THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19969, 10 December 1926, Page 4

THE RURAL WORLD.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS. December 10.—-Wyndham. December 10. —Maniototo. December 11.—Otago Peninsula. December 14, 15, —Southland. December 16. —Owaka. December 28. —Waitahuna. 1927. January 8. —Blueskin. January 14. —Waikouaiti. January 21.—Palmerston. March 16. —Lake County. March 31.—Geraldine. Broken weather, with an unwelcome /proportion of unseasonable conditions, has been the rule in Otago of late, and a good long spell of fine weather is needed everywhere. Cultivation lias been hampered, and in many places shearing operations have had to be delayed. Germination in the cold, wet ground is poor, and many farmers have been unable to get the land tilled for their crops. There is an abundance of grass in most places, but the general complaint is that the pasture is too soft to do the good it should for both sheep and cattle. Inland farming operations have not been hindered to the same extent as work on the coast. * » « * When water is available in the Lakes district for irrigation purposes, as well as in Otago Central, these two districts will become great producing centres, and dairying is sure to become one of the largest industries. The climate is all in favour of dairy farming, and where one co-opera-tive cheese factory is now struggling for an existence, it will only bo a matter of a few years when many will bo working, and their suppliers doing well. Not far from Queenstown is .he Kawarau Valley, where a few years ago the Messrs M/Adam Bros, ostbalished a purebred Ayrshire milking herd on their Glengyle farm, situated at the foot of the Remark aides. Last year they had this herd tested. The Herd-testing Association’s average for eight cows was 223 j butter-fat in 243 days. The herd average for 15 cows was 291.121 b butter-fat in 287 days, and the average butter-fat for the best 10 cows in the herd was 3301’ in 317 days. These figures give some idea of what a wellmanaged herd in this country can do, and there are many farms in the Lakes district much bettor suited for the production of butter-fat than Messrs M'Adam Bros.’ property. • * » M An interesting return published by the secretary of the New Zealand Friesian Association shows comparative figures for American and New Zealand Fricsians. Certificates of record issued to March 31, 1026, in America number 25,431, the average days in milk 331. average milk 15,720.41 b, average fat 532.751 b. The New Zealand figures to December 31, 1926 were: Total certificates 1379. average days in milk 343, average milk 13,3751 b, average fat 470.991 b. The New Zealand cow is milked some days longer in her lactation, but still does not come up to the American cow’s standard of production. **♦ * ’ Mr J. M'Anulty, of Ashburton, sold privately his Royal Champion Friesian bull, Champion Picterje Lad, at the conclusion of the Auckand Show, the price reaching three figures. The buyer was a Hokianga (North Auckland) breeder. The slump in dairy produce is ha mg a depressing effect on the market for purebred stock, and very few of the entries changed hands at the stock auction held during the show, and then only at very disappointing prices. Mr M'Anulty has several of the champion’s breeding in his herd, so that there is no risk of the strain not being perpetuated in this island. In the Course of a letter referring to the freezing works difficulty, Mr G. F. Moore, of Bushy Park, takes the workers into his confidence. “Speaking for myself,” ho says, “1 can honestly say that for many years I have been working at a loss. My employees have been, and are making more than 1 am, and any farmer who employs a fair amount of labour is in the same position. And just no v prices of primary produce of ail kinds are at a verv low ebb.” Mr Moore is a gentleman whose word can be accepted without any reservation, and it would bo interesting to hear what the slaughtermen have to say about the presentation of his own case. ♦ * # « Figures published in the Taranaki News of Tuesday show that the output from the 23 dairy factories in North Taranaki, representing the greater part of the industry in the district, for the present season amounted to 2,386,048, an increase of 175,1521 b, compared with the output for the corresponding period of last season, while the pay-out from these factories for the present season amounted to £132,367, a decrease of £30,181. The increase in the output amounts approximately to 8 per cent., and the increase in pay.out to a little over 13 per cent. Such are the fortunes of the dairy farmer.

The sixteenth annual report of the Fairfield Dairy Company, near Owaka, discloses that the rniik supplied to the- factory for the year was 1,145,9251 b, while over 51 tons of cheese were made. The cheese made up to December, 1925, was sold f.0.b., Dunedin, the balance being sold on consignment. Provision is made for losses on the sale of this through the slump. The position will bo review'ed when account sales of cheese on consignment come to hand. During the year, Mr K. Henderson, the manager, left to become manager of the Kirnu Dairy Factory,' and Mr A. R. Hey, first assistant at ffeaward Downs Factory, was appointed manager, and took up his duties on September IS. Mr William M‘Phee is chairman of directors, and Mr William C. Blakio secretary of the company. , , » , Just when the countryside was looking forvard to a stretch of fine weather, rain—very much unwanted—again commenced, and over the week-end more than an inch fell (says “Straggler,” writing in the Christchurch Weekly Press). This makes a total for the month of over s,in, far in excess of the average November moisture. Fortunately, tlio visitation was accompanied by a very lo v temperature, so that rust development in crops would not get much assistance. However, the country badly wants a lengthy drv spell, as crops are threatening to develop a straw growth which will not be helpful to yields. Crops, generally, are very advanced for this time of the year, in spite of the wot conditions, and wheat is likely to lie available in some districts before the end of January. However, more stable weather is necessary to bring this about. A dry spell is also wanted to harden pasture to finish off lambs for the works, which it is expected will open about the end of the first week of December. Feed is very soft at present. * * * * The directors of the South Otago Freezing Works Company are determined to make a bold bid for increased support from the farmers this year. Even though the works will not open until about the middle of next month a canvass has started. In order to discuss prospects with the farmers, meetings are being held throughout the district at which one or two of (ho directors deliver an address. Such a meeting took place under the auspices of the Owaka branch of the Farmers’ Union at Owaka, and after a good meeting questions wore asked and answered. The general opinion throughout the district is that it would be disastrous should the works be compelled to close down owing to lack of support. * » * * When discussing breeding problems In relation to sheep during an address at the annual husbandry conference organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, Dr G. F. Finlay referred to various experiments conducted to determine the relative value i f several English breeds used with merino ewes for the production of fat lambs. Dr Finlay remarked that, while little difference in value between the crossbred lambs had been found, there were some differences in the lambing percentages. This, as affecting the net returns, eraphaeised the importance of fertility in lamb production. In this connection the institution of continuous experiments in breeding with particular reference to lamb raising, would prove of untold

FARM AND STATION NEWS. ■' ' By Eusticus. [ltem* of Interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed. They should be addressed to “ Rusticus,” Otago Hail; Times, Dunedin.]

Like their neighbours in America, Canadians have devoted special attention to the breeding of different varieties of wheat, in order to evolve types most suitable to various climatic conditions. Americans have succeeded in growing grain in quantities over arid territories where growth was considered impossible. Canadians are now growing wheat commercially 700 miles north of the American boundary. This success may be the result of scientific researth in producing a grain that will thrive under excessive cold. On the other hand, many Canadians hold the view that their climate is definitely changing, and that the temperature of the Prairie provinces is ou an average much higher than was the case 20 years ago. ♦ * * * “ Judging by the, reports from practically all centres in the wheat belts only a catastrophe can now prevent an excellent harvest. The weather has been favourable throughout tho growing period, and record yields arc expected in many districts.” This is the confident opening paragraph of the sixth report of West Australian activities issued by the State Ministry on September 20. Mr C. H. Wickcns, the Commonwealth statistician, who visited that iltate recently, commented on the progress of its agricultural development which he described aa “ phenomenal ” He pointed out that in 1900 it did not produce sufficient wheat to feed its own people, but by 1925 had exported sufficient to feed 2,500,000 people, after providing for its own needs. • • • * According to the October estimate of tho United States Department of Agriculture, European wheat crops wore expected to bo about 10 per cent, smaller than last year, while those for the Northern Hemisphere, excluding Russia and China, were expected to be 1 per cent, greater. The volume cf exports from North America has been affected by the demand for vessels for coal shipipents to England. A recent review of tho world wheat situation by tho North-Western Miller says:—“What may bo regarded as world basic prices are mere regularly indicated by quotations at Liverpool and at Winnipeg than ai> Chicago, bcauso with a small, crop the United States prices tend to go above tho export basis. On September 11 last, October futures closed at Winnipeg at 134 J cants, which was exactly the closing prices on September 11, 1925, and there was a difference of only a fraction of a cent in the December and May futures in the two years. Liverpool October wheat on the same date was a little lower, and December a little higher than last year, the general level being practically the same. Chicago this year is on the export basis, whereas last year it was some 12 to 16 cents above.” * m » * Continued spells of wet weather are making many wheat growers apprehensive. The effects of too much rain on the wheatfield cannot be ignored. Rust mould and malignant bacteria soon begin to make their appearance, and unless the weather takes up soon the wheat farmer will find himself faced with heavy loss. Just at present little damage has been reported, and it is hoped that warm sunshine will soon have its -effect. Tho potato crop, too, is threatened by the unseasonable weather.

DECEMBER IN OTAGO. THE MONTH’S OPERATIONS. PREPARING FOR THE WINTER. SOWING FORAGE CROPS. A lot of work lias to be crowded into the 31 days of December on the farm, and this is particularly so in the south, winter forage crops have to be attended to, and there are many root crops to be looked after. Preparations for harvesting and sowing and cultivation generally nil the 24 hours of the day. CHOU MOELLIER AND RAPE. Chou Mocllicr as a supplementary fodder for dairy cows is in a class by itself, being easily grown, comparatively immune from attacks of club root, is a heavy yieldcr, very palatable, does not cause cattle to scour, and does not impart an obnoxious flavour to the milk, and is of high feeding value. Careful attention to sowing periods will enable farmers to have successive crops of Chou Moellier cornin' 7 on from the end of January until the following October. Being a slowergrowing crop than rape, Chou Moellier requires a longer period to mature. This emphasises the necessity for sowing early. Being a hardy, vigorous crop, this early sowing may he carried out safely at any time after the beginning of October, and sowings at different periods resorted to, so as to supply feed over a prolonged period as required. It should be sown as a ridged crop, and thinned so that the plants are fully Ift apart. Many farmers are of the opinion that rape is better than Chou Moellier as a fattening crop for lambs. That may be accounted for by the fact that rape appears to be more palatable when the two crops are offered together. Rape is certainly richer in proteins, the ratio being one in five in rape, compared with one to seven in Chou Moellier, and on that account rape has the tendency to cause lambs to scald or bloat. There is no such tendency among lambs fed on Chon Moellier, rather do they fatten more solid, and certainly kill out with a nicer bloom. The land for Chou Moellier should be limed with IScwt to one ton burnt lime per acre. This should be put on after the preliminary working of the land is completed, prior to sowing the crop. Manorial mixture suitable for this crop would be superphosphate (44 per cent.-46 per cent.) at the rate of 2cwt to 3cwt per acre, and sulphate of potash iewt per acre. For thousand-headed kale and cabbage a similar liming and manuring should answer the purpose, with perhaps a dressing of lewt per acre sulphate of ammonia after the plants arc well through. For rape a similar liming as in the cases of Chou Moellier, thousand-headed kale, and cabbage, and 3cwt per acre of 44 per cent.46 per cent, superphosphate. In sowing down a paddock with rape it is good practice to sow out the headlands with white mustard at the rate of 101 b to 151 b per acre of seed to prevent scalding in the lambs during feeding off. The land intended for all forage crops should be well worked, so as to encourage rapid growth. ROOT CROPS. Mangolds and carrots will be making good growth in December, and every endeavour should be made _ to get them thinned as early as possible, so as to check weeds, and let the young plants become well established before the very hot weather sets in. Carrots should be thinned to about Gin apart, and mangolds to about Ift. Wider thinning is frequently recommended, but many results go to show that the spacings mentioned give the heaviest crops and the best quality of roots. The land between, the drills should have frequent cultivation, so as to encourage root development and control weeds. For the horse-hoe the L-shaped tines with flat blades arc best, while the plants are young. In cultivating mangolds care should he taken not to bank the soil around the plants; on the contrary, it should be pulled away from them. If the plants arc pale nad showing poor leaf growth a top-dressing with lewt per acre nitrate of soda after thinning will help to push them along, but if they arc doing well they arc better without the ■ nitrate of soda. Further sowings of soft turnips for early cow feeding and lamb fattening may bo made early in December —varieties to sow, Red Paragon and Purple-top Mammoth. When grown for late autumn and winter feeding, they should be put in towards the end of the month. Good varieties for this purpose are “green Globe” and “green-top Aberdeen” or “green-top Scotch,” as they are frequently called, also Fosterton’s Hybrid or Webb’s Renown. Green-top varieties

are hardier and better keepers than purple tops, but mature more slowly. All the Abordeens aro apt to bury themselves and aye more suitable for ridging than, for sowing on the flat. In districts where swedes are still a staple crop tho latter part of December is tho best time to sow. unless early sowings have been proved by experience to be satisfactory. The later the crop is sown tho less likely it is to lie destroyed by “dry rot.” On the other hand, if lo r t too late there is the danger of dry weather and a poor strike. Superlative, Masterpiece. Vilmorin’s White Purple Top, Magnum Bonum, Grandmaster, and Up-to-date are. among the best varieties. They are all liable to atacks of dry rot, particularly the firstmentioned (Superlative), Grandmaster and Up-to-dato being tho most resistant. A fine, firm, moist seed bed is essential, in order that tho crop may make a good start, anil so stand a good chance .against the “fly.” From 10-14 oz of seed should be sown through every second coulter of the drill; the bettor the land and seed-bed, the_ less seed will be required. New seed of reliable origin should always be used: old seed is very apt to give disappointing results. Artificial manures should be used with the seed at the rate of 3cwt per acre. Most of tho proprietory manures give good results, but where the farmer wishes to mix his own the following will bo found very suitable: —Equal parts of superphosphate 44 to 46 per cent, and basic slag or Ephos phosphate. If basic slag and superphosphate are mixed, use Immediately after mixing, or tho mixture will set into a hard mass. On old land which has been under cultivation for a long period cf years, jewt per acre of sulphate of potash added to the aforementioned mixture will be advantageous. Caro must bo taken that a rnn-off grazing is available adjacent to the swede paddock, when the latter is fed off. Failing this, a supply of hay will bo a groat asset. The early potato crops are fairly early advanced in growth in sheltered situations. The main crops should receive attention in the way of keeping weeds in check by horse hoeing, and moulding np as growth progresses. Spraying should be done during early growth, and repeat dressings should be given as required. A suitable spraying mixture is Burgundy Mixture, which is made as follows:—Dissolve 41b of sulphate of copper in a 40gallon barrel. When the copper sulphate is dissolved add water to make up to 35 gallons. In another vessel dissolve sih washing soda in five gallons water. When the soda is completely dissolved add two of copper sulphate to one of washing soda, stirring vigorously all the time. The mixture should be .bright blue in colour, and should be used within 10 hours of mixing. In Otago and, indeed, in most parts of New Zealand, the potato varieties are badly mixed, and it is np to farmers to “ rogue ” their fields thoroughly so as to get into really good pure lines. There have been extensive inquiries, and better prices given for pure lines of seed during the spring. PASTURES. Pastures arc doing well, and farmers are now realising the benefits derived from top-dressing. In many parts sheep aro being grazed in combination with cattle, or the dairy stock, to keep down the growth of ragwort, and also because it is a known fact that a mixture of cattle and sheep utilise a pasture bolter than sheep alone, or cattle alone. OATS AND LEGUMES. The oat and pea crop, and *he oat and tare crop, should be harvested during the early part of this month if to be used for hay, and should be cut when the tares and peas are well out in blossom and the oats in the early milk stage. Where this class of crop is being grown for ensilage, it may be left a little longer, the oats being best in the early stage and the peas or tares just podding, but not too hard. In making up one’s mind whether to make hay or ensilage, the weather is the deciding factor. If wet and broken, ensilage will be the better proposition, as this work can go on in spite of frequent rains; in fact, it is often an advantage to put the material in wet. Generally speaking, it is not much use trying to make stack ensilage with less than 30 tons of green material. It can, of course, be made, but the waste round the outsides is considerable compared with the amount of material saved. Fields that were shut up at the usual time for hay or ensilage purposes will be for cutting in December. For both hay and ensilage grasses are best cut when the majority of the plants aro in bloom. If loft later the stalk becomes woody, and the quality of the hay or ensilage is greatly reduced; Another great advantage of cutting early is that the aftermath comes away fresh and tho fields get good covering before the very hot weather seta in. HARVESTING. Autumn-sown cereals will bo ready to cut from tho middle of December onwards, and farmers are advised to see that their implements ore in good working order, particularly the binders. It is bad business trying to have repairs made during the Christmas holidays. Grass seed will be ready for cutting in December in most districts, and cave should be taken to harvest when the seed is mature. LUCERNE. Lucerne sown in wide drills should receive frequent cultivation during tho summer season, and as tho second cut in some cases will bo ready in December, tho harvesting or feeding off should bo followed with tho cultivator. Stands that are not flourishing, or are yellowish in colour, should receive an application of groundburnt line, 15cwt to the acre, or carbonate of lime, 30cvvt to the acre. Tftis should be well worked into tho soil, and some two or three weeks later inoculated soil at tho rate of 3cwt per aero applied. Land which is dirty and which is intended for lucerne must bo frequently worked during dry weather in December and January, and sowings made at tho end of January or during February according to local conditions. If the land is clean lucerne may be sown during tho first week of December. Farmers wishing to calculate the yield of lucerne w'hen as hay in stack will find the following tips useful: — Measure the stack in feet, length by width by average height gives the cubic content of the stack in cubic feet; divide this by 27 which brings your answ'er to cubic yards. When the stack is lightly settled about 20 cubic yards go to the ton, and when the stack is well settled 17 cubic yards go to the ton. ' That isi to convert the number of cubic yards in the stack into tons, divide by 20 or 17 according to the time the hay has been in stack, WIRE WORM. Tho wire worm pest is in evidence in some places. Good and frequent cultivation where possible is one of tho best methods of control to expose them to tho attacks of birds—e.g., starlings, pheasants, etc. On wire-worm infested land it is advisable to grow temporarily such Crops as beans, rape, or peas, as they are not to any degree susceptible to attack. In Central Otago the sowing of Japanese millet under irrigation is advocated Sown at the rate of 161 b per acre in December, manure two to throe cwt per acre super. This crop will come in useful for feeding off during January or February, and in the event of not being . required for that purpose will make an excellent hay or ensilage if cut at the commencement of the ripening stage, when in full bloom. In feeding oft millet, feeding should start when tho growtli is from 6in to Sin high, and the crop should be fed off in breaks. Treated thus it will give a number of feedings. OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. Mr W. O. M'Kellar presided at the monthly meeting of the committee of tho Otago A. and P. Society yesterday. Mr Georgo Black (president) sent an apology for his absence and* expressed his regret that there was not more competition in some of tho sections, and suggested that tho society might receive bettor support if younger men, especially those interested in breeding, were elected on tho committees. To enable this recommendation to be given effect to, it would be necessary to amend the regulation dealing with the election of honorary life members. Mr Black said ho fully recognised the excellent services rendered by a large number of tho committee, and considered that these men’s valuable services should bo recognised and their services, if possible, retained. He suggested that the regulation should be amended as follows:—“That any member who has served not less than 10 years on the committee shall, on the recommendation of tho committee, bo eligible for election as an honorary life member.” If the regulation were amended in that direction it would give the committee an opportunity of recognising the services of those who would accept tho position. After several members had expressed their approval of tho suggestion, it was decided to hold the matter over until tho next meeting. The Finance Committee recommended that accounts amounting to £2344 15s 2d bo

passed foi payment. Included in this amount were £172 4s 7d city rates, £Bl 8s St. Kilda rates, and £1064 14s 3d cost of repairs and improvements carried out at Tahuna Park. To meet this extraordinary expenditure the Finance Committee asked for authority to draw on the appeal funds for £1250 to meet these liabilities. Owing to tho unfavourable weather on People’s Day at the show, a loss of £485 was made. On tho motion of Air Campbell, seconded by Mr H. Turner, the Finance Committee’s report was adopted. Tho report of the Horse Committee on the question of accepting entries only of registered stock was held over and again referred to the Horse Committee. A considerable amount of correspondence was received from various agricultural societies in connection with tho definition of a breeder. The Royal Agricultural Society and tho Canterbury A. and P. Association’s regulations provide that tho owner of the dam of an animal at the date of mating shall bo considered the breeder, and they were supported by zarious other societies. Air E. AI. North pointed out that if the society accepted that ruling it was entirely opposite to the breeders’ regulations. After further discussion it was decided to endeavour to obtain the regulations of the Royal Society of England and the Highland Society in connection with this definition. Tho secretary road a letter which had been sent to tho railways traffic manager in connection with tho handling of stock at tho show, and a reply was received from tho secretary of the Railway Board stating that tho board was pleased to note the society’s appreciation in connection with tho .services of the railway staff. A letter from the city tramways manager in regard to fares to Tahuna Park was noted, A letter was received from Mrs Macdonald applying for tho use of Tahuna Park to-morrow to hold a special parade of girl guides. Tho committee granted the use of tho pa k free of cost on condition that any damage was mad.’', good. Alessrs Thomsen and Co. wrote advising that they purpose holding a sale of Clydesdale animals on February 11, 1927, and applying for tho use of Tahuna Park for that purpose. Tho committee granted the use of th? park on the same terms as previously, A letter was received from the Dunedin Fanciers’ Club applying for the use of Brydono Hail for holding the next show on June 9, 10. and 11. The secretary was instructed to advise the Fanciers’ Club that at present the committee could _ not definitely agree to those dates, but if anticipated that Ihero would bo no difficulty.in making similar arrangements as cn previous years. Tho South Island A. and P. Federation wrote drawing attention to the conditions imposed by tho wool buyers in connection with star lots, and pointed out that tho previous year two bale lots had been starred, but this year the number had been increased to three bales. After a very full discussion it was decided to support tho federation in its efforts to get this adjusted, and to write both tho Wool Brokers' Association and tho Wool Buyers’ Association protesting on behalf of tho small farmer against the new regulations. The Dunedin Fanciers’ Club offered a trophy for competition (value £3 3s). —Ac, cepted with thanks. Air A. J. Keith, of Ashburton, and Mr R. Fraser, of Albury, returned their cheques received towards expenses as judges, as a donation to the society. It was decided to thank the donors for their generosity. ' Tho Secretary submitted a report of the results of the Dunedin Stock Agents’ trophies offered for competition in the Border Leicester, Corriedalcs, Romney -Marsh, and Merino sections which was noted, particulars to bo submitted to the Dunedin Stock Agents’ and Wool Brokers’ Association. Air James Begg brought up the question of an Otago representative being appointed to tho Council of Agriculture. This council is being set up for the purpose of forming an Advisory Committee in connection with tho Agricultural College to be established at Palmerston North. The Chairman considered the proposal was an important one, and said it was essential that the South Island should bo well represented. Ho considered that they could not have a better representative than Mr James Begg. Several other members present supported the chairman’s remarks, but Mr Begg stated that he had already been approached by the Minister, and he had advised him that it would not be convenient for him to accept the position. It vvas decided to refer the matter to tho executive with a request that it should endeavour to elect a suitable man for this important position. On the motion of the chairman, the following resolution was passed ; “That .this meeting desires to extend to Mr W. Gardiner, of Oamaru, and Air Thos. Scott, of Clarksville, its sincere sympathies with them in their long and serious illnesses.” Tho Chairman stated that this would be tho last meeting hold this year, and he desired to extend to all members the compliments of tho season. DAIRY BOARD CONTROL. FARMERS’ UNION’S SUPPORT. (Per United Press Association.) WHANGARET, December 9. A meeting of the North Auckland Provincial Farmers’ Union passed a resolution supporting the Dairy Control Board, and deprecated Sir George Elliot’s criticism of the board. BUTTER PRODUCTION. COSTS MUST BE REDUCED. HIGHER STANDARDS IN HERDS. Between 1904 and 1925 the importation of butter into Great Britain from the countries within the Empire rose from 18 per cent, to 51 per cent., notwithstanding the fact that the butter output of Denmark last season was a record. From 1907 to 1925 tho consumption of butter in the United Kingdom l rose from 15Rb per head of population (including 1041 b imported) to 16 l-.31b (including 121 b imported). But in tho same period the consumption of margarine increased from 4.451 b per head of population to 10.061 b, or an increase of 126 per cent., compared with 6.7 per cent, in the case of butter. These facts are contained in the recently-issued fourth report of the Imperial Economic Committee, dealing again with the dairying industry of the Empire. The committee mentions that the position of Empire producers is threatened not only by the Argentine, but the indications are clear that within a few years Siberia and the Baltic may send great supplies of cheap butter to the United Kingdom. Its solution of this all-important problem as far as Now Zealand dairy farmers are concerned is that the costs of production must be reduced, without lowering the standard of living of the producer. The report points out that the butterfat yield per cow can be greatly increased. In Denmark the average output of butterfat per cow increased from 801 b in 1864 to 2201 b in 1908. In 1899-1900 there were 23,445 cows being tested in Denmark, for au average of 2301 b of butter per year, but in 1921-22 there were 120,817 cows f averaging 2971 bof butter each. In Victoria the average butterfat production is about 1601 b per cow. But the committee was informed that the Empire producer will have little difficulty in obtaining the highest prices for his produce if he concentrates on sending only the highest quality. The committee strongly urges the formation of herdtesting associations, and also that the dominion governments should assist them. The Australian Government has already accepted this advice, and only a few days ago a scheme for subsidising tho associations was announced. But the assistance is to be given through the State authorities, who, as usual, are rather slow in moving in the matter. The committee quoted instances of English dairymen who had increased their returns per cow by £8 3s and £9 14s a year as a result of the activities of these societies. It was also informed that in New Zealand, by means of herd-testing, dairy farmers had reduced their herds by oucthird without reducing their returns of butter-fat from the herds. They discarded the duds, as some Victorian dairymen, after costly experience, are now doing as the result of testing. The committee urges that assistance bo given to- i wards the cost of transporting purebred j stock from Britain to the dominions, and that the bull-club movement, initiated in 1 Denmark and adopted in the United King- . dora and Canada, should be multiplied, and Government stud farms extended. With many dairymen in New Zealand it ; would first be necessary to induce them i to discard the “scrub” bull. In some parts of Australia it is thought that winter dairying would be even more practicable than summer operations, and that green barley and certain clovers

could be grown for the cows in the winter, and particularly where there was irrigation. Up to the presold., it says, the dependence of the colonial dairy farmer upon the natural growth of herbage has resulted in very great seasonal fluctuations in production. There is no doubt about that. Regular supplies were urged as essential to achieve success on tho English market. By winter dairying Australia could place butter on the English market all tho year round. The Dominion Governments, tho committee suggested, should encourage producers to sot aside reserves of hay and ensilage to pravide in some degree against fluctuations due to seasonal vicissitudes. How many dairy farmers last season, for intance, grew fodder for their herd? As for ensilage, the system is practised by only very few farmers, yet a silo can bo constructed for about £1 per ton, and much food that now goes to waste could be put into it. The necessity for top-dressing pastures' is strongly emphasised, and it is estimated that the carrying capacity of the land can bo improved by from 100 to 200 per cent. The committee discovered that the butterfat production per cow in the Commonwealth averaged 1401 b. The cost of pro duction was estimated to average £l4 per cow. On these figures butter cost 2a per lb to produce. But if tho butter-fat output per cow was increased to 2001 b the cost dropped to Is 4|d, and if it rose to 2601 b per cow butter would cost only Is Id per lb to produce.