THE RURAL WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23205, 1 June 1937, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD

FARM AND STATION NEWS

By RUSTICUS.

WINTER SHOWS The following Winter Shows have been arranged for the present season: June 8,9, 10, 11. 12,- : Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s Winter Show. SHEEP DOG TRIALS OTAGO PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION Sheep dog trials under the auspices o£ the Otago Provincial Sheep Dog Association have been arranged as foilows for the 1937 season:— Tokarahi—May 31, June 1 and 2. Palmerston—Abandoned. Ngapara —Juno 7,8, 9 (Otago provincial champions!) ips). Waihemo—June 10 and 11. Tuapeka—June 23 and 24. South African Wool From July 1 to the end of February receipts of wool at South African ports were as follows; Bales. 1932-33 ®,OOO 1933- 711,000 1934- 503,000 1933-36 587,000 1936-37 • •• 040,000 Those figures show that the production of wool in the Union ot gouln Africa is regaining volume. The South African clip reached its peak in IJ3** 33, when 330,000,0001 b was grown, but the quantity receded to 222,000,0001 b in 1934-35, owing to drought conditions. It is of interest to note that the number of sheep in Australia is 112.327,939; Argentina 40,000,000, Union of South Afnca 41,200,000. and New Zealand 30,039,000. Japan has bought increased supplies in South Africa, this season, and also in New Zealand and South America. The figures herewith show the shipments made to Japan from African ports and New Zealand from July 1 to Ihe end of February, and from boutn America from October 1 to the end ox February during two seasons. The totals arc shown in bales of Australian weight;—

The total increase in shipments to Japan from the four countries mentioned is the equivalent of 322,667 bales of Australian weight. Stocks of Tops The stocks of tops on hand in France showed a further decrease in March, the quantity on hand at the close of the month, 15,270,2001 b being 1,067,0001 b less than at the close of February, and 12.263,0001 b below March, 1936. In Belgium, the stock at the end of March was 6,371,2001 b. The total showed an increase of 459,8001 b on the February quantity, but was 1,080,200 less than 12 months previously. In Germany, the stock in the chief combing centres at the end of February was 4,000,0001 b. the total showing very little change, com- , pared with a month before or a year previous, but the quantity was abnormally small for the country's industry. That position applies to most consumers. Rarely, if ever, lias woo! been more strongly situated statistically than this year. Good trade is certainly necessary to maintain that situation, but even moderate business appears sufficient to cause manufacturers to need the raw material keenly by the time the new season’s clip comes on the market. Compagnie Commerciale, Kreglinger, Antwerp, in an estimate, states that the tops available on the Continent at March 31 last, omitting Italy, were 26,000,0001 b, a reduction of 13,400,0001 b on the March. 1936, total. In . March, 1935, the total was 49,172,2001 b, and in March, 1934, 59,639,8001 b. A comparison of those figures indicates that surplus supplies have been consumed, and, despite the use of substitute fibres, the mill industry is running very close to the sheep's back. Wool and Fabric Prices

It is evident from reports of business abroad that recent prices for tops, yarns, and fabrics have administered some check to trade. The statement is frequently heard in Australia that the amount of wool in a suit of clothes is so limited that it has little influence on selling figures for the finished article. That is probably true in regard to high-class goods, but in the mass trade, where price is a leading factor, the raw material is an important iniluence. Quotations published by the Imperial Economic Committee show that the cost of 16oz serge in Yorkshire was, in early 1933, 57d per yard. It reached 72d in January. 1934, was down 63d in January, 1935, but gradually rose to 67d in January, 1937, and was 761 din March. An advance of ;i 9d, or 33 per cent., has, therefore, teen recorded since 1932!. In addition to the cost of wool this season, increased wages in the English. American. French, and Belgian mills, also shorter working hours, have caused a rise in prices for manufactured products. The latter costs are definitely fixed, and are consequently inescapable. Raw material is a different matter. Its sale depends largely upon consumption, and ii’ demand for wool contracts owing to the smaller quantity of it used its price must recede The market is experiencing those circumstances at present. Manufacturers have to some extent resorted to the use of substitute fibres in order to keep the price of some goods within specified limits, and the need for the sheep’s staple has diminished to a degree. Any decided setback in values is generally considered improbable, but the peak point in prices proved too high and a slight reduction has occurred. The higher cost of wool has caused prices for woollen rags to advance. They are utilised for reworking into textiles. Some classes of rags have increased 300 per cent, in value in Great Britain ■since 1932, Sydney Royal Show At the recent Royal Show in Sydney « New Zealand judge in the cattle sections severely criticised the arrangements for judging cattle. It is satisfactory to note that the Royal Agncul-

Items of interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral purimU*, With a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcome®. They ehtrdd be addressed to Rusticus, Otago Daily Times, Dunedww

tural Society considers the criticisms well founded, and a special meeting has been held to consider alterations for next year. It has been decided that cattle shall be judged in future in two sections. , , , . , On the first judging day stud beef cattle will be paraded before the experts. On the following day the judgini? of dairy breeds, fat cattle, and other cattle sections will take place. This arrangement will enable each breed to have a separate ring, and facilitate the work of the judges. Judges have already been selected and invited to act in the cattle sections, and when acceptances are to hand the names will be published. It is known that at least one well-known caltlc expert from New Zealand has been asked.

Stud Sheep for Australia Further shipments of stud sheep to Australia have been made lately, and it now appears certain that a very good market has been established for New Zealand-bred sheep in the Australian States, more especially South Australia, where, this year, the majority of the stud sheep have been forwarded. Recent shipments to Melbourne and Sydney cover Romney, Southdown, Border Leicester, and Corriedale sheep which have mostly come from the Canterbury, Manawatu, and Wairarapa districts. Consignments through the Stud Stock Department of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., have included a number of stud Ryeland ewes, ex Mr W. G. Shannon, Palmerston North, to Mr H. G. Gorbold, of Sydney, and stud Romney ewes ex Messrs Voss Bros., Longburn, to Mr R. Wardle. of Brim, Victoria. Romney sheep for South Australia have been selected from the studs of well-known breeders, including Messrs Voss Bros., Longburn; R. W. Matthews, Featherston; J. A. Mitchell, Longburn; and Blair and Sons. Maxwell, while Corriedales and Border Leicesters have been selected from the following notable Canterbury flocks;—Estate of the late H. T, Little, Hawarden; Messrs David Sidey, Hawarden; James Reid, Darfleld; M. M'Gregor, Dunsandel; W. O. Rennie, Doyleston; and L. E. Myers, of Oxford. WINTERING OF HOGGETS PROBLEMS FOR OTAGO SHEEPOWNERS DANGERS OF MALNUTRITION EXPERT ADVICE FOR GRAZIERS The problem of the feeding and care of young sheep during the winter months, which has special significance for Otago graziers and sheepowners this season, is dealt with in the following article which has been supplied bv Mr C. V. Dayus, M.R.C.V.S., district superintendent of the live stock division of the Department of Agriculture for Otago and Southland. The abnormal period experienced m Otago and Southland since the early summer, y/ith the high rainfall, and much of the lower-lying parts of the district carrying excess water, has been responsible for the comparative failure of rape and root crops, and has favoured the growth of' rank, soft pasture <writes Mr Dayus). In view of these circumstances, the wintering of hoggets is likely to present a special problem in many parts of Otago and Southland. For the past two months, on account of the conditions, lambs have not been doing so well, and several instances of scouring have been reported. There is the likelihood of a very appreciable mortality among those hoggets carried over for the winter, unless the position is early appreciated and every effort is made to prevent, or at least minimise, possible losses. It is universally recognised that special care in management is required to carry sheep over the hogget stage, and it is evident that this generalisation requires more particular emphasis this year. The excessive rainfall has, m many districts, brought about conditions unfavourable for young, growing sheep, and in consequence there is a real danger of large numbers suffering from malnutrition. In this state the young sheep is easy prey to the effects of heavy worm infestation, which possibly the wet state of the country, the lack of sunshine, and the condition of the pastures has eminently favoured providing suitable conditions for the development and maintenance of worm larvae. The poor rape and root crops have, in many instances, denied young sheep access, for any length of time, to a spell of fresh nutritious feed, comparatively free from parasitic larvae. The primary consideration, in any attempt necessary to avoid or minimise trouble, is an endeavour to improve the feed conditions, and not to rely solely, as is frequently done, on drenching materials for parasites. While appreciating the value of sucli drenching to a limited extent, in view of the varieties and numbers of internal parasites, the drugs available, and the necessarily high dilutions of these drugs in the alimentary tract of ruminants, it can be confidently stated that the value of medicinal dosing is often unnecessarily exaggerated. The adequate adjustment of the feed may present some difficulty, but nevertheless it is a matter of paramount importance. and consequently must be tackled. If at all possible, hoggets should be removed from heavilystocked low-lying pastures, and given more scope on higher and drier land, where the feed is shorter and therefore more suitable for young growing sheep. Some additional feed must be given, such as the provision of good clover or lucerne hay, and this preferably in the fine-stemmed and leafy stage: this is the best form of dry roughage for sheep. The hay can be given ad libitum, but should provide at least lib per head per day, fed from improvised racks (roughly 12 feet of rack per 50 hoggets Is generally sufficient) .

If hay is not available a daily ration of oaten chaff could be given—at least Jib per head per day, to which can be added a small quantity (2oz per head per- day) of linseed cake, linseed meal, or a good-quality rneatmeal, to increase the protein content of the ration, which is such a necessary constituent for growth. Such supplement is also of benefit to balance the ration where hoggets arc on turnips, It is essential that supplementary feeding be commenced early as if hoggets arc definitely on the down grade they may not readily take to dry feed. The advantages of dry supplementary feed arc more or less obvious, as by this means is provided—tl) Some variety in the diet, (2) additional nutriment, (3) a means of counteracting scouring, and 14) feed which will be free of parasitic larvae. The same remarks in favour of providing some additional feed apply, if it is found impossible to move the hoggets as suggested. In this case, however. benefit will follow if an attempt can be made to control the rank pasture feed by the use of cattle. By such means the nutritive value of the pasture for young sheep is enhanced, and the cattle to some extent act as traps for worm larvae, many of which are destroyed by passage through adult cattle. This, in nart explains the fact that young sheep frequently do better when following up cattle, if they have to be kept on soft, rank pasture. In addition to good management and feeding, benefit will follow the pro-

vision of a mineral mixture. Sheep require and relish salt, and this should be available at all times. An excellent addition to salt is limonite, which is an iron ore, and has already given good results in this district, especially in Southland. A suitable mineral mixture can be made up as follows: Coarse agricultural salt .. 1121 b Steamed bone meal .. .. 561 b Limonite (Reyburn’s) .. 20-301 b It is a well-established fact that wellfed and thrifty hoggets are much less susceptible to the effects of parasitic invasion than others, and even if some worms do establish themselves, their effects are hardly noticed, and a spontaneous cure soon occurs. A secondary line of attack is the regular drenching of hoggets with various anthelmintic agents. The worm drench recommended by the live stock division is a mixture of 11b copper sulphate (bluestone) and 16 fluid ounces of commercial nicotine sulphate (40 per cent.) in five gallons of water (three ounces of each to the gallon is sufficiently near when mixing smaller quantities). The dose of this mixture is from half an ounce for weak lambs to one ounce for stronger hoggets. There is no need to starve the sheep previous to drenching, in fact it is better not to do so, Dosing should be repeated at two-three weeks' intervals throughout the winter. In conclusion, the successful wintering of hoggets is in many cases a specialised branch of sheep husbandry requiring a close study of feeding and attention to detail in management. STUD STOCK IMPORTS PEDIGREE BULLS FROM ENGLAND The s.s. Waitaki, which arrived from Melbourne last week, carried three outstanding pedigree bulls imported from the United Kingdom on behalf of two well-known Hawke’s Bay stud cattle breeders. This importation comprised one stud Shorthorn and two stud horned Hereford fulls which were selected and shipped by the Stud Stock Department of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Ltd., through their London office. The Shorthorn bull, “Barugh Golden Star,” selected to the order of Mr D. J. Holden, Mangateretore, Hawke’s Bay. was bred in Cumberland by Mr Joseph Barns, of Barugh Syke, Wigton, and will bo two years old next month. Coming from a noted prizewinning family this animal was placed first and champion at the Penrith Show in 1936, while his sire, “ Rothiebrisbane Bulwark” (202379) was first and champion, and was awarded the Duthie Cup at the Aberdeen spring show in 1925, where he was sold for 1750 guineas. “Golden Star’s” dam, “Denton Sweet Third” (49304), is by “Collynie Golden Key,” which was sold at the Collynie sale in 1921 for 1100 guineas. Mr Holden’s bull is a rich dark roan, very short on the leg and shows every indication of developing into an impressive sire, and doubtless much will be heard of him in the future. It is Mr Holden’s intention to mate “Barugh Golden Star” to the female progeny of his famous bull “Vindictive of Stonelands,” which was also imported from Great Britain by his agents, and is regarded as one of the most outstanding bulls to have arrived in the Dominion. , „ The two Hereford bulls were imported on'behalf of Mr H. M. Campbell, “Poukawa,” Hastings, who selected them during his recent visit to the Old Country: one being a rising three-year-old and the other a rising two-year-old. The older bull. “Weston Valiant (59496), was bred by Mr C. H. Morns, “ Weston Court,” Pcmbridge, Herefordshire, and is by "Weston Cunso (58024), out of “Weston Voucher. A typey bull of great quality, Weston Valiant” has a beautiful head., with good bottom and top lines finishing well out to a good tail setting, and standing square on short legs, he should make an ideal sire of beef chillers. , „ _ „ . „ The other animal. Leen Grant, was bred by Mr W. Smith. “Leen, Pembridge, and is by “ Bury Tumblei (50267) out of “Leen Graceful, who is by a member of the well-known “Vern” family “Vern Bendigo” (45513). This animal is also a good type and although he has, lightened up slightly during the long journey from the United Kingdom, shows every promise of developing into an outstanding sire.

NEWS FROM CLUBS

Mr D. S. Robinson, apiary instructor, Department of Agriculture, will lecture on beekeeing at tne West Taieri Young Farmers Club meeting at Outram on Thursday, June 3 S Added interest will be given to this lecture as it is anticipated that Mr Robinson will accompany his talk with a series of coloured lantern slides, * * * Members may be interested to hear that a very successful combined dub day was recently held in thc Waua rapa. The main feature of. the day was an interclub stock judging competition in which 96 members took P art * * The first annual meeting of the South Otago District Committee. of Young Farmers’ Clubs was held the Department of Agriculture office. Balclutha, on Friday, May 21. Mr G. Anderson presided over a good attendance of delegates representing the four clubs —-Clinton, Clutha Valley, Lawrence, and Stirling, and of senior members from various localities in South Otago. , ho The first annual report outlining the activities of the South Otago District Committee and of Young farmers Clubs in South Otago for the year ended March 31, 1937, was read by the honorary secretary, and, on the motion of Mr Sutherland, seconded by Mr J. Johnstone, was adopted. . Discussion occurred concerning the possibility of reopening the Milton Club, and it was decided to ask Mr A, B. Stewart to call a meeting in the near future of young farmers in the district who were interested in the reopening of the Milton Club. It was decided to hold a demonstration field day for young farmers and others interested some time towards the end of June, in the Milton district. and it was left in the hands of Mr A. B. Stewart and the hon. secretary to effect the necessary arrange-, ments for demonstrations, to be followed in the evening by a social. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in Mr G. Anderson being unanimously elected chairman, and Mr A. B. Stewart, being unanimously elected vice-chairman. Following a motion of sympathy with Mr Nicollson in the death of his father, members stood in silence for one minute.

Thc Hampden Club met on May 20 with a fair attendance of members. Arrangements were finalised as regards the social that the club is to conduct. The club combined with the W.D.F.U. for the lecture of Mr King, of Christchurch, on “Shelter Trees and Shrubs.” This proved very interesting and instructive. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston Club was held on May 21, with a good muster of members. Mr A. Ballingall reported on the meeting of the Dunedin District Committee. After general business had been dealt with. Mr A. Twaddle gave a very instructive address on “Selection of Sires.” Mr Twaddle stressed the facts that masculinity was one of the chief points to consider, and that there were breeds for the different classes of country. It is important, he said, to get stock to suit the land, as stock do best on the land they are suited for. He then gave the principles of pure breeding and explained the different laws of breeding, viz., variation and atavism. At the conclusion of his address Mr Twaddle was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. * O : ' : The following is a further article from the pen of Mr S. 11. Saxby in the scries on pasture plants:— Creeping Bent (Agrostis stolonifcra)

Is sometimes called “ fiorix,” and is closely allied to brown top. It is common, but not plentiful, in most districts in New Zealand. Creeping bent is quite well distributed throughout Otago, but seldom covers large areas on account of its rather exacting soil moisture requirements. It is a very shallow rooted grass and needs an abundant supply of surface moisture. It will, however, stand only a limited amount of flooding. Because of these conditions it is usually found on land where the water table is very near the surface. It is also frequently found beside streams and springs where there is a continuous supply of running water. It will stand a certain amount of salinity and is not uncommon above high-water mark on tidal inlets. , , As a pasture grass it can be grouped with the large number of grasses which, although producing a fair amount of feed, can be profitably replaced by better ones. The presence of creeping bent on large areas can generally be regarded as an indication that the country will carry meadow foxtail and perhaps timothy where the drainage is good. . Unlike brown top. creeping bent is of little value for lawns, and on this account very little seed is Harvested in this country. ...... The main botanical characteristics of creeping bent arc its long creeping overground stems which imot at every node, and its long white ligule. The trailing stems are frequently a reddish colour, especially when the supply of moisture is rather low. The third annual meeting of the Upper Clutha Club was held at the residence of Mr A. Allison Haw ea Flat, on April 20. The club s finances were found to be in a healthy position. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, Mr W. A. Scaife; chairman, Mr S. A. Kane, secretary, Mr A. M. Allison; treasurer, Mr T. Anderson: committee—Messrs C. Rowley, D. Robertson, and G. Smith; delegate to district committee. Mr 1. Allison. . ~ A minute of appreciation was recorded for the services rendered by Mr J. S. Hunt during his term as president. CLYDESDALES FOR OAMARU THREE THREE-YEAR-OLDS SHIPPED FROM LIVERPOOL cFkom Ous Own Correspondent) LONDON, May 5. To the order of Mr Thomas Hepburn, Section 8, Cormack’s R.D., Oamaru, there has been shipped from Liverpool by Mr Henry Murdoch, Balgreen, Hollybush, Ayrshire, two three-year-old fillies and a three-year-old colt. The fillies, recently purchased from mpir breeders in Cumberland, are Cumrenton Rosemary (62823). a handsome black filly foaled on May.ll, 1935, and bred by Mr T. W. Watson, Cumrenton, Irthington, Carlisle. She is sired by that popular horse, Kirtle Renner (21649) and out of Cumrenton Rose (60213), by the famous breeding stallion Dupplin Castle (20747); second dam, Reilly Charm, by the renowned champion and famous breeder, Dunure Footprint, and the third dam was got by the equally noted Baron of Buchlyvie This is a well-grown leashy filly, and with such lineage as that given she ought to please her new owner. The other is Grinsdale Rosebud (62824), a bay roan foaled on May 22, 1935, the breeder in this case being Mr James L Taylor, Croft House, Cotehill, Carlisle. The sire was Stapleton Marcellus (21924) and the dam Mereside Rosebud (57911), by The Dunure (16839); second dam, Lincluden Duchess, by Merlin; third dam, by Prince Shapely. This also is a well-set-up, good-moving filly. Balgreen Ensign (22845) is the name of the colt, and he is a brown May, 1935, son of the popular Balgreen stud horse, Douglas Castle,' now third on the breeding list. Bred by Mr John Murdoch, Larg, Newton-Stewart his dam was Larg Mayflower (62474), by that great breeding and influential sire Auchenflower (12007); second dam by Dunure Tower, and third dam by Baron of Buchlyvie. He is a useful sort of colt, with good rib and nice hair to him.

gill. — 1935-36, 1936-37. Bales. Bales. South Africa 14,000 176,000 New Zealand 39,000 85,000 Argentina .. 666 53.333 Uruguay .. 5,000 67,000