FARM and DAIRY

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 May 1925, Page 11

FARM and DAIRY

NOTES BY THE WAY. The hotter the material put into the pit nr stark the better will lie the ensilage, hut it conceded that almost anything grown on the farm may he used in the ensilage. It is a great feeding for the stock in the autumn. Lime is one of the constituents of which great quantities are needed all over Taranaki. The value of lime has been proved amply time after time by farmers all over the district. No doubt, if a further concession were made on the railways still more would he used. Lime in autumn, super in spring, is the rule said to lie of general application.

The Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs are looking forward to a successful season this year, and entries in most places are good and an increase on the previous year. This applies to root crops and to calf rearing. The best in the root crops are Alton and Toko, in each of which districts eighteen crops are entereci. The judges and supervisors are looking forwad to a verv busy time.

Generally speaking a. lot more phosphates are required in pastures, and that is why they respond so well and quickly to top-dressing. Some farmers believe that, put on at the right time, great quantities can be absorbed with advantage. A farmer at Alton has a little paddock of about half an acre, used for the grazing of a horse. He ’says that very large quantities of manure have been put on, including all the amounts left when he has been top-dressing the pastures. He calculates that probably in the year the best part of a ton goes on, and the result has been that this little paddock has kept the horse all the year round, and a considerable portion of the year an additional horse. It is a great assistance, proving the value of top-dressing.

“Enough to eat, kindly treatment, and a dry place to lie down on are all that a'cow asks for, and it is little enough to give her,” said Mr. Watson at a recent Jersey demonstration (says the Wanganui Chronicle). The speaker continued: “If your car needs oil you put more in, but the greatest of all machines, the dairy cow, is often sadly neglected.”

The season just concluding has been, said a visitor to the Dog Trials, a remarkably good one, but, as in other districts a dry spell has been experienced, accompanied by a cold snap. This was now being followed, he added, by a mild spell and conditions were looking extremely well. Over there as in most other districts, he said, money was in good supply for all cases where security was a good sound proposition. Generally speaking, Hawke s Bay was very prosperous.

Grow clover for pigs. They fatten on the seed heads, and the green herbage keeps them healthy. Very few cases of paralysis occur when pigs have access to green pastures.

Silver beet is a good fodder for dairy cows, and a plant which will yield several crops of leaves in a season. It does well on good, average soils, and where frosts are not too severe.

The increase in bacteria on sterilised utensils may he prevented in two ways. First, the utensils should be quickly dried; and, second, they should be protected from contamination.

Scientific investigation in America is rapidly accumulating evidence in support of the vital need of adequate mineral matter in dairy cattle, both to ensure normal production and to resist disease.

This is a suitable time for liming operations,, it being a great advantage to get thp carting done before the land is too wet. Lime is best applied to the ploughed surface, as it,' quickly works downwards.

There is no particular season when it is specially advisable that c-hain harrowing should be carried out. Whenever tliere is a noticeable sprinkling of animal droppings throughout a pasture, it should lie harrowed.

Advantage of the coining winter months should be taken for cleaning yarrow-infested lands. If ploughed now, sheep can very profitably he grazed on the ploughed land, as they thrive on the yarrow roots.

Certain stock auctioneers and their friends are enjoying a rich joke at the expense of a farmer who lives somewhere in Marlborough (states the Press). This farmer, so the story is told, was possessed of a line of ewes which he decided lie would like to turn into money. He hied him to a sheep sale, where the ewes were entered and bid for. The highest hid was 14s, but as this was at least 4s under their value, according to the owner’s way of thinking he refused to sell, and had them driven hack to his farm. It seems that the ewes were wild as well as woolly, for they commenced to damage the fences of the paddock in which they were placed. The farmer could not tolerate this, «o in desperation lie let the sheep go for 12s a head. A fortnight later the hero of the tale decided that his place was understocked, and the ewes must be replaced. Once more lie visited the stock sale and bought a line of- ewes at 19s a head. Ot course all this is a record of a very ordinary series of transactions; -but the joke is that the farmer bought his own ewes back, and the only -difference in them was that they had been dipped! Thus he wanted l'Bs for his ewes, refused 14s, ( sold them at 12s, and bought them hack at 19s!

FORESTRY. A VALUABLE MOVEMENT. SCHOOL PLANTATION SCHEME IN VICTORIA. ij Reference this made at Eltliarn on Tuesday by Sir James Parr to the growth of forestry in schools in the Dominion. He said he appreciated very much what was being done in Taranaki, and was convinced it was on right lines. In the course of a general discussion, Sir James referred t*> the scheme in operation in Victoria, and probably the following details will lie of value and interest:— Its aims.—The aim of the scheme is two-fold —to establish an enli.ghtei.ied citizenship in regard to oar forestry resources bv inculcating in the school children a love of trees —their care and culture,, and to provide an endowment for such schools as establish plantations. Scheme.— In many part's of the' State

exist large areas of waste Crown Lands of more or less inferior qualify. Ibis scheme endeavours to show the value of afforesting these idle lands through the medium of our schools, and to show to the grown-up public how these waste spaces can be wisely and profitably utilised.

Officer in charge.—His duties consist- in visiting schools and suitable localities, delivering lectures on afforestation generally, awakening the interest of the school authorities, parents and public bodies, and securing their cooperation in school plantation schemes. Securing land. —-Recommendation by supervisor to secure suitable areas for reservation for school plantation purposes. Size of Areas. —It is recommended that -50 acres he the area applied for — although if this amount of land be not available smaller blocks are utilised. The larger area is desired to give continuity to the work over the rotation of the pine. This area is planted up by the boys and girls at the rate of 2* acres a year (one acre in the case of 25-acre blocks). At this rate of planting when the last compartment of 2 acres is being planted up, the first compartment is ready to cut, thus securing annually afterwards the cut from 2 acres for the school. Fencing. —This initial expense is undertaken by the locality municipal councils, progress associations, A.N.A. branches, school committees, and public bodies, as a rule all contributing to the cost of putting the land into a condition for planting by the hoys and girls. Planting.—This is done by the boysand girls under giudance of teachers and forestry officials. Trees. —For the first two years the Forest Commission supply the trees at a cost of £3 10's, per 1,000 Nursery.-—Each school establishes its own nursery, and each year raises at least the minimum number of plants required for the coming year’s planting. Seeds. —Both hardwood and softwood are supplied for the schools undertaking plantation work. Wattle planting.—ln some localities suitable wattles are grown over portion of the area awaiting planting. Before this area is required for planting with pines the wattle is stripped for hark. This gives an interim return. The, wattle trees are supplied hv the Master Tanners’ Association.

Supervision and Assistance. —By the regulations approved by the Forest Commission, their officials lias access to the plantations at any time to inspect and render assistance. The district inspectors usually visit twice a year to give advice. Helpful articles appear in the Education Gazette and the school papers regularly. Covenant. —On the establishment of a plantation at any school a framed covenant is provided. This sets oiit obligations of those who put their hands to the scheme, and each year is signed by all undertaking to assist in the work. A moral obligation thus binding the signers to see that the continuity of the worlds maintained, and a certificate by the head teacher at the foot of each yearly list of signatures is guarantee that the work lias been faithfully carried out. Thus, ,in the years to come, can each old pupil point to his part in the success of the school plantation.

AVAR ON BRACKEN

METHUD OF ERADICATION

ADVICE FROM A MARLBOROUGH FARMER.

Acting upon the knowledge that the natural food of pigs consists of roots, a Grove farmer lias evolved a clever scheme for employing them in a process of bracken eradication on his property. In addition to ridding his land of this detestable fern, he is able to keep large herds of swine which only require to he “topped-off” for killing after serving their purpose in dealing with the bracken. This farmer, Mr. Bruce Thompson, of Anakiwa, told a representative of the Marlborough Express that lie. had •been interested in reading about the great losses to farmers in the North Island caused by the grip which bracken fern has obtained upon the land. He had every sympathy with a producer who was suffering from bracken-infested land, for, from his own experience, lie knew only too well wliat it could cost a man.

After much cogitation, Mr. Thompson evolved a shrewd system of dealing with bracken. Knowing the partiality pigs have for root foods, and having noted at different times the extensive “rootings” of wild pigs on bracken-clad bill slopes, he resolved that he would make pigs work for him. He purchased a herd of pigs, enclosed it in a small area which he fenced for the purpose, and. there he left it. The pigs rooted’diligently to unearth their meals, and after a time it was noted that the bracken was practically exterminated, the plants having’been torn up and denuded of roots. Having accomplished his end as far as that area * was concerned, Mr. Thompson shifted the pigs into another small paddock. He then raked off and burned the dead fern and then sowed a crop of turnips in the recently vacated paddock, and later oats. Both crops did exceedingly well. The first phase of the system enabled pigs to he kept very cheaply, and they usually came out of the small paddocks in fair condition and only required finishing off for market. The next phase saw the production, of excellent crops of oats and turnips which provided fine fattening or milking feed for stock. After this crop had been used up the cleared areas were sown with pasture grass, and the result was entirely satis, factory.

Of course, Mr. Thompson admitted, the process of eradication might be considered slow, but, as in his case, where there was a steep hillside which would otherwise remain, useless, it was quite worth while. The great advantage about the scheme was that the pigs ordinarily cleaned up every vestige of root, and the bracken had no chance to grow -again. Another farmer takes a grubber and plants a few peas at intervals through the .natch from which the bracken is to he eradicated. Onec the pigs find the peas they continue rooting until all is turned over. Of course, you must not feed the pigs ton well, or thev will not work.

NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. HIGHLY VALUED GIFTS. By a~ recent English, mail the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board has been advised by its London manager that he has received several hundreds of letters from recipients of carcases of prime New Zealand lamb under the arrangement which, it will be remembered, was continued by the board

again for last Christinas season. All the recipients testify to the quality and condition of the lamb supplied, and the following specimens of letters acknowledging presents will be of interest to New Zealand readers : The Daily Telegraph, Fleet Street, London. I can assure you it was thoroughly enjoyed at my Christmas table at Hall Barn and 1 should like to say that one could not have wanted any better eating. New Zealand is increasing its great reputation by the excellent Canterbury lamb which it is now sending over for home consumption. 1 hope that this trade may be multiplied for the benefit of the Dominion and the Mother Country.—Burnham (Lord). Neweastleton.

I am pleased to say the carcase of New Zealand lamb was duly received in prime condition. I had the meat distributed to about 20 families in the village, the general opinion being that the meat is equal* to our best home grown. Philadelphia, Co. Durham. I am pleased to say the carcase of lamb arrived in perfect condition. AYo have cooked and eaten part, and found it equal to English, and are very delighted with oiir gift. Ormskirk.

Received the carcase of Jamb in perfect order, and am well pleased with same, and shall in future always insist upon having New Zealand lamb, and will also recommend it to my friends.

Dennistoun, Glasgow. I have great pleasure in saying I have been very well pleased with the quality and condition of the lamb. It lias been an eye-opener to us to eat meat in such good condition, and all of us at home, as well as some friends to whom we gave a portion, say it is superior to any home fed. Scarborough.

The carcase was excellent in condition, and, to quote my butcher’s description, is “a. real beauty.” Aberdeen.

1 am very pleased indeed with the quality of New Zealand- lamb. It tastes splendidly, and I feel sure its food value equals that of fresh lamb. 1. have recommended it to several of my friends by sending them a goodly portion. AVicklow.

I now take the pleasure of saying I received the lamb on Christmas Eve, and it was really lovely—much nicer than our home lamb. AA r e shared it with a dozen people, and we heard nothing hut praise a'bout it. It was wonderful being so nice to have come so far. Birmingham. I would likfe to say what delicious meat the lamb is, and how much it has been enjoyed. The butcher who cut it for me said it was the nicest lamb he had ever cut up. I shall certainly recommend it to my friends, r ' Bristol. Lamb arrived in good condition thank you. You may rely on my doing my best to recommend it. It is what you say: “PRIME.” / Ealing. The lamb has called forth praise from- four families. “Melted in the month,” etc. I gave it to my butcher, and he kept it in cold storage and sent out joints as wanted. I have always had New Zealand lamb for many years, and found nothing to heat it.

YEAR-OLD BUTTER

PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND

In an article headed “Chat About Butter,” a writer in the New York “Produce Review and American Creamery” says—“A profit or loss* is frequently determined by _ the way butter keeps; and the wav it is made is a large factor in how it keeps. I had a fine illustration of this the other day when I called into a store to look at some New Zealand boxes which had been in warehouse for fourteen months. It was part of a- lot that arrived at New York on February 21. Assuming it was made early in January, 1924, it is now considerably over a year old. This particular lot of 145 boxes was stored in a Jersey City warehouse on April 16, 1924. and had never been disturbed. It was the famous Acorn brand. The seller gave me an opportunity of examining the butter very carefully, and several good judges also made a critical

examination. it showed wonderful quality, considering the length of time it had been held. Of course freshness had gone, hut there was no trace of old flavour, and the body was simply perfect. The point that I want to emphasise is that it requires a- well made, heavy-bodied-piece butter to stand up as this lot did for over fourteen months. Perhaps one can profitably learn some things From our New Zealand friends.”

ON THE! El AST COAST. The whole of the land on the East Const is, in, splendid order ait the present time, and there is more feed there than is usual ait this period of" the year. This is especially noticeable the further north one goes, and the country around Ruiatorea. is as fresh and green as usually, the case in midsummer. The stock has been doing well lately, although, in common with other pants of the district, the percentage of lambs sent into the freezing works is slightly less than usual. The maize crops which are now maturing throughout the district- are likely to prove much better than appeared possible two months ago. The . very wet weather caused an exceptional growth in the crop, but also prevented the actual cobs from, maturing. The recent ispell of warm weather improved the maize to a remarkable extent, and the cohs are now practically as good as .in other years.

Several farmers on the flats are making ensilage this year, and the exception all nature of the maize crop constitutes this a splendid article with which to provide winter fodder for the dairy herd. Some growers on, the fiats have maize varying in height from 10 to 15 feet, and this naturally makes first-class ensilage. Lucerne is also favoured by a few, but as yet there are not many of the local farmers who have commenced to miake this' valuable fodder.

With the" approach of the colder weather the dairy herds have commenced to go. off as regards the milk yields, and it is likely that the returns at the local factories will sho-w a fairly substantial decrease during the present month. The returns, however, will still be well above those of the corresponding mionth. of last year, and the season can only be—regarded as -having, been a very satisfactory one- from the viewpoint of the dairy farmer. The recent visit of the Minister of Landis to this district disclosed the manner in which Poverty Bay farmers suffer because of the lack of drainage of their properties on the flats. In several parts of the district deputations of soldier settlers waited on the Minister with regard to drainage problems, and from the remarks made it is apparent that this very important phase of farming operations has been somewhat neglected in the past. A party of motorists who recently made the trip from Gisborne to- Napier state that pennyroyal w-ais seen in large quantities on a great deal, of the grazing land through which they passed. A .Daily Telegraph reporter was told by a well-known Hawke’s Bay sheep farmer that pennyroyal was greatly in evidence this year -all over Hawke’s Bay. This particular weed is looked upon as a great nuisance by cattle ■ami sheep raisers, as it . has a detrimental effect -upon successful breeding. *■

A CASE OF IN-BREEDING. Soane time ago the Board of Agriculture turned its att-eiit i (Vt 1. to tlie breeding of Sheep, and puib-M-sliecl a pamphlet in relation to in-breeding and out-breeding. The balance of evidence was distinctly .in favour of inbreeding to establish a uniform flock, and under skilful management there was no need to fear -any degeneration oif character or size. In a subsequent discussion Mr. Perry said that one of the -best rams lie hiad bred was when he ran out the pedigree very closely bred to ihiis well-known sire Premier. On the dam side -she has the sarnie grahidsd-re on tooth sides. Both the sire and dam ha-ve the same grandsire. lm the fourth line of breeding on the sire side there are only four oiltcroisises, the remaining 12 isires are all Premiers. The ram is one of Mr. Perry’s show team.. The case i.s very mudh on a par with the suggestions ■given -to .Jersey breeders by Mr. H. E. B. Watson.

CLUB ROOT IN TURNIP CROPS.

Each year -brings ,a recurrence of this disease, in many of the swede and turnip, crops orf the country. If is well to remind growers that finger and toe, or club root,, as -it is commonly termed, is caused by one of, the. slime fungi wh-ioh can easily be spread from one .paddock to another through in-' sufficient care when feeding'off. affected crops. Diseased. roots should; either be destroyed, consumed by stock in the padock on which they are grown, or carted out. and fed on to a- permanent grass paddock which will not be broken up for roots within three years -afterwards. Stock feeding on infected turnips- dr - swedes'- will - carry the disease' on their hoofs, arid it -is advisable, therefore,- to keep'.them, away from any -paddocks which, -are to he broken up for Turnips- kale-, or rape, the following season. _lt is worthy of the record that-chbu mollier shows marked immunity to this disease, and for that reason finds favour with fa mires who- -have suffered loss due to crops ruined with this - di-sea-.se. No -soil can he maintained in a high state of productivity which is not kept in pulverised condition. r

RUSSIAN DAIRY PRODUCTS,. ; PROBABLE HEAVY EXPORT. I I It was expected that the total. export of butter for 1924 would amount to 73,488,0001 b, stated Acting Commercial Attache G. J. Mayer in a report to the Department of' Commerce. Glieese to the amount of 1,102,300 lb had been exported from the ‘Altai district to -the date of writing, and this would constitute the 1924 exportation of this/commodiy. Russia had exported to - - England 5000 carloads of - eggs (60,000,000 dozen), and! 60 -to 70 Cats of poultry would be ex-po-rted from Russia and Sibeiia in 1924. ; .... - There exists’in Russia, an organisation- called “Maslocenter, ” whose -business it will be .to gather systematically all dairy products for export; it was formerly a department of the Oentro-soy-us having charge of dairy produce, but now has become a separate cooperative organisation. WANTON WASTE OF‘TREES. Nearly treeless to-day, the Porto Rico, of which Col-umlhns took possession in 1493, was covered front shore to shore by -a dense tropical forest, which on fully 65 per cent-, of the island was made up of evergreen hardwoods, with deciduous hardwoods on 25 per cent, of the territory, and such, shore-loving species of mangrove and eocoanut on the remaining land area. And in this forest, according to Mr. W. D. Dunla-ud, the vast destruction h-a-s- not had even the excuse that, the wood was -being put to use in the service of man. The larger part of Porto Rico’s- tree wealth (bias -been deliberately destroyed by axe and fire, for the soil© purpose of providing soil for temporary cultivation. Natural replacement ha,s taken place on. a small scale, but mainly by species of -inferior quality. Half of v the 1.000,000 acres of forest land is absolutely barren. Interest in forestry is at last being aroused, and within the last year -nearly 500 acres oif forest- plantation have been established bv flic insular Forest Service.