JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6631, 9 June 1928, Page 4

JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS

ANNUAL REPOE*. In submitting to members their annual report and balance-sheet for the year ended April 30, 1928, the Council of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders' Assocation reports a greater record of prosperity than any previous year since the foundation, of the Association. The balance-sheet shows that a record year has been experienced. Two hundred and thirty-throe members were elected during the year, making a total of 1712. This department continues to show an increase, the number of registrations for the year being 4280 males and 6456 females. The total registrations to date are 32,960 males and 44,899 females. The number of animals being transferred still continues to increase, more especially in the case of bulls, for which 4425 transfers have been recorded, this being 935 in excess of last year. This is ample evidence that dairy men in all parts of the Dominion recognise the value of Jersey bulls to head their herds for the purpose of increasing their butter-fat returns. The number of females transferred has increased by 395. The total number of transfers recorded for tho year being 8468. During the year the Council found it necessary to disquality one of its members for a serious branch of tho by-law governing the registration of cattle. This meant that in future, no registrations or transfers will be accepted from him. The Council ,is always prepared to investigate such leases, where insufficient evidence is forthcoming, and to take drastic steps to stamp out any practice which is detrimental to the well-being of tho breed.

During tho year ended 31st December, 1927,' 383 first class Certificates were issued, of which 303 were for records which exceeded the minimum requirement by 100 lbs. or over. Notwithstanding the previous high record in the junior two-year-old class, this season the record was again exceeded by E. S. Tuck’s “Ivondale Oxford Lass,” with the magnificent record of 731.29 lbs. fat, w'hile G. E. Yelchich’s “Keston Mower,” in the class for cows between four and five years, produced 814.95 lbs. butter-fat. Both of these cows were the winners of. the gold medals, and also of £lO for having exceeded the previous highest records in their .respective classes. The owners of both cows are to be congratulated on their meritorious performances. Special medals for the production of at least 750 lbs. butterfat were awarded to Gv E. Yelohiah ’a “Keston Mower”, (814.95), R. C. Jury’s “Crofton Countess” (812.34), and J. O’Donnell’s “Oakden Madge” (792.52). It is interesting to note that the average production in 1917 of 452 cows was 403.95 lbs. butter-fat, while at the present time there are 4473 records averaging 445.45 lbs. butterfat, which is an average increase of 42.5 lbs., during that period. During tho 1927 season the average production was 469.36 lbs., and the average of 383 cows was 7.68 lbs., more than for the preceding year. This must bo regarded as most satisfactory when it is remembered that a very large percentage of the animals tested were heifers with their first ■ calves. From these figures it will be seen that Jerseys in New Zealand are steadily improving their position, and continue to establish fresh records and convincing proofs of their undoubted supremacy in the dairy world. Dairy Division.

“We have again to acknowledge our appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Singleton, Director of the Dairy Division, and his efficient staff, in the execution of their duties, which would be considerably expedited if testing members would forward their final returns with greater promptitude. This would also enable our A.B.M. pamphlet to bo printed at a much earlier date than under present conditions. It has been considered by the Council that the time had arrived when it was necessary to provide adequate precautions against fire by building their own offices on a site already secured in Rangitikci street, Palmerston North. To this end, a contract has been let for a three-story, steel and concrete building which will provide ideal office accommodation and revenue-producing floors, one of which has already been leased at a satisfactory figure. The building is well on the way to completion, and should bo ready for occupation within a reasonable time.