MATTERS OF INTEREST TO DAIRY FARMERS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6613, 18 May 1928, Page 4

MATTERS OF INTEREST TO DAIRY FARMERS

Mammitis, Day-old Calves, Mangold Tops and Benzine

Present at, the monthly meeting of the Dairy Farmers Union yesterday were Messrs. N. Campbell (chairman), J. D. Balmor, G. Wagslaff, W. B. Paulding, AV. P. Bickers, AV. 11. Gimblctt, F. J. Dcgg, M. D. Murray, AV. G. Short, AV. J. Gilbert and P. J. Small, Mammitis. ' ■ A committee consisting of the chairman, Messrs. P. J. Small, J. Boyce and \V. B. Paulding was set up to confer with the representative of a Mammitis vaccine, with the object of conducting a test to prove the value of the remedy of otherwise.. Mr. Legg asked if Massey College proposed taking up investigations. The chairman said the committee ■would investigate the position. Dairy Regulations. The director of the Dairy Division, (Mr. \V. M. Singleton) wrote thanking the Union fr/ its assurance that no slur was intended to be cast on any of the officials of the Department when the Union passed its resolution regarding dairy regulations. The Department appreciated this assurance and presumed that the statements made at the previous meeting were to be accepted as the opinion of individuals rather than of the union. The director suggested that in future the Division be given a chance of investigating any complaints against its officers before publicity was resorted to. They had different experiences of complaints having been made with as little foundation in fact as those brought forward at the union meeting. Day Old Calves.

Tlio chairman rcportcrl that he had hoard that fanners in the South Island were netting from 10s to 12s per head for day-old calves shipped on a co- ! operative basis. He wondered if something of a similar nature could not be worked in the North Island. The matter would most probably be brought up at the annual conference of the National Dairy Association in June. Mr. Short reminded the meeting that a Fcilding company gave the Manawatu farmers a similar opportunity but nobody would take up their offer. Mangold Tops. Mr. J. D. Bahner informed the meeting that ho had been advised by the Massey College officials not to feed mangold lops to pigs as they contained a substance which was injurious to animals and pigs in particular. Mangold roots were more nutritious when pulled and loft to ripen for a fortnight. Other members spoke of experiences they had had with feeding mangold tops. While some had had no ill-cf-fccts, others supported the College authorities in that animals had died after eating the tops while others had been seriously affected in health. Annual Conference. The annual conference was fixed for July 19, at 11 a.m.