SHORTAGE OF TESTERS

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 47, 26 February 1936, Page 16

SHORTAGE OF TESTERS

Federation Supervision And The Future

KEEN YOTJNG MEN WANTED

A shortage of suitable herd-testing officers is anticipated next season. This is indicated in a circular sent by the federation supervisor of herd testing, Mr C. M. Hume, to secretaries and presidents of herd testing associations throughout New Zealand. The circular advices that the annual herd testing course at Massey College will begin on March 17 and end on, April 7. “In view of the steadily . improving 'conditions and the probability that the industry will be working under guaranteed prices next season,” the circular states, “we are definitely justified in assuniing. that there will be, an increase in herds under test. Associations, therefore, should consider how the expansion of their operations can - be most advantageously handled. ,‘From my experience, the most vital aspect is that of suitable testing officers. To meet the expansion with entirely raw men is courting disaster. It is now generally recognised that the position of testing officer should not be regarded as a life-time job. The fact that it is not a suitable position for a married man justifies my saying that the position should be looked upon as a most desirable training ground for those who intend to make dairy farming their objective in life. ‘ .11 “Associations therefore should concentrate on obtaining, as additions to their, testing staff, only keen young men, preferablv with a dairy farming experience, and if possible sons ot members of the association.