PASTURES AND CROPS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 5, 15 May 1913, Page 545

PASTURES AND CROPS.

APRIL.

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 disastrous drought continues, this now being the seventh month since any appreciable rain has fallen. The troubles of the drought were supplemented by several severe frosts, which chilled the air and cut down all sorts cf vegetation, on the nights of tho sth, 6th, 7th, and Bth. „ Since those dates the nights generally have been very much colder than is usual at this time of year, and farmers have found it necessary to cover their horses at night, even in this “congenial” northern climate. These severe frosts have caused farmers and stockowners to become .very despondent. The winter outlook has never presented more discouraging prospects, as the number of stock in the north is greater, and fodder and grass is more scarce.. Consequently farmers have found it necessary to sell a lot of their stock at a sacrifice. Fires are still raging in some localities and destroying the remainder of the already parched pastures, and many acres of useful bush, which farmers have hitherto depended on to a, considerable extent to help them over the winter as places providing rough feed and a refuge from the bitter win try winds. Stock of all kinds are showing signs of impoverishment and sickness in many localities. A good many losses have been reported, and one small farmer has lost nine head of his young heifers, due to eating the young shoots of fern which have sprung up since the bush-fires. Others again have met their fate by getting into many of th • swamps after a more verdant forage, and, being in a weak state, have been unable to struggle back to dry land. Farmers are becoming resigned to the gloomy prospects which the North has never experienced in the past, and most of them realize the value a good ensilage-stack or a good stack of hay would be at this juncture. It is on these occasions that the far-famed paspalum can prove its worth as a droughtresister, especially on those rich alluvial flats that are found in many valleys of the North. A slight rain fell yesterday, but quite insufficient to meet the demand of the baked-up soils.— W. J. Dunlop.

Whangarei.—On the 7th and Bth of the month we had two severe frosts. The drought continued until the 26th, when warm rains fell till the 27th ; in all, the rainfall amounted to a little over. 2 in. This rainfall has given the pastures a fresh start, and, .should warm weather continue, with a little more rain, it means an abundance of grass well into the winter. This has been the driest season in the North for many years, and the rain means a matter of thousands of pounds to this part of the Dominion. There has . been a big loss throughout the district from bush-fires, and most of the settlers having sown grass-seed too early, in the majority of cases this has been a total failure. The only grass the drought did not affect in the slightest was paspalum ; this continued to grow until the frosts came, and then the growth practically ceased.— A: P. Speedy.

Auckland.—Fine warm weather continued up till the afternoon of the 3rd instant, and then a change took place, rain falling on and off at intervals up to the 7th, when it turned very cold and windy, after which a few fine days followed. On the 14th heavy rain set in again, which was much appreciated' after the spell of dry weather. However, the rainfall did not last long enough, and was not sufficiently heavy to saturate the ground thoroughly. From the 15th to the' 24th it kept line, but very cold and frosty nigbts were experienced, which greatly affected the growth of everything. The dairying industry suffered from the effects of the dry weather through this cause. There was a considerable . shortage of milk, somewhat greater than usual for this time of year. Considering the shortage of food, stock.of all descriptions are in fairly good condition. The green crops in most places are very good, and the rain now. setting in again will give them a frosh life. The growing crops of potatoes that looked promising last month suffered considerably from the effects of the frosts. Judging from reports they are practically ruined.— R. Rowan. ... . .

Kihikihi.—Although the weather for April might be characterized as almost perfect, there was a lack of warm rains to aid the autumn-sown grass. Pastures also suffered from high winds and frosts, consequently the dairy-farmer is feeling the result in diminished milk-yields. Hay is being saved in larger quantities than during the last two seasons, arid - this, combined with a splendid root crop, ensures the future of the backbone of this district, the cow.— G. E. McPhee.

Thames. —Owing to the continued dry weather, matters are looking serious for the dairy-farmers. Although a splendid rain was experienced on the 29th of March, the recent cold weather has retarded all autumn growth, and the winter will be here before there is any chance of recovery. We had rain again on the 14th ,of this month, and it is raining to-day while writing this, accompanied by a cold east wind. Potatoes just harvested are a good crop and are free from blight.— George Rigg.

Te Aroha.—-The weather was dry during this month ; on the 14th and 26th, however, there were two nice falls of rain, which were most beneficial to pastures and root crops. Owing to the continued drought the ground is still hard and dry, particularly in part of the Bay of Plenty district, where the pastures are looking bad, and unless some good rains come, with some warm weather, matters will be serious for settlers, as in many instances no provision for winter feed has been made.— J. R. Morris. '

Hamilton.—Light-rains fell on two days during thei month of April : these, with heavy mists, kept , the pastures green and fresh, although the growth has been checked 'by three frosts.. The root crops are looking well. The land has been, and is, in good order for cultivating for autumn cropping. Stock are looking remarkably well, dairy herds especially so. By reports from other districts, Waikato has been particularly favoured as to weather-conditions, pastures, &c.,, this season.— J. Kerr.

King-country. April was a dry.month, the weather being more like summer in the daytime, with cold nights approaching a frosty temperature. These conditions, whilst. being favourable for all late soil-cultivation, have been severe on the pastures, which are now very bare of feed for this time of the year. Young gra s and turnips sown on bush burns have also received a check. A warm growing .rain would now be very much appreciated throughout the district.— B. Bayly.

' Taumarunui. —-April was a very' favourable month, with light (rains • [during the earlier part. Fine days, with a few light frosts at night, have not. done any harm. Winter feed is secure. - Turnips on bush burns have come away well. Factories are still receiving ample supplies of cream, and are likely to continue getting it for some weeks longer.—#. T. Hughes. ■ . Ul Ohakune.—-The month'opened fine, and continued so until the 7th, when light rains occurred accompanied by very cold winds, with snow on the higher levels. This sample of weather again repeated itself on the 14th and 15th, and from this period to the end of the month exceptionally mild weather prevailed. Pastures, according to situation and elevation, were more or less affected by the occurring frosts, present appearances pointing to a hard time for stock on areas overstocked and where provision has not been made for winter feeding. The milk-supply within the month has considerably decreased, and for town distribution the supply is hardly equal to the demand. Oats, where chaffed, have been productive of good samples, particularly so are Gartons, this variety in general being well headed and not overburdened with too much st"aw. Satisfactory yields of potatoes have been obtained, Gamekeepers and Northern Star appearing more suitable than other varieties to the climatic conditions of the district. —D. Barry. -

.-. Taihape.—The weather during April was anything but satisfactory from a farmer’s point of view. Owing to the absence of warm rain the pastures • are very backward. Stock throughout the district are looking very wel- indeed.— A. P. Smith.

New Plymouth. Owing to a fall of snow on the sth, which covered the mountain and the tops of the ranges, the weather became much colder. Little rain has fallen during the month, the days being very bright and fine, with an autumnal feeling in the air. ■ The country is looking remarkably well, and feed is- plentiful. Some of the turnips •are being fed off Owing to the bulbs rotting. Mangels are looking well. The autumnsown grasses and crops are making good growth.— R. E. Fairfax-Gholmeley. i-

Stratford. With th© exception of the 7th and Bth, when’fwe'had r a I heavy southerly rain, April was a fine month, with frosty nights and clear bright'days. The disease that has broken out in the swede turnins will be a serious thing l for the farmers in the district, as the turnip is the main crop for the dairy-farmer. In many cases the farmers have had to turn their cows on to the crops, in order to get some feed before they all rotted. So far, the later crops sown on new ground-appear to be clean. Austin F. Wilson.

Hawera.—Very rough boisterous weather was experienced early in the - month, with an unusually ■ cold snap on the 7th and Bth. Since then the weather has been changeable, with light misty showers at times, cold nights, and a few slight frosts followed by bright sunny days. A good soaking rain would be very beneficial just now, as grass is getting rather short, and the pastures in some parts of the district present quite a burnt-up appearance. There are indications that farmers who have not laid by a good store of hay or ensilage will be short of feed during the coming winter. The grassgrub is in evidence in some parts .of the district, but not to any serious extent. Root crops are looking well, but will not be as good as last year’s crops. The end of the dairying season is now approaching, and, although perhaps not up to expectations warranted by returns in the early spring months, farmers generally appear to be well satisfied with the season’s operations.— A. J. Glasson.

Wanganui.—The chilliness of the weather during April was a decided intimation ■of the proximity of winter. With the exception of the last few days, which were appreciably milder, the temperature was generally low, and several frosts were recorded. Very little rain fell, except on the night of the 13th and the dawn of the 14th, when there was an unusually heavy downpour. Feed in the pastures, although the growth was checked by the low temperature, is still plentiful, and during the last five days of more genial weather is showing noticeably green. Roots and green crops are doing fairly well.- VJ. Watson. ... ■ , '

Mangaweka.—Weather-conditions during the past month were too dry. Several light showers fell, but not sufficient to soak the ground ; therefore the grass is not so far advanced as farmers would like to see it. The good prices offering for all classes of stock ■tend to prevent overstocking, so that graziers will have a better chance of carrying the remaining animals well through the winter. Some of the turnips and grass on the new burns look very yellow and sickly, due to want of rain. This means a decided loss to new settlers, as a good crop of turnips ensures a considerable profit to beginners in this district ■during the coming winter.— J. A. Melrose. ,

Feilding.— present month was'cold up to the 20th, which checked the growth of grass considerably; since that date it has been mild for the time of the year. Oats that are. sown and are above ground are looking well. Some farmers have made the mistake of not getting their stubble land ploughed earlier in the season and letting it lie up to the sun. Threshing operations have been in full swing. Oats, barley, peas, and grass-seed have turned out well. Silver-beet, or Swiss chard, has been sown in this district, and is giving very fair returns; but when planted under more favourable conditions experimenters will beyond doubt be pleased with the results obtained from it for fattening purposes.— IF. Dibble.

Gisborne.—Very serviceable rrins fell during April. Pastures are now showing a good improvement, although the growth has been retarded by the cold winds and frost that accompanied the rain. Cattle-feed will be short during the coming winter over the whole of the district. Maize-picking is now being carried out. The yield will not be as heavy as last year, owing to the dry season.— W. Boss. , ,

Wairoa.The weather - conditions during the past month were of a variable •character. The first portion was wintry and broken, while the latter half was of a mild nature, thus producing a spring-like growth of the pastures, a condition of affairs that will be greatly appreciated by. the pastoralist, as there has been a great shortage of grass throughout the past season. Stock are not up to the normal in point of condition. —T. F. Mullaly. ■ ’

Waipukurau.—The month of April has been an ideal one as far as weather-con-ditions are concerned, -it being more like spring than autumn, nice .warm rains falling intervals, with sunny days following. Pastures and root crops should be much benefited. Should the frost keep away, winter prospects will be very much improved. Autumnsown grasses are coming away well.— H. 0. M. Christie. ■

PahiatuA.—The rainfall for the month was 2-30 in. • Rain fell on eleven days, the heaviest fall being on the 13th. (April, 1912 : Total fall, 5-44 in. ; rain fell on sixteen ■days ; heaviest fall, 161 in., on the.27th.) We again have had good weather for all outdoor work, and this has been taken advantage of throughout the district. The root -crops that were put in late are still growing, and are making fair headway. Chaff-cutting and threshing are now being started, some being last year’s crops. The crops generally in both cereals and roots will .not be up to the average. • .This remark applies generally to the crops that were put in late (the lateness was owing to bad weather, followed by high winds and gales). The outlook for the coming winter is good at present.— T. Bacon.

North Wairarapa.—The past month was exceptionally fine. At thebeginning •of the month we had light rains, and towards the end a few nights’ frest, with fine sunny

days, which should tend to freshen up all pastures. There is a fair amount of autumn feed sown, and it is looking well. Probably there is more sown this season on account of the turnip crop being a partial failure. There is a fair amount of ground ploughed, and farmers are taking advantage of- the fine weather to work their ground and thus destroy the weeds. The milk-yield is decreasing, as is to be expected at this season of the year. Stock, however, are looking well. I notice stacks of ensilage dotted throughout the district. J. S. Rankin.

Wellington.—April opened rather unpromisingly, with blustering gales and rain, but towards the middle of the month a welcome change occurred. Up to the 29th, beautiful, calm, warm days were the rule, with slight frosts inland. Full advantage was taken of the calm spell to push on with all farming-work. Pastures are excellent for the time of year, and autumn-sown crops are coming away well. All descriptions of stock are doing .satisfactorily.- G. H. Jenkinson.

Blenheim.—At the commencement of the month there were two or three hard frosts, after which the weather was fine, rain being badly needed. Strong gales of wind were experienced about the middle of the month, doing a good deal of damage in parts of the district to property, trees, hay, and corn-stacks.— F. H. Brittain. '

Westland.—The month of April was somewhat more pleasant than for some considerable time past; but, being late in the season, there is not much likelihood of continual fine weather, although the winter months on the West' Coast seem as a rule to bo more settled than in summer-time, the days being fine and bright, with cold frosty nights. This, however, does not apply to every season, and rain takes the place of fine weather for the greater part of the year, which is a considerable drawback to those on the land, hindering them in every possible way from following their pursuits to the best advantage.— ll. J. Walton.

Kaikoura.—Pastures are still good, and there-is sufficient feed about for stock. Autumn-sown oats for green feed and root crops for winter, feed are coming on well. We had three or .four fairly sharp frosts.-about the beginning of the month, but these did not chock the growth of grass. Throughout the month ideal late autumn weather prevailed.— W. S. Goodall. .

Rotherham.The weather during April was somewhat mixed. During the first few days, there was heavy rain, with snow very low down on the ranges. Then very severe frosts were experienced, and these were followed by mild weather, which was most favourable for all kinds of green.feed and for pastures. Farmers are now busy getting their crops in. A large area is to be put under wheat and oats this year. Threshing operations are almost completed. Yields, upon the whole, are poor. .On the Cheviot Settlement one farmer had a paddock (12 acres) of Pearly White wheat, which yielded 60 bushels per acre record for the district. Potatoes are now being dug, but yields are poor. High prices are ruling for fat lambs and also for young ewes.— W. M. Munro.

Rangiora.—April was a very, calm month, , but there were two strong north-west gales during-the second week. The rainfall was 1-96 in. There were three slight frosts during the month, and a heavy one of 5° on the 9th. There are still a lot of potatoes to be lifted. Crops are not as large as those of last year. I have had several inquiries about silver-beet, and I.think there will be a big demand for seed next year owing to its being able to resist the frosts. A. Hughes. .

Lincoln. The weather during April was, generally speaking, cold for the time of year, but there were also a few really beautiful days. A good rain fell on the 13th. Throughout the month plough teams were busy, and farm-work is well advanced. ' A fair acreage is now almost ready for the sowing of wheat and barley. Potato crops are :being dug, and in some instances are yielding well. Turnips will provide a fair amount of winter feed, but in places have suffered from the diamond-back moth. Feed in the pastures is still fairly abundant, though much of it now is very dry.— G. Scott.

Ashburton.—Splendid weather was experienced during the month, only 1-75 points being recorded, as against 4-16 for the corresponding month last year. Sheep have fattened well. • Very little snow is on the ranges. In the back country the farmers are now mustering, to put their sheep on safe-country. The sheep are being brought in in excellent condition.— G. Branigan.

Fairlie.—A fine open month ; everything doing well. Farmers are making good use of the good weather, and a deal of autumn sowing has been done. There appears to be a shortage of draught horses in this district. At a clearing-sale recently held, horses from eight years' old and upwards realized £4O and over, yearlings up to £25, and foals up to £l2. Cattle are bringing good prices, especially young animals, yearlings being sold up to £3 Ils., and fat cows up to £9 10s.— W. B. Manning.

Timaru.— the month there was a fair fall of rain, with a lot of foggy weather and very little frost. There is a good growth of grass all through the district to start the winter with. A largo amount of cow-grass has been cut and stacked, and some which has been threshed has yielded well. Potato-digging is general, but there is only a fair crop. J. G. Huddleston. . ' '

WaimatE.—The weather during April was very changeable, and at times exceptionally cold for this season of the year, rain somewhat hindering threshing operations. Pastures all through the district are looking well. During the month a considerable area was broken up for cropping. . Cereal crops are not threshing out up to the average, and potato-yields already dug are'’not so heavy as usual. - Turnips and mangels look well. Lucerne and maize, on the other hand, have suffered considerably from the unseasonably cold weather during growth. Silver-beet v and chou moellier sown last month are doing well. All stock look well, and-there is, ; for this time of the year an abundance of feed. F. A. Macdonald. ■ ■■■■■..

Kurow.—We have had beautiful autumn weather during the past month, and the frosts have not been severe enough to retard growth to any extent, with the result that pastures are looking splendid, and stock of all kinds are in good heart to face the winter months. Potato crops are not so good as last season’s, although they are free from disease. Threshing is still going on in the Hakataramea Valley, crops not yielding quite so well as last year.— G. Reid.

Oamaru. —The weather has been fine, with cold frosty nights, and in most cases was very suitable for the farmer. The rape crops are not good throughout the district, but green winter feed is doing well. . Threshing is mostly over, and ploughing and carting grain is the order of the day.— W. F. Flower. .

Palmerston South.—Theweather was .fairly good throughout the month. . The rainfall since the 28th March was 141 points. . Splendid, weather has been the rule since the 18th, there being unusually high barometer on the 20th and 21st, slowly falling ever since, and very cold for the last two days. There were several hard frosts through-" out the month. Ploughing and preparing the land for autumn sowing is the chief work being done on the farm. Pastures and green feed are looking well. Root crops have a good show of tops, but with small bulbs.— C. S. Dalgleish.

Dunedin. The weather during April was very mild and sunny, quite a contrast to that experienced in March. This has enabled farmers to lift their potatoes, which have turned out a fair crop. With one or two rare exceptions, mangels are a very light crop. Pastures still continue fair, and winter feeding will not be such a big order as it has been in past seasons.— J. R. Renton.

Mosgiel.;—During April it rained for eight days, doing good to the hill country. Harvesting is practically over. The yield will be much lighter than last season. Farmers are busy ploughing, and the land is in exceptionally good order for breaking up. Potatoes are not yet lifted, but the yield will be light. Pastures, turnips, and mangels are looking well, and there will be abundance, of feed for the ■winter. Very heavy rain fell on the 30th.— H. McLeod. ... . . . . r

Strath Taieri. — weather during . the month was changeable, ' with every appearance of an early -winter. During April we have had three wintry snaps/ which whitened all the surrounding hill country. ’"Pastures are fairly good, and stock are in fair condition to start the winter. Potato-digging is general, and in most cases the crops are light. In . some localities late turnips have come on well. The land is in good condition for ploughing, and most farmers have made a start.— W. Scott.

' Maniototo.There has been a good deal of frost during the month. Up to the 13th the weather was changeable; since then we have had fine clear days, accompanied by frost at nights. Stock throughout the district are healthy and are in good condition. —A. T. N.- Simpson.

Lawrence. The first potion of the month was very cold and stormy, with snow on the hills and also lower down ; but much more favourable weather was experienced at the latter end of the month. Harvesting is almost completed, with the exception of a few late places. Yields of all grain are light. Turnips will not be a heavy crop. All stock are looking well at present, and, .'should the winter be not too prolonged, there will be sufficient feed to pull them through' successfully.— R. Barron.

Balclutha.—The weather for April was very changeableconsiderable rain and a few sharp frosts, with latterly ten days of lovely weather. Winter feed for stock will be very limited (chiefly on account of the recent floods), as a: considerable area of good turnip crops have been ruined. This applies chiefly to Barnego and Inch-Clutha. The

latter place is noted for its root crop's, and in past seasons hundreds of cattle have been winter-fattened there. This season the number will be very small. All stock are in fair condition. Hugh A. Munro.' .

' Owaka. —Good weather was experienced in April, which enabled the farmers to get their crops stacked. . The mills are now at work, and most'of the yields are satisfactory., Turnips have Sone well, ( and there are Some extremely nice crops to be seen. The potatoes are of fairly good quality, but the returns will not be heavy. Grass is holding out well, and there is a lot of rough feed for the winter. — R. McGillivray.

Lumsden.—During the month of April extreme conditions of weather were experienced. The first week exceptionally heavy and continuous rain fell for a couple of days, and the most severe flood on record in this district resulted. . During the last fortnight the weather has been very goodclear, warm, genial days allowing the farmers to renew their harvesting. Turnips have suffered by the recent floods. The yield of oats and wheat will be light. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt on the 26th.— W. S. S. Cantrell.

■ Invercargill.—The weather during the past month was changeable. Towards the end of the month there was a week’s fine weather, which gave farmers an opportunity of getting.in a good amount of crop. A few. more fine days and the last of the grain should be gathered. There have been few frosts during the month. \ Although grass is getting scarce just now, the turnip crops are good. Potatoes promise well, being fairly free from blight.— J. R. Whyborn. .

Otautau. —The weather for the month was an improvement on that of the previous month. Some fine sunny days were experienced, also a few heavy frosts. The pastures are not feeding as well as might be, owing to their washy nature. Harvest .is not yet finished, though farmers are availing themselves of every chance. Threshing is in progress, the yields not being up to previous years. Turnip crops are not showing as well at the bottoms as was expected by the top growth. Potatoes are being dug, and some good yields have been obtained. These are fairly free from blight.— H. F. Dencker.

- Queenstown. —The weather was somewhat broken at the beginning of the month and up till about the 12th.- Nice settled weather, with light frosts at night and beautiful sunshine during the day, prevailed since that time. This was welcomed by the farmers, as quite a number had crops still in stock, and in some cases these have yet to be cut. Turnips and potatoes are turning out fairly good, and feed for winter promises well. A. Clarke. . .

. .... Pembroke. The weather-conditions during April were very unsettled. ' The first week was very cold arid stormy, and 'several light-coverings of snow fell on- the higher country. The second week was much milder, and farming operations were less difficult to carry out. Cold stormy weather was again-the order for the next few days, after which the frosts became more marked, with the days bright and sunny. The winter outlook at present appears bright. There is no shortage of feed. Winged thistles are very plentiful. J. A. Griffith. . •