LUCERNE JUDGING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 February 1926, Page 6

LUCERNE JUDGING.

ANNUAL COMPETITIONS

MANAIA CENTRE. The competitions in lucerne growing carried out annually under the auspices of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union have served to foster a continued increase in the growth of this most useful auxiliary to the natural fodder of the dairy cow. And they are undoubtedly fulfilling the purpose for which they were first instituted. Yesterday the first judging of the season’s growth in crops was made by Mr J. W. Deem, with whom were associated Messrs Glasson and J. Clague. The results were most interesting and proved, as Mr Deem said, that the fields of lucerne seen this season are well on a par with those seen in previous years. In order to promote the growth of the habit of good cultivation the points given for that most useful part of the “business” were doubled* and the awards prove that the work was generally exceedingly well done. But in one or two cases more work should have been put in. The results secured in the fields would be very much better if cultivation were very thorough during the first two years or until the field was established. There were 11 entries, eisc in mature crops, two two-year, and three first year. All scored well. The results were as below, points being awarded for evenness (maximum 10), cultivation (20). quality (10), colour and general appearance (10); total 50.

Mature Crops. J. T. C-1 ague, 9). 19). JO, 10 ... 49 IVnimate West Demonstration Farm. 9). 20 . 9. 10 48) X. K. MacLeod. 9. 18. 9. 9 ... 45 W. Bourke. 8). 15, 9, 9 4D J. Dakers. 8). 16, 8. 9 41) O. Parry. 7. 14). 9, 10 40) Two-year Crops. Stoddart Bros., 9, 17, 9, 9. 44 Waimate West Demonstration Farm. 7, 18, 9, 9 '43 Yearling Crops. J. Dakers. 9), 19, 8,9) 46 W. Bourke, 9, 18, 8, 9 44 H. Sandford, 9), 18), 8, 7 43 There was a fair attendance of members of tlie union, three carloads going round the farms, and alj spent a most interesting and instructive day. . The pity was hospitably entertained at luncheon by Mrs J. T. Clague, and at afternoon tea by Mrs J. Dakers, an attention which was most welcome and cordially appreciated by a’l. A hearty vote of thanks to both ladies was carried by acclamation. At the Conclusion of the day, Mr J. Clague, president of the branch, proposed a hearty vot e of appreciation oi tlie works of the judges, Messrs Deem and 'Glasson, and also of the press. R.plying for the judges, Mr Deem expressed the pleasure felt by both at once more taking part in the demo list! utions. He complimented the competitors in tlie work shown, and said that generally the crops were well grown and well cultivated, hut in a few cases more work might have beeu put in. The interesting feature, be added, was that the area of lucerne as extending each year. The cultivation was good and the standard showed general improvement, making competition keener. He remarked that there was just a danger of overdoing cultivation after the crops were established. They should be worked well foir the first two years and then a good' cultivation once a year should he sufficient. Mr Glasson and Mr Page also briefly acknowledged the compliment.