RURAL RIDES

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 22

RURAL RIDES

IRRIGATION FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE (By H.A.M.) Talk about irrigation in Canterbury is apparently being replaced by deeds. Irrigation is a subject about which, in its relationship to Canterbury farming, there is a wide diversity of opinion. One section of thought is entirely opposed to it, principally because of the cost and the doubtfulness of the economic results; another section is dubious of the whole thing on account of the extravagant cost of the Otago Central schemes; another is sceptical on account of the burden it may place on the reticulated lands in the way of rates; and still another considers that we are producing all for which there is a market. There is something to be said in justification for each line of thought, although the last-mentioned, it is hoped, is but a temporary objection. It would be a sorry look-out if the future were to hold out no hope for agricultural expansion. But there is a very wide gap between the schemes adopted in Otago and in other countries and a modified scheme which could probably be definitely successful in Canterbury. If any policy adopted contemplated the irrigation of an extensive block of some thousands of acres for the purpose of closer settlement the present is not a propitious time, except from the viewpoint that it would be a preparation for the better times which it is hoped will come along when we turn two or three more corners. On the other hand to apply a general scheme to existing farms, enabling holdings of 200 to 500 acres to be irrigated, would be encouraging failure—that is under existing farming conditons. In America it is considered that 60 acres constitute a one unit holding. Farms larger than thnt require extra workmen, with the ever present possibility of the water being uneconomically and even damagingly used. There is already evidence in Canterbury to show that the productive capacity of irrigated land is treble and more that of unirrigated, and as any scheme would be principally applied to pastoral production it is not difficult to realise the potentialities for waste if a farmer were not in a position to substantially increase the number of stock he carried. In addition to the foregoing is, the great cost that would have to be incurred to provide a general supply—the tapping of the various big rivers, the races required to carry the water, and the reticulation to and general levelling of individual farmlands. Winter Feed Necessities The objections raised above do not wholly condemn the proposals—not by a very long way. The writer, in his movements throughout the province for a number of years, is impressed with one feature of our

farming which is in urgent need of i remedy, and a limited system of irrigation would probably provide that remedy. That one need is feed for the winter. Hay crops are erratic—a season of plenty being followed by one of scarcity approaching almost a complete dearth. Pests have become so prevalent in the turnip crops that it is only in a few favoured districts that they can be depended upon. Even in these districts they are almost a complete failure in very dry years. Since the market for oats has practically disappeared farmers grows these as a stand-by, but it is not economical farming, even if it is necessary, to grow a crop to replace another that might not arrive. That very largely is the position of the oat crop today in relation to turnips. Last season comparatively few oats were used for stock feed, and they will have to be carried along till there is another turnip failure. Two years ago the position was the other way about — the turnip crop was a failure on account of the summer and autumn drought. Lack of feed at certain perods causes losses that are difficult to estimate, and, conversely, an abundance of feed at these periods may add hundreds of thousands to the revenue of the farmers. An illustration is provided by the lamb crop this season. When the ewes were mated plenty of green succulent feed was available, and at a conservative estimate this probably has caused an increase in the plains lambing of 10 per cent, on the percentage likely under drought conditions. On the million and a half lambs on. the plains—probably nearer one and three-quarter million—this would be equal to 150,000 to 175,000 lambs. At £1 a head this represents money. Then there is the added benefit of the ewe doing well and feeding its lamb better. This is only one aspect of the benefits of adequate autumn feed. A Feasible Project -kTM* 016 ??" 1 * re sults could probably b« achieve! by, » Jja&rf.qp*

tern of irrigation. The cost of irrigating a field of 10, 20, or 30 acres on many of our light and medium land farms should not be excessive. An extension of the present water races would be necessary, but entire new constructions should be unnecessary. Thirty acres of irrigated lucerne should yield 130 to 150 tons of hay in a season, or in the alternative half that amount of hay and good green feed in the early spring and also in the autumn in the mating season. Fifty to 100 tons of hay will feed a big number of ewes through the worst two months of the winter. The writer mentions lucerne because he is relying on his experience of the weight of crops that can be produced. There are grasses that would meet the position, if not so amply as lucerne, at least quite satisfactorily. To keep down costs it would not be necessary to provide paddocks with a billiard table evenness. The dry unwatered knobs would have a value under grazing conditions. Experiments in the Oxford district have been described at times on this page, and the visitor there cannot help but be impressed with the cheapness and absence of engineering difficulties with which the schemes have been brought into being. The state is now embarking on a big scheme in South Canterbury. This scheme will prove beyond doubt that irrigation can enormously increase production. The cost may be another matter, but the amount of cost should not be an obstacle to the irrigation of a field or two on a farm, with the present water race system as a basis for operations. It has to be recognised that these races were constructed for stock watering purposes, but if their utility in this respect is not impaired there should be no reason to anticipate a friction of interests. Milk Fever in Ewes Due doubtless to the plentitude of feed there is a fair amount of milk fever in ewes. Many farmers arm themselves with pumps when going out amongst their flocks, and mortality has been prevented in many cases by the prompt use of this serviceable instrument. Instances of bloat in lambs have also occurred. In one case the lambs were put on to a luscious field of cowgrass. and a number of lambs went down with the trouble. As a matter of fact it is surprising that there is not more bloat in stock reported, as instances are frequent of dairy cattle, in particular, being put on to heavy clover or lucerne crops after showers of rain—and left there until they fill themselves. It is a risky practice. CENTENARY SHOW SHEEP CANTERBURY VISITOR'S IMPRESSIONS Mr Joseph Brooks, of Irwell, who attended the Centenary show at Melbourne, and who exhibited successfully in the Ryeland section, winning a gold medal and a commended ticket.

returned to Christchurch last weekend. Mr Brooks told "Straggler" that the show of English breeds of sheep was magnificent, and it was some achievement to appear in the prize list. English judges considered the show probably the best for variety of breeds and quality combined in the world. The English Leicesters and the Down breeds were outstanding. The Corriedaleswere a different type from the New Zealand, and Mr Brooks did not dissent from the view expressed by other Centenary show visitors that they were not up to the standard of the New Zealand Corriedale, particularly from the dual purpose standpoint. The show was held at the wrong time for merinoes in the wool, but there was a splendid collection of the breed on ex- j hibition. The two sections of cattle that ap-, pealed to him were the Shorthorns and the Illawaras. The former made a \ great display ard were evidently j based on the very best blood that could be imported, and which, has been imported for a number of years. All New Zealanders were "taken" with the Illawaras. They are built on graceful lines and full of milking quality throughout. Although the Clydesdale display was a good one, Mr Brooks was disappointed with it. It could have been better. Mr Brooks spent some time in rural Victoria, being away from New Zealand a month altogether. The country, after a most welcome rain, was looking well. The wheat crops in some districts which he visited were nearing the flowering stage, and were healthy and promised to yield well —from five to six bags to 'the acre, or from 16 to 18 bushels. However, the wheat business was in a bad way. Farmers had been receiving about 2s 2d a bushel, at which figure they had no chance of carrying on. There were hopes that the Government would do something substantial to prevent a big section of the agricultural community going to the wall.