CALF CLUB COLUMN

Northern Advocate, 8 December 1936, Page 2

CALF CLUB COLUMN

What a splendid day Mataraua Val ley Group had for its championship. When the official party arrived, close on midday, things were in lull swing. A roped off arena was prepared for the judging, and boys and gals were ready to show their pets at a moment’s notice. But really it seemed that some of the calves had a night out the evening before. Not one, but many, lay down while the judge was going ms rounds, and rousing them up was by no means easy. One boy, with Mr Morrison to help, had almost to lift his calf *o its feet when it came to the leading test and, even the poor Sookie was so very tired that she took only a step or two before sinking down on her knees to continue her slumber. Quite definitely it seemed Valley Calves on Sunday night. But no! The explanation was that calves are really babies and as many of them had quite long walks to the parade ground, they were quite tired out—just as baby brother or sister might be. I’m sure some of the competitors wished they had a concrete arena in which to lead their calves, for the long grass was a terrible temptation and mOr£ than one calf earned the displeasure of its owner by stopping to graze, just when the judge was award ing points for handling. It was all very upsetting from the leader’s point of view. Mr G. S. B. Morrison knows so much about calves that I always pay particular attention when he has anything to say. On the matter of leading he says that a proper halter makes a world of difference. Besides, a leather halter looks ever so smart, so if you don’t possess one, try to borrow' one the next time you take a calf for judging. Mr Cameron, of the Mataraua Gr oup, noticed that some children had ropes of unusual thickness. Mi* Cameron thought it would be a good idea if the Calf Club officials could have a number of spare halters at the parade to lend to competitors without them. Thus none would be handicapped when leading calves for the handling test. If proper halters were unobtainable, short lengths of plough line would be a great improvement on some of the ropes used. Mr Cameron’s idea is a good one. It might well be adopted by some of the Groups which have not yet been, judged. And now about this week’s special article. Mr D. G. Morrison, who has sent many contributions for this column, needs no introduction. He is a man of considerable experience and to the cost of rearing a calf he has given a considerable amount of thought.

The price of skim milk Mr Morrison has fixed at Id per gallon, but there are some who may not agree with this. To an extent it is a matter of opinion. Some say id is much too low, and others think it quite a liberal estimate. On this matter of the price of skim milk as a food for calves, we would be pleased to receive opinions from grown-up readers. It may he only a small point, nevertheless it is of interest. Our best thanks to Mr D. G. Morrison for an article that again shows his eagerness and ability to help Calf Club members of Northland.