FARM AND STATION

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 22

FARM AND STATION

By " Straggler."

ADDINGTON MARKET

AN EXCELLENT SALE Considering the very heavy entries of stock at Wednesday's sale, the market was a particularly good one. It was a satisfactory finish up for the year. Fat lambs and fat cattle improved in value, and a heavy entry of fat sheep met with a good firm sale. More than a fortnight has to elapse before the next market, and butchers had substantially to increase their normal purchases on this account. The soundness of the market was indicated more by the beef sale than by that for the sheep and lambs, as the former was dependent solely on the butchers' demand. Fat Lambs The fat lamb entry was nearly double that of the corresponding sale 12 months ago. An unexpected advance during the week of a farthing per lb in the export schedule was most useful, as farmers to an extent had to pack in their lambs in fear of the weather developments during the next two or three weeks, when the works j will be closed. Fortunately the exporters purchased steadily, and after butchers had filled their wants there was very little slackening in the bidding. The sale, actually, finished up very firmly. The export price is a halfpenny per lb in advance of the figure at the corresponding period last season, the market then having temporarily weakened before the holidays. Fat Sheep As with the lambs, a proportion of the fat sheep entry was showing the effects of the dry weather. Most of the higher-priced sheep made prices above the export schedule, and then fell to the bids of butchers, but exporters kept steadily paying up to 21s for wethers and 15s or 16s for ewes. A big proportion of the latter made from 14s to 16s. The following table compares the prices with the sale on Wednesday and those operating at the corresponding sale 12 months ago:— Wethers— I

Store Sheep The store sheep entry resumed something like its normal dimensions on Wednesday. Feed prospects have been so good since the winter that few farmers had sheep to sell, but the last fortnight has made a difference. A fair number of moderately finished wethers came forward, but they were not in keen request, and declined by about Is 6d a head. The few ewes and lambs forward were of moderate class, and the best of them made to 10s. Young ewes were in request, but there was a small selection of these.

Fat Cattle A penning of slightly more than 500 head, which included more real beef than for some time, came forward. Most of the class beef sold at from 23s to 25s per 1001b, with heifers to 27s in a few cases.

PLANNED ECONOMY RESEARCH COUNCIL'S VIEWS (rsOM OU* OWW COKSESFONCeKT.) LONDON, November 6. One of the subjects dealt with in the first report of the Agricultural Research Council is that of controlled industry and the replacement of an automatic by a deliberate "planned" economy. "The policy of 'controlled industry' was probably inevitable in present circumstances (the report states)—at all events, as a temporary expedient, but we must not overlook the fact that it involves a revolution in economic machinery. . . . "The new policy seeks to fix prices artificially, according to costs of production, though such costs change from time to time, and, even in one year, have a high co-efficient of variation. It seeks to control supply by regulating markets or even production, and, in so doing, runs the risk of lowering demand, checking initiative, and giving the marginal or even more inefficient producer a vested interest in present, perhaps obsolescent, methods. "It is clear that the replacement of an automatic by a deliberate 'planned' economy will produce secondary effects in the industry under discussion, and repercussions in other industries, which will give a very wide scope for economic investigation, and, in the national interest, will need most careful watching by independent observers. "Especially is this the case with agriculture, which deals with the necessary food supply of the nation."

A Dangerous Guide Describing the many methods of applying economic investigation to agriculture, the council points out that the possibilities that exist for the skilful use of by-products and of slack times of labour on mixed farms make "costs of production" an uncertain quantity and "a dangerous guide to political action." "It is fortunate that the farm policy thus indicated will tend also to increase the supply of those foodstuffs—meat, milk, eggs, vegetables, etc —that contain high proportions of digestible proteins and vitamins, and are needed in larger quantities for the improvement in national diet which returning prosperity • and sounder knowledge will make possible."

WOOL QUALITY A BUYER'S COMMENTS IMPROVING THE FI EECE In the domain of wool marketing, there is a limited horizon in which to gauge prices. What are the chief factors that influence and ultimately determine prices paid at our wool sales? The answer is to be found mainly in the operations of the inexorable law of supply and demand. If there is an unusual demand, prices can be expected to rise provided the existing stocks of wool are of limited quantity. This is where a heavy "carry-over" may affect an otherwise buoyant market. There are, of course, other factors and circumstances that play an important part in determining values, such as the trade and economic conditions of wool manufacturing countries. A revival of trade, say, in England, would be immediately reflected in enhanced prices in Empire wool producing countries, such as Australia and New Zealand. A reporter had an opportunity, at the close of the Christchurch sale, of ascertaining the views of a wellknown representative buyer for one of the large English firms on this interesting subject. The Market Price In regard to market prices, this was in the main regulated on the existing demand for the staple product, according to this authority. Wool merchants and representative buyers were fully equipped in regard to statistical • information relating to available stocks, etc., but even when possessed with all available data, they could only hazard on future values. Wool growers, however, could not be expected to have such a knowledge of the trade and market as those whose sole business was trading in wool, and who had the necessary capital to take the big risks which were inseparable from this class of business. Wool buyers had to meet competitors at every sale, and very often in order to secure a suitable line, had to exceed their own limits. The Time to Sell The time for the wool grower to sell, in the opinion of the expert, was when the wool was ready. Wool, like lamb and other live stock for consumption, not to mention other products from the land, such as fruit, vegetables, etc., should be disposed of while in its "bloom." This particular bloom or natural freshness in the wool was most apparent in the newly shorn fleece. Wool held over for a short period of even a few months, did not open up quite the same. There was something lacking—the bloom which characterises the newly shorn fleece. As an illustration of this statement

the expert remarked, "All sheep men know how well the wool looks when handled on the sheep's back."

A big carry over undoubtedly affected the market, in as much as it created an uncertainty as to when this sulplus wool might be dumped on the market. This contingency reacted on the buying operations of the representatives of manufacturing firms in England and on the Continent. In holding back their wool a few growers might benefit at the expense of the many. The opinion was expressed that wool growers would fare the best who met the market, as by so doing they would be sure of getting average market prices. The local wool sales enabled growers to sell in a competitive market and to obtain prompt returns for their clips. Improving the Quality In this expert's opinion, there was room for improvement in the quality of New Zealand-grown wool. It would pay sheep farmers to keep the best class of sheep suitable for their par-1 ticular country and to endeavour to! improve the qualify of (heir wool. Apart from the price of rams, it cost no more (o feed good sheep than inferior ones. Argentine sheep farmers realised the importance of improving their breeds and did not hesitate to pay good prices for imported sheep. Owing to the subdivision of the big estates here valuable flocks which produced wool of distinctive character and value had been dispersed. While this no doubt benefited the smaller sheep farmers, it made it difficult for buyers to secure a large even line of wool without taking in unwanted lines. Sheep that went short of feed during the winter could not be expected to produce a good fleece. It took a certain amount of feed to keep them alive and warm, and extra feed to produce decent wool. Sheep farmers, in face of keen competition from South America, should study the question of improving their flocks and of providing sufficient feed in the winter months. The classing of clips might also be improved upon. A well classed clip was always appreciated by buyers. Many Canterbury wool growers were, however, to be commended Xor their attention to classing.

RYELAND SHEEP SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Ryeland Sheep Society of New Zealand was held at Invercargill during the progress of the Royal Show. Professor G. S. Peren (Massey College) presided. In the course of his address Professor Peren said that the Australian demand for Ryeland sheep continued. The number exported during the period since the last general meeting in February was far in advance of the export figures of any other breed society, being 333. He trusted that it was not resulting in too many of the best sheep leaving the country. They must preserve their best blood if they were to improve steadily the standard of their sheep; the Australian market would not last forever; and, further, would probably get more and more particular. Ten years would possibly see a change, since the Australians had been importing heavily "both from Great Britain and New Zealand for some time, and he should be sorry to see the average quality of the flocks seriously lowered as a result of the prices which the Australians were prepared to offer at the moment. His remarks applied particularly to the sale of good ewes. With further reference to the Australian trade, he mentioned that freedom from even black specks, and handle and character of wool were most important. Further, the Australians objected to too much wool on the face and to a thin and bare ear. Election of Officers The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Professor G. S. Peren (principal, Massey Agricultural College); vice-president, Mr Joseph Brooks (Brookside); council: North Island, Messrs E.- Avcrill (Hastings), R. R. Buddo (Hawke's Bay), H. C. Hewlett (North Auckland). A. Schlaepfer (Pukekohe); South Island, Messrs John Brooks (Irwell). S. T. Evans (Longbush), T. A. Stephens (Irwell), H. C. B. Withell (Ealing); honorary treasurer, Mr T. A. Stephens; representative 011 Royal Agricultural Society Mr E. Averill; auditor, Mr C. W. Evans, Hereford street. Christchurch. General Mr T. A. Stephens, in accordance with notice of motion, moved: "That an export certificate fee of 5s a ram and 2s 6d a ewe be charged for all sheep exported." The motion was carried. The chairman stated, in reply to an enquiry, that he understood it would cost from £7O to £75 to bring out a sheep from England, in addition to the original purchase price. On the motion of Mr Stephens, seconded by the chairman, a resolution was unanimously passed that the Government

be again urged to remove the embargo on the direct importation of stock from England, especially in view of the opinion expressed by Sir Arnold Theiler. The chairman congratulated Mr John Brooks, the winner of' the E. AverilJ Cup for the Royal champion Ryeland ram, and Mr H. C. B. Withell, the winner of the L. R. Averill Cup for the Royal champion Ryeland ewe. On the motion of Mr Brooks, seconded by Mr Stephens, it was resolved that the council should publish through suitable channels a statement which would act as a guide to wool growers and that the president be asked to draw up a circular letter to be submitted to the council for circulation amongst members of the society asking them to warn clients of the importance of choosing suitable animals for mating purposes and to refrain from selling unsuitable sheep. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr John Brooks, it was decided, in the same letter, to ask members to supply information in regard to prices received for sheep and wool, weight of wool a sheep, percentages of lambs, and percentages of fat lambs off their motliers, and any other facts that would bring before the farming public the good points of the breed. J-

SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER f SUITABILITY FOR CANTERBURY UNFAVOURABLE OPINION A few years ago a large area was under subterranean clover in Marlborough, but most farmers have lost their enthusiasm for this plant, and it is not now sown to any extent. Many causes have led to this lessening of interest in the plant. Possibly the superior lucerne and the facility with which it grows in Canterbury may account for its disappearance from Marlborough farming. White clover has been found much more reliable on all good soils, and it gives much more feed. Subterranean clover has had many trials in Canterbury, and it has been recommended by the Agricultural Department for use oil land that does not grow white clover well. Reports from"farmers who have sown it are not at all enthusiastic, and there seems to be something in what departmental officers had said about the rainfall being rather low in Canterbury for best results. It was likely also that the early spring frosts contribute to the rather slow spring growth of the plant. An Australian Opinion Mr W. J. Spafford, deputy-director of Agriculture for South Australia, stated when in Christchurcn recently that in his opinion a rainfall like that experienced at Christchurch was far too low to enable farmers to make a' success with subterranean clover, and he thought the frosts about August would be too severe for its early growth. He said a rainfall of 40 inches was required with plenty of phosphates if best results were to be obtained, but even under the most favourable circumstances its period of usefulness was short, and he thought New Zealand farmers should grow white clover instead of thinking much about subterranean. In no case should the clover be sown on high-class land, as on good land it took full possession, and when it died off in December there was nothing but some straw left. New Zealand farmers under these circumstances would hardly consider subterranean clover an acquisition. Canterbury Experience When the matter was referred to Mr McGillivray, Fields Superintendent at Christchurch, he stated that he was of opinion that the lowness of our normal rainfall along the East Coast certainly had contributed to the somewhat meagre results obtained from subterranean clover, and the early spring frosts had been noticed to have causea damage to the plants. It had only been recommended to farmers for sowing on light land, where white clover did not establish well. He knew of two cases where it had got possession on good land and one farmer was very much alarmed at its spread on his high-class land. Mr McGillivray said he had seen the clover tried out in Canterbury about 25 years ago, and it had been fairly extensively sown during the last seven years, but results on the whole had been disappointing. In some cases, however, the feeding had been too hard in the first season, and this had prevented a normal seeding, which is essential to successful establishment. The Fields Division hoped to lay down some trials in the autumn in an attempt to explore the position and to gain some further knowledge as to the place of subterranean clover in agriculture in Canterbury.

WOOL MARKET AUSTRALIAN TURNOVER Returns issued by the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia show that from July 1 to November 30 the sales of wool in the principal selling centres of the Commonwealth totalled 976,822 bales, which realised £12,448,368. Compared with the similar period of 1933, the turnover shows a decrease of 278,465 bales, and the amount realised a decrease of £11,098,227. The greasy and scoured wool sold averaged £l2 14s lOd per bale, or 9.8 d per lb, the average to November 30, 1933, being £lB 15s 2d per bale, or 14.7 d per lb. During November the greasy wool sold averaged 9.9 d per lb. The average for the similar month a year before was 15.9 d, and in 1932 8.5 d.

The following statement, compiled by the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia, which covers receipts of the 1934-35 clip into store, the total disposals to the end of November, and the balance in store in each centre then awaiting sale, will show how great is the balance of wool held in store today:—Receipts, 2,172,496 bales; disposals, 827,291 bales; balance in store, 1,345,205 bales. At June 30 last Australian stores held 213,352 bales of unsold wool, and New Zealand had 61,500 bales on hand. South African stocks were 71,934 bales, and in the Argentine at the end of September, which is the close of that counwool year, the quantity in the storeg was the equivalent of 18,400 bales of Australian weight. Though the total of 365,186 bales was in excess of the previous season's carry-over, the-quan-tity was not sufficient to have any greatly disturbing results on prices. The decline in values has not been caused by stocks or by any decided likely increase in production of the staple this year, states the "Sydney Morning Herald." It has been chiefly due to the much diminished demand from Europe, largely caused by the German embargo. In popular language the Government of Germany threw a spanner into the world's wool-trading machinery, when it restricted imports of the raw material, tops, yarns, etc. The surprising aspect is that few concerned in the wool industry in Australia or abroad realised the ill effects which have resulted. The embargo came into force in March, and it was not anticipated that it would be so prolonged. Even to-day authorities in England consider that Germany will be compelled to relax the curtailment and buy more wool as the selling season progresses. Except by means of barter, however, there are no signs of that desired change.

FARM RESEARCH BRITISH ORGANISATION'S REPORT CrSOM OU& OWN COBBEStOND-EKT.) LONDON, November 6. The idea that success in farming depends on long experience handed on from generation to generation has been found by the Agricultural Research Council to be erroneous. In the council's annual report mention is made of a survey of East Anglian farms carried out by the Economics branch of the Cambridge School of Agriculture. Farmers occupying 1000 farms were arranged in age-groups, and an inverse correlation was found to exist between age and success as measured by profit and loss. The younger the age-group the higher were the average profits; the older the farmers the greater the average losses they sustained.

'•"The lesson seems clear," says the report. "Agriculture is now changing so fast that experience of past methods is less useful than knowledge of new ones and the mental adaptability and courage necessary to try them. This result alone goes a long way to justify expenditure on agricultural education and research." Virus Diseases Concern at the rapid spread of virus diseases of plants in this country is expressed by the council. Potatoes, hops, tomatoes, raspberries, and black currants are some of the more important crops affected, and the council expresses the opinion that virus diseases have of late become vastly more general in their attack." Research has to be directed," the r epprt states, "to breeding varieties, which, if not immune, are not seriously deteriorated by infection, and to the study of the carrier. When the carrier has been identified and its life history worked out. it may be possible to attack it directly or to find some deterrent that will keep it away from the crop to be protected. Investigation on these lines is bul little pursued, and, in view of the immense economic damage caused by virus diseases, there is justification for greater effort, and a varied attack on some of the problems presented." Some Discoveries Among the discoveries already made is one that two viruses in combination may produce a disease different irom those with which either virus is associated by itself. It has been found that a single common species of green fly can transmit no fewer than, 15 plant diseases, including "leaf roll " the potato virus disease of most importance to the farmer. Among the more important enquiries carried out by the council was a survey of animal diseases. The toll taken flocks and herds involved a direct loss of some millions of pounds annually, while the indirect loss, was incalculable. ~oT herl was V rgent need for further research on the widespread tuberculosis of cattle and for action in acW ' th U ? e facts already known. , , cattle the percentage afS \ e avera Se not less than 40, and at least five in every thousand of milch cows had been shown to give infected milk. Several methods had been introduced for render'XC^!, S ln ? mune :. but vaccines usually gave only a slight degree of proharmful S ° me had proved actively It had been shown that a dairy herd could be freed from tuberculosis by systematic and regular testing with tuberculin, and the exclusion and segregation or slaughter of all positive reactors, together with reasonable cleanliness and hygienic measures.

Dec. -0. Dee. 18. 3 933. 1934. Ex. prime h'vy Jll to 281 JL" to 25 i Prime h«-avy . . 23 to 26 2 3 to 24* Prime mcd. \vgt •21 to 22\ 2! to 22 J Ordinary 18 to 20£ 19 to 20 J Light lo to 17£ — to 18 Eves— Ex. prime H'vy — to 23:* — to 22 J Prime heavy . . 19 to 215 ! 8 to 2»3 Prime mcd. w'gt Ifi* to 1 8£ 16 to 37i" Ordinary 34 to 1 0 14 to 10* Light 10 to 135 — 1o 13

Wethers — Forward xbd I4£ to 16:1 — ■ lo J 6?t Ord. halfbrud J to 34 12 lo 13J Small- and backward . . 0 to J J 4 — — EVPS— (iood --th. Kuril. to 21 — — Mod, 4 and 0-th Jtomney . . — in •J1& — lo J2U S.m., with lambs — to 1 - — to 103 Aged and with lambs 6 to 10 to 9

X X X x Sto<n*s — 10x. prime h'vy — Jo Hi .— to m Prim© heavy . . s to 0'i 0 to 10 Prime mod. w'gt 74 to 0 A to 03 Ordinary 5 to Gi T\ to 7i Light . . — to 4i- — to 4£ Heifers— Ex, primo — to — (0 8? to 7 ■ r .l to ■7 .j Ordinary -i to n 34 to 5 Light «« to -i — to 3 Co>vfi— Ex. prim© * * to 7 k — to 73 Prime • 4 to 6 41 to 6 Ordinary 2$ to o to 4 Light — to 2 — to 2:|