FARMING TOPICS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 157, 29 March 1941, Page 8

FARMING TOPICS

; High Wool Prices A leading Feilding district wool clip that is always prominent in sale reports (now appraisal returns) is the “Mahua” clip of Mr. E. E. Short, the noted Romney breeder. At the last appraisal his clip, which is a very substantial one, made top prices, viz: 16d. a lb. for hogget wool. 16d. for ewes, and 15Jd. for lambs. It is of interest to note that lambs’ wool prices have been apparently reduced, for this year’s 15Jd. is lower than that for 1940 and the hogget wool price has been raised. Such prices show clearly that quality wool is a very payable proposition and in this instance particularly so, for we know the “Mahua” clip is per sheep a heavy one. “Biltong” Meat. A much-travelled, naval man of out acquaintance suggested the other evening that New Zealand might “biltong” some of its meat as is an old custom in South Africa, and then added, "You know, ‘jerked’ meat.” He then explained ■ that in South Africa and in South America, too, this was a well-known . method of preserving meat. The meat was cut into strips and hung in the sun to dry thoroughly, eventually becoming like leather. So preserved, it keeps well and is easy to carry; when required for consuinption, it is cut up with a very sharp knife ■ and soaked, and then will make excellent stews. The idea may have some practical possibilities, but in the absence of authoritative ’advice to the contrary, we feel -doubtful as to how it would carry on board, ship and specially through the tropics.- ' : ‘Land Girls” Busy. 1 The Palmerston North branch of the Women’s Auxiliary War Service Association headed by Mrs. C. Freyberg (sis-ter-in-law to General Freyberg) has been rendering good service to growers of crops in the neighbouring rural areas in harvesting onions and picking, peas. Parties of women and girls have been going out day,.after day and working with a will in the fields, for the double benefit of the community. Growers have benefited by relief of labour stringency and local patriotic funds have benefited substantially from donation of earnings re- ! ceived by the W.A.W.S.A. workers. Typical of the spirit was the case of one woman of mature years, of whom it was remarked by her companions that she could, easily write out a cheque for five times what she had earned but that sheconsidered that to do so would ndt aid tlie 1 country as would actual productive work. It was her feeling also, that she was,her-' self “doing something” and from this a deep satisfaction was derived. “Eat More Meat.” The Australian Meat Board is interested in the idea of an “Eat More Meat” I Campaign, but attention has been drawn : to-the fact that while the board’s funds - could be- used for’publicity to promote ; the sale of meat overseas, it did not per-• ■mit such expenditure ' to expand local trade. - The case of the American Meat Institute was cited, for a great campaign to this end is being conducted in the United States “with the'object of rais- ; ing annual consumption by as much as 201 b. a head. A wealth of publicity is driving home to 132,000,000 consumers many interesting facts about meat and its place in dietery.” All interests are cooperating. from producers through to retailers and/also manufacturers of condiments; kitchen and cooking utensils. The campaign now in its fourth month promises to be a pronounced success. Increase Wool Levy.

“BRISBANE, .March 10. The executive committee of the United Graziers’ Association of Queensland has referred to its district associations the proposal to increase the wool levy for publicity I and research to 1/- a bale. If the pro- 1 I posal be _ agreed to the Australian ■ Wool ■ Board will be asked to increase expendi--1 ture on research into improving woollen manufactured articles.” “H.A.S.” would most strongly urge (hat New Zealand wool growers should i likewise• increase their levy: this not so f much for immediately expending it, but ■for the purpose of building up a fund wherewith wool may be aided in its fight for the market after the war. Were it possible to create a £100,006 Fighting Fund to be on hand, at the end of the Commandeer. that would be all to the good. Sheep for South Africa. “Though war conditions have greatly interfered with the. export trade of New I Zealand’s pedigree stock, , Wright, I Stephenson & Co., Ltd., were able to fulfil an order this week from .South Africa for a high-class stud Southdown ram'and 20 specially-selected Southdown stud ewes. These, from the. well-known z “Punchbowl” flock, are Io the order of Mr. C. Hart, who already has the leading flock of Coiriedale sheep in South Africa. This enterprising breeder visited New Zealand some two years ago. ' The ram selected was sired by' Killeymobn, 152/37, winner of a Reserve Champinonship at the Royal. The grandsire was.that notable breeding ram Gallon Park, K.119/32.” Successful Yelir. Congratulations to.the Manawatu A. & P. Association on a very successful past year, as revualwl by a working profit of £964, which eompares with but £2/18/for the previous year,. The president, Mr. C. E. Vile, correctly staled, “the achievement was remarkable.” As it is in view of th? conditions that prevailed. After two arduous years Mr. Vile has retired and the new president is Mr. B. E. Keiller, so well known to pig breeders of the Dominion. A result of war is noted in i the report, which refers to the regret . of the (English)- Hereford Rook Society ■ nt its inability to forward' the gold medal which it has donated in the past—be cause of the export of gold articles bein'.' prohibited. ' / ■ . .