MAKING OF ENSILAGE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 16 July 1927, Page 3

MAKING OF ENSILAGE.

COMPETITIONS AT TOKAORA

The value of ensilage to the dairyfarmer and the possibility of its largely superseding root crops for winter feed has influenced the farmers to realise much more its importance in the scheme of dairying. There have been competitions for samples of ensilage for some years under the aegis of "the Farmers’ Union. But this year is the first occasion on which have been held competitions for ensilage in the stack, pit or silo; the first for South Taranaki is to the credit of Tokaora, which was held there yesterday. There was a good attendance of farmers, and one of the most interesting and useful days in the history of the Farmers’ Union work in the district was spent, the general opinion being that those present had learnt a great deal about the making and keeping of ensilage. The. judge was Air. J. W. Deem, and his interest and very practical talks to the farmers were cordially appreciated. This adds another of the many services he has rendered to the farming community. He was ready and willing to give information gathered from liis experience in other centres and also from the experiments at the departmental areas. There were no less than 13 entries comprising the three methods of keep,ing ensilage, and it was most instructive to compare the results secured.

The up-to-date concrete silo built some years ago by Air. H. E. Batten was the only one of that class entered, and as it was thus in a class by- itself and comparison was somewhat difficult with pit or stack, he agreed to withdraw it from competition with the others. Air. Deem, however, judged it, and, as was expected, it scored more points than the best of the others.

Mr. N. and Mr. H. Wren’s pits of ensilage wore, however, not much hehaud, and were excellent illustrations of successful work. A feature of the entries was the wisdom shown in the site of the pits and stacks, which, with one exception, were considered by the judge as well nlaeod as they could he for accessibility and everyday use. Points were allotted as follows: Quality and uniformity, maximum 50; minimum of waste. 25; covering. 20; site. 5; total maximum, TOO. The awards were as below, in the above order: SILO.

All of theso were pifcs except Mr. Washer’s, Mr. Barr’s, and Mr. Oliver’s. The party was entertained at luncheon at Mr. Finlay’s house, and at the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded for the kindly attention. At the end of the dav the president .Air. A. ,J. Ha scltine) moved a cordial vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Deem. He expressed the hope that the entries would continue to increase. In acknowledging the compliment, Mr. Deem said it was a pleasure to judge the entries.. He had had to mack a preliminary basis for judging, and it might possibly in time have to he altered. The competitions would he most popular in Taranaki, for ensilage was one of the most useful and profitable autumn and winter fodders, a real mainstay to the farmer. It was very good for stock and a real insurance for the farmers. He believed he was safe in saying that, except close to the mountain reserve. 70 to 80 per cent of the farmers were making ensilage.. He . thanked the president for iiis kindle- remarks, and said he looked forward to’ many more entries and continually improving samples in the future.

Afterwards a general discussion took place, Mr. Deem answering many questions on the subject of ensilage and other farm work.

Q. W. C. S. Tl. FT. E. Batten 42 24 20 5—91 PITS AND STACKS. Q. W. C. S. Tl. \. Wren 43 20 18 5—86 H. Wren 43 19 17 5—84 J. A. AlcCallnin ... 41 18 14 5 —78 FT. Tavlor 41 16 16 5—78 IT. Wells 39 17 16 5—77 F. Mills 41 17 14 5 —77 IT. Barr 42 17 13 5—77 X. Oliver 41 16 14 5—76 A. Griffin 40 16 15 4—75 S. V. Washer 34 14 14 5—67 E. Jennings 35 12 13 5—65 J. Finlav 30 12 14 5—61