DENMARK AND DAIRIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2862, 20 January 1909, Page 9

DENMARK AND DAIRIES.

Statistics with reference to the dairying ; industry of Denmai'k are illuminating. We are told that some 200,000 farmers in Denmark are engaged in milk production ; 2000 1 of whom have each 100 cows and over, a j large number from 12 to 100 ; while the j smaller holders have from four to 12 apiece. The total number of cows is well over one million, and last year the value of butter *exporte<} from Denmark was valued at £8,650,000. About 98 per cent, of this 1 total export is shipppd to Great Britain, j j and is for the most part consigned to the j I ports of Grimsby, Hull, Parkeston, New- 1 ' castle, and Leith. This enormous and everincreasing export of dairy produce is most remarkable, when we consider that the total area of the country is only 15,360 square miles. What i>. the secret of this conspicuous success? It is in education 1 and co-operation, along with peasant proj i^riftorship. One of the educational autho- | rities in Denmark in d ; seu=eing the pro- , ?ress of the Danes said that "the mainspring of their success was the policy of . 'moving together,' all for each and each j for all. Our advance is the movement of the people, the leaders being found in all ranks, from the largest proprietor to the smallest crofter." Ali ranks and' classes feel keenly interested in the success an<J commercial supremacy of their products. Further, the Danes have shown a ready adaptability to circumstances ; they do not cling to ancient customs and methods merely because they are ancient; but with commendable- zeal and unremitting industry they resolutely address themselves to changing conditions, and with alacrity adopt any I innovations which their teachers of science ! ■ or Government experts may advise as calj culated to ensure efficiency.