LUCERNE GROWING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 15 February 1926, Page 4

LUCERNE GROWING.

FARMERS IN COMPETITION

OTAKEHO DISTRICT. That the value of lucerne as an autumn and winter feed, isupplementary to the natural fodder of cattle, is being more widely recognised in Soutn Taranaki was again proved by an inspection of the fields grown this year for the farmers of the Otakeho centre ill the annual competitions, the judging of which was carried out bv Mr. Deem and Mr. Glasson on Saturday, There are several new areas under cultivation, and the meeting with the farmers of the district gave convincing proof they are seized with the real value of this fodder plant. The dry spell, too, before Christmas gave them further proof of this fact. There were, in all, fifteen areas judged, nine established crops, two twoyear; four yearling, and the general standard was very good. There was a fairly good number of farmers present when the judging party commenced operations at Mr. H. George’s farm on the Lower Glenn Road, and they increased somewhat as the work proceeded. All took much interest in proceedings and in the inspection of the farms, and all were glad to acknowledge* that the d%y had been both interesting and educative. The visitors were most hospitably treated by the committee of the Otakeho* branch of the Farmers’ Union. They were entertained to morning tea by Mrs. D'akers, luncheon by the committee at Manaia, and to afternoon tea by Mrs. O. A.. Burke, and all these kind attentions were much appreciated.

Im the absence of the president (Mr. E. T. Burke), who* had to leave before the end of the day, Mr. H. R. Wood, secretary oil the branch, expressed hearty thanks to Mr. Deem and Mr. Glasson for again carrying out the work done by l the officers of the Agricultural Department, on behalf of the farmers. He said all would be gratified to* see new growers of lucerne and fresh areas coming into cultivation. He also expressed the thanks of the branch for the help given by the Press in spreading acknowledged work. The votes were carried by acclamation. In replying, Mr. Deem, said the standard of work done was fairly good all round, with several excellent areas, and he said Mr. Glasson had found it hard to separate one or two fields. He congratulated the farmers, on their efforts, and added that the fields that had been cut or were justt partly grown, did not look so nice as those in full bloom, but that there was no penalty for this and they tried always to consider what /the crop would look like if at full growth. He was pleased to see the enthusiasm and continued interest of old members. He urged every fanner to try to. work for the general welfare and to encourage others to follow the lead and grow more lucerne. Referring to the experiment of growing oats with lucerne, he said that he was convinced after four years watching that it was a good proposition and had no detrimental effects. It tended to keep the ground clean and open and gave an additional quantity of early feed, to put into ensilage. The only ill effect he sould see was that the second growth was put back a. little, but that was soon recovered and in the next would be equal to a. crop grown without oats. He said that one bushel of oats per acre was sufficient and would give *a heavy crop. The best manure, he added, in reply to questions, was proved to be super if lime had been used, and if not, basic slag or slag. He urged farmers to get it out of their minds that they wanted a long lasting manure. Super, undoubtedly, was the best for many lands, but it liked lime.

Results, were as below—((maximum points, evenness 10. cultivation 20, quality 10, colour and general appearance. 10): ESTABLISHED FIELDS*.

El. CL Q. CL A. Tl. E. 11. Putt ... 9 18 91 10 461 J. Daley .... 9 19 9 9 46 S. Bennett ... 9} 181 8' Tt 4 00 G. Shanahan 8 10 9 10 43 0. A. Burke .... 8 17 9 9 43 J. Bakers .. ... 81 16 8 9 411 J. Landers .. .... 8 16 8 91 411 E. T. Burke ... 7 14 81 9 381 E. R. Putt .. ... 6 11 8 7 32 TWO YEAR STANDS. El. 0. Q. CL A. Tl. J. Bailey .. ... 8 15 8 8 39 J. Landers .. ... 6 14 6 6 32 YEARLING CROPS. E. C. Q-* O.A. Tl. J. Bakers .. ... 91 19 8 91 46 H. .. ... 91 19 S 9 451 G. Shanahan ... 91 161 8 •9 43 S. Le Fleming S 10 8 8 34