PIHAMA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 3 May 1922, Page 4

PIHAMA.

COW JUDGING

There was a large attendance of ] farmers and school children at the demonstration on the dairy type of cow at Mr J. Pettigrew's farm on Wednesday last. Mr J. D. Conaglen, president of the Pihama branch of the Farmers' Union, extended a hearty welcome to all, and briefly introduced Mr Ranford. Mr Ranford expressed his pleasure at seeing so many farmers present, and complimented the children, as he had great respect for the young idea. He was glad the president referred to his enthusiasm, because without that a demonstrator would end nowhere. He opened up his demonstration by declaring feed was the most important thing, and after that the constitution of the cow to deal with it. The constitution of a cow was sought in the^ good depth and length of the body and in the even outline. The nervous temperament was important also, as a dairy temperament was quite different from the beef type. In this connection a large, bold and placid eye was the jnaifl feature. He Jiked to see a good skin, but not one that was thin and too pliable. The milk veins were very important, too, and should be large and enter the body underneath through big apertures or milk wells. The udder should be broad and high slung, also to have a good swirl. backwards and forwards, and the teats should hang from the centre of the udder, and not on the sides as commonly seen. Afterwards Mr Ranford gave a short run" over a dairy bull, and then asked the children and adults to judge a number of cows. After that he explained why he" placed a certain cow first. At the1 conclusion the president thanked Mr Ranford, and complimented him on his pleasing manner and interest he had talcen in the children, and asked those present to accord him a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation. Mr J. S. Tos- '' land took the opportunity when so many were present to appeal for members for the branch, and stressed the ! need of a strong branch to further the' farmers' interests. Mr C. H. Hurst expressed his thanks on behalf of the visitors to Mr Pettigrew for the use of his cattle. Mr Ranford briefly thanked them for their vote of thanks, and said it was always a great pleasure to demonstrate to intelligent and in-! terested farmers.—Opunake Times.