THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20289, 23 December 1927, Page 4

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By" Rdsticvs.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS. 1927. December 26-—Tuapeka. December 27.—Waitahuna. 1928. January 14.—Blueskin. January 20.—Palmerston-Waihemo. January 25. —Tapanui. January 28.—Waikouaiti. February 14, 15, 16, 17.—Maaterton. March 17.—Lake County. March 29.—Methven. April 9.—Mackenzie. April 9. —Strath-Taieri. FORTHCOMING WOOL SALES. January 5, 6. —Christchurch January 11, 12—Wellington, January 16, 17 —Napier. January 20—Wanganui. January 27.—Invercargill. January 31.—Dunedin. February I —Dunedin, February 3, 4—Timaru. February 8, 9.—Christchurch. February 16, 17.—Wellington. February 20, 21.—Auckland. February 23, 24—Wanganui. February 27, 28—Napier.. March 2. —Invercargill. March 7.—Dunedin. March 12. —Christchurch. March 15, 16.—Auckland. March 19.—Wanganui. March 22. —Napier. March 26.—Wellington. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT. Imyiirer.—The formula for which you ask is as follows: —Copper sulphate, 4lb; freshly-burnt quick lime, 21b; water, 40gal. The copper sulphate should be dissolved in 35gal of water- in a barrel. The lime should be placed in a separate vessel and slaked slowly. After the lime is thoroughly slaked more water should be added gradually, stirring all the time, to bring .the quantity up to sgal. It should then be strained through a fine sieve and added to the solution of copper sulphate. The two should be mixed together and stirred vigorously. This formula, is for 1 per cent. Bordeaux mixture, and double these quantities should be used for a 2 per cent, solution. There is very little to choose as regards fungicidal power between No. 1 and No. 2. It should be remembered that spraying is a preventative, and not a cure. * Export of Stud Sheep. By the Shaw, Savill liner Mahia, ■which will leave Port Chalmers to-day, Mr j. A. Johnstone, of Bushey Park, will ship a very valuable lot of his Corriedale sheep to Punta Arenas, South America. This shipment consists of one special one-year-old stud ram hogget in full wool and 30 one-shear stud ewe hoggets for one order, also 40 one-shear stud ram hoggets and 50 one-shear stud ewe hoggets tor another order. These sheep were well bred, well grown, and in splendid condition. The Mahia is one of the best sea boats on the route, afid it is anticipated that these sheep will reach their destination in good prder and prove a great acquisition to the flocks for which they are destined. A Good Win. Mr T. R. Eades landed a nice handful when he scored first in the class for three-ygar-old bulls at the Southland Show (says the Daily News) with his recent purchase, Cordyline Cremona Pontiac. This win is worth £27 to him, as it carries with it a £25 bonus from the Mackinnon trust. Red Polls. Mr T. Sherfitfs, the judge in the Friesian section at Wyndham Show, seated (says the Southland News) that he considered the Red Poll section as the Royal. Show was the best quality section of all the dairy breeds. The cattle were all of uniform type, were well brought out, and of generally high standard. Cure for Mammitis. ■ “ That the department be asked to give a certain vaccine cure for-mammitis, under ordinary farming conditions, another test, , as experiments carried out by farmers in j this district have shown the vaccine to have effected cures in many instances,” was a resolution passed at a meeting of the Manawatu Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Dairy Farmers’ Union (says the Dominion), following a statement by Mr J. Boyce that out of 12 samples that he had had tested six of the animals from which the samples were taken had been completely cured, while three had shown a great improvement, and the remaining three had been so infected with the disease as to be hopelessly incurable. “At last meeting,” said Mr Boyce, “ I said that this cure was more of a preventive, but now that these results are to hand I have no hesitation in saying that the vaccine is also an excellent cure.” He moved the motion quoted, and, being seconded by Mr M. Richardson, it was carried unanimously, other members having no comment to make. .Cream-testing Regulations. “ That this union, being of the opinion that cream tests directly affect dairy farmers, and not members of the Control Board or of the National Dairy Association, tho representatives of the two bodies mentioned should have no say in tho matter which is one wholly for the producer to decide.” This resolution was passed at a meeting of the Manawatu branch of the Dairy Farmers’ Union, on receipt of a letter from tho Department of Agriculture, in reply to a communication from the union asking that the regulation authorising the dcluction of id per pound on cream not testing 35 per cent, be amended, so that it would bo permissible that the penalty should not be enforced until the farmer sending in the low test produce had been warned. The department stated that, in ■view of the fact that this regulation, with others in draft form, prior to tho gazetting of the regulations, had been considered by such representative bodies of the dairy industry aa the Dairy Control Board, tho National Dairy Association, the Federation of Dairy Factories in South Taranaki, and a meeting of butter producing companies of Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, the impression was that it would be hardly fair to the industy to amend this regulation without the approval of tho industry. It was understood that the matter would come up for discussion at the conferences next winter, and it was thought that this would give the department a better general idea of the opinion of tho industry in connection with the matter. “ It has nothing to do with cither the Dairy Control Board or the National Dairy Association,” said Mr F. Legg. 1 would write back to the department m terms that would show it w© are a live '’ody, and immediately concerned m the matter. Those organisations are concerned only indirectly—wo are concerned The Chairman (Mr W. H. Gimblett) suggested (says the Dominion) that a remit be sent to tho conference next year, but Mr Legg moved as above. The motion met with unanimous approval. Hawke’s Bay Tomatoes. Tomato growers in the Hawke s Bay district are likely to have a record crop this season. Mr G. A. Green, organiser of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, astimstes they will have about double tho '“Si tr"»‘ , r«» h n3A.ckbnd last sentative t S association, to register, dM with the Fruitgrowers L'nn Had this not been clone, Mr Grin the growers would have hZd great difficulty in finding a market , XX \ large quantity of tomatoes. They ar® discussing the use .of standard «nd boxes and introducing co-opera-ErXrtS J .Od Ort.nl.

Hems of interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuit with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed. Shear should be addressed to "Rusticus,” Otago Daily Times, Dunedin,

sation of this kind should make the season a very successful one for the growers concerned. ..... . Mr Green spoke optimistically of fruit prospects throughout the southern provinces, and said the annual horticultural conference; starting in Wellington on January 4, promised to be most successful. Training in Farming. In his remarks at the breaking-up of the Wesley College, Auckland, last week, the chairman (Mr H. P. Caughey) said that the year had been one of progress at the college and on the farm. Special attention is being given to instruction in scientific and practical farming, and the care and treatment of stock by improved methods. In establishing this model farm the board had been influenced by the fact that New Zealand is a pastoral country. It was recognised that the country needed trained » farmers . with character and determination, and it was the work of the school to turn out such men. A feature of life at the schpol was the interest taken by the boys in practical farming. There was a true comradeship between the Maoris and the Europeans. Plans have been drawn for a new building, which will provide accommodation for 60 boys more. The building will cost about £IO,OOO, but owing to lack of ready money its erection cannot start at once. A school chapel, presented by Mrs W. H. Smith in memory of her husband, will be erected early in the New Year. It will be built of brick and Oamaru stone, and when finished will scat 250 people. Lincoln College. Bratiloation was expressed by Dr Chilton, the retiring chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury Agricultural College (Lincoln) last week (says the Chistchurch Sun) at the altered status of the college. The place of the college in ita relation to the New Zealand University has been recognised and finance assured. ' “ With the advance and specialisation of learning,” the chairman said, “ and the higher standard of University degrees, a more elaborate teaching staff, and equipment are required, and both .of these we shall now be able to provide. The annual grant will meet the cost of research in various directions, and a special sum has been voted for the erection of now laboratories. The plans for these are almost complete, and building may be expected to commence early in the new year. We hope that we may be embarking on a period of extended activity and usefulness. “ The new Act alters the constitution of the board by adding three more members, two from Canterbury College and one nominated by the Government. It is hoped that the additions to the board, and the added interest as a result of these additions, will remove the implication that the, board is too conservative and restricted in its outlook. The closer cooperation with the University should lead to better work on higher agricultural education and assist research work. Our various phases of research work are being carried on with as much vigour as formerly and additions to, the staff have been made in anticipation of more monetary assistance, and with a view to extending and widening the scope of our investigation it might bo necessary to point out that alf work is being carried on in conjunction with, and in consultation with, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which is anxious to forward in every way work that may be of interest and benefit to agriculture. “ The board has had the question of research into costs of production under consideration for some time; and has decided in conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to appoint an officer to carry out the work. At present the two post-graduae students are making inveatigatoins, which it is hoped will be useful, not only to those students, but to the farmers generally, and will lead up to organised and more extensive work on farm economics. The present is an opportune time to point out to farmers that we are working towards the solution of economic and practical problems of vital importance •to the farmer. Such work will be speeded up if we can secure the sympathy and co-operation of the farmers, in tact we want to work together for our mutual advantage. If the college has to set its own problems and work them out within its own limits, the work will be much slower in its working, and'in its economic application afterwards, so it would be to the advantage of all if this co-operation can be secured. While we welcome the co-operation from individuals it would he much better if we could secure the sympathy of organised bodies or bodies that might be set up for the specific purpose.” A Fine Heifer. A fine show record stands to the credit of the throe-year-old heifer, Waitemata Queen Sylvia (Rosevale King Sylvia—Bainfield 31) owned by the Waitemata Stud Farm of Hobsonville, Auckland. This heifer has been shown 12 times, and has secured 10 first prizes. Every time that' she has appeared before a New Zealand judge she has gained the red ticket. The only two judges to put her down were the Australian judges at the 1925 and 1926 Royal Shows, when she was very highly commended. Not only is she a heifer of great type, but she is also a high producer, having given over 2001 b butter-fat under herd test since August till the middle of December this year. This heifer is therefore a credit to her paternal grand-dam, the renowned Berkeyje Sylvia Posch. Milking Trials. For the second year in succession the Plume Silver Cup and for the third year in succession the Lovell and Christmas Metropolitan Butter-fat Challenge Cup, has been won by a Friesian cow at the Auckland A. and P. Show. These cups were not competed for at the Royal Show last year. The former is for the dairy cow and the latter for the pedigree cow producing the greatest amount of butter-fat in one milking on the second morning of the show. In this year’s competition Ihe first four places were filled by Fricsians with a Jersey fifth. The winner was W. T. Gleeson’s Waipipi Desert Gold, which produced 1.051 b fat from a 5.4 per cent. test. This is an exceptionally good test, Waipipi Desert Gold is at present on semi-official test, and up to the end of October she had produced 7887.41 b milk and 339.311 b fat in 152 days, with an average test of 4.3 per cent. She is of aristocratic breeding, tracing back to the imported bull, Prince Pietje Paxton, who is her paternal, grandsire, while on her dam’s side she traces back to those famous sires, Cliffside Laddie and King Segis Wild Roe Homestead. Three daughters of Waipipi Desert Gold, all sired by Duke Paxton, of Monavale, a son of King Laddie, the sire of Monavale Queen Bess, 10021 b fat, ar e also on test, their productions to the end of October being as followsWaipipi Princess (4yrs) 3051 b fat in 159 days, with a 4.75 test; Waipipi Daisy Gold (2yrs), 2771 b fat in 184 days, with a 3.7 test ; and Waipipi Oroua (2yrs), 661 b fat in 42 days. Lower Dairy Prices. A decline in the price of New Zealand bu>-er on the London market, which was reported last week comes as unwelcome nows to the dairy farmers, who have been expecting that the range of values would be maintained at a fairly high level at least un to the end of the month. The latest advices (says the New Zealand Herald) give the quotations as 158 s to 1625, compared with 170= to 174= at the begin-’ ning of the month. As a consequence of the fall, the rate of advances for butter has been reduced to Is 2d per lb from Is 3d per lb. The cheese prices have also come down a little and the advance rate ha= been lowered a halfpenny a pound to 7£d. Auckland merchants were at a Io= s to understand the reasons for the fall 'in values. All previous advices concerning the statistical position led to the assumption that the market was in a more healthy state. Earlier in the month it was estimated in London that there were only 7000 tons of butter on hand, while a forecast based on known slocks in London, afloat, and due for shipment which was made in October suggested that at the end of the year there would be only, 400 C _tons of butter in store in the United Kingdom, this amount being less than one week's supply.

A clue which might suggest the solution of the market enigma is to be found in the Australian export trade in dairy produce. At the beginning of the month it was reported that Kangaroo butter for December shipment was being offered _at 1565, c.i.t. and c. Under the Australian marketing scheme this export butter carries a subsidy of 3d a lb, which would bring the return to the suppliers up to 184 s per cwt. There is a good market for the Australian output at around 156 s and since none of the December shipped produce will reach England until next month, it may be tna the buyers are holding off m anticipate of its arrival. The mere fact of its presence on the market would have depreciating influence on the prices for other butterEARLY MATURITY. FEEDING FOR BABY BEEF. RATIONS AT WEANING TIME. ELIMINATING THE STORE PERIOD. . The public demand for beef has been gradually changing, , and as the farmer has, or ought to have, the first knowledge of tho extent and nature of this change, he should take tho necessary steps to produce beef of tho size of joint and quality now required, provided he can do so to his own financial advantage. Feeding for rapid growth and good condition at an early ago is in some districts almost mi old custom, End c&vriod out year by year in the oaso of animals pushed on for show purposes. Usually, however, animals of definite beef breeding have been used for this purpose. AberdeenAngus, Hcrefords, and Shorthorn and their crosses have been the favourites, anu when calves, these have been reared on the cow. In this -way they, have hdd an excellent start in life, though the cost, may bo somewhat high. The most difficult stage in the management and, feeding of animals reared in this way is during weaning, when it is necessary to develop the liking for cake, meal, and grain so that when suckling ceases there may bo no chock to growth. . , . An appetising mixture of linseed coke, crushed oats, flaked maize,, and bean or pea meal, with or without a small proportion of cut roots, should be provider! m a separate yard or portion of a field so that the calves, but not the cows, can get to it, and it will be found that as they grow, more and more cake and grain is eaten, and when weaned calves reared in this way can bo carried on without any loss of flesh. Calves reared as described above may be weaned at from four to seven months, and should then be kept in roomy yards and boxes and fed indoors. r lhe proportions of cake, etc., in their diet must be more than in tho case of those Intended for breeding purposes, and the allowance of roots, hay, and straw should be moderate so as not to develop too much belly. If 41b or so of an easily digestible mixture, such as that already mentioned, is given along with good quality hay, and 151 b to 201 b roots or green food according to season, good growth should be made without loss of condition. The allowance of cake 'and grain should be increased steadily up to 71b or 81b per head, and on such feeding young steers or heifers should be fit for the butcher when 15 months old or thereabouts, and should scale Bcwt to 9owt live weight. The live weight increase from birth should be from IJlb to 21b per head daily, and anything, less is not sufficient for economical growth and is a reflection either on the breeding of tho animal or on ita management and feeding. Assuming a birth weight of 841 b, then a daily live weight gain of lijlb gives at 15 months a total live weight of 8821 b, or almost Bcwt; a daily live - weight gain of 21b gives a live weight of 9961 b, or almost 9cwt at tho same stage. During recent years, however, attention has been directed to the possibility of cutting out the usual store period in the case of steers which have been bred in dairy herds, and several interesting experiments have shown that it is quite possible to rear and feed stock of this sort for early maturity; in other words, suckling calves on cows for the first r our to seven months of their lives is not so essential for early maturity as was formerly thought. In experiments carried out at the Hampshire Farm Institute at Sparshot, rt the Herefordshire Farm Institute near St. Alban’s, on farms in tho North of Ireland and elsewhere, calves from the Shorthorn cows in the dairy herd, and sired by a Shorthorn bull, selected primarily with a view to improving the milk yield of tho herd, have been fattened out for slaughter at a profit when from 14 to 20 months old, and scaling 7cwt to 9cwt live weight. Tho calves, as is customary in dairy herds, were taken from their dams when four days old. and then received whole milk from the pail for four to five weeks. Thereafter the whole milk was gradually replaced by separated milk supplemented by a gruel or porridge of linseed cake meal and middlings. Hay and roots were also given when the calves would eat them and dry foods in the form of linseed cakes and crushed oats, or dried grains and crushed oats with a small proportion of fish meal (5 per cent.) added. From six months onwards until the animals were slaughtered, the quantities of cake and grain were increased from time to time until a daily allowance of 81b per head was given. It will bo readily recognised that the ration which succeeds or replace's milk is most important in rearing calves for early maturity or for any other purpose; and in the selection of rations for calves t 's not sufficiently understood that calves can make excellent use of a dry food mixture when two to three months old. The foods chosen should be palatable and digestible, and linseed cake is probably the suitable ingredient for general use; crushed oats, bran, and flaked maize are also most suitable, and bean meal can also bo included with advantage. Where no separated milk is available, a little fish meal (say, 5 to 8 per cent.) should always be included, to ensure a sufficiency of bone-forming matter. One good mixture for use from the fourth or fifth week onwards is four parts linseed cake four parts bean meal, lour parts crushed oats, three parts flaked maize and one part fish meal. Where separated milk up to two gallons daily or so is available, then a mixture of one part 'inseed cake, two parts crushed oats and one part flaked maize is very suitable. The importance of a fair of whole milk in the early stages of rearing must always be kept in mind, but the use of much milk raises the cost of production very quickly. If 30 gallons of milk alued 9d per gallon be given, the cost for milk alone will bo 22s 6d. and if 60 gallons be given the cost will be 455. But if tho milk has a sale value on the farm of, say. Is 3d per gallon, the cost for 50 and 60 gallons respectively will be 37s 6d and 755. These figures give point to the importance of economy of feeding of replacing the whole milk by separated milk or a milk substitute in the form of a meal mixture at an early stage of the rearing period, . , .' , Another important point is to increase the allowance of meal mixture as rapidly as tho calf will take more during the third month of age. At this stage tho calf does not have sufficient stomach capacity to make good use of much hay; hence richer foods should be allowed, and a 10 to 12 weeks’ old calf will eat 51b to 41b of the mixture suggested above and do well qn ifc ’ln feeding for early maturity, there must bo no store period, therefore the concentrate allowance must be maintained and increased with advance in age and the pronortion of albuminoids should be lessened somewhat. Thus from six to eight months onwards the fish . meal can omt e and a suitable ration will be 101 b to 121 b hav Islb up to 251 b roots or other green foo'd, and 51b to 81b cake and meal, such as 21b each of crushed oats, middlings and bean meal and 11b to 21b linseed cake. During the finishing stages, the value of bean and pe a meal in giving firmness to the flesh and fat should be kept m mind, and foods rich in oil should be used only sparingly if at all. Foods of comparatively low nutritive value, and with a high fibre content, such as undecorticated cotton cake are not of much value in rations designed to fatten young cattle. At the same time a binding food of some sort, such as bean meal or a small proportion of decorticated cotton cake, may bo useful if o-rcen foods or roots appear too laxative" but in such cases it may be better management to reduce the allowance of green food.