CELEBRATED AGRICULTURIST

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 19

CELEBRATED AGRICULTURIST

LORD COCHRANE'S VISIT REVOLUTIONARY FARMING IDEAS [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 12. One of the most progressive dairy farmers and agriculturists in Britain, Lord Cochrane of Cults, father of Group-Commander Cochrane, arrived by the Hangitane this morning. In an interview Lord Cochrane admitted that many of his ideas of dairying were so revolutionary that they represented a complete breakaway from established practice, but he held the view that in time they would be widely adopted, not only in Britain, but also in New Zealand. One of Lord Cochrane’s innovations is a system, of movable milking sheds which, drawn around the farm, overcome the handicap of boggy winter conditions. The system, he said, could be applied without difficulty in any dairy farm of average size. He also said that his Ayrshire herds remained out of doors without covers throughout the winter, and were splendidly healthy. The Department of Agriculture in Scotland had expressed the view that his herds were the freest from mammitis in the country, and were also free from tuberculosis.

Lord Cochrane is a pioneer in grassdrying, which has superseded haymaking on his farm, and is gradually being adopted by farmers in England and Scotland. This method retains the greenness in grass which is one of its most valuable qualities. The cost is heavier than haymaking, £4 5s as against an average of £2 for hay. Lord Cochrane is anxious to see as much of farming operations in New; Zealand as is possible.