PROGRESSIVE FARMING

Hawera Star, Volume L, 14 February 1931, Page 12

PROGRESSIVE FARMING

The methods adopted by various farmers are worth much consideration and when a man or long experience, with scientine as well as -practical knowledge gives suggestions as to the i way lie secures reinarkaDlv good results other farmers should be able to gather information, some at least of winch wul he valuaole to men and enable them to get better results. The “Australasian” last week gave some remarks by a man who is termed one of the most practical dairymen in the district. In the course of some remarks, expressing ins views on the future of the industry, he said: •T have been dairying on and oft lor 31 years, and .L believe that the industry is on the eve of great developments. For lar too- long dairymen have been milking unprohtaDie cows, using scrub bulls, neglecting their pastures, and practising inefficient methods of feeding and management. Top-dressing oi pastures and nerd-testing have snown the fallacy oi these unprogressive methods, and the majority are waking up. They are culling the “hoarders” from their herds, putting in brecf-for-pipcLuetion bulls, top-dressing pastures, and generally evincing keener interest in the business. This is a sign ot the times, as we all realise that the economic position demands efficiency or failure will „e the result.

“Considerable savings have already been ettected by the adoption of the measurs to which I have reierred, which are only the preliminaries to further economies. Tor instance, a ueal ol money was expended in glowing cereal crops for nay to leeu the cattle during the cold weather. in my opinion this can be dispensed with

oy mowing the pastures and thus cutting out cultivation, i Have saved 4o tons oi grass hav tins season, which will provide all the roughage 1 will require. I bold a lot or milking cows and am rearing a number ot calves at present, and taerefore cannot a herd to oe short of feed for the winter. Dairymen m tins district are obviously realising the value of grass liny, ana there is a stack oi- a shed lull on most ot tbe farms. Another important point is that when he pastures are cut for hay tney begin to grow again immediately, and in a few days there is a growth of isuoc-uHent young herbage tor autumn and winter gracing. Tne nnancial stringency and the reduced prices lor dairy produce demand more economical production, amt dairymen are closely studying- this aspect of the mu i is uy.