FIELD DAY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22518, 28 September 1938, Page 17

FIELD DAY

CULVERDEN FARMERS The Culverden branch of tha New Zealand Farmers’ Union held a field day on Monday on the property of Mr A. Fisher, “Mandamus Downs,” Culverden. Mr R. McGillivray, fields superintendent of the Department of Agriculture, opened the day. with an address on strain investigation of grasses and clovers. The party was conducted round a comprehensive series of trial plots by Mr A. S. Nash, instructor In agriculture for the district, who explained the strain differences. The superiority of the New Zealand certified and pedigree strains was clearly evident Although the plots have been down only 11 months, some of the poorer strains of ryegrass were already dying out Considerable interest was shown in the Montgomeryshire red clover; the low crown of this type, which enables it to stand up to hard grazing, was clearly seen. The series of Italian ryegrass plots were also interesting. Some types of commercial seed were very poor compared with certified. After an inspection of the plots where experiments with various fertilisers are being carried out, Mr J. A. Thomson gave a short address on Southdown sheep. This was followed by an interesting talk on Red Poll cattle by Mr Richard Bethell, who mentioned the desirable qualities a beast of the breed should have, and also interesting historical data concerning them.

Mr Robert Smith spoke on the ideal draught horse and pony. He also exhibited various types of shoes for correction of faults. Afternoon tea, which had been attended to by the ladies, was served. The president of the branch <Mr L. R. C. Macfarlane) thanked the ladies and the various speakers for their services.