BEST PLANTED FARMS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21775, 6 May 1936, Page 17

BEST PLANTED FARMS

SUGGESTIONS FOR RANGIORA

CONTEST

Suggestions for the guidance of the Northern (Rangiora) Agricultural and Pastoral Association in future bestplanted farm competitions were conveyed in a letter received by the association at its meeting yesterday from the Department of Agriculture, Christchurch. The first competition of this nature was recently judged by Messrs J, G. McKay (Department of Agriculture) and Montgomery (Forestry Department). The judges considered that if future competitions of this nature were held, the farms might be placed in age classes, such as from five to 10 years, from 11 to 20 years, and from 21 years onwards. It was found difficult to compare satisfactorily young plantings such as that at the Rangiora High School with, the trees on Mr D. Chapman's farm, which are more than 40 years' old. Regarding the points awarded, the judges said these might appear low and discouraging to competitors, but in few instances in farm planting would it be found that the collection of trees, milling values, and ornamental planting, for example, were considered, the planter usually confining himself to obtaining the quickest possible shelter and firewood. A farm could be very satisfactorily planted for shelter, shade, and firewood purposes, but not for milling purposes. Similarly the owner might not desire to lay out his homestead in an ornamental manner. Such farms, although actually well planted up to a certain point, could not gain so many points as one planted under all headings.

The president (Mr C. Rands) said that, if the competition was held again next year, new exhibitors would have to be secured or the awards would be much the vsame as this year. Mr D. Chapman suggested the classification of farms on an acreage basis. There could be one class for farms up to 500 acres in area and another for farms of more.than 500 acres. The recommendations were held over for the consideration of next year's committee.