PASTURES AND CROPS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 6, 16 June 1913, Page 672

PASTURES AND CROPS.

MAY. 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 broke on the 25th April, when a fairly heavy downpour of rain caused every settler to rejoice. The total rainfall for April was 1-78 in., which fell on five days, the heaviest being on the 25th, when 142 in. fell. May has been more favoured, and rain fell on twelve days, the heaviest being on the 15th, when 0-73 in. fell. The total for the month up to the 27th amounted to 2-59 in. Unfortunately, the autumn was too far advanced, and with the belated rain came cold temperatures, which have militated against any. satisfactory.. growth being made in the pastures. ■ As predicted last month, stock have suffered very much from the cold and bitter westerly winds that prevailed for the greater part of May. Towards the end of the month there were a few congenial days, the sun shining and the wind ceasing. The few of the more progressive farmers of this district who go in for turnip-growing have found the salvation and value of their wisdom in doing so, and have proved to their less progressive neighbours that it pays handsomely to cater for their stock in this way during the autumn and winter months. As a result of the drought a lot of the grasses have died, and weeds are growing luxuriantly in their place. It would pay many farmers, where it is possible to cultivate, to plough up such pastures, and. sow them anew. This would serve a twofold, purpose, by .preventing the propagation of weeds and improving the condition of the soil and pastures. W. J. Dunlop. Whangabei.—The weather for May was windy, with cold showers. On the night of the 10th this part of the country had one of the most severe gales yet experienced, and it was accompanied by a very heavy rainfall. The stormy weather continued until about the 20th. There has been little growth in the pastures, and consequently there is every prospect of this winter proving a very severe one on stock. Most of the turnip crops are failures, and there will be little feed to carry stock through to the spring.— A. P. Speedy. Auckland. May opened with very unfavourable weathersoutherly winds, strong to a gale, prevailed, and were followed by cold showery weather. Although there was plenty of moisture in the soil, there was not sufficient heat to encourage the growth of grass : consequently the pastures are, bare. It is regrettable that very few farmers have made provision for winter and spring feed. Some who are fortunate enough to have an ample supply of feed have nothing to fear, but those who have not will find it difficult to obtain fodder without having to pay dearly for it. Turnip crops are much better than last year, and are now being fed off. Preparation of land for the early planting of potatoes is in progress, particularly in the Bombay district, and there is every indication that the area under this’crop will be greatly increased this year. R. Rowan. Opotiki. During May there were a few light rains, which were followed by severe frosts; consequently feed throughout the district is very scarce. It is feared that settlers have a hard winter before them. Maize-picking is now in full swing, and early planted crops are expected to yield as well as in past. seasons.- — J. Case. Te Aboha.— early part of May was dry. Sunny days were followed by severe frosty nights, which retarded all growth. The latter part of the month has been boisterous, with cold north-westerly squalls and very cold showers. In the Thames Valley pastures are very fair, but in other parts of the district feed £ is very scarce. Turnip and other root crops are good this season; and, with good crops of hay and oats harvested, settlers are fairly well prepared to meet the winter, which, from all appearances, is likely to be a severe one.— J. R. Morris. • ■ ,

Hamilton. The weather during May was wet, cold, and boisterous, with occasional frosts, which had a disastrous effect on the pastures. Feed is scarce throughout the district, and turnip crops are being fed off earlier than usual. Stock are still looking well, but owing to scarcity of feed in other districts large numbers of cattle and sheep have been brought into the Waikato, and the prospect of keeping them in good condition until spring is not good.— J. Kerr.

Te Awamutu.—The fine weather experienced during April was not continued this month. The weather for May was exceptionally stormy and wintry. Cold winds, rain, and frost predominated over occasional fine days. Winter has fairly set in, and stock are already feeling the pinch of bare paddocks. Turnips are good, but the area sown is small, and holders of large mobs of cattle are keenly competing for available supplies. The milking season, which was not up to expectations, is finished.— C. E. McPhee.

Cambridge.—The weather during May was very dry, with just odd showers. Hard frosts prevailed right throughout, and have retarded all growth. Pastures are bare but green. Turnip crops, on the whole, are good, but from present indications farmers will require all their straw and hay to see them through the winter. — A. A. Clapcott.

King-country.—May has been a typical winter month for this district, with cold rains and hard frosts. The latter were followed by days of clear sunshine. The rain freshened the pastures, but it promoted very little growth. Turnips sown on new fern land have not been a success, the fern having asserted itself. Swedes grown on wellcultivated old pasture country show the best results, though the size of the roots is below the average. Winter feed will be at a premium before the spring growth appears. —B. Bayly. ' ■ ..

Taupo.—The month of May was very dry, with a few showers at intervals. Cold southerly winds and a few frosts have retarded growth generally. Pastures are fairly bare, but green swede crops are, on the whole, looking well. H. Allen. .

Taihaee.May was a very rough, cold month. Snow fell at intervals, and was accompanied almost immediately by severe frosts, which completely stopped growth in pastures. The farmers are already complaining, and are anticipating a very severe winter for all classes of stock. They say that they do not remember ever starting a winter before on so little feed. Turnips grown on Waiouru pumice plain are easily the pick of the district. — A. P. Smith.

Mangaweka.—Old settlers agree that May was one of the coldest months they have ever experienced in this district. Snow fell on several occasions, and was accompanied by a keen biting wind. The frosts, too, were exceptionally keen for so early in the year. ■Grass is showing signs of the severity of the weather, and stock have suffered a good ■deal from cold and exposure, and have gone back considerably, especially dairy cattle. J. A. Melrose. ■

New Plymouth.— was a very cold month. There were several falls of snow •on the.' mountain, and an unusual number of frosts. Rain fell frequently. All stock are looking well. The pastures, owing to the cold and frosts, are getting very short.— R. E. Fairfax-Cholmeley.

Stratford. — was a very variable and broken month, with strong southerly winds, very heavy rain, very sharp frosts, and towards the end of the month a few bright days. The rough weather and frosts stopped all growth of pastures, with the result that farmers have had to start on their winter feed sooner than they expected. As a lot of the turnips are diseased, the prospects for wintering stock are not too bright, except for those who are well prepared for it. There are several turnip crops affected with club-root. Already there is a demand for turnips, hay, and grazing.— A. F. Wilson.

Wanganui. The weather during May was infinite in variety, but generally unsatisfactory from the farmer’s view-point. Storms of exceptional fury raged- on the Ist, 2nd, 9th, and 20th, the last-mentioned being accompanied by thunder and a deluge ■of hail which spread a snowlike covering over the countryside. Conditions during the last two months having been inimical to the usual growth of grass, pastures generally are comparatively bare, and the outlook for stockowners who are dependent on natural feed is not encouraging.— G. Watson. .

Feilding.—The weather up to the 19th May was cold and wintry, with snow and sleet on the high country. Since that date fine weather with light frosts has been welcomed for working the land and sowing autumn crops; also for lifting potatoes, which have turned out very satisfactorily. From 15 tons to over 20 tons per acre have

been mentioned, principally of the Northern' Star variety, which has become famous in this district, as it is grown practically free from blight.-— W. Dibble. . •

Gisborne. —The weather during May was cold and boisterous, with a good deal of frost for this district. Feed for sheep is fair, but for cattle scanty. The rainfall, was light.— W. Ross. , . " . ' . r

Wairoa. —The weather-conditions of May were of a seasonable character. ' Finesunny days accompanied by frosty nights, and alternating with occasional broken periods of a wintry nature, were experienced. Pastures still continue to make moderate headway, and stock are in fair condition. Turnip crops are being generally regarded as a failure, and farmers will require to derive all the benefit from nature’s unassisted growth to maintain their own.— T. F. Mullaly. "" . -■

Waipukhrah.-The month of May was a very wintry one ; high rains fell, and there are heavy coatings of snow on the Ruahines. The lower levels experienced heavy frosts throughout the month, and the growth of pastures has consequently been retardedH. 0. M. Christie. . ' -‘ - ' r ’ ■ • ■' -

■ ■ ■ Hastings. The weather during May was seasonable. There were cold nights and several severe frosts. Less rain fell than is usually recorded at this time of the year.. Consequently stock are looking exceedingly well, considering the - scarcity of feed.— J. G. Parker.

Pahiatua. —Winter set in in real earnest from the commencement of May up toabout the last week, when frosts came, with fogs for three mornings. The fogs helped, to prevent the frost from cutting down the pastures. The soil is in good condition for the plough, and it will now pay to turn the land and work it well. Farmers will now have to begin to feed their stock. During the month rain fell in Pahiatua on fifteen days, as against ten days for the same period last year. The total fall during the month was 6-11 in.— Bacon.

North Wairarapa.—Rough weather was experienced throughout the district during May. This will tend to make feed scarce, and to raise the price of fat and forward stock. Turnips are not standing much feeding off. The majority of the butter and cheese factories will be closing down about the middle of June. There have been more cows milked in the Wairarapa this year than formerly. This will help to make cowfeed very scarce about spring. There is still a fair amount of crutching to be done on the stations. Farm-work is at a standstill, the ground being too wet to, plough. Those who have winter feed should reap the benefit. — 8. Rankin. '... - . ■

■ Masterton. —The weather during May was exceptionally wet and cold, and-has-seriously interfered with farming operations. Ploughing in particular has been thrown back, but, fortunately, a considerable amount of ploughing was done last month, and in isolated cases early oats were sown. It is very noticeable that the autumn-sown crops usually turn out much better than the spring crops. Weak sheep are feeling' the rigorous weather which has been experienced in this district, - and it is reported that a number .have already succumbed. 'Snow fell on the low-lying country on the 22nd, but remained only a.short time. Pastures have suffered with the early-approach of winter, but so far there appears to be ample feed to see the winter through. Fortunately, there was a large quantity of real good hay saved this season. T. C. Webb.

. . Carterton. —The weather during the month of May was very unsettled, and on the high country snow was very much in evidence. Several heavy frosts were experienced. The milk.-yield has decreased considerably, and all factories will shortly be closing. Stock in general are looking well. Many farmers are having trouble in obtaining: grazing for their dairy herds. Autumn-sown crops are looking well.— B. G. Ivens.

Wellington.—Winter made its appearance in earnest with the incoming of . May. The continued cold southerlies, with heavy rain, during the first ten days were followed by, keen frosts, which cut back the growth of pastures severely. As a result, feed, will now.be scarce on exposed lands. . Crops of swedes were very fair, and mangels were good generally. Autumn-sown oats were looking well. The weather was too wet for potatoes; altogether it has been a poor year for. this crop.- Milking suffered a good deal, but other classes of stock were looking fairly well.— G. H. Jenkinson.

Blenheim. Winter set in unusually early, and there is every promise of it proving a severe one for stock. With few exceptions there was frost every night during May, the hardest being about 12 degrees. On the 9th and 10th of the month cold rain set in, and. on the high levels the.snow was very heavy.. Even the lower hills round Blenheim had a fairly thick covering, which came unusually low down. The days were beautifully bright'and sunny, if somewhat cold.— F. H. Brittain.

, Nelson.—The weather for May was very cold, with snow on the hills and frosts at.night. Though only a little over 2 in. of rain fell, there were, two falls of snow. ’lt is many years since there was so much snow in May. The country is still dry, and-the rivers and creeks .are very low. The ground has been so dry that it has been difficult to plough anything but stubble land. . Owing to the weather being so cold and the ground so dry, there has. been little growth in the grain crops. The pastures are poor, and feed is getting scarce. There is every prospect of a very severe winter for stock.— Gilbert Ward. '

Westland.—The weather-conditions throughout May were of a very boisterous nature, and considerable damage was done in the Inangahua and Murchison districts owing to heavy falls of snow. Settlers who had sheep depasturing on the high country seem to think that their losses will be somewhat heavy in consequence. As they did not, expect such severe weather so early in the season they had no opportunity of removing stock. Dairy stock have also suffered considerably.— H. J. Walton.

•’ Seddon.—Up to the 15th May there were heavy rains combined with snow falling heavily, especially through the Upper Awatere. After this severe frosts started, being followed by bright sunny days, which prevailed to the end of the month, when heavy rain set in. Al] farming operations had. practically to be suspended during the early part of the month, as the ground was too sodden from the recent rains for suitable working. There is promise of a plentiful supply ,of feed during the coming winter.— E. T. Sinclair. - . '

Kaikoura.—Extremely cold weather prevailed for the first, half of the month of. May, and heavy falls of snow on the Kaikoura Mountains made access to the Clarence Valley a difficult undertaking. The latter half of the month was fairly dry and seasonable. Pastures and crops have made very little growth, owing’ to cold weather and frosts.— W. S. Goodall. -. . ' '

Rotherham. —The weather during May was of a very wintry character, and there was every indication of an early winter. During the first week there was a heavy rainfall with severe snow in the back country, a fall of 3 ft. being reported in the Clarence .country. It was also very severe in Tarndale and Moleswo'rth districts, where there was still snow to a depth of 2 ft. at the end of the -month. Gangs of musterers have been snowed up since the first week of May. Towards the end of the. month severe frosts set in, and there is every indication of. the snow remaining for the winter. This would prove disastrous to stock, which cannot be got on to the winter country. Potatodigging has been in full swing, but the returns have been very poor.— W. M. Munro. "

Rangiora.—There were a few wet days in the early part of May, but the remainder of the month was very fine. Farmers were busy ploughing and lifting potatoes and mangels. Two or three paddocks of mangels’ appeared not to be quite ripe, owing probably to late sowing and early frosts. - A large number of farmers have pitted their potatoes, expecting prices to improve. The crops are heavier than was anticipated, but there are more small ones than usual. There were several severe frosts during the month, and the hills have been covered with' snow for some time.— A. Hughes. -

Lincoln. May commenced wet and cold, and-continued so with little change for sixteen days. As a consequence, farm-work was brought almost to a standstill. During the remainder of the month, when the weather was fine but. cold, teams were kept hard at work. Growers have been busy drilling winter wheat, of .which a considerable acreage still remains to be sown. The greater part of the potato crops are now dug, and are coming out of the ground in a generally sound condition. The early setting-in of winter this year has emphasized the importance of providing plenty of winter feed for stock. Happily, in most cases due provision has been made in this respect.—J. G. Scott.

Ashburton.—Rain fell on twelve days during May, and the total measurement was 4-18 in., against 0-86 in. for the corresponding period of last year. An unusually early fall of snow ■ occurred at the commencement of the month in the back country, and from information received there is likely to be a heavy mortality on runs at the head of the Rakaia Gorge, as the owners were just starting to-muster for the winter to put their sheep on the safe country. For the best part of the month beautiful sunshine, with frost occurring for twenty-three nights, has been experienced, and farmers have been busy getting in their winter wheat. A very large number of breeding-ewes-have been brought into the district during the month, and up to £1 3s. has been given.for fat lambs. Now that-the leaves have been eaten off the turnips, some very,fine crops are to be seen. Potato-lifting is now in progress, but the crops are - only, medium-, with comparatively no blight.— G. Branigan. .

Fairlie.—There was a very heavy fall of snow in the north end of the Mackenzie country in the beginning of May. ' After this, mild weather was experienced, with strong north-westers in the back country. On the low levels all stock is doing well, and there is no scarcity of feed.lP. B. Manning.

Timaru.—The early part of May was wet, with a lot of cold weather and a light fall of snow on the downs. The latter part of the month was warm and foggy. Good headway has been made with the sowing of winter wheat. Threshing cow-grass seed is general, and some good yields have been reported.— J. C. Huddleston.

Waimate. —The weather during the month of May was very changeable and excessively cold, with periodical frosts. Several snowstorms were experienced on the high country. Farmers are busy with the sowing of cereals. There is a considerable demand for wheat known as Red Marvel, grown so successfully last season on the co-operative experimental area in this district. Pastures look well, and there is ample feed in evidence to carry stock over the winter months. Stock in general are looking well. Some very fine crops of swedes are to be seen throughout the district, but on some of the low-lying lands turnips have suffered considerably owing to too much moisture. Maize and lucerne have been much hindered in growth by frost and cold winds. Farmers are becoming interested in silver-beet growing, and there may be a good demand for this frost-resisting plant.— F. A. Macdonald.

Kurow.—May was a good month for the farmer, and the frosts did-not interfere with ploughing operations. Consequently, at the end of the month horse-work on the farm was well forward. During the earlier part of the month there was a fairly heavy fall of snow on the high country, but it was followed by mild weather, and the snow melted. Potato-digging was still going on, but the crops were not turning out very well. Pastures were still good, but there was a very limited supply of turnips and mangels in this district. Sheep mustered off the high country during the month came in in good condition.— G. Reid. •

Oamaru.—May was a fair month for the farmer, and ploughing has been in full swing. There was a cold snap in the middle of the month, and much snow fell on the high country. ’ Potato-digging has been carried on, but light crops have been experienced. The month closed with cold southerly gales and stormy weather.— W. F. Flower.

Palmerston (South). —The weather was exceptionally rough, and temperatures were unusually low during the greater part of May. The rainfall since the 28th April was 263 points, of which 93 fell on the 30th May. There is a heavy coating of snow on the Kakanu Ranges. A keen frost was experienced on the night of the 9th, and was followed by rain and gales. The barometer registered lowest on the 19th. It has been a severe month on stock. — C. S. Dalgliesh.

Dunedin.—The weather during May was rough and stormy, and exceptionally cold. In fact, many old residents maintain that it has been the roughest May experienced in Otago since 1878. All farm-work is at a standstill; In several cases the potatoes are still in the ground, and there seems little chance of lifting them before spring comes in. The dairy-farmers are feeding heavily on green feed and roots, as there is not much feed left on the pastures.— J. R. Renton.

Strath Taieri.—The weather during May was unusually wintry, and it is many years since such weather was experienced at this time of the year. Pastures are becoming bare, but on hill country there is a fair growth. Turnip crops generally are light.— W. Scott. .

' Clyde.—The weather for the month of May was squally. A good deal of rain fell, and there were some heavy falls of snow on the high levels. As there has been very little frost, the recent rains have brought the pastures along fairly well. It looks as if the farmer will have a fair amount of winter feed, instead of having none, as it looked like a few months ago.— T. N. Baxter.

Maniototo.—During the first ten days of May the weather was very unsettled. Cold winds, accompanied by snow and sleet, were experienced. The latter part of the month was fairly fine. There was a good deal of frost during the month, especially after the 22nd. The high country has, been slightly covered with snow. Stock are in good heart, and the district is looking well. A. T. N. Simpson.

Lawrence.—The weather for May was very cold, and wet. -There was a little snow and few nights of frost. Owing to so much rain farming operations are backward, and stock are not doing very well on turnips. There are a few isolated cases of the oat crop still remaining to be stacked. If rough and wet weather continues there is a possibility of a shortage of feed for stock before the spring.— J?. Barron. . -

Gore. —The weather during May was very bad, and, with the exception of an odd day, has been continually wet and cold. Consequently, farm-work has been almost at a standstill. In one or two places there is Still some grain in the stook. and this will now be difficult to save. Farmers of long standing say that the weather during the past month was the worst they have experienced for a great many years. Turnips have done well, but the continuous rain has made it very bad for feeding off.— B. Grant.

Owaka. —The weather-during May was of a wintry nature. , Cold stormy weather set in on the 1 st; and continued up to the 23rd. The higher, parts of the district received several coats of snow, while cold rain-showers were experienced on the low levels. The roads have been in a bad state owing to the wet weather experienced. Feed is plentiful, and the outlook for winter is satisfactory.— F. McGillivray.

Lumsden.—May, our first winter month, was certainly seasonable. Altogether, there was not a week’s good weather throughout the month. Much snow fell on the back country, while biting winds accompanied by hail and sleet were general in the district. Oats are still to be seen uncut and in stock. The potato crops are turning out better than was expected. The turnip crops will not stand the feeding-off that they first gave promise of. — W. 8. 8. Cantrell. ■ -

Invercargill.—There was very little sunshine during May, and the weather was cold and wet. Farm-work has been retarded on account of the land being too wet to work. Very little frost has been experienced so far. Grass is scarce, and turnips are being fed off. The rainfall for the month was 7-85 in.— J. 8. Whyborn.

Otautau.- — weather for May was wet and cold. On the 21st a good deal of snow fell on the ranges, and a little on the flat country as well. Very slow progress has been made with the ploughing, and unless a "change comes soon there are.indications of another late harvest. A good deal of the present harvest is still out, and there is no sign of ever getting it in. A few oats have been sown. Potato-digging is in progress, but slow headway is being made owing to the wet weather. The yield is far below the usual, many crops not going more than about 6 'tons to the acre, and there is a good deal of blight in some. H. F. Dencker. ■

Queenstown. —For the month of .May there was exceptionally wintry weather ; snow fell on the high country, and continuous rains on the low levels, during the whole period. A few nights’ hard frost have had the effect of cutting the pastures back somewhat. Some crops are still out on the Crown Terrace, but, generally speaking, the farmers have saved their crops fairly well.— A. Clarke. .

Pembroke. weather during this month has been exceptionally severe, and it is several years since the snowfall on the high country in May was as heavy as it has been this year. Several runholders who had not mustered were compelled to snow-rake to secure their sheep. However, no serious losses have been reported. Feed is plentiful, and with a favourable winter farmers and pastoralists should have a satisfactory season.— J. A. Griffith.

SOUTH AMERICAN TRADE.

The steamer “ lonic,” which sailed from Wellington to London on the -15th ultimo, had on board the following cargo for. South American ports : For Monte Video : From Hobart B,lso cases apples; from Melbourne— cases fruit-trees; from Hastings432 case's apples ; from Nelson 2,l9B cases apples, 460 cases preserves, and 4 bales hops. For Rio de Janeiro : From Hobart7,oso cases apples, 200 sacks potatoes ; from Nelson,soo cases apples ; from Dunedin — soo sacks potatoes, 50 cases onions ; from Lyttelton2oo sacks potatoes. . , The steamer “ Opawa,” which sailed from Wellington for London on the 13th ultimo, had on board a transhipment of 8,875 cases of apples from Hobart for Monte Video. The steamer “ Ruapehu,” which sailed from Wellington for London on the 29th ultimo, had on boaid the following cargo for Monte Video: 2,005 cases apples from Nelson, 840 cases apples from Wellington, and 320 sacks oats from Lyttelton. The steamer “ Pakeha,” which sailed from Auckland for London on the 14th ultimo, had on board 9,450 cases apples for Monte Video, and 5,694 cases apples, 19 cases pears, 200 sacks potatoes, and' 200 sacks pats for Rio de Janeiro. The above items, with the exception of the oats, which were shipped at Christchurch, were transhipments from Australia per s.s. “ lonic.”