Notes prom the Divisions. 777 



NOTES FROM THE DIVISIONS. 



AGHICUI/rURAL CO-OPERATION, 



Thk month of Septeriilier liiis a^aiii |)i-ovf(l a very Inisy piMJod for tlie co-opera- 

 tive inaize societies in recci viii^ and providing storage accommodation for the 

 new crop, the bnlk of whicli lias now liecn delivered by the members. 



Compared with tlie prices obtained by non-co-operatois, who, as a rule, 

 have to sell their maize immediately after reaping, when the market is generally 

 flooded, tlie prices for the previons season's crop realized by the societies on 

 behalf of their members were so satisfactory that they induced several hundreds af 

 farmers to enrol themselves as members of the older maize societies. In addi- 

 tion to this, many newly-established societies have recently commenced active 

 operations, so that, altogether, the turnover in maize this present season is 

 likely to be a record one. 



Apart from the efforts of the central organizations in the direction of 

 closer co-operation in wool, wool-growers generally are displaying the keenest 

 interest in this subject. A very successful meeting was held at Wepener during 

 the month, consisting of representatives of several of the wool districts of the 

 western Orange Free State, and several further meetings were convened for 

 October in various wool centres of that Province for the purpose of forming 

 co-operative societies. There are still many difficulties to be overcome, but, as 

 the wool-growers are becoming alive to the necessity of introducing better 

 methods for disposing of their wool, the time cannot lie far off when they, also, 

 will be properly and effectively organized. 



As the members of the Rustenburg Tobacco Society have now delivered the 

 bulk of their 1920 tobacco crop, it can safely be stated that the turnover of 

 this society during the current financial year will at least equal that of the 

 previous year, viz., 2,795,641 lb., or that even better results will probably be 

 achieved than in the previous year, when the society paid exceptionally high 

 prices to its members, and was in a position to add a sum of £8475 to its 

 reserve fund, which now stands at £29,997. 4s. 9d. 



SHEEP. 



Mr. J. J. McCall, Acting Principal Sheep and Wool Expert, travelled 

 extensively during September in the Bedford, Cradock, and Somerset East 

 districts, culling and mating stud sheep. He also attended the Bedford Ram 

 Fair for the purpose of selecting rams and advising prospective farmers. 

 Prices ruled high, and any animal showing exceptional quality was in demand. 

 One breeder realized up to £20. 15s. for his flock rams, while another averaged 

 £11 each for nearly 100 rams. 



At the close of September rain had not yet fallen in the Albany district, 

 and a continuance of the drought will spell disaster for many farmers. Butter 

 was at famine prices, and milk unobtainable. The surrounding districts, how- 

 ever, though in need of more rain, are in a far better position, and all stock 

 are in a good condition. The lambing so far has been excellent; in fact, on some 

 farms it has been a record. In one flock of 400 ewes there were 40 per cent, 

 of ewes with twins. 



The wool question is the burning topic amongst sheep farmers, and the 

 ultra-pessimistic reports from the coast add to the fears of a slump. The 

 last reports from Australia are. however, more encouraging, and. the papers 

 there promise sheep farmers a better outlook. 



