RUAKURA STATE FARM.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 460, 19 March 1909, Page 2

RUAKURA STATE FARM.

ITS DEVELOPMENT ANI) ITS FUTURE. At tho recent visit to tho Ruakura State Farm, paid by agriculturists and othesr, including tho Hon. D. Buddo, special attention was attracted to tho fodder and grass crops cultivated since 1904. Millet sorghum and maize (says our Auckland correspondent) grow well, and about 120 tons of grass and clover have been converted into ensilage. No efforts have been spared, in procuring a fine collection of grasses from Europe, America, and Australia. Apart from the cultivation of New Zealand indigenous plants, modem milking conveniences 'have been provided, and it is intended to devote attention to the dairying industry. The herd at Ruakura has undergone improvement, and further special attention is being paid to the Shorthorn type of milking strain. Ayrshires have already been introduced, and Jerseys are to follow. Throe registered flocks of stud sheep have boon established, viz., English 1 Leiccsters, Southdowns, and D.orset-horned. Tho lastnamed breed are said to provide earliest and most quickly-maturing lamb of the imported English sheep. A well-stocked poultry run, and an apiary are highly interesting departments. The horticultural section has been brought to a stage of perfection by Mr. Green—an expert who graduated in the New Zealand University. Root crops, cereals, and potatoes aro scientifically treated, and demonstrations in'fruit culture aro carried out in an orchard comprising 16 acres.