SYSTEM ON THE OLD FARM.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2337, 27 January 1913, Page 2

SYSTEM ON THE OLD FARM .

System is everything in the old dairy. This certainly obtains at | ftn Australian farm d Dry, v.here Mr. A. W. Shillabecr has managed a herd for more than twenty-five years. Cleanliness in methods is insisted upon, and as a result the mil'tshcds and yards are kept in a commend-

ahi y sweet condition. Not the least interesting feature of the cow; heel is the device designed by Mr. Bhillabecr, which permits of each hatch of cows being released from the bails simultaneously. The plan of the shed allows plenty of room between each row of stalls, so that drainage is more effective. The feed-boxes are fitted with high backs, so that little food is tossed out of them—a thing which often happens where shallow mangers are provided. This prevents any undue waste. There are two milkings daily, the morning operation commcnc ng about, four o'clock, and the other at noon. The milk is carefully straineh in a neat depot, and is then run over a Danish cooler, which improves its keeping qualities and entails little bother. In populous centres the keeping of bulls at large causes much trouble, and Mr. Shillabccr has guarded against any inconvenience in this connection by constructing a spacious shed, open on the north-cast side, and divided into strong compartments by (ho use’ of tramway rails, placed about 18 inches apart. The manure

from the sheds is effectively disposed of by a simple method, and it is wheeled up an inclined plank in a wheelbarrow on to a platform, when it is tipped into a dray. The advantages gamed from this systematic use of the manure show the value of method. In addition to the paved floors of the sheds and yards, which are flushed with water at intervals, being maintained sweet and clean, various fodder crops are l made to grow luxuriant ly. Tht quesj lion of feeding, particularly in the ! late summer and autumn, is natu- ! rally one of great moment to the dairyman, and has received con siderablc attention from Mr. Bhillabcor. As the result of experience extending over a. -quarter of a century, he says, to get (he maximum results from a herd of milkers, cither conservation of fodder by means of ensilage or the growth of fodder crops by irrigation is a necessity. He prefers irrigation where it is certain of success, and now has a pumping plant capable of supplying 30,000 gallons of w r ater a day. This enables heavy crops of lucerne and maize to he produced each summer. Mr. Shillabecr is also a strong advocate of ensilage, although just now his silo remains empty. “Where irrigation is not possible, you must have cu ilagc,” he says, ‘‘ as it is a standby which means healthy cattle and greater profits.” He is also a believer in chaffed hay, fed with fib. of molasses daily to each cow.