RUAKURA STATE FARM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20555, 5 May 1930, Page 12

RUAKURA STATE FARM.

GOOD RESULTS ACHIEVED. REVIEW BY MANAGER. "A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR." [BY TELEGRAM. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Sunday. "A very successful year lias been experienced at Ruakura," said Mr. H. Munro, manager, in a review of the operations on the Ruakura State farm for the season which is just closing. The financial results would again show an appreciable improvement, added Mi'. Munro, tho increased production being moro than sufficient to offset the drop in values Mr. Munro said the dairy herd had done exceptionally well. There had been ample feed for stock throughout the season, and tho condition of tho animals could not be better. Eighteen of the pedigree cows had been put under semiofficial test, and the average yield of these animals had been 5401b. of but levfat per cow. The Milking Shorthorns. Milking Shorthorns purchased at Buakura had done particularly well as .show prize-winners. Tho successes included Royal champion and reserve champion, and four first prizes and one second prize at tho Royal Agricultural' Show, Invercargill; special prize for the best typo of Shorthorn bull of any age at Watignnui; first and champion at ITawke's Bay; first and champion', and first and reserve champion at Whaugarei; first and junior champion at Dannevirkc. During tho season 1672 Southdown-Romney-cross lambs had been exported, and had averaged 361b. in weight. Tho first consignment of 510 lambs toppecj the market at 30s net 011 the farm, and the quality was so high that a parcel was exhibited at Smitlifield for the purpose of advertising Auckland lambs. There had been a keen demand for pedigreo Berkshire pigs bred 011 the farm, and all tho surplus stock this season had found a ready sale. Pastoral operations during tho season included the conservation of 300 tons of hay and 300 tons of ensilage. Other crops included 30 acres of oats, eight acres of different- varieties of mangolds, five acres of swedes, five acres of potatoes, and one acre of field pumpkins. School of Instruction. An important feature of this season's work had been the school of instruction, continued Mr. Munro. Forty-nine youths had been enrolled, and there was a considerable waiting-list of applicants who had not yet been accommodated. Numerous instances had occurred where mf.mbers of one family had succeeded their brothers as students at the school. Tho boys were given a variety of practical work, and took turns in spending periods in the lecture room and in . the field. Messrs. G. K. McPherson and P. Symo were tho lecturers. The carrying capacity of the farm had been considerably increased in tho last five years. Tlio farm contained 900 acres, of which 800 acres were in pasture. Tho paddocks were being subdivided into areas of from eight to ten acres, and a system of rotational grazing was being followed. Arrangements had been made to winter tho following stock this year:—350 cattle, of all ages, including 100 yearlings; 2000 sheep, including 1600 breeding ewes; 30 horses,.and 150 pigs.