Herd Testing in the North.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 43, 28 July 1933, Page 3

Herd Testing in the North.

BAY ASSOCIATION The Annual meeting of the Bay of Islands Herd Testing Association held in the Soldiers’ Club Room, Ohaeawai, on July 10, brought to a close another successful season, in so far as Herd Testing is concerned. Mr. F. W. Brown occupied the chair. The attendance was fair, and a number of interesting discussions took place in regard to improvement in methods and service.

The Chairman, in his report drew the attention of members to the very satisfactory position of the Association’s affairs. The number of cows under test was practically the sa.me as the previous season and a small profit was shown on the year’s working. The testing fees for the ensuing season would be the same as last season. The position in regard to Government Subsidy was not quite definite but the Chairman stated that he was given to understand that about 3d per cow would be available for distribution and he also understood that further Government assistance would be forthcoming for the ensuing season.

The number of calves marked by the Association had shown a big increase over previous seasons. During the season, the Secretary had had numerous inquiries from outside districts for marked weaners from dams with three or four years continuous records, but was unable to secure sufficient to fill the orders. The local demand for marked stock appeared to be absorbing all that are availbale at present.

The average production for all cows under test showed an increase of 3.28 lbs. fat per cow, over the previous season.

When congratulating Mr. C. W. R. Fell of Pakaraka on the excellent performance of his herd, the Chairman stated that Mr. Fell’s average of 460.901b5. fat per cow from 70 cows, was a New Zealand record. This was the second occasion that Mr. Fell’s herd had created a New Zealand record ; in the 1928-29 season, his herd of 57 cows had averaged 400.32 lbs. of fat in 278 days, which was, at that time, a New Zealand record. The Chairman added that Mr. Fell had certainly played an important part in bringing into prominence the possibilities of the Bay of Islands as a dairying district, and he felt confident that before many more years had passed, the Bay would rank as one of the foremost dairying districts of the Dominion.

The Cup presented by Mr. G. F. Monk, late manager of the Bay of Islands Dairy Factory, for the herd showing the greatest increase in average butterfat production over the previous season, was presented to Mr. J. C. Keen of Ohaeawai, whose herd showed an increase of 89.521b5. of fat per cow.

In conclusion, the Chairman stressed the importance of continuous testing, and emphasised the necessity for adjusting our methods of farming to meet, as near as possible, the low level of prices. Under existing conditions, it is imperative that farmers reduce their cost of production per acre, to the absolute minimum, and to do this it is necessary to increase the butterfat production per cow, through the consistent testing of our dairy herds.

Herd testing and the consequent improvement in farming methods, was more necessary now than it had ever been since its inception. If a farmer allowed his affairs to stagnate now, he would find, when the tide does turn, that he has a lot of leeway to make up.

The chairman appealed to the 4 farmers of the district to continue to support their Association, which was formed for the benefit of the dairy farmer. Election of Officers The following officers were elected for the current year: President Mr. F. W. Brown, Kaikohe (re-elect-ed) ; Committee—Messrs. C. W. R. Fell, S. J. Johnson, J. C. Keen; Secretary—Mr. W. D. Knight (re-elect-ed); Auditor Mr. W. J. F. Dear (re-elected).