THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21300, 2 April 1931, Page 17

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By Rtrsxxcus.

FORTHCOMING SHOWS. The following is the roster of A. and P. ■hows for the 1930-31 season in the South Island;— ! .. . ■ 1931. April 6. —Strath-Taieri (Middlemarch). April 6, —Mackenzie County. June 2,3, 4, and 6.—Otago A. and P. Society’s Winter Show. 1930-31 WOOL SEASON. The following is the list of sales and, allocations for the 1930-31 wool selling season: — 1931. Bales. April— . . 10—Dunedin No limit 13 —Timaru No limit 17 —Wellington No limit 21—Napier .. .. .. .. .. No limit 23 —Wanganui No limit Royal Shorthorn Trophy The Shorthorn Society of Great Britain has advised the Royal Agricultural Society of its intention to provide another cup for competition among New Zealand Shorthorn breeders at royal shows, in place of the magnificent William IV trophy, which has been won outright by the Otago breeder, Mir J. A. Johnstone, of Bushey Park. In presenting a _ £SO silver cup for the purpose the British society stipulates that it shall become the absolute property of a breeder only when it has been won three times in succession or five times at intervals. A New Potato The Scottish Farmer gives particulars of a new potato, Arran Pilot, a M'Kelvie early variety, which has been sold lately at the exceedingly satisfactory price of £lO per stone. “A sound price,” says the Farmer, "but it has been exceeded by the figure realised by the Arran Banner, when it was first put on the market.” Costs in Britain The same journal has the following significant -paragraph in its issue of January 31:—-"In a normal average year the British farmer buys £67,000,000 worth of cattle cake, feeding stuffs, etc., and sells only £28,000,000 worth of grain. Now that fact wants to be carefully pondered.” Better Wool Value* Better .values for wool and sheep will mark the close of the first quarter of 1931. At the' moment the wool market has a brighter aspect than it has worn since December, and a very conservative estimate of the improvement is 2id per pound. Many growers, no doubt, will hold that this advance, in the value of the staple is below cost of production, still there is no gainsaving the fact that the returns from wool to-day are_ decidedly better than they were, and this state of affairs is having a heartening effect upon trade in general in the Dominion. Coming Sales There remain five sales yet to be held in New Zealand.' The next will be' at Dunedin, on April 10, followed by Timaru on April 13 and Wellington on April 17. The last two sales of the series are set down for Napier on April 21, and Wanganui on April 23, but it is probable some rearrangement will be made in regard to these fixtures. Stock Sales React Improvement in the price of sheep and lambs at the Dominion stock sales has coincided with the better i tone of the wool market. Slight advances have been made in prices on recent sales throughout New Zealand when with those of a week of 10 days ago. At .both Burnside and Addington .'values for fat sheep have,, firmed encouragingly, and store stock also finds a readier market than has existed for some time. North Island selling centres report similar upward tendencies, which may be regarded as directly due to the improved tone of the wool market. A Japanese Opinion That Japan’s interest in New Zealand wool is not temporary was the view expressed by Mr T, Uyeyama, representative of the big firm of Kanematsu (Australia), Ltd., who has been some few days in the Dominion. • ■ : Mr Uyeyama stated that there were decided signs of an early lifting-of the depression in Japan, and he was confident that manufacturers there would continue in the market for fine wools. Even if prices improved still further, he was sure Japan would follow the .niarket to secure its requirements. “We' would buy considerably more if New Zealand farmers would only class their wool better,” he stated. It has been stated that the Auckland clip had been very badly classed and much money had been lost as a result. Wool and Rayon - According to a statement by a Bradford correspondent published in a leading London journal, success has attended experiments with wool and rayon mixtures to eliminate creasing. Some beautiful materials are said to have been produced for which a good demand seems to be indicated. The cloth is manufactured so that it can be retailed at 4s lid per yard downward, and is made as dress fabric or in heavier costume weights. Farmers* Union District branches of the Farmers’ Union in Otago are reminded that it is intended to revert once more to the ward system of electing the provincial executive. Nominations will close on April 15. Meat Exports The Meat Producers’ Board reports the following shipments of frozen meat from New Zealand from October 1 to March 15:—

Boneless beef exports 51,903 bags.

Manuring of Cereals During recent years there has been a substantial increase in the amount of manure used in the growing of cereals—aa increase well justified on the evidence provided by observed results. Last season much the greater portion of the South Island wheat crop received the benefit of about Icwt per acre of manure.

Items of Interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, with a view to their publication in these columns, will he welcomed. They should be addressed to “Rusticus,” Otago Daily Times, Dunedin.

most of which was phosphatic. This practice conforms with the results of field trials, which show that over wide areas the use of about lewt an acre of superphosphate ‘ with wheat gives definitely profitable returns. As a general rule, autumn-sown oats and barley _ will also respond profitably to an application of from lewt to 2cwt per acre of manure of which superphosphate is a principal constituent. Return of the Horse The revival of the horse gathers pace (says the New South Wales correspondent of the Australasian), and in the main corresponds with the great number of motor car registrations that are being turned in in the country, and the number of farm tractors that are being laid up. The return to the horse has become a matter of necessary economy with many farmers and other country people. The largely-increased area of wheat last season called up thousands more horses for farm work, and with the coincident advance in fuel oil did much to restore the horse to favour. Good classes ot farm and lorry types have, been selling well at all the important market towns in the wheat districts, including Wagga, Temora, Parkes, and Wellington. At Maitland, now the principal horse-selling centre of the State, the yardmgs have been heavy and the demand stronger than for many years past. There is a special significance in this, in view ofthe lowlevel prices for almost all farm produce. It is noticeable, too, that at the round of show's, both coastal and inland, increased horse entries have been a feature, as was the case last year. In this, of course, the sporting types have been predominant. Butter-fat Advance. 1 The New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Ltd., has decided to advance lid per lb for butfer-fat for cream supplied for butter making during February, and 10 per lb for butter-fat for milk supplied for cheese making during February. Te Aroha advance is 11 Jd for February. ■ Wheal Certification. Details of the work being conducted by the Agricultural Department in wheat certification, in association with the Wheat Research Institute, were supplied to the latter at the quarterly meeting by Mr J. W Hadfield (agronomist). The report stated:— “ It will be noticed that this year the proportion of acreage passed to acreage entered has dropped very considerably. In accordance with the reorganised scheme the following standards were adopted:— Foreign varieties, a maximum of 0.2 per cent. - 'foreign heads; smut varieties, a maximum of 0.2 per cent, smutted heads. “ When field inspections were completed it was found that these standards excluded practically all the solid straw Tuscan crops. In spite of this, _ however, those interested held a meeting in Christchurch, and decided to adhere to the standards set rather than to lower these and allow more crops through. Seed samples are now being distributed to merchants, but it is too early to make any statement regarding sales. “The following table gives the number of areas and the acreages of the different, varieties of wheat (a) inspected- in the field, and (b) passing that inspection:—

“The acreages inspected and those passed in the 1930-31 season compared with those for previous seasons are as fol-

GRAZING MANAGEMENT COMBATING LOW PRICES A PROFITABLE PRACTICE Many farmers do not give much thought to possible means of improving their grazing management. They are somewhat apathetic merely because they have not yet realised to what extent production can be increased and cheapened by' better grazing. They have not become aware of the truth that skilful grazing is often just as important for improving grassland and keeping it improved as is correct manuring. . Especially at the present time of low prices for farm produce should the potentialities of improved grazing management make a successful appeal. This is because improvement in grazing is often a matter more of the use of the latest ideas than the use of money. Seldom can improved grazing be introduced successfully without careful preparation and planning—preparation and planning which may well be based on study of results obtained during the current season, while these results are still fresh in our memories. For instance, w r ith a view to better control of pasture-growth during next season, we'might well ask ourselves at this stage whether it would have appreciably eased the task of grazing management this season had certain fields been subdivided, or would it have helped had our ensilage programme been different. If changes in such matters are desirable, then it is well to have considered them in good time so as to be ready to proceed with them when the_ relatively slack season of the year arrives. A point of great importance is that grazing management is at times the link that governs the results of other practices which are efficient in themselves, but which do not stand or fall as economic propositions solely on their own merits. Top-dressing illustrates this point very well. It may be said safely that some of the disappointing results obtained are due not to incorrect practice, but to the fact that full use has not been made of the improved growth brought about by the top-dressing. Understocking of topdressed areas may lead to the appearance of coarse, woody herbage is unsuited to the needs of the grazing stock, to checking of the clover which is so valuable a portion of the herbage, and to undesirable opening-up of the sward. Hence top-dressing, which is efficient as a means of improving pasture production, may conceivably prove undesirable under unfavourable grazing management. All. of which serves to emphasise the important role of grazing management, which in a general way probably offers more scope for improvement than any ether aspect of grassland farming. The need is to initiate preparations now for the improvements of next season. WOOL PRODUCTION “BREAK” AND HAIRINESS CAUSE AND REMEDY , In his recently-published book, “The Breeding of Live Stock,” Mr J. A Connell offers some very interesting information to woolgrowers. He says:— _ “ It may be advantageous to point out that certain scientific investigations made by the late Professor T. Brailsford Robertson, immediately before his death in Australia, throw an entirely new and interesting light upon the question of wool production. We know, from experience, that correct breeding has an important bearing upon the quantity and quality of wool produced. We know, also, that

climate and bad feeding interfere with wool growth and its quality. “Professor Robertson has attacked this problem in the true, scientific spirit, and apparently has discovered a sound and infallible method of producing greater weight and higher quality of wool irrespective of climate. Taking into account the break and hairiness in some wools, he set himself to discover its cause and remedy. Everyone knows that break in wool has a most damaging effect upon its market price, and that to _ increase the quantity without first removing the defect would be but poor compensation for the trouble and expense of doing so. DRY SEASON COINCIDENCE. “Mr Connell satisfied himself that very dry seasons increased the occurrence of break in the fibre, and that its occurrence corresponded with the period of dryness, irrespective of the quantity or quality of the food consumed. Analyses of wool, hair, horns, and hoofs showed that each of those things contained a high proportion of cystine (but whether cystine is a compound or an element is not stated). “After further exhaustive research in the analysis of grasses, etc., Mr Connell found that the highest proportion of cystine was obtainable from yeast: but as brewers’ yeast, the only source of supply available in required quantity, was distasteful to sheep owing to the presence of the bitter taste imparted by hops, it had to be discarded in the experiments. The analysis of waste products from the slaughter yards—hoofs, horns, hair, and wool—gave a high percentage of cystine; these things .are indigestible, and, therefore, unassimilable by animals, but when subjected to partial hydrolysis by hydrochloric acid at high temperature they couhj.be reduced to liquid form assimilable and'utilisable by the animals for the production of wool. EFFECT OF INCREASED CYSTINE SUPPLY. “The investigations did not end here, however, because the actual effect of increased cystine supply had to be ascertained, as well as the most economical method of obtaining it. Further exhaustive research revealed the fact that all plants of the Ficus group contained a high percentage of cystine, but the problem sill remained unsolved on Professor Robertson’s regrettable death how to utilise these products commercially and economically in the form of licks in such a way that the animals will make ready use of them. “The experiments have clearly demonstrated the high value of the protein; and the stage already reached in this direction is distinctly encouraging. Further advances will have to be made before cystine will be available to the sheep owner as a commercial article; but if the remaining difficulties can be,overcome (which at present seems more than likely) the introduction _of a cystine content with sheep diet promises to revolutionise wool production, and its effect upon breeding will also have to be considered. It is almost certain that the effects of climate conditions can easily be overcome. Here, then, is a clear indication to farmers that science properly exploited by competent brains (as opposed to the pseudo-scien-tific muddling of would-be scientific investigators now, alas, too common) can relieve him of most of his troubles, and that he should appreciate the difference in value to himself between the one and the other. Actual results will prove to be his unerring guide." SODIUM CHLORATE

CARE IN HANDLING As already referred to in these columns, there have been several cases of burning recently following the use of sodium chlorate in solution as a spray for the destruction of weeds. These cases have happened where the person engaged had been wearing ordinary clothing and allowed it, after being saturated with the spray, ,to get dry and then come into contact with fire. A lighted match carelessly thrown down and coming in contact with the clothing, or the wearing of previously saturated clothes by persons standing in front of an open fire, has been responsible for most of these accidents. If users of sodium chlorate as a. spray solution will observe the undermentioned precautions there will be very little danger:— 1. Sodium chlorate should be kept in the original drum containers as far as practicable. . . —2. Tf removed frorii the original r drum it should be packed in tins or other metal containers. 3. It should not be packed in bags or other combustible containers. If it becomes necessary to do this for a short time the containers should be burnt immediately after emptying. 4. Tins or other metal containers should be well washed when empty. 5. Sodium chlorate should not be allowed to come in contact with any combustible material; consequently great care should be taken not to spill any chlorate on floors of wood or other combustible material. 6. Persons using sodium chlorate as a spray should wear waterproofed clothes, such as oilskin or rubber leggings and jacket, or gumboots and jacket, which should be well rinsed in running water when the work for the day is finished 7. If ordinary clothing comes into contact with the spray the clothes must on no account be allowed to dry, but be removed at the earliest moment and then carefully washed. Ordinary clothing mixed with dry sodium chlorate, such as results from the drying of the spray on clothes, may become both explosive and highly inflammable, and be exploded or set on fire by heat, friction, or concussion. 8. Sodium chlorate is liable to explode by percussion and friction in the same way as chlorate of potash. Hence, even when unraixed with combustible matters, sodium chlorate should be handled with care, and not dropped on to a concrete, tiled, or iron floor, or subjected to any violent blow. SHEEP TICK METHODS OF ERADICATION Mr C. H. Ensor, of Hanmer Springs, the well-known Corriedale breeder, writes to the Christchurch Press as follows: A considerable amount of research work was carried out by the Tasmanian Stock Department some years ago to combat the theory held by some stock owmers that tick eradication was impossible. The experiments determined that—1. The normal incubation period of the tick egg is 21 days. „ , , 2. The procreative age of the female tick is 12 days. . , , . 3. The longest period a fully-matured tick can live in the open if, separated from the sheep is five days. 4. Arsenical dip has no detrimental effect upon the egg, but kills the live tick within four days. . , , 5. Sheep once freed of tick, and kept away from tick-infested sheep will keep free indefinitely. Since the experiment was earned out dip preparations which kill the egg have come into use. This I proved with sheep at the ram fair last week, wdiich were dipped a year ago and are still free from ticks or other vermin. The wool on an undipped sheep that has remained free from tick is far more attractive than that which has a dip mark or is infected with tick stain, and consequent rubbing of the sheep under banks or against fences and logs. I suggest that the first move to make towards tick eradication is for the Stock Department to test all dips on the market. Only those which kill the egg and live tick should be registered for use in New Zealand. Secondly, that all flocks which are being kept clean of ticks and lice by their owners be exempt from dipping. Under my scheme no will be required; in fact, the compulsion in force now will be relaxed as more flocks become clean. . , The cost of dipping is a great and unnecessary tax on sheep owners, being round about 3d per head. That on 30,000.000 sheep in the Dominion amounts to £375,000. Further, dip stain in wool and tick stain depreciate the Dominions clip bv about Id per lb. Taking an average of 61b per sheep, this would amount to twice the cost of dipping.

Destina- . Mutton Lamb. Pork. 1931. Qrs. C/cs C/cs. C/cs.London . 35,867 1,108,815 2,465,639 53,971 Southampton — 15,324 49,973 Liverpool 5,642 36,002 217,349 4,809 Glasgow 3,265 12,029 25,757 7,195 Avonmouth 2,917 18,592 '87,140 3,453 Manchester — 924 26,424 Cardiff 314 2,496 26,683 46 Halifax — — 300 — Vancouver —■ 450 6 — San Francisco — 2 — Honolulu 3,774 — 9 — Other countries ' 1 ' 24 920 2 51,780 1,194,656 2,900,202 69,476

Destination. Beef. Mutton Lamb. Pork. 1930. Qrs C/Cs. C/cs. C/cs. London 39,707 723,277 2,111,393 48,655 Southampton 2,110 19,899 76,013 — Liverpool 2,110 28,854 223,851 3,062 Glasgow 1,074 7,404 12,574 6,108 Avonmouth 2,031 18,750 95,782 2,874 Manchester — 300 3,508 — Cardiff 507 2,000 13,500 — Montreal; — 1,045 — Halifax 1,569 — — — New York 873 1,000 4,000 — Boston — — — — Vancouver 2,550 703 1,505 — Ban Francisco — 4 — Honolulu 100 — — — Other countries 140 29 5 415 50,661 803,261 2,542,135 61,114 Boneless beef exports 38,603 bags.

Areas in- AcreAreas AcreVariety. spected. age. passed, age. S.S. Tuscan . . 76 2178J 9 129* Hunters ,. 44 894 8 130 Velvet .6 85 3 28 Dreadnought 2 13 2 13 Marquis .2 30 2 36 S.S, Velvet,. .. 1 **46Garnet .. ,. 2 24 1 12 Yeoman 1 12 1 12 P.S. Tuscan 1 14 • —- Major .. . .. 1 17 , — Totals .. . 136 3289* 27 3854

low: — 1927Acreage inspected 31. 30. 29. 28. 3289J 2779 1856 347 Acreage . passed . 385J 640 700 216