OTAKEHO.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 December 1928, Page 3

OTAKEHO.

THE FARMERS’ CLUB. TWO' USEFUL PAPERS. Matters of interest to dairy farmers were discussed at tlie ordinary meeting of tlie Otakeho Farmers’ Club, held on Monday, when Air. Edwin Burke presided o\or a good attendance' of members. Two papers were read, one on “Ensilage Making,” by Air. J. E. Young, and another on “The need for improving the dairy output,” by Air. Hector Wood. A useful discussion followed the reading of both papers. ENSILAGE. In opening liis subject, Air. Young said that ensilage was one of the best all-round fodders for dairy stock, because it could be fed to them during a dry spell when there was a shortage of other feed. As it was also most useful as a winter feed, every dairy farmer should endeavour to. make some. It was most nutritious and was liked by the stock, and it had also valuable medicinal qualities. Referring to the method of making, he said the pit system was the easiest 1 and would be found a great labour saver as compared with building a stack, for three or four men with a mower sweep and rake with four horses could put in a great deal between milking times on any day, whereas for a stack ten or twelve men would be needed. Dealing with the' procedure .to be adopted, Air. Young said that one man would start the cutting as early as possible, and do, say, a couple of hours. Then a second man would come along with tlie sweep and rake and push the material into the pit. The speaker then sketched the work as it proceeded and gave a great deal of useful information on the subject of making the pit, and also of the stack. He considered that with experience and care a man could do without a thermometer, and this would enable him to secure the right temperature. The farmer needed to observe how the stock liked the ensilage, for they were the best judges of its quality. Observation and care would enable the farmer to secure the quality the stock liked best. Replying to questions, Air. Young said tlie temperature should be, he believed, about 140 degrees Fahr., hut it was a mistake to have it too hot. He said that grass was really the best material and easiest to handle, and it beat lucerne altogether. Air. Young said that he believed there was less waste in a round pit than a square one, and he estimated that for a sixacre paddock a pit about 18ft. in diameter and in depth was needed It was necessary to keep out the air as much as possible, and care should be taken to ensure also that no water got into the pit. The stack should he a little higher in the centre, so that the sides would not overlap over the edges. Ample dirt should be put on the stack, nine inches first, and in a week’s time, say, six to eight inches more. Dirt was the best weight to use, for it was much more even.

THE DAIRY OUTPUT. The need for more care in every phase of the dairy industry was urged oy Mr. Wood in an instructive paper on the subject. He stressed the necessity of seeing that the quality of New Zealand cheese was of the highest, so as to overcome the keen competition from abroad. In discussing tlie best methods to be adopted, he dealt with the subject under several heads. First, he said, the pastures must be kept up to a good standard and top dressed regularly, because unless this was done and the right kind of grasses sown the result must he a deterrent to quality. He urged the use of 1J- to 2 cwt. of basic slag or super each year, the latter in July or August, the former in April or May. Then shelter was. essential, and this would obviate many cases of hard quarter in cows and other udder troubles. Water, good and clean, and in copious supply and easily accessible, was another important factor,, and he instanced a case where a taint in milk was traceable directly to cows drinking water from a swampy piece of land. It affected the mills- and all the vats into which it went. Selection of the right type of cow was also, he said, a factor, and lie urged the use of a good butter-fat bull of good constitution. Look after the herd and test regularly, .so as to know where to cull, and so increase production, was his, advice. Cleanliness in every avenue of production on the farm—in the milkers, in the sheet and surroundings the utensils and cans—for which boiling! water was essential! —cooling of the milk supply overnight and a- right location on a slope for the shed, care of the machines and regular cleaning, and early delivery of the mifik a.t the factory—these, lie said, were all features that went a long way towards securing first grade milk. He also advocated the grading of milk at the factory. Referring to the work in tlie factory, Air Wood urged that aJll employees should go through' a course of instruction at some institution as was don© in Denmark. If, he said, first-class liiifk were supplied, there would be no need: of pasteurisation, and this operation, unless practised with care, was liable to destroy some of the vitamin and heallthgiirang qualities. He urged the need foir lioltding ‘ cheese iif cool store for some months, so that it would' be properly cured before reaching the; market, by which means a better price could be secured, •and he considered the Government

should provide the amount needed to secure this cool istorage. He referred! to supplementary feed-] dn.gr, and isa.id that turnips, mangolds and carrots- oou :! .d be fed with, advantage and without detriment so long as done judioiousiy and at the right time of the day. These fodders were needed in winter to, give condition to the stock. He made reference to mammiti;s and vaginitis l , and said! that a good l remedy for the foamier was literal use of -salts. He urged the need for the use of proper -books, and in his last word said that farmers vvodid! he we! 1 , advised to attend mainly to producing the right article, leaving the marketing at Home to the men who were experienced in -the business. At the close of the discussion, hearty votes of thanks were accorded to, both members for their instructive papers, and to the press for continued 1 support. Arrangements were then made for future meetings.