RAPID PROGRESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23354, 20 November 1937, Page 18

RAPID PROGRESS

AUSTRALIAN DAIRYING IMPROVED FARMING METHODS (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, Nov. 19. Strong competition from Australia in the future was forecast by Mr T. A. Winks, of Hawera, a prominent South Taranaki' farmer, when commenting upon the rapid progress which dairying was making in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Mr Winks returned from a holiday visit to the Commonwealth by the Awatea. “ In the past I have always regarded the threat of Australian competition in the dairying industry as somewhat of a bogey, but it is definitely a reality now,’” Mr Winks said. “Australian production is growing, not only in quantity but also in quality. Dairymen are giving up their old Rafferty style of farming and are going in for improved methods and scientific stock breeding." The position, Mr Winks said, was somewhat similar to that which existed in Taranaki about 25 years ago. when the average butter-fat production per cow was about 1801 b annually. Progressive farmers had carried out extensive fertilising, had subdivided properties, and had put farming on a scientific basis, with the result that butter-fat production had greatly increased. The Australian farmer was awakening to the necessity for modern methods. It had always been known that excellent grasses could be grown in the eastern States, but in the past farmers had made no attempt to save it. They were now keeping hay and lucerne and making every provision for the dry periods to which the country was subject. The farmers were taking a keener interest in breeding. At present the bulk of the cattle were Shorthorns, but it was probable that there would be a change in the future to more suitable dairying breeds. Commenting upon the present season in Australia. Mr Winks said that production was showing a large increase over last year, and it was considered that the butter export from the coun-

try would be at least 50 per cent, greater than that in the previous season. The greatly increased supply would probably have the effect of depressing prices on the London market.