AGRICULTURAL ITEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 18

AGRICULTURAL ITEMS

Although timothy is not used to any great extent in the northern parts of llawke's Bay, this grass finds considerable favour in the vicinity of Dannevirke and Norse wood. Its inclusion in the seeds mixture when sowing down pastures, at the rate of about 31bs. of timothy to the acre, can consequently be recommended under these conditions.

A Manawatu farmer whose pasture land is bounded on the west by a mile of dusty road, over which much motor traffic passes, hopes sincerely that it will never be tar-sealed. He finds that the grass land within 50 yards of the road is benefited by the dust from the prevailing westerly winds to the same extent as if he had used ten tons of superphosphate yearly on the 160 acres, which is thus amply top-dressed free of cost.

Pukepoto, in the far north is being visited by a plague of caterpillars which is causing considerable damage in stripping pastures and vegetation. One settler has had several acres of crops completely destroyed, and also a considerable part of the grass in a paddock closed for hay. In another instance, a settler who had taken one good crop of hay, with another ready for cutting, discovered the paddock practically stripped within 48 hours. Though caterpillars have previously appeared in the district in fairly large swarms, this is the first, occasion for several years that they have caused such extensive damage. Striking evidence of the popularity of the Shorthorn, due to its capacity to go anywhere and do anything is afforded by the 1931 Census of Purebred Cattle on farms in Canada. The total figure was .1-19,462 head, of which the three leading British breeds supplied respectively:—Shorthorn 93,779, Hereford 28,117, Aberdeen-Angus 11,118. Thus, the Shorthorn comprised nearly 21 per cent, of the total purebred cattle population, and considerably more than double the combined totals of its would-be competitors. The reason is obvious —the Shorthorn is unrivalled as a general purpose breed.

Avter being given a vigorous trial in all t.'io cities in the Dominion, the rubber 1 orse-shoe is now being introduced into country districts. Aiming nt avoid ng jarring, which is such a frequent cause.' of ley; injury in horses, this new shoe is claimed to revolutionise the shoeing trade. Tho shoe is lighter than the ordinary shoe, and will, i: is claimed, last twice as long. Besides eliminating jarring, these shoes also prevent slipping, which is also a frur.lul source of trouble. The shoes hav.» vi steel foundation in three pieces, with a light steel bar locking the tips together. The shoe is encased in rubber, wh eh is specially treated to ensure its lasting under heavy wear.