ENCOURAGING LUCERNE CULTURE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3136, 25 September 1922, Page 2

ENCOURAGING LUCERNE CULTURE.

FIFTY POUND PRIZE OFFERED

The need for encouraging the cultivation of lucerne was recently stressed by the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, why were convinced of its value as a reserve food. It was suggested that a competition be inaugurated and the matter was held over for a time. In the meantime, a local gentleman, whose name has been withheld in the meantime has offered a prize of £SO for the competition. A sub-committee of theA. land P. Association was appointed to confer with the Union and the Committee met the gentleman on Friday the 18th August, and the following is a summary of the report of the proceedings:— The donor gave his reason for offering £.30 towards a competition among farmers and in this connection lie preferred to stimulate the growing of lucerne which is recognised as a most suitable fodder and a great standby in dry seasons. He expressed himself as quite willing to leave all details to the Committee. The following suggestions were adopted by the Committee: — (1) To allow sowing from now on to the end of March; (2) that there should bo not less than 10 competitors; (3) that the cup should be won three tunes, but not necessarily in succession ; (4) that a plot having won twice should bo debarred from further competition ; (5) that the area should be not less than three acres; (0) that competition areas shall not be irrigated; (7) that the boundary be as defined by the Waitaki County. The donor was heartily thanked for ins generous donation. At a further meeting of the Committee held on the Ist mst., the following suggestions were adopted:— That ciiijfy money be 10s 6d per plot; that a cup valued at 10 guineas be presented each year until the fund is exhausted; that entries close during September, 1923; that judging be in November on a. date to be decided later. The Chairman reported that it was ultimately decided to adopt the suggestion of a. cup to be presented each year until the fund is exhausted. The conditions of the competition have been obtained from the Duncdin Association and the Committee's re-, commendations have been adopted. The generosity of the donor of a prize such as this will have a stimulating effect on all classes of the farming community in the growth of this admirable animal food and it is hoped that the Fields Instructor will shortly be in the district to give the information required regarding this matter.