AGRICULTURAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20375, 2 October 1929, Page 18

AGRICULTURAL ITEMS.

.Mr. J. E. Quested has sold the Royal champion Romney Marsh yearling ram for 1000 guineas, for exportation to Funta Arenas.

On the Continent thoy stun pigs by electricity, but experiments made in Great Britain are said to bo unsuitable for application to bacon pigs, owing to the damage done to tho carcase, inferior appearance, and reduced keeping qualities of tho meat, due to increased blood content.

Popularity of tho Ayrshire breed with dairy farmers in Australia is shown by the fact that, although the 20th volume r,f the Ayrshire herd book was published in February last,, the 21st volume, contain ing over 2000 new registrations, was to be issued by the end of August.

Efforts are being made at tho Governmental stations in Alaska to cross tho Asiatic yak with Galloway cattle, tho object being to produce a beef type suit able for tho prevailing semi-arctic conditions. Galloway and Friesian cattle have already been crossed in Alaska for dairy purposes.

Entries for the Wairarapa show close on October 16. Special prizes have recently been donated by Mr. William Ravner (a cup to bo won threo times), for the best Lincoln hogget ram; by Mr. A. iWacKenzie, Pigeon Bush (a miniature cup), for tho exhibitor securing the most points in sporting dogs; and ljy Mr. R. I). Knight, Longburn (CI Is), for tho best footed Clydesdale in tho show. Schc dules may be obtained from the Secretary, P. 0., Box 25, Carterton.

The advent of the Cruickshank cattle changed everything in Shorthorn breed ing,'states an English writer, and created a very mixed type. A good deal of the style and high-bred appearance of the oldlime Shorthorn has been Inst, but shorter legs, thicker and more blocky carcases and quicker feeding propensities have been gained. It is noteworthy (hut in herds in which heavy milking qualities have been mado the chief feature, Scotch blood has been used very sparingly and a good deal of tho older typo his been maintained.