AGRICULTURAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19125, 17 September 1925, Page 14

AGRICULTURAL ITEMS.

Little can be done while , the soil is in a sodden condition; in fact, it is far better to leave the ground untouched until more favourable weather sets in.

Do not begin by trying to do big jobs. It is-Jby doing the very easy jobs that you learn to do the more difficult, jobs without any apparent great effort.

The largest sheep station in the world is at Tierra del Fuego, tho most southern part of South America. One company shears more than 2,500,000 sheep every year.

Maizevalono is a poor feed for pigs as 'it lacks protein , which is essential to growth and - bodily repairs, as well as mineral compounds, especially calcium, for.bone building.

In the first half of each year, when the greater number of pigs are marketed, the American farmer receives on an average £20,000,000 pec month—£l2o,ooo,ooo for pigs, for the half-year. • *

The reports of a discovery of largo deposits of phosphates within 25 miles of Capetown, referred to in a recent cablegram, should have an important bearing on the supply of superphosphates to farmers in South Africa.

A compost in which almost any plant may be grown to perfection can be formed of well-rotten turves, cow dune and peat, a little silver sand being addedif not sufficiently open, and for euch plants as require a sandy soil.

The prospects for good lambing percentages in tho "VVanganui district are said to be exceedingly bright as ewes are at J (resent looking particularly well, and the ambs that have made their appearance are in good condition and healthy.

The Canadian wool clip for 1924 is estimated at 15,111,7191b., valued at three and three-quarter million dollars, an increase in value of five hundred thousand dollars' over the previous year. The amomt of wool remains stationary.

Hard times for the fanner mean hard times later for the city. If the double price level goes too far, both parties suffer. Though it- may be truo that as agriculture is prosperous, so goes tho nation, it is equally true that as the city is prosperous, so goes agriculture.

The use of well-bred rams and the practice of corrective mating and consistent culling soon effect great improvement in a flock. Without doubt, the average weight of wool cut per sheep is possible of improvement, without detriment to the value per pound of the wool cut. .

Although differing climatically, and in most other respects, the Dominions have peculiarly different problems to face. One of the greatest difficulties has been the fact that being primary producing countries, they have a large favourable balance of trade, expressed in terms of currency, and an even larger one expressed in terms of bulk of raw agricultural products.

The killings at the various works owned by the Gisborne Sheepfarmers' Company during the season which has just closed show that the season has been a successful one, although the weather conditions during tho first months of the present year were not conducive to the fattening of the lambs. For this reason there will be a larger carry-over of lambs this year than for some seasons past.

After fruit trees or buds have been formed, pruning is of a different character. Firstly, maximum production of high-grade fruit is desired, and, secondly, the trees must make sufficient annual growtn to maintain the vegetable vigour of the tree, while thirdly, the height and density of the tree must be regulated! This practically amounts to maintenance pruning, and must be done annually.

The banana growers in Queensland are fearing a market glut. Production has greatly increased in that State, and it is also increasing hi Now South Wales, hitherto one of the best markets for the Queensland supply. It is estimated officially frhat by October next—allowing for full supplies to existing markets there wiQ be a surplus Queensland peoduction oi 7000 to 10,000 cases a week.