FARMING AND COMMERCIAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 173, 23 June 1926, Page 5

FARMING AND COMMERCIAL.

NOTES BY PLOUGHSHARE. FITZHERBERT. Pastures are looking much bettor since the recent rains. Autumn sowings are coming along well, and several farmers are busy with the plough this week. Some dairymen are experiencing difficulty in getting some of. their cows to dry off. Although they have had them grazing on the poorer pastures, tho recent rains freshened up tho growth and tho cows have stuck to it. I noticed, a very fine stack of mangels on ono farm. - These will prove a great asset to the owner during the coming hard months. PROFITABLE CROPS. During a visit to tho rocont Winter Show, every farmer, whilst observing tho many exhibits of roots grown for feed purposes, must have been impressed by the splendid exhibits of mangels, and realised what immense feeding propensities thero are in such. These exhibits certainly reflect great credit upon the growers and one is apt to wonder why farmers do not grow more mangols as thero is no doubt that they can bo grown successfully in this district. Certainly there is a considerable amount of labour required to bo expended if the crop is to be successful, but when one takes into account the extra profits which accrue from tho feeding of these roots, ono can only draw their own conclusions, -when one sees a farmer, especially a dairy farmer, omitting to grow at least an acre of mangels. There are many reasons why they should be grown in preferonco to other root crops. Firstly, in their feeding value. They will not only stimulate tho flow of milk, but will also produce about double tho amount tlfut what swedes will do. In the second pla.ee, the farmer has a better chanco of obtaining a first-grado cream when feeding mangels than ho would have if feeding swedes, as mangels do not taint like other root crops. There aro other reasons such as, storing. Mangels can bo stored, and will keep through the winter and early spring, so that providing the farmer lias grown a sufficient quantity, ho has not only a good storo of winter feed, but he is in a position to feed them out in the early spring to the cows coming in, giving them a good start until the spring growth has come on, and his other supplementary feeds are ready. Ono should mako suro of having an area next season, and the wise one will start right away with his paddock now. Any farmyard manure, and thero is usually quite a quantity about tho sheds and yards, should be carted out and scattered over tho land. During this and next month plough this under. This will give the frosts a chance to work on it during tho winter and tho work of breaking and working it up for drilling will bo much lighter in the spring. Tho soil must bo worked up to a fine ,tilth, and the ground rolled well. In drilling, plenty of space must bo left between tho rows to allow for a horso cultivator. No other crop will respond so well to cultivation as tho mangel, and your profits will bo doubled. DRAINAGE. Drainago on tho farm is one of the most important items of work that should receive attention during tho month. Tho lack of drainago is very noticeable on many of tho farms in this district. Not only must land bo drained in order that it may remain permanently, productive, but it must also bo under-drained, and to tho depth at which the roots of crops may feed to advantage, for tho reason that wherever the rainfall is sufficient to meet tho demands of largo crops, it is moro than enough to fill with water tho open spaco in soils, so that without underdrainago tho most rolling fields and even steep mountain slopes would necessarily possess tho character of swamp lands. Thero are very few plants which will not thrivo well with their roots ontirely immersed in open, free water holding in solution sufficient plant food, provided that it can bo kept abundantly supplied with air. In water-filled soil it is impossible to havo a sufficiently rapid change of air to meet tho demands, and hence the roots of cultivated plants will and can only dovelop in tho well-drained depths of any soil, no matter how much plant food may bo present or how readily permeable it may bo. Crops on soils deeply underdrained suffer le6s in times of drought, and aro much better supplied with water at all times than where tho roots must develop closo to tho surface in consequence of lack of efficient drainage. When crops aro forced to root shallow with tho soil only moderately fertile, riot only is thero a small amount of food placed in roach of the roots, but unless tho rains aro frequent and falling in right amounts, tho crop must necessarily suffer from drought even when a saturated soil lies only a foot or less below, for tho rate of capillary rise into a dry soil, impeded by tho strong action of tho roots is much too slow to meet tho needs of the crop. When rains do fall on a well-drained field in good structural condition, tho water sinks at once deeply, spreading itself over a wide extent of root surface, at tho samo tiirio carrying down tho soluble plant food material from the immediate, surface of tho field, whoro it tends to accumulate through capillarity and evaporation, and placing both food and water in direct contact with growing roofs, where it must havo its highest* possible efficiency, not only because it has been placed where it is needed, but because much less of it can bo lost by immediate surface evaporation, or can be carried off directly from tho surface, producing damago by surface erosion. Soils deeply and continuously drained, so that rains sink at once benenlh tho surface, are not only warmer than similar soils not well drained, becauso there is loss cooling from excessive evaporation at th 6 surface, but many conditions conspire to put the soil throughout its root zone into better physical, chemical and biological condition, and to maintain it so; GENERAL NOTES. As a rulo tho colour of animals is due to the presence of pigments which absorb somo of tho rays of light and reflect others. Cows that aro starved of food, chased about by dogs or flies, or men, exposed to nipping frosts, and bitter winds, or aro otherwise despitefully ill-treated, will yield milk less in quantity and poorer in quality ti am if they had lived under happier conditions. While cows are all tho bettor for being fairly fed when carrying their calves, they should not be richly fed when approaching parturition. More especially is this the case when they aro on pasture, as if tho is at all succulent and plentiful, and the cows are in middle life, and full milkers, there is often certain loss from milk fever. The separator has been the means of revolutionising the butter-making industry. throughout the world. Experience lias 6hown us that tho progeny of two distinct breeds is in many cases inoro suitable for certain purposes than either of tho parents. • Tho fineness of tho seed bed must be in close relation to the size of the seed.

Most tillage operations in common U6O liavo the effect of increasing or conserving the water supply. Free access of air, besides benefiting the root system of tho plant, also influences the bacterial processes. Warm spring rains raise the temperature of tho soil in the early part of the year, . and any. operation like sub soiling, which enables them to penetrate more readily, necessarily increases their warming effect.

Pigs are io be reckoned to a large extent as an asset to tho dairy, inasmuch as they are fed in a large manner on the byproducts of tho dairy. The practice of disbudding or destroying tho young horn in new-born calves, by the application of caustic, is rapidly taking the place of the more severe operation in adults.

We now know that in order to prevent infection, we must destroy the go-ms or living organisms which. cause disease, and also their seeds. This can be done by disinfecting. Well arranged rotations allow of an economical distribution of labour whether applied to the cleaning of the land, the sowing of tho seed, or-tho application of manures.

Owing to its powerful and unattractive •ilouvi sour silage should not be allowed

to He around the milking sheds, nor should people handle it immediately .prior to milking. ' It is generally recognised that silage made at a temperature below. 120 degrees F. is sour silage. FIELD NOTES FOR JULY. (By T,V. J. McCulloch, Instructor in Agriculture, Palmerston North.) Where soil conditions permit every opportunity should ho taken to bring up arrears of ploughing intended for spring crops, bub under no circumstances should ploughing or other farm of land cultivation be attempted while the land lie 3 in a sodden condition. It is in this connection that good under drainage shows l up to advantage, and purely surface drainage is not sufficient. Under drainage where possible removes the surplus moisture to the depth of the drainage system and permits earlier cultivation and ensures a reasonable absorption of heat in the early spring, lienee earlier spring growth, whereas surface drainage only removes excess surface moisture and not the surplus already in tho soil. If excess soil moisture is not removed by under drainage, then it remains in possession of wliat should have been air spaces, and must subsequently be removed by evaporation. The latter is a slow method, and very wasteful of early spring heat, hence tho later growth and a longor hold-up of cultural operations^ Plans should he finally decided for the necessary provision of spring-sown crops. On the warmer and drier slopes with a good aspect cereals and tares or peas could bo sown, provided the land is ready towards the end of August. These provide quick spring feed, and if grazed lightly could be shut up later for hay or ensilage. Wostern wolths and Italian rye (about 151 b of each), with 51b or Gib of cowgrass per acre sown late in August, make a quick and very useful temporary pasture, and could be used later for hay and ensilage if necessary. Young pasture, whether temporary of permanent, saved to come in for early feeding of the first-calved cows or tho early lambing ewes, is invaluable, and for the same purpose a few mangolds properly ripened and fed with discretion are splendid_ milk producers. Where such provision is not available for ewes and lambs, sow three bushels of oats with 51b or Gib mustard per acre for quick early feed. _ In some districts it is common practice to remove tho dairy herd off tho farm for grazing during the winter months. Arguments for and against the practice are common. However, it is very desirable that the herd should return some time before calving commences to settle down and receive more careful attention in feeding, etc., prior to calving, otherwise the health of the animals and milk yields may suffer. The harrowing of pastures, if not already done, should be completed; likewise any proposed top-dressing if resists are to bo expected early in the season. Only quick or reasonably quick-acting manures such ns supor, basic super, or a mixture of lime and super, should now bo applied if results are to bo expected. Catch crops intended for green manuring should he ploughed in during July in order that the material may decay before sowing spring crops. Attend to repairs of farm machinery, gates and fencing; continue stumping and cleaning up new land for cropping. See that all drains run freely. CANTERBURY MARKETS. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, June 22. Potatoes continue the one and only source of interest in the market. Iho see-sawing process continues, to-day there is a firmer feeling, with an advance, although at the moment there is little business passing. Naturally, Sydney, with the Ivaretu s 20,000 .sacks arriving there to-day, is not inquiring, but Auckland is again commencing to ask for quotations. For Juno coastal business £G 15s to £6 17s 6d f.o.b. S.I. was quoted this afternoon, for July £7 7s 6d to £7 10s, and for AugustSeptember £B. At the moment values to farmers for June coastal business are up to £5 5s oil trucks, with few sellers, and for July £5 10s. For Australian business up to £6 on trucks is available for July, special packing warranting the difference of 10s a ton. The Kurow sailed to-day for Auckland with 2200 sacks. Inclusive of the Karetu’s shipment, the dispatches for Sydney this season totalled about 64,000 sacks. Contrary to expectations, the Wailiora, sailing on Juno 28, is expected to take a heavy cargo, 25.000 to 80,000 sacks being mentioned. The, May shipments from Lyttelton to all ports were far in advance of last May, and recovers the drop recorded in the earlier months, whilst Juno shipments promise to bo something in tho naturo of a record for this month. Tho onion market firmed over the latter end of last week by up to 20s a, ton, and £ll was paid to farmers at average country stations. There is no movement in any other class of produce. Chaff is quoted at £5 10s to £5 15s on trucks for good bright quality. EMPIRE MARKETING. PERSONNEL OF BOARD. LONDON, Juno"2l. The Empire Marketing Board will be constituted as follows: —Mf L. C. Amory (chairman), Mr TV. C. S. Ormsby-Goro, Mr Ronald McNeill, Lord Bledisloe, Major TV. E. Elliot, Sir TVilliam Clerk, Sir Thomas Allen, and Mr TV. S. Crawford (representing Britain), Mr TV. A. TVilson (Canada), Mr F. L. McDougall (Australia), Mr R. S. Forsyth (New Zealand), Mr J. Dimond (South Africa), Mr J. McNeill (Ireland), Mr H. A. F. Lindsay (India), and Sir Edward Davson (colonies and protectorates).—Reuter. new Zealand representative (By' Telegraph—Special to Standard). WELLINGTON, Juno 22. Mr 11. S. Forsyth, who has been appointed New Zealand representative on the Empire Marketing Board, is the London manager of tho New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board. Mr Forsyth hud a long and successful business experience in New Zealand with the National Mortgage and Agency Coy. and prior to liis appointment with the Meat Board was manager in Timaru of that company. Mr Forsyth has been in London about three years with the Meat Board and has proved himself a very efficient officer. Because of air Forsyth’s knowledge of tho meat trade and the overseas conditions, lie was appointed a member of the Imperial Economic Committee, and his work there apparently has justified the Imperial Government in appointing him as a member of the Marketing Board. COMMONWEALTH LOAN. UNDERWRITTEN IN LONDON. LONDON, June 21. A Commonwealth loan of six millions, at 5 per cent., issued at 99£, has been underwritten.—A. and N.Z. cable-.

WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. YESTERDAY’S BUSINESS AND PRICES. At the morning call yesterday on the Wellington Stock Exchange a sale of Bank of New Zealand shares at 62s 9d was reported; at the afternoon call the sales reported were 5 per cent. P.O. bonds at £9B 15s, Bank of New Zealand at 62s 9d, Bank of. Victoria at £8 15s, Western Australian Bank at 57s Gd, and Burns, Philp and Co. at 36s 7d. Government stocks and bonds were in fair demand, with buyers of the 41 per cents, at £9O 10s, the 5 per cents, at £9B 10s, and the 51 pet cents, at £99 7s Gd. Wellington Gas Company’s debentures were wanted at £IOO. Bank shares were in good demand and firm. Bank of Australasia shares at £l4 5s were Is higher; Commereial Bank ordinary shares were 3d higher at 31s; Bank of New South Wales shares were unchanged at £4s*; Bank of New Zealand shares were in demand at 625; Union Bank at £ls ss; English, Scottish and Australian at £8; and National Bank of Australasia, £lO paid, at £l7 17s, a rise of Is. New Zealand Guarantee Corporation ordinary shares were steady at 9s 9d. Insurance shares were firm, with buyers of National Insurance at 78s 9d, New Zealand Insurance at 40s, and South British Insurance at 59s Gd. New Zealand Refrigerating shares, 10s paid, were steady at 8s 2d. There were bids of 44s Gd for Huddart-Par-ker ordinary shares, 19s 9d for Union Steam preference, and £6 8s for We 1 - lington Woollen preference. _ LeylandO’Brien Timber shares were in demand at 425. and National Timber at 17s. Ward and Co. Brewery shares were wanted at 40s. British Tobacco shares were firm at 52s Gd cum dividend. There were buyers of Electrolytic Zinc preference at 35s lid and Wilson’s Cement at 34s 3d. Yesterday’s buying and selling quotations were as under: —

SALES IN OTHER CENTRES. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, June 22. Sales reported: New Zealand Government 4$ per cent. Inscribed (1938), £96 12s Gd (two parcels); Bank of Adelaide, £8 17s 6d; Bank of New Zealand (ex div.), G3s; Goldsbrough Mort (cum. div), 49s Bd, 49s 7d. Sales: Royal Bank (£1 paid), 3Gs 9d; Goldsbrough Wort (cum. div.'), 49s 6d, 49s 7d; Kaiapoi Woollen (7s paid), 4s 3d. AUCKLAND, June 22. Sales: Auckland Gas (debentures), 1932, 5 per cent., £9 10s; Devonport Borough (debentures), 1950, G per cent., £IOO 10a; New Zealand Breweries, 2Gs Gd; Bank of New Zealand, G2s 9d; Union Bank, £ls ss; New Zealand Insurance, 40s 9d; Taranaki Oil, 13s 3d; Wilson’s Cement, 34s Gd: Alburnia, 4s lOd; _ New Waiotahi (cont.), Is Gd; Ohinemuri, 5s 9d; Waihi Grand Junction, Is. 4 THE METAL MARKETS. LONDON, June 21. Copper. —On spot, £57. 3s 9d per ton; forward delivery, £SS Is 3d. Lead. —£30 os in both positions. Spelter.—£33 2s Gd and £33 3s 9d. Tin, £279 17s Gd and £270 17s Gd. Silver.—Standard, 30 7-lGd per ounce; fine, 32£d. —A. and N.Z. cable. THE WOOL MARKET. NO TRADE AT BRADFORD. LONDON, June 21. On the Bradford tops market trade is practically suspended, pending the settlement of the coal .strike. Meanwhile the tone is confident, and quotations are maintained.—A. and N.Z. cable. ■ ' ENGLISH WHEAT MARKETS. LONDON, June 21. Wheat cargoes aro quieter in sympathy with America, but fully steady owing to reports of Manchurian drought damage. Parcels are in quiet request, and occasionally lower. Liverpool futures: July, 11s October, 10s 7d; December, 10s 5Jd. —A. and N.Z. cable. CHICAGO WHEAT QUOTATIONS. NEW YORK, June 21. Chicago wheat quotations: July, 1 dollar 37 cents, per bushel; September, 1 dollar 33) cents; December, 1 dollar 351 cents.—A. and N.Z. cable.

Buyers. Sellers. N.Z. GOVT. BONDS- £ s. d. £ s. d. 4i p.c. Ins. Stk., 1939 — 96 15' 0 p.c. ditto, 1938 96 10 0 — bl p.c. ditto, 1933 99 7 6 96 15 0 5i p.c. ditto, 1927-1941 — 4£ p.c. Bonds, 1938 ... 4), p.c. ditto, 1930 ...... 96 10 0 '• 0 — 97 15 51 p.c. ditto, 1933 99 7 6 — 5 p.c. P.O. Bonds, 1987 9b 10 0 ’ DEBENTURES— Wellington Gas LOO 0 0 ' — Gisborne Gas, 8 p.c., 1931 — 102 0 0 BANKS— Australasia 14 5 0 Commercial of Aust. (ord.) National Bank of Aus1 11 0 ’ tralasia (3310) 17 17 0 — New South Wales 45 0 0 — New Zealand 3 2 0 — Union of Aust 15 5 0 — t Victorian English, Scottish and 8 17 6 Australian FINANCIAL— 8 0 0 v i.. Abraham and Williams (ord.) — 4 1 0 National Mortgage ... — 3 16 6 N.Z. Guarantee Corp. (ord., 8s) INSURANCE— 0 9 9, National 3 18 9 — New Zealand 2 0 0 — South British MEAT PRESERVING2 19 6 3 1 0 N.Z. Rcfrigerat. (10s) TRANSPORT0 8 2 " I-Iuddart-Parker (ord.) 2 4 6 — Union Steam (pref.) ... 0 19 9 — WOOLLEN— Wellington (pref.) 6 8 0 — COAL— Westport — 1 17 0 TIMBER— Leyland-O’Brien 2 2 0 — ltotoiti — 0 19 National BREWERIES0 17 0 0 18 6 Manning and Co — 1 19 9' Staples and Co — 1 19 6 N.Z. Breweries '2 19 3Ward and Co MISCELLANEOUS2 0 0 — British Tobacco (Aust.) (ord.) 2 12 0 — Burns, Philp and Co. — 1 17 3 Electrolytic Zinc (pref.) 1 15 11 1 16 6 N.Z. Paper Mills Wairarapa Farmers — 1 0 (111) — 0 16 & Wilson’s Cement 1 14 31 14 9 MININGWaihi 0 19 0 Mount Lyell 1 5 5 1 6 3 Kawarau — 0 7 7