THE RURAL WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23334, 28 October 1937, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD

By RU3TICUS.

Stem* «f intnroat to those engaged iir With ■ view to their publication in Thay wktniJi bo nddr»BKecl to Rusti

SUMMER SHOW-SEASON DATES FOR 1937-38 Agricultural and pastoral shows fo/ the 1937-38 season haye been arranger as follows: I October 29 and 30.—Timaru. November 3.—Kelso, November 4.—Ashbuiton. November 4, 5 and 6.—Royal show at Palmerston North. November s.—Northern A and P Association at Rangiora. November 11 and 12.--Canterbury, ai Christchurch. November I?.—Waimate. Novembei 19 and 20.—North Otag( at Oamaru. Novembei 20.—Taien. at Outram November 23 and VA. Otago at Tanuna Park. November 27.—Clutha and Matau a>. Balclutha. Novembei 27.—Winton. December I.—Central Otago at Oma kau Decembei 4.—Tokomairiro Farmers Club at Milton. December 7 and B. Gore December 11.—Wyndham. ' December 14 and 15.—Southland a' Invercarsill „ December 17.—Man iototo. at Ran .farly. , ' December 18.—Otago Peninsula, at Portobello. December 27.—Tuapeka, at Lawrence. 1938 January B.—JBlueskin, at Waitati. January 15.—Waikouaiti. January 21.—Palmerston-Waihemo at Palmerston, April 18.—Mackenzie Highland Show »t Fair lie. NEW ZEALAND WOOL SALES ROSTER FOR 1937-38 SEASON ;The folio wing, roster of New Zealand wool sales for the 1937-38 season is announced. It has been arranged by the New Zealand Wool Brokers' Association and the New Zealand Wool Buyers

The April dates are tentative only and are subject to alteration and/or cancellation, according to the quantity of wool offering. Champion Cheese Maker ~ , , ;'; Mr J. Parrish, who earned for himself the title of champion cheese; maker by winning the championship award at the London Dairy Show for the Goodwood Dairy Factory, is a North IslanJ trained factory manager. He had his early training in the industry at the Maharahara and Tamaki dairy factories in the Dahnevirke district under the expert tutelage of Mr A T.Gulliver, who is now a member of the dairy produce grading staff of the Department of Agriculture in Southland, where Mr Parrish was himself employed until his appointment to the managership at Goodwood 12 months ago. Mr Parrish pays willing tribute to the excellence of the two North Island factories with which he was connected under Mr Gulliver as training grounds for factory managers. The success of the Goodwood factory this year follows on the first championship won' ffor; Otago by the .'Kelso Dairy Company in 1933.

FARM AND STATION NEWS

n agricultural and pastoral pursvita, i there columns, will be welconvoi icus, Otago Daily Timoa, Dunwi&A

TURNIP FERTILISERS GUANO SHORTAGE SUGGESTED SUBSTITUTES This season owing to the non-arrival of the annual guano shipment ex the Seychelles group, supplies of guano are practically, unobtainable, and many turnip growers will have to consider the use of another type of phosphatic fertiliser to replace the Seychelles in their turnip mixtures. Although the manufacturers of turnip fertilisers have long recognised that it is advantageous to incorporate Nauru in turnip mixtures, the farming section of the community has not availed itself of its use in the past as much as it could have. In the Hillend district, Nauru is used extensively, sometimes alone, but generally in combination with other phosphates, with very satisfactory results; but it must be pointed out that in other districts of Otago its use as the sole means of fertilising the turnip crop is not recommended. Nauru and Ocean Island phosphates are recognised as being some of the highest in grade in the world, and New Zealand, to whom these rich deposits are readily available, is indeed lucky. When Nauru phosphate is compared with other phosphatic fertilisers, its high percentage of tricalcic phosphate places it at a distinct advantage. Many farmers in South Otago have been in the habit of making up a turnip mixture comprising 25 per cent, each of super, Seychelles, blood and bone and carbonate of lime and in this instance, owing to the apparent difficulty of obtaining supplies of Seychelles, Nauru could be readily substituted. On the other hand such has been the phenomenal increase in the use of re.verted phosphate for turnip growing during the last few years, that its incorporation in a mixture cannot on any account be overlooked. In this case both the super and Seychelles could be deleted in making the ensuing mixture 50 per cent, reverted phosphate, 25 per cent, of blood and bone, and 25 per cent, of lime carbonate. One great advantage of reverted phosphate lies in its ability to assist the growth of turnip crops right'into the winter months, but it has also proved itself to be entirely suitable for southern soil conditions. Moreover, reverted super does not tend to cause germination injury to small seeds. In recent years reverted phosphate has been used by many prominent farmers as the sole means of fertilising the turnip crop and the results obtained have been most satisfactory. If one ton of carbonate of lime per acre is applied some time before turnip sowing, results are generally improved. IMPROVEMENT OF GRASSLAND MINISTRY'S CAMPAIGN INDUCEMENTS FOR THE FARMER ~ DEVELOPMENT IN ENGLAND The Minister of Agriculture opened a grassland improvement campaign at the beginning of October by making a broadcast appeal for the co-operation of farmers. The Secretary of State for Scotland similarly addressed Scottish farmers a few days later. It is evident that in deciding to give pasture Improvement, a substantial place in the new agricultural policy the Government have in mind the question of preparing for emergency. It may be that war. is a long way oil, but nevertheless the times are so uncertain that it would be foolish not co take precautions, and the building up of land fertility is; probably the best means of paving the way to a sudden increase of home food production. It was a comman experience in the last war to have crop failures in the first year after breaking up pasture, frequently because of the sourness of the soil. Much of that kind of loss would be avoided by proper and widespread attention to liming to-day. While conceding, however, that the Government's policy has defence as a background the question of grassland improvement must, from the farmer'3 standpoint, be decided solely on merits. Is it or is it not in his interest to spend money on improving, the condition of his pastures? As an inducement assistance in the purchase of lime arid basic slag is, of course, important, and on the majority of farms this encouragement should make grassland improvement definitely a paying proposition. SUBSIDY PROPOSALS That farmers are not slow to recognise this is evident from the lively interest which is being taken on every hand in the subsidy proposals. Supplies not only of basic slag but of lime are already running short: orders have arely been so heavy, and even without a grassland improvement campaign imine will go on this autumn and .vinter at a pace which has not been eached since before the war. This increa.se in activity is being reflected in the various ' laboratories where farmers can have their soil samples tested for lime requirement, These laboratories are working at full pressure, and' in many cases there is serious delay in reporting on samples. The Ministry would be well advised to ee that this difficulty is met without lelay, for it is obviously a wise policy o provide farmers with the fullest information on the lime requirements of heir fields, so that lime and slag supplies may be used to the best possible idvantage. In one direction there is need for caution. On all too many pastures drainage should be the essential preliminary to further methods of improvement. Perhaps the Minister himself might have laid more emphasis on this point in his appeal. The suggestion seems to have got abroad that flagging, even on badly-drained land, will produce results. This may be ;o in certain specific cases, but it is "ertainly not a policy to'be advocated widely. Unfortunately no proposal for government assistance towards field drainage seems likely to be forthcoming; on the other hand, the cost of "tearing ditches is to be met to a somewhat larger extent under the Agriculture Act and this in itself if vigorously pursued should do a great deal. On many fields it is possible without much expense to get the water away if the large ditches are cleared. This is a matter to which county drainage authorities should give serious attention. COUNTY COUNCILS' HELP Turning to the grassland improvement campaign itself, it seems clear 'hat no spectacular Government push ' is contemplated, but rather fhat an endeavour is to be made to extend and accelerate work which has been done quietly for some time by county agricultural education authorities and the agricultural colleges. This may be the right method oi approach, but, like all schemes which depend on county council action for 'heir success, it will mean that certain areas will be more forward than others •n providing farmers with the advice ind guidance needed to make the land "ertihty scheme of the greatest value Et may be hoped that as time goes on this criticism will prove to be unjustified. The County Councils' Association was approached by the Ministry some time ago, and has urged councils to do all in their power to further the campaign. As 60 per cent, of the cost of the advisory work including such things as grassland demonstrations and competitions, will in any case be met by the Government.

the association's appeal will certainly I meet with a ready response by the majority of local authorities. In certain counties special committees have been set up for the purpose of watching the campaign for grassland improvement; in many, appreciable -urns of money have already been voted for the extension of grassland advisory activities. USE OF PROPAGANDA Mr Morrison's evident desire that the campaign should be conducted on the basis of practical experience rather than of teaching will meet with general sympathy from farmers. Grassland experts have done, and are doing, excellent work, but the farmer is much more likely to. be influenced by the experience of the man who has already improved his grassland and found it paid him to do so than by lectures from scientists who may possibly be regarded as out of touch with practice. This is no reflection on the scientist, but merely a commentary on the wise psychology of the British farmer. As the Minister stated, farmers are less likely than probably any other group to be moved simply by oropaganda. however well organised. They have to be convinced that a certain nolicy is the right one. and that it will pay them to follow it. Many of them, he said, are convinced already, and he relies on their example to bring ; over the doubters and unbelievers. It | is understood that this will be the main line of approach to farmers in . the grassland talks to be arranged bv the 8.8. C. during the winter. Next to the practical experience of working farmers the grassland demon- . stration plot is the most convincing way of "nutting across" the gospel of i pasture improvement. In the threeyear campaign conducted by the Ministry some 15 years ago the demonstra- ; tion plot was the main feature, and propaganda centres were set up throughout the country. The scheme was a marked success. Not only were the obvious examples of improvement . brought to the notice of a great number of farmers, but the cases of, '■ " failure" led to experimental work, , the results of which are now available for our guidance.

TOPICS OF INTEREST OFFICIAL NOTES

Mother: So you got those beautiful moccasins for daddy? They are splendid, but, dear, I think he would have preferred carpet slippers. Bobbie: I know, but then you've never been spanked by carpet slippers. ;;: * * An enthusiastic committee is making arrangements to hold a pasture competition in the Taieri district this season, and those interested are asked to send in their entries to the local secretary, Mr D. Grant, Wylie's Crossing, as soon as possible, and not later than November 1. The spring judging will take place on Monday, November 8, and it is hoped that there will be a large attendance to hear the judge's comments. The officers of the Department of Agriculture have kindly consented to be responsible for the judging, and an interesting and instructive day is assured. * # * As previously advised, the Farmers' Union session from 4YA on Monday next at 7.30 p.m. will be devoted to a talk by Mr C. V. Dayus, superintendent livestock division, Department of Agriculture, Dunedm. The subject will be the embargo on the importation of livestock from Great Britain in its relation to foot and mouth disease, and in view of the very widespread interest to stock breeders it is hoped that as many as possible will listen-in to Mr Dayus. In view, also, of the discussion which the Otago Provincial Council has had at recent meetings, members are particularly asked to take a note of this announcement.

* * * The report just to hand from London that the Goodwood Dairy Factory has secured first place in the Empire Dairy Competition at Islington was received with very real satisfaction, as this is the first occasion on which an Otago cheese factory has secured this honour. The factory manager and directors are to be heartily congratulated on the outstanding performance, as also are the other factories which were placed —namely, Lochiel second, Brydone third, and Thornbury reserve. In addition to these factories, Pahia, Wright's Bush; Aparima, and Pukerau were highly commended, and Tltiroa and Fairfax were commended. * * * At the October meeting of the South Canterbury Executive, N.Z.F.U., Mr J C. Hay reported in detail on the conference held in Aehburton with the Standards Institute and representatives from the Wheat Board, Transport Workers' Union, agricultural and pastoral associations, millers, and the Farmers' Union in connection with the size of cornsacks. Mr Hay stated that the delegates were in an awkward position as they went up with instructions to support a 46in sack. The producers' representatives had made it quite clear that the extra increase in cost involved in recommending the smaller sack should not be met by the producer. This point was appreciated by the parties, and a definite undertaking was given that no extra cost would be forced on the producers. The suggested sacks were the Chapman sack for produce exceeding 401 b per bushel, and a 48in sack for produce under 401 b per bushel. * The officers of the Standards Institute had said that the Chapman sack would hold 1501 b potatoes and three bushels of wheat. At the Waimate branch, where the matter had been referred to the potato growers, it was proved that a used Chapman sack would only hold 1711 b net, f.a.q. solid straw Tuscan wheat, and would only hold 1541 b net Dreadnought wheal, not f.a.q. For potatoes, a once-used sack well shaken would hold 1471 b potatoes and 1351 bin new sacks. The potato growers of the district had recommended a 42in sack. Mr Hay stated that he was doubtful how they could prevent the increasing of costs falling on the producers.

On the motion of Mr A. Ward seconded by Mr P. Talbot, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr Mulholland setting out the views of the executive on the Chapman sack and giving thej evidence of the quantities which the sack would contain He was also instructed to point out that the executive considered that the question of the passing on of the costs to the consumers would be very difficult to ensure. In the opinion of the meeting no sacks should be considered that did not hold at least three bushels f.a.q. wheat. Mr G. A. Davey said that the Temuka branch was definitely in favour of the 46in sack. After further discussion a vote of thanks to Mr Hay for his report was passed.

The Waikato Pig Council has decided on c very important experiment This is the testing out, under identical conditions, of pigs, to be taken from weaner to baconer weights, of the four leading breeds and their crosses, with whey as the bulk food. This experi men't—to be very carefully planned and directed—should prove of groat value to all suppliers to cheese factories, to whom the final report, which should be a very valuable document, should prove of great interest, The test is to be made on the J arm of the council's organiser. Mr C. P Harrington, who has what is generally regarded as one of the best modern open-air pig lay-outs in the country Several of the small paddocks are being specially subdivided at the present time for the purpose, while all the paddorks have been limed and top-dressed. All the breed? and crosses will bt kept qemrate There will be twr Large Whites, two Berkshires twi Tamwnrths and two Larce Black:- anc .ip man''.' f r st crosses as oossible ft is verv satisfactory to know tha l the greatest care is to be taken in the selection of the oedi"-'. Pigs so that all of them will be 'ff 'v representative wh'te '.r><»riqi <-;" will be taken to see lhat ihp first crosses are iust what the v nr, P to be. Endeavour will be made to get all the pigs a' about Ihe same weight, The? pairs of Large Whites and Berkshire? arranged for arc from two of the best

strains in the country. The Tamworths and Large Blacks have yet to be secured. A sub-committee of the council. comprising Dr Annelt. Messrs H. E Porritt and G. L. Taylor, has been appointed to assist Mr Harrington in the supervision of the experiment.

Association:— -r~ ■■ ■ Centre. "'■ Opening time. 1931. Auckland 9 a.m. November 11 Napier Wellington Christchurch 9 a.m. December 3 9 a.m. Decembei 1) 9 a.m. December 13 Timaru 8 a.m. Decembei 11 Dunedin 9 a.m. Decembei 21 1938 Wellington 9 a.m. January 10 Napier 9 a.m. January 1& WanganuJ 9 a.m. January 20 Auckland 8 a.m. Januarv 24 Christchurch 9 a.m. January 31 Invercargill 9 a.m. February 1 Dunedin 9 a.m. February 9 Wellington 9 a.m February IB Napier 9 a.m. February 21 Wanganul 2.3Q or 4 p.m. February 215 Christchurch 9 a.m. March 3 Timaru 9 a.m March 7 Invercargill 2 p.m. f . March 11 Dunedin 9 .am March IS Wellington 9 a.m. .March 22 Auckland. . 9 a.m. , March 26 Wahgaijuf ',. ..:9.a;m.. -;.: March :30 Napief■"" ■'.-- fi:a.m.. :* „. .April' 4 Christch,ul , ch > ' > 9>a.m. ■ ■ r April?-* Dunedin;.,.", ,3 p.m. April 12 fihd/of --• 9" a.m. April 13 Wellington 9 a.m. April 22