HERD TESTING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 6 July 1926, Page 5

HERD TESTING.

WORK IN THE NORTH

STEADILY INCREASING

PRODUCTION

Ail outline of the operations of the New Zealand Co-operative. Herd Testing Association during the last season was given by the manager-(Mr C. M. Hume) at the annual meeting of the Morrimsville group last week, when great progress was reported in connection with the movement. Mr Hume said that the hutter-fat average per cow tested; by the association during the past season; was 2321 b, which had increased from 2271 b the previous season, and 2071 b the 'season before that. An increase of 301 bin the average production per cow meant £2,500,000 to the Thames Valley. There were 60 more herds tested 'by the association; last season, andl the association was testing cows supplying 16 co-operative dairy companaes. “A few years ago,” continued Mr Hume, “it was considered that a man with a factory average of 2001 bof butter-fat .had quite, a. good herd, hut, what was a good herd then is quite an ordinary one now.” He then stated that the highest herd average for the association for the past season; was 4061 hof fat. This was achieved by Mr Andrews’s herd at Onewhero. Mr Hume believed that this herd would reach a. 5001 b average within <a' few years, provided that no disease occurred in the herd. He " also believed that next season 10 or 12 herds would exceed the 4001 b average, and that the association average would reach 2501 b per cow. Their ultimate objective was 3001 b per cow. The Man aval'll group of 1323 cows averaged 283.811 b. and. next season this group should reach :a 3001 b average ;• if this eventuated it. Would be not only the first group in the Dominion, but also the first group in the world, to do it.

The association was on a very good footing financially. The New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company subsidised the association at the rate of 3d per cow, and had given other assistance. hut apart from the election of four directors, it had no say im the association.

The cost of testing last season, continued Air Hume, was 5s uer cow. This season the charge would bo .5? per cow up to 75 cows, and 3s' per cow for over 75 cows and no to 125, for one day’s testing. As the association progressed' the charges would lie further reduced.