AGRICULTURAL ITEMS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6735, 11 October 1928, Page 10

AGRICULTURAL ITEMS

The statement is often made that using pedigree Friesian bulls on Jersey cows will give trouble in calving. Extensive inquiries made throughout the Dominion have shown this statement to be without foundation. In practically every case where there is calving trouble it is due to the fact that the cow T s have been badly cared for in the winter, and at calving time, in consequence, they are in poor condition. A 19-year-old grade Jersey cow in Messrs. Jolly Bros.’ herd, at Aka Aka, Waiuku, has had 17 calves, and all of the calves since the year 1910 have been sired by pedigree Friesian bulls. In no instance has this cow had any calving trouble.

One of the most prepotent bulls ever bred must bo that wonderful Hereford sire Resolute, which was sold in Englaand in 1918 for the sum of £BIOO, and which, by stock he has left behind him, was well worth the money. The recent Three Counties Show at Hereford, England, gave proof of the wonderful quality and character of this great bull, for, as the judges went through the classes, winner after winner was found to be sired by Resolute. It is quite impossible to put a real cash value upon such a sire, or to estimate the good he has done to his breed —a breed noted for the good bulls it produces, and for the quality and type of its animals.

When cows go to pasture they arc apt to have chapped teats, because of the cold winds. Young cows should have special attention paid to their udders and teats at this season. The frequent use of olive oil, vaseline or lard to dress the teats after milking will prevent chaps. Tho udder ana teats should bo wiped dry with a clean clotn after milking.

Humus, the decayed animal or vegetable matter gives body to the soil. Without it no soil can be termed fertile. Humus acts like a sponge in the soil; it helps to conserve moisture, and is of special value for a sandy type of soil. In the improvement of soils, in nine cases out of ten the introduction of humus is the first step taken toward gaining that end.

There are 15 farm institutes in Eng-, land and Wales, and all except one have demonstration farm, attached. The main purpose of the teaching that is given at farm institutes is to provide instruction in the scientific principles underlying sound farming practice. The existence of the demonstration farms allows of such instruction to be closely related to practice, and this applies not ony to general agriculture, but also to gardening, dairying, and poultry instruction.

In selecting the ram for wool-grow-ing purposes, the small flock owner is advised to go to some reputable breeder where ho can be sure of procuring a purebred animal. If he is satisfied with his purchase—satisfied that improvement is being made in his flock by the introduction of this particular type— he should continue to use the same strain, as he will not get such ■even results if he buys from different studs, even though the animals are apparently similar in shape, class oC wool, etc.

“A new method of cattle stealing that’s new to me has just come to my knowledge',’' writes an Argentine settler. “A tame cow, a poddy, was washed in a strong solution of salt and water. When dry she was driven a distance and mixed with other stock. Some days later she arrived homo with quite a large following of other stock. You must understand that this country is poorly supplied with salt, and there are practically no fences.

A message from Nelson states that tho liberation of the cinnabar moth (Tyria facobaeae) for the control of ragwort will not bo made this spring by the Cawthron Institute as formerly proposed. The reason is that, in reply to inquiries made by Dr Miller, information has been received showing that tho caterpillars of tho moth have been known to attack and defoliate potatoes in England and Gfuernscy. Before a final decision is reached regarding the liberation of the moth further extensive and detailed tests with potatoes and other plants will be first undertaken.