FARM AND DAIRY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LX, Issue LX, 29 December 1910, Page 2

FARM AND DAIRY.

SOME ITEMS OF INTEREST. It is recorded in the "History of Shorthorn Cattle" that Mr Laken, ol Powyke, Worcestershire^ who died about 1848, was an exceedingly careful observer, and a man recognised as an authority amongst his neighbors. He reported that, after many trials, he could find no cattle so profitable as milkgrs as the pedigree shorthorns. He published a return of the yield of milk in his dairy taken over many years. From this it appeared that a cow called Strawberry (which lived to be 27 years old, and is registered in Coates' Herd Book) gave an average of 1050 gallons a year for 15 consecutive years. Her daughter, Star, gave an average of 800 gallons for seven years, whilst Stella had a record of 980 gallons per annum for five years. Another prime cow of Mr Laken' s named Novice yielded 1040 gallons a year for five years. The results of a number of experiments during recent years have demonstrated in a convincing manner that for grass lands on chalky and sandy soils the application of a combination of phosphate and potash is the one thing needful. Phosphate without potash may have little effect, and potash without phosphate fails to act to advantage. Mr Hall, in his book, "Lessons from Rothanisted," has directed attention to this fact as fol- | lows: — "Feeding experiments have also shown that the feeding value of such grass grown without potash is very poor, not much more than one half of that of properly manured hay, and still less than that of hay rich in clover. Another effort of lack of potash is to render the stems of the grass weaker than usual, so that it is very easily laid by wind or heavy rain ; it is also more susceptible to wet or other fungoid diseases." The pig looks for concentrated starchy foods in the roots of plants which are provided with bulb or tubers for the purpose of storing up reserves, but it is- very largely dependent upon other forms of green food growing above the surface. As a rule, it is not the practice to make use of green foods for pigs to as great an extent as might profitably be done. Although the modern pig has been developed so that it can assimilate more 'concentrated diets than it could find in a state of nature, it has not lost its aptitude to thrive, and there are many green crops grown on the farm which could not be more profitably fed to any animals than to pigs. In the annual report of the Canadian Commissioner the following appears in reference to cow testing: — 'A survey of the work accomplished during the past year prompts the enquiry: What is the significance of this work as regards income for Canadian dairymen? As shown, several men have made substantial increases in three or four years, amounting to from 13 per cent, up to 60 per cent in the yield of milk. It should be easy, with concerted action, to achieve a general increase of at least 10 per cent, in the yield from all the cows in the Dominion. Even this moderate increment would assume the astounding proportions of an additional ten millions of dollars from the present number of cows. This is well worth seriously considering. 'That enormous sum is within the grasp of our farmers for but a trifling expenditure of cash and a few hours' work per year — just a little applied intelligence. Every man of influence who wishes to see our dairy farmers prosper should realise the importance of this simple but far-reaching plan, and make it a point to recommend the proposition to ©very farmer in his neighborhood." BREEDING FOR PORK. The manager of Weraroa - Experimental Farm, in his annual report, writes: — "Porkers are more profitable to the farmer than baconers. Having plenty of milk, with roots, peas and beans, it takesj but a few weeks after weaning to run them up to 901b to 1001b. Breed with the pig, as well as with any other animal, is a »most important point. How many ill-bred pigs can be seen put up for sale at saleyards f Not only is it a waste of good food, but also of the farmer's time in attending to them. Probably many of these have been kept on hand for twenty weeks and over before turning the scale at 1001b. This weight should be attained in fifteen weeks. The good old Berkshire has stood the test well, and maiiy still pin their faith to this favorite breed. Of these we have bflfcd and sold a large number for breeding purposes. For porkers the larger number bred here are of the DevonshireBerkshire cross. 'This breed we have found to be the most profitable, th© Devon (large black) giving the large frame and quick growth required, the Berkshire the necessary condition to brine; the weight up to 1001b in fifteen weeks. The Middle Yorkshire is a good pig when properly finished off, but the pure breed will not top off at the same age as will the cross with the Berkshire. Pigs, to be healthy, must be ' kept clean and have plenty of fresh air. Run-out paddocks are preferable to the small sty. The pis; will make better growth, and when the time for topping off arrives can be shut up in decent pens, not requiring too much exercise when finishing off."