FARMING TOPICS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 261, 31 July 1937, Page 16

FARMING TOPICS

Relative Skill of Local Graziers Conditions, and the nature of farming indulged, are of infinite variety throughout the world. This being so, it is almost impossible to judge tne relative skill of farmers of different countries. Indeed it is difficult enough from district to district. One cannot compare, for example, the skill and efficiency of a “super” dairyfarmer on the Manawatu flats with that of an East .Coast hill country sheep-man, who turns out, perhaps, the best ewes in his county. Sir William Hunt’s remarks, on his recent, return from abroad, prompt these thoughts. Interviewed by “The Dominion,” he stated: “I think the New Zealand farmers are very nearly, if not quite, the best in the world.” By and large, these remarks are justified. Certainly as graziers—-whe-ther intensive or on light country, with sheep or cows—the New Zealand farmer has developed outstanding skill. In this class of farming he would probably lead the world. Earmarks and Brands. A member of a large family kvho have long been interested in farming, recently called upon his district’s stock inspector. While in the office he was asked if he could advise regarding brands and earmarks registered in the names of members of his “-elan." No fewer than 10 cards were produced, and of these six were eliminated as no longer required. In one case an uncle had not used his brand for .17 years, having then retired and left the district. Another, a partnership brand, had been out of use for 15 years. Others went out of use from four to 13 years ago. There is a very limited number of brands and earmarks available; ■ a limit is set by natural laws. This being so, the retention of unused and unwanted rights must be a serious inconvenience to new farmers. One farmer with whom 1 discussed the question suggested that it would be reasonable to make a small annual charge of 1/- or 2/6 to keep a brand and earmark registration “alive.” Certainly this should prevent good and convenient designs, being retained in idleness for five or 20 years. World Short of Wheat. This month world exportable stocks of wheat are estimated as only 120 million bushels, equivalent to only three months’ supply. They will last, only until September, which is equivalent to March with our harvest. During late September and October importing countries will be running uncomfortably close to a shortage of bread-stuffs. Only four years ago the stocks reached the enormous total of 650 million bushels. 16 months’ supply—and that was in the spring of the year. Wheat experts were worried as they felt that prices would never recover with so great a surplus overhanging the market. The New Zealand Wheat Committee anticipates that there will not be grown enough wheat in the Dominion to satisfy local requirements. Imports will be required, and these will cost us dear. Acreage returns to hand show a drop of 9.37 per cent, on last season. Rising costs and labour difficulties would largely account for this. Other factors are the commiratlvcly low “guaranteed” price set by the Governineiij. and the profitable returns shown on sheep. Shut-up Paddocks. Never before have 1 .seen so many paddocks in the Manawatu district shut up to provide early good feed for cows. The practice lias extended rapidly. On one farm recently the milking cows were getting grass a good six inches deep. Paddocks so handled are shut up in. time to make good autumn growth. This holds through the winter and also has great growing power in the early spring. Kernarkable Vigour. Northern Ireland's climate is especially suitable for the production of seed potatoes. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that it is common experience for the same stock to bo grown on the same farm for 36 successive seasons without substantial loss of vigour.