RESERVES OF FODDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20923, 13 July 1931, Page 14

RESERVES OF FODDER.

CONSERVING SUPPLIES. The advantage to be gained by stockowners through the conservation of fodder is exemplified in the experience of an Australian dairyman.

Ample reserves of fodder are invalu-. able in times of drought, and stockowners who make a practice of being prepared for dry periods are assured of freedom from worry and heavy loss. It is, however, not oidy when pastures fail that conserved fodder is essential. Whenever animals are kept there should be sufficient on hand to provide the necessary feed and a surplus tp fall back on. This will probably prove useful when least expected, even in a good season. Mr, W. J. Wheeldon, a progressive dairyman at Lardner, a splendid pastoral district in West Gippsland, recently expressed the opinion that grass hay is one of the best and most economical fodders. He has saved 45 tons this season cut from top-dressed fields, in which the most nutritious , grasses, clovers, and trefoils flourish. *1 his not only enables me to hold a lot of stock, but also to purchase when I see good cows oy heifers selling at reasonable prices. I can do this knowing that the feed is available when it is required. Shortage of fodder is frequently the cause of farmors sacrificing stock, more particularly when droughts prevail, or disposing of them cheaply if they are carrying more animals than they can provide for. It is preferable to have too much than too little feed on all occasions, as it is certain to come in, perhaps when least expected. Tho economic conditions of to-day demand the maximum number of stock being run on farms, whether they are devoted to dairying or grazing. This cannot be done unless theie is a plentiful supply of conserved fodder to supplement the pastures when such a course is necessary. #