FARMING IN AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 193, 10 May 1924, Page 8

FARMING IN AUSTRALIA

» RINDERPEST STAMPED OUT TOP-DRESSING OF PASTURES

The aotlvities of the Victorian Department of Agriculture in giving advice to farmers on all matters connected with their operations are showing results, a feature of which lies in the interest which is being shown in the top-dressing of pastures, particularly in the dairying districts. Such is the conclusion formed by Dr. C. J. Reakes, Director-General o> the Agricultural Department, who has just returned from a visit to the Commonwealth. T> “Aly visit to Australia,” said Dr Reakes to a Dominion reporter yesterday, “was a comparatively short one, but, thanks to the courtesy and consideration shown both by the Commonwealth and State Government representatives, useful discussions on subjects of special interest wore carried through, and I venture to hope that the results will be good. A report regarding these is being furnished to the Minister. “The nature of the work to be done nccesitated meet of my time being spent in Alelbourne, and the exchange of views on various matters with the Director of the Commonwealth Quarantine Station and the Director and officers of the Victorian Department of Agriculture proved both interesting and valuable. Rinderpest Stamped Qut. “Full particulars were obtained regarding the recent outbreak of rinderpest in Western Australia, and I was able to see a number ox preserved specimens taken from affected animals. Having regard to the nature of the disease and the seriousness off tho outbreak, the success of the efforts made to deal with it can only bo regarded as most satisfactory. As no further cases have occurred since December (a most careful watch has been kept), it may be accepted as a fact that the outbreak has been effectively stamped out.” Top-Dressing of Pastures. Victoria had experienced an unusually wet and cool season, continued Dr. Reakes, and there was plenty of winter feed available for stock. The activities of the Department of Agriculture in giving advice to farmers on all matters connected with their operations were showing results, a feature of which lay in the interest which was being shown in the top-dressing of pastures, particularly in the dairying districts. “Hitherto,” said Dr. Reakes, “this practice, so well established in the Dominion, has been very little followed over there, but it appears evident that it will go ahead now, particularly as some of the fertiliser manufacturers aro themselves pushing the idea. Phosphatic fertilisers are used, and Australia, like Now Zealand, is reaping tho benefit of having the rich deposits of phosphatic rock on Nauru and Ocean Islands available as a source of supply of raw material. Largo quantities of this aro going into Australia, and there is every indication of importations increasing in the immediate future. It is satisfactory to note that New Zealand is also increasing her importations.”. A short visit to Gippsland was very interesting, and while there Dr. Reakes had a look over the Alaffra beet-sugar factory, and also visited several farms in the surrounding district. He was only able to spend a very short time in New South Wales, but there, again, tho State authorities were very helpful, and he was able to go into some matters which were cf mutual interest.

“Altogether the trip has, I hope, been a useful one,” he added.