HERD TESTING

Grey River Argus, 2 July 1925, Page 5

HERD TESTING

BY NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION. HAIVERA, July I. The National Dairy Association today fixed Wellington for the next conference. The session was mainly devoted to addresses on matters oi interest to the industry. Group herd testing was lengthh discussed. Mr. Grounds, Chairman of the Hairy Control Board, stressed the importance of herd testing, which the Board wished to encourage, the Dominion should not neglect- any opportunity of strengthening its position against opposition. Testing offered splendid advantages in this dixeotion. Hd considered the Government should associate itself wiffi the movement-, but the producers should proceed with a scheme, irrespective of support, which would be for the good of the whole community. Mr. R. M. Somerville (Te KuitD considered group testing would solve the problem of raising the butter fat standard. The need was urgent for increasing the average to compare more favourably with Denmark’s 248 lbs. The group system furnished tJie best means. He estimated the cost at five shillings per cow. He suggested the Government should grant a subsidy of one shilling per cow. The speaker said the Govemmeuts of other dairying countries paid similar subsidies. Mr. C. M. Hume, No. 22 Coop Herd Testing Association, said the two greatest difficulties were getting rid of cull cows and scrub bulls. He balieved thalt with universal tests, the calf marking average would be brought to 250 lbs within ten years. This would mean an extra income for the Dominion of six millions annually. Mr. Sinclair (Opotiki) considered a State subsidy of one shilling too modest, and suggested two shillings. Other speakers advocated the scheme. The conference passed a resolution recognising the urgent need of reproving the country’s dairy herds to a higher butter fat standard, and urged the daffy farmers to adopt herd-testing under proper methods of organisation; also requesting the State to assist by granting a subsidy.