towards the end of the month a very heavy rainfall was experienced, with floods upon low-lying country, which had a disastrous effect upon stock and standing crops, &c. — R. Barron.

Owaka. —March was a most changeable month. There was not much rain, but showers were frequent, and this has retarded harvesting operations. There are some very fine crops of oats and turnips in the district, and rape is also looking well. Most of the potato crops are blighted and the yields will not come up to expectations. Pastures are satisfactory, and there is plenty of feed everywhere.-- McGillivray.

Tapanui.—During the early part of the month the weather was fair, enabling much of the grain to be stacked, and mills are now busy. Some of the best oat crops are yielding from 50 to 60 bushels, but the majority are very light. Wheat in most cases looks well. Turnips are still growing well, especially swedes, and no blight is noticeable. Blight on the potato crop is almost unknown in this district, but a very heavy frost on the morning of the 24th blackened the tops everywhere. It is not thought- that much harm will result from this, as the tubers are well advanced. Extremely heavy rain started here on the evening of the 27th and continued steadily for over twenty-four hours, rivers and creeks being in high flood at time of writing.— W. J. McCulloch.

Gore.—During the greater part of the past month the weather was favourable, and farmers made good progress with the harvest. Pastures are holding out well, and turnips are looking splendid. On the evening of the 27th exceptionally heavy rain set in and continued for thirty hours without intermission, and in the early hours of Saturday morning came down one of the? most disastrous floods in the history of this district. At present the damage to crops and other property can hardly be estimated. Paddocks of grain have disappeared, and also fences in some localities. — B. Grant.

Lumsden.—The weather for the month of March was very changeable. The first week was very wet, but was followed by some warm sunny days, and farmers were to be seen making the most of the fine weather, cutting 1 and harvesting the crops. Towards the middle of the month we experienced several sharp frosts, which cut down a good number of the potato crops. On the 27th very heavy rain fell, causing the river to overflow, doing a tremendous amount of damage, the old settlers considering it the biggest flood known for the last thirty years. In most cases threshing returns are very light. Pastures were looking well until this recent flood. Turnip crops are very good.— W. S. S. Cantrell. .

Invercargill;—The country throughout this district begins to have a wintry appearance, grass paddocks are bare, and on some places turnips and rape are being eaten off. Harvest is dragging slowly on, owing to the unsettled state of the weather. Grain crops generally are light, but turnips and potatoes promise well. We have had a few sunny days this month, with a sharp frost on the night of the 23rd instant, the grass on the following morning being quite, stiff and white: The rainfall was 7-34 in., which is very high for this season of the year, 2-69 in. having fallen in twenty-four hours on the 27th and 28th of the month, and the fall was much heavier inland, the result being that the biggest floods ever known to the oldest inhabitants of Southland were experienced on Saturday and Sunday last. Farmers on low-lying lands have suffered very severe losses, and railway traffic has been completely disorganized.— J. R. Whyborn.

Otautau. —The weather for the month was anything but favourable for the farmers, harvesting being prolonged through constant wet weather. Some threshing is done, but results are poor compared with previous years. Rain commenced last night and continued throughout the whole night, the result being the heaviest flood ever known. So far I have not been able to ascertain the extent of the damage, but from what can be seen near at hand many thousands of pounds will be required to cover the loss.— H. F Dencker.

Queenstown. —During the month the weather was very broken, and although, a considerable number of wet days were experienced no great amount, of rain,fell until the 27th and 28th, when we had about twenty-six hours, swelling the rivers and lake, but no damage therefrom is so far reported in this district. We had frosts on the mornings of the 17th and 31st.— -A. Clarke. '

Pembroke. —The weather during the month was changeable, and at times very cold, and stormy. The. rainfall was exceptionally heavy and all rivers are in flood. Pastures, crops, &c., have come away well, the growth being very noticeable throughout the district. J. A. Griffith.

Moisture in the soil is like money in the bank.