THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22630, 23 July 1935, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By Rusncus..

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT “Privilege” (Clinton). —The matter is one for the local authority to decide. Such an inquiry would be better if it came from you personally.

Winter Feeding V The anxiety that was felt in many parts of Otago with respect to the possibility of turnip and other supplementary crops being insufficient for the requirements of winter months has been to a large extent allayed by the change in weather conditions from wintry bleakness to comparative mildness. The position with regard to winter feeding has been greatly relieved in those districts where turnip and other brassicas failed, and a continuance of existing conditions should have the effect of keeping the demand for winter feed below normal. In such weather as has been experienced during the past few days all classs of stock can do with less supplementary fodder than is the case when the days are cold and wet. Practically all over the province pastures have reacted noticeably to the milder conditions that followed the harshness of earlier conditions this winter. The countryside does not usually look so fresh and green in July.

Inquiry for Land There is a fairly steady inquiry for farms at the. present time in Otago, according to city agents, but buyers are hard to satisfy. Small farms up to 200 and 300 acres appear to attract most attention, but buyers contend, and some agents still agree, that sellers’ ideas of values are too high. There would seem to be a tendency on the part of vendors to base prices on the prospect of better values in the coming season rather than on present rates for export produce. It is for this reason that business is still quiet in spite of a steady inquiry and an abundance of small farms on offer

Early Maturity Beef ' Interesting particulars regarding a prize-winning fat heifer at the Dunedin Winter Show disclose what must be very nearly a record in.early maturity in New Zealand. Th 4 heifer in question took second prize in the class for fat heifers born since July 1, 1932, and when killed at the-age of two years and nine months he.r weight was found to be 11081 b. These figures provide a striking commentary on grazing conditions in Central Otago, ■where the animal was bred and fattened.

Another Example Another equally notable example of “ baby beef " production is reported from Middlemarch, the animal in question being the first prize fat bullock, bred and fattened -by Mr A. Carruthers, of Ngapuna. This bullock was a first prize winner at two successive winter snows, and when slaughtered at Middlemarch last week at the age of just under three years it killed out at 11501 b. The first prize three-year-old heifer, also fattened and exhibited by Mr A. Carruthers, killed out at 9701 b. These examples comprise an excellent recommendation for Strath-Taieri pastures as well as for the grazing methods employed.

A Record Challenged ’ The secretary of the New Zealand Friesian Association writes as follows; — In a recent issue of the Daily Times there appeared a paragraph claiming a World’s record for a Jersey cow, Richmond Posy sth, which at Hawkesbury College (New South' Wales) produced 75,1891 b milk, equal to 55401 b of commercial butter, in five years (55401 b butter equals 44321 b fat). This is certainly a splendid performance, but also certainly not a world’s record. A New Zealand pedigree Friesian cow, Totara C. E. Buttercup, owned by the Piri Land Company (Waikato), has C.O.R. production figures as follows: — Age. Year Days. Lb milk. Lb fat. 2 305 i 21,208.6 790.66 3 247 25,885.3 989.10 4 267 27,108.1 1079.14 5 308 28,073.0. - 1050.07 7 20 23,622.6 879.06 - Total .. 125,896.6 4788,03 The world’s lifetime record production of butter-fat is held by the Canadian pedigrea Friesian cow Springbank Snow Countess (8190.71 b fat).

Rambouillet Merinos A highly informative and interesting pamphlet dealing with the Rambouillet breed of merino sheep has been received at the Daily Times Office from the National Rambouillet Sheep-fold (Paris). An excellent case is made out for the breed, which is represented as the prototype of the long-woolled sheep that still yields good mutton. “It thrives even on poor food,” the pamphlet Continues, “ and it is strong, hardy, and prolific.' It flourishes easily and everywhere, as, has been proved by 140 years’ experience. Its pedigree is a famous, peerless one, the national flock having lived quite independently by inbreeding ever since 1786. The purity of its blood is unquestiopable. The fleece combines all the qualities of fine wool. All the features of the rams are well known, thoroughly acquired, everlastingly established, and necessarily transmissible. In America, as well as in South Africa, the genuine Rambouillet proves the best sheep to avail itself of ordinary grass and the most advantageous producer of high-priced wool and good mutton.

The Wool Market No more • wool auctions will be held in Australia till the 1955-36 selling season is opened in Sydney on September 2 '(writes E. V. B. in the Australasian),

Items of Interest to those engaged In agricultural and pastoral ptmraßsb with a view.to their publication in these columns, will bo welcomed. They should bo addressed to " Rustic us,” Otago Daily Time*, Duaedlfc

Meanwhile, interest will be directed to the London sales. The July series in that centre have begun, and at this series it is expected that about 132,000 bales will be offered. Merinos are not in plentiful supply in London or, indeed, anywhere. A good deal of discussion is going on in trade circles concerning the prospects for the coming Australian selling season, and, as usual, opinions are divided. Most of the brokers are confident that the best June values for good style merino and comeback wools will hold, and there are some who anticipate improved rates. Tops prices, which are very firm and have been hardening of late, 'suggest that the tendencies in the manufacturing centres are in the right direction. On the other hand, a well-informed member of the buying section of the trade expressed to me the opinion that recent prices will not continue for long, and he is basing his calculations for the coming season on prices about midway between the averages of laqt season and the best rates of June. He will not accept the current tops prices as a guide, believing that many traders have been caught short of supplies for their commitments and that before long there will be adjustments to a somewhat lower range of values. In no country is the state of the retail trade very promising, and it is the retail business, which tells in the end. At least that is one view which deserves respect. Nevertheless, supplies of good wools are not excessive. There are grounds to expect a shortage compared with Idst season. Merino wool in particular may be relatively scarce. No one will be surprised if the shortage in Australia will exceed 120,000 bales, and it is expected that South Africa will be well down. i The German Demand

Those who look complacently on the curtailment of the German demand in Australia point to the exports from South Africa to Germany, contending that by taking so much wool from South Africa, Germany is just as useful as before in the world’s wool markets (continues R. V. B.). But there is very little substance in that contention. For the season 1933-34 Germany took far more wool from Australia alone than she has taken this year from Australia and South Africa combined. For the first 11 months of last season the shipments to Germany from Australia amounted to 414,429 bales, and for the full season nearly 500,000 bales. This year during 11 months of the Australian season and 10 months of the South African season she imported from both countries only about 255,000 bales, and when the statistics for the full season are known it will be found most likely that the total shipments from Australia and South Africa to Germany will be well below 450,000 bales, or much below the 1934-Jo season’s exports to Germany from Australia alone.

Wool Substitutes Much attention has been directed to the use of wool substitutes of late. Scientists have stated that no artificial fibre to compare favourably with real wool has been discovered, or is likely to be found. In a circular on the subject the Australian Mercantile,, Land, and Finance Company (Melbourne) has touched upon both sides of the wool substitutes controversy—what might be called the scientific and the practical sides. It is true that no textile substitute having the qualities of wool has been discovered, but it is equally true that artificial textile fibres are being used increasingly. Sir Norman Kater. who is abroad and has visited Europe, is most alarmed, according to reports, about the growth of Vistra manufacturing plants in Germany. There has been a tendency to disregard Vistra as a competitor because real wool is used in the manufacture of this new material, but Vistra may become a very serious competitor, and will take the place of wool, at least to the extent of the quantity of artificial fibres used in the manufacture of Vistfa. Wool substitutes should not be taken lightly. The best means of combating substitutes is to press for more satisfactory trading facilities for those countries which seek to exchange goods for Australian wool. Export of Sheep , The export trade in New Zealand stud sheep continues to expand, the Westmoreland, which sailed from Auckland last week, having taken a valuable consignment. Messrs Wright, - Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., shipped to South American interests 44 stud rams of various breeds. The sheep were an outstanding lot, some being destined for Argentina and some for Uruguay. The shipment included 10 Corriedale rams bred by Mr William Anderson, “Eskdale,” Waiau, North Canterbury, amongst them being a first prize winner at the Amuri Show, one of the leading Corriedale shows in New Zealand. Several of the rams were sired by Eskdale 35, one of Mr Anderson’s rams, which was first prize four-tooth and champion at the Amuri Show, being first in his class and reserve champion _ (beaten by his sire) at the same association’s show the previous year. Eskdale 35 was sold for a substantial price and exported to South America last year. The 26 Lincoln rams are an exceptionally good lot, 10 of them having 'been bred by Mr E. T. Wilton, Rangitumau. Mastertou, three bred by Mr A. E. Anderson, Clareville, and 18 bred by Mr L. R. Wilton, Rangitumau, Masterton. The Lincolns from these leading breeders are very much in favour in the Argentine. Five splendid Romney rams contributed to the high standard of the shipment, these being from the flocks of the well-known breeders. Sir William Perry, “Penrose,” Masterton; Mr Q. Donald, “Alloa.” Featherstone; and Mr W. C. Small, Feilding. Sheep, from these breeders’ flocks are well-known in South America, and the steady demand for them from there testifies that they are held in high regard. In a recent commupication from Argentina it is stated that if New Zealand continues to send Romneys of the same standard as previously they will prove serious competitors In that market to importations from England. The shipment is completed by three high-class merino rams bred by the well-known South Canterbury breeder, Mr Frank H. Smith, “Waratah,” Albury. These sheep are destined for two notable estancias in Uruguay. THE DAIRYING YEAR MILFORD COMPANY The annual report of the Milford Cooperative Dairy Company, Ltd. (Temuka) states, inter alia: The prospects which appeared so bright at the beginning of the season were not fulfilled. The drought conditions prevailing from November until the end of February prod heed a serious effect on the milk supply, and in consequence the output of cheese was very considerably reduced. The export portion of the make was sold f.o.b. at what must be regarded as a satisfactory figure, the balance being placed on the local market.

The Henry Lane Cup, which has. been the property of the company for some years, was recently handed over to the Timaru Harbour Board for use in connection with the grading competition being held amongst cheese-making factories exporting through the local port. This cup was originally donated by Messrs H. A. Lane and Co., Ltd., of London, for the encouragement of the herd-testing movement, and used more recently as a trophy to improve the quality of the milk produced on farms. Your directors now consider that the cup will achieve the object for which it was intended by its being made available to the Harbour Board.

Owing to unfavourable conditions in the export trade, factories are beginning to concentrate more than ever on the local market, resulting in there being keen rivalry for this business. In order to maintain the good name which has been established by the quality of Milford cheese, suppliers must bear in mind the necessity of insuring that the milk supplied is of the highest possible quality to enable the factory manager to manufacture a high-class cheese. The Unemployment Board has made available for dairy farmers means for the improvement

of sheds and surroundings, and suppliers should not fail to take advantage of this opportunity. The Pay-out Equalisation Fund was drawn on to the extent of £33 13s 4d last year, and it is proposed to finalise the payment for the current season at lOijd per lb butter-fat. The directors recommend that a dividend of 4 per cent, be paid on all paidup capital. Comparative statistics with those of the previous year are set out hereunder: — Manufacturing costs per lb butter-fat 1933-34. 1934-35. Output of cheese .. .. 659,0041 b 543,4851 b Milk received fox’ cheese making .. 6,742,7331 b 5,753,6681 b Butter-fat in ditto .. .. 250,575.01 b 209,650.81 b Average test .. 3.7102 3.6437 Yield to lib butter-fat .. 2.6299 2.5923 Lb of milk to lb of cheese .. 10.2317 10.5806 Manufacturing costs per lb butter-fat .. 1.783 1.800 F. 0.8. costs per lb butter-fat .443 .375 Administration costs per lb butter-fat .. .491 .586 The following directors retire by rotation, Messrs P. M. Downes, R. M. Mißs, and J R. Turley, all of whom are eligible for re-election, and who, with the exception of Mr Turley, offer themselves accordingly. Mr Turley has advised his intention not to seek re-election. Mr E. R. Comer being the only nomination received an election will be unnecessary. Mr A. C. Martin, public accountant, the retiring auditor, offers himself for reelection. | The thanks of the company are due to | the factory manager (Mr R. A. Eyall), the secretary (Mr B. Hughes), and the ; staff for the very capable manner in i which they have fulfilled their duties during the past season. '• CLOVERLEA COMPANY

The first annual report of the Cloverlea Co-operative Dairy Company, Ltd: (Temuka), states, inter alia: Manufacture of cheese commenced on November 8, and a satisfactory season resulted in a total make of 103 tons scwt 3qrs 161 b. The' various statistics arc set out hereunder:—

Make of cheese 231,380 lb Milk supplied 2,309,028 lb Bufiter-fat therein .. .. 87,712.i1b Average test .. •. • • 8.7086 Lb cheese to 11b butter-fat 2.6379 Lb milk to Hb cheese .. 9.9793

The retiring directors are Messrs J. F. Cairns and B. Trumper, both of whom are eligible for re-election, and offer themselves accordingly. In addition Mr R. Macleod has been nominated. Mr A. C. Martin, the retiring auditor, Offers himself for' re-election.