HERD TESTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3782, 7 September 1926, Page 21

HERD TESTING.

f WAIKOUAITI-WAIHEMO ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the WaikouaitiWaihemo Association was held at Waikouaiti 6n Saturday. Mr C. T. M‘Callum presided- There was a representative gathering of farmers from all parts of the district. The annual report stated, inter alia, that the committee had, with regret, to state that the failure of a number of farmers to honour the promises of support made at the commencement of the season had placed it in a position of anxiety regarding the financial position. Several friends had, however, already sent donations, and the committee felt sure that when the position was known very substantial assistance would be forthcoming. On the other hand, the committee was exceedingly proud of the butter-fat figures presented, for out of a much smaller number of cows, seven had passed the figures of 5171 b of butter-fat given by last year’s best cow, and there were five more certificates of merit than were given at last annual meeting, best of all, the average cow had given 234.031 b of butter-ft in 227 days, as against 203.991 b in 210 days the season previous—an increase of 301 bof butter-fat per cow. While a considerable proportion of this increase must be credited to the wonderfully good season, the improvement in the herds of members was so evident as to leave no room for question that this was the chief source of the larger figures. Quite a number of skim-milk samples were tested for members, the results varying from very good to very bad. In the worst case the value of butter-fat in the skim-milk was the large sum of 3s per day. The first annual report stated that 43 cows gave between 3001 b and 4001 b of butter-fat, and that seve*i gave over 4001 b. This year the figures were 78 between 3001 b and 4001 b, and 25 over 4001 bof butter-fat—a very distinct improvement. Mr David Ireland, Pleasant Valley, again won the Otago Co-op. Dairy Co.’s Cup for the best herd of 16 cows and upwards, with an average of 21 cows of 382.241 b of butter-fat in 277 days; and Mr David Wright retained the National Mortgage Cup for the smaller herds, with an average of 450.921 bof butter-fat in 321 days for 11 cows. The following figures relate to the year’s testing operations:—Cows tested, 498; average, 234.0311) butter-fat in 227 days; best herd, 450.921 b in 321 days; low'est herd, 140.961 b in 150 days; best cow, 819.851 b in 286 days; lowest cow, 74.3211) in 120 days. The balance sheet showed a debit balance for the year of £6O 12s Id. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, referred to the lack of support which had been accorded by many who had made definite promises. He hoped that these farmers an dmany others would this year realise how greatly it was to their advantage to adopt the principles of testing. The association was for them, and they should support their own institutions. In view of the need for greater production, the dairyman should take advantage of every chance he had to increase his production. This was one of them. The elimination of cull cows and scrub bulls provided a sure method of obtaining better returns at a lower cost. Testing was now a recognised thing in most districts, and unless local farmers fell into line with the progressive northern dairymen in this respect, they were doomed to poor returns. The man on the land was too often obsessed with the idea that there were no more worlds to conquer, that he had reached the acme of perfection in his methods. That stage could never be reached by the farmer. Something could always be improved, and In herd-testing they had an avenue for great improvement in hundreds of herds throughout the district. The continuation of the association’s work depended largely on the support forthcoming in the ensuing season, and he hoped that instead of a meagre 498 cows they would have twice that number.

He had to thank the Merton, Wnikouaiti, Goodwood, and Omimi Dairy Companies for the use of their testing rooms. These facilities, so willingly provided, had helped the association to carry on. Letters from various settlers, urging a continuation had been received, but it depended on the district’s support whether the association would carry on. They must have the cows to test. The association owed a great deal to the energy of the secretary (Mr C. W. Timmins), who had worked hard to foster interest. He had also to thank the Waitaki, the Otago, and the Taieri and Peninsula Dairy Companies for the assistance rendered during the year.

Mr J. Macaulay (Flag Swamp) seconded the motion, and said that the balance sheet disclosed a bad state of affairs, due solely to the fact that barely 500 cows had been tested instead of double that number which had been'promised. It was difficult to understand the indifference of some farmers. Shortage of labour provided an excuse for some, but in most cases it was a matter of “can’t be bothered/' In face of such lack of interest it was hard to do any good, and that indifference would continue until the farmer realised that his only hope of prosperity lay in himself, and in his own methods. He would get little help from others, and especially when he had chances to help himself. Messrs S. Bowman, Templeton, and M‘Lean, representing the Waitaki, the Taieri and Peninsula, and the Otago Companies respectively, addressed the meeting, and urged greater interest in the association, which had proved itself worth while. All three speakers stated that their companies were prepared this year to shoulder the debit balance, to give the association another chance. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr M‘Lean then presented Mr D. Ireland with the Otago Co-operative Dairy Company’s cup for the best herd of 16 cows and upwards. Mr Templeton, on behalf of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, handed Mr D. Wright that firm’s trophy for the smaller herds. Mr Bowman presented several dozen certificates of merit for cows which passed the 360 pounds mark, and for heifers that produced more than 240 pounds of fat The meeting closed with votes of thanks to the various dairy companies who had assisted the association with donations. Among these were the Goodwood and Waikouaiti Companies, each of which gave £5. Several individuals also made donations. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the three Dunedin companies, who divided about £SB between them. The members of the committee were thanked for their services during the year, and were rc-elected in a body. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS. The British Friesian Cattle Society lias written to all its official judges asking them to. request their stewards to see that a good and a safe distance is maintained between bulls when they are parading or standing in the judging ring. Considerable mortality among cattle in the Alfredton district is reported (says the Ekethuna Express) owing to the rough feed having been eaten out. A record lambing season is reported by farmers in the Grey TTallev district (reports the Grey Star). On one farm property at Ikamatua, the percentage of lambs averages 125. A good lambing percentage and abundance of feed are also ;eported from South Westland. Farmers in the Wanganui c'i trict are having a good deal of trouble at present with the complaint known as “milk fever/* This is an inflammation of thj udder, to which cows are disposed a'ter calvingtime, and unless it is taken in hand iw mediately almost invariably has fatal results. Two or three dairymen have lost valuable animals from this trouble in the last week or two

A Kaiti resident who keeps a few dairy cows found himself in a very unusual plight when he went to round them up (says the Poverty Bay Herald). In the paddock in which he had put them there was an iron tank, and, having a little surplus hay, be had put it into the tank. One of the cows, becoming curious, put its head into the tank, and after feeding contentedly on the hay for a few minutes found that it could not get its head out a Tain. The owner tried his best to get the head out of the tank, but the cow’s long horns prevented his doing so, and eventually he had to borrow a pair of dehorners, and snip off the animal’s horns.

The story of how a dairyman’s bet was lost is told by Mr A. J. Sinclair, wellknown in Waikato dairying circles. The writer says: “At a meeting at Waiau pa I explained as simply as I could various channels through which dairy produce was marketed, but I made the mistake of using indiscriminately the expressions, ‘f.o.b.’ and ‘e.i.f..’ without explaining differed. At question time a farmer asked for enlightenment and, upon receiving it, he replied in a crestfallen voice: ‘That explanation cost me 10 shillings.. I made a bet with my neighbour only this morning that ‘e.i.f.* meant ‘cash in a fortnight.’ ” With a view to assisting producers with their top-dressing operations, the Gisborne Harbour Board has decided to reduce the wharfage on fertilisers by 2s a ton, making the wharfage 3s a ton, compared with 5s a ton previously charged. From March 1 to August 26 (inclusive) this year 72,018 sacks of wheat were shipped to the North Island from Timaru.

One day last week a runholder in the vicinity of Cromwell saw one of his sheep on the main read killed by a passing motor car, which proceeded on its way. The sheep-owner at once set out in his own car in pursuit of the offender (reports the Argus). Having travelled some three miles he was making good headway, when unexpectedly his petrol gave out. It took some time to get a further supply, and when he had done so, the driver of the first car had sufficiently progressed to make good his escape. There is a proposal on foot to ask the proprietorsof the freezing works in South Canterbury to re-open the works for a time (reports the Timaru Herald), in order to get some of the surplus fat sheep in the district killed for export. It would appear that the engineer to the Levels County Council is something of an optimist (remarks the Timaru Herald). Ho told members of the County Council on Wednesdav that the indications point to a return* to grain growing on a large scale in South Canterbury. Speaking at the annual dinner of suppliers to the Now Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, in Hamilton, tho-manag-ing director (Mr W. Goodfellow) stated that the dairy company had invested £2500 in the New Zealand Broadcasting Company. Farmers would realise the wisdom of i his in view of tho great part which wireless was destined to play in the future in the life of country settlers. “Personally I think that land values in the Dominion have been falling gradually for a number of years, and in my opinion they will'continue to go steadily down and down for the next 10 years, ’ said Mr Justice Osier in the Napier Supreme Court

during the hearing of a case in which a fall in valued in landed property was alleged. THE NORTH ISLAND. (Fbom Oub Own Cobbespondent.) From all parts of the North Island reports come to hand of the very favourable season being experienced, and farmers should undoubtedly experience a good year as far as production is concerned. The contrast to the opening of last spring season is very considerable indeed, and provided that there is no set-back a little later on in regard to weather or prices the 1926-27 season should be an exceedingly good one. Both dairying and sheep farming are at present getting good results, which must affect the returns of the year. Cows are not only coming in fast, but they are in fine condition, and this is being reflected in the increasing yields at the factories. Lambs are also increasing at a very satisfactory rate, and percentages recorded are most gratifying. It is. of course, too early yet to give definite figures, but already the newlydocked arrivals indicate that the crop of lambs will be well up to the average. Sheep generally have wintered well, though a fair number of hoggets have been lost. Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Poverty Bay, Wellington, Taranaki, and Auckland provincial reports are all encouraging. One Coromandel correspondent! states that the Coromandel Peninsula, owing to its configuration, is essentially sheep country. Rugged in character and poorly roaded, the difficulties of transport are gradually tending to a diminution in the area devoted to dairying and an increase in sheep farming. The year, 60 far, has been favourable to the sheep farmer. The winter was a comparatively mild one, and feed is plentiful over the greater part of the peninsula. One careful sheep owner between Coromandel and Cape Colville wintered 300 ewes on 12 acres of turnips for four months, with an occasional run-off on to pasture, and lie has been rewarded with a lambing percentage of 120. Several settlers in the Colville district are selling their dairy herds and intend running sheep. The hardships entailed in hauling or packing their cream to an outlet over bad roads are a severe trial and handicap, and it will be thus seen that sheep farming is likely to become more popular in districts where dairying hardships and difficulties are encountered. DAIRY CONTROL.

The provisions of the new Dairy Control Act are now in force, and with the exception of a small amount of butter and cheese, which was subject to existing contracts, all the exportable dairy produce of the Dominion will now be shipped and marketed under the auspices of the Control Board. Control will have no effect whatever on the routine life of dairy farmers. It is only after the butter and cheese . leave the factory on the first stage of the journey to the English markets thaff the sphere of the board’s operations is entered. The board makes all shipping contracts, but will utilise the organisation of the National Dairy Association for the allocating of space to the various factories and in the making out of the shipping documents. The National Dairy Assocatiion has already had one season’s experience as the board’s agent in this jesoect.

By the regulations of the new Act the * board will regulate the flow of Dominion produce on the English market in an endeavour to avoid a glut through the arrival on the market of several shipments at once. To this end part of the produce of the heavy production months will be held back, and released for shipment when the market is becoming short of New Zealand butter and cheese.

The vital point, as far as the individual farmer is concerned, is that bearing on finance. The official statement by the board that credits have now been established for the whole of the ensuing season has cleared the air somewhat, and the farmers arc assured that they will receive their advances on the 20tli of each month. WANGANUI EXPORTS.

The record export season is expected at Wanganui this season, and it would cause no surprise at all to see last year’s export figures doubled. During last season nine factories exported butter and 16 sent away cheese through the port. This year there will be 14 factories exporting butter through Wanganui, and 25 will send their cheese through the river port. WESTFIELD STOCK SALES.

There was an improvement on the price of beef at Westfield sales on Wednesday, and this is seen in the comparison of prices with tfie previous week’s figures. Prices realised on Wednesday are as follows, those for the previous week being shown in parentheses:— .

POTATO CROPS DAMAGED. There were heavy frosts in the Pukekolie district on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and as a result potato crops on the low lands were seriously damaged. This is a big loss to growers, who had been looking forward to reaching the market with their tubers when prices were high. The crops on the hill are undamaged, however. The plants are vigorous, and a big yield is expected. . AUCKLAND’S DAIRY OUTPUT. Returns furnished by the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company show that the quantity of butter received for grading during the four weeks ended August 25 totalled 24,820 boxes, compared with 24,994 for the corresponding period of last season, a decrease of 174 boxes. Cheese receipts totalled 638 crates, as against 769, a decrease of 131 crates. The butter returns for the season to August 25 totalled 41,752 boxes, compared with 42,843 for the similar period of last year, a decrease of 1091 boxes. Cheese received for grading during the period totalled 2180 crates, compared with 1963, an increase of 217 crates. Since the season opened on July 1, butter delivered totalled 112,132 boxcp, compared with 52,931 boxes last year, and cheese delivered totalled 9918 crates, compared with 1819. Butter in store

on August 25 totalled 31,826 boxes, as against 34,227 last year, and cheese 1410 crates, as against 1738. GLAXO INDUSTRY. At a meeting of suppliers to the Matangi Glaxo Factory during the week Mr W. Goodfellow gave some interesting information concerning the* value of the industry to the district. He said that during the past season 1,115,000!b of butter-fat had been received at the Matangi factory. The advance payment had been Is 6.136 d and the bonus was 2.4 d. This latter figure represented £11,470, which would be distributed immediately. The total amount paid out during the season was approximately £IOO,OOO. The administration expenses, including the check test officer, represented £352 19s od, or 0.71 d. There was a small amount held in reserve, but the total payout was la 8.587 d. FLOCK HOUSE STUDENTS.

The latest draft of 31 boys brought out to New Zealand from England under the scheme of the New Zealand Sheep Owners’ Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund are settling down to their quarters at Flock House, Bulls. This makes a total of 64 trainees at present at Flock House, and a total of 239 lads brought out to New Zealand under the scheme, which shows the growth of the undertaking since its inceptiou, and the important strides that’ are being taken by the contribution of this system in the good settlement of New Zealand. Already 175 boys who received their training at Flock House have been sent out to various stations throughout the country, and are taking their part in the farming development of this country. According to reports from the girls’ Flock House, at Awapuni, this institution is justifying itself. There were now 18 girls being trained, three having already been sent out to stations in Hawke’s Bay and Poverty Bay to join their brothers. “ Jt has now been practically arranged that the girls, when they are ready, shall go to the farms where their brothers are,” said Mr Lees. THE BREADSTUFFS AND PRO. DUCE MARKETS. Friday Evening. Provided that favourable weather conditions are maintained, the prospect is for a heavy yield of wheat in Victoria this season (says the Australasian). . Equally satisfactory to the growers is the market outlook, as indications point to highly profitable prices being obtained. Fortunately for farmers in this State, competition for their whert promises to be spirited, and the opportunity will again be given them to deal with their wheat either in the open market or through the mediim. of pools and the warehousing plan. In this connection rivalry between the two pools that operate in Victoria will be watched with interest. From the opening of last season farmers received good prices for their wheat, and throughout the market has remained in their favour. The view may be taken by some growers that they made a mistake in accepting opening prices, because subsequently the market advanced appreciably. No one can foresee what may happen in the future, and when satisfactory prices are available it -is not unwise to accept them. Developments in New Scuth Wales were totally unexpected, as ii was never regarded that millers there would allow themselves to be caught short of supplies, and by doing so they contributed very largely to the recent increase in the price of wheat in Australia. LOCAL MARKETS. Millers continue to pick up odd lines of suitable wheat, at pi ices ranging up to 8s per bushel, ex store, sacks extra. It is stated that an even higher price than this has been paid in Canterbury. A few lines of fowl wheat are reaching the market, and prices remain firm at round about 6s 6d per bushel, on trucks, country sidings. Some lines have been placed for the North Island, but local merchants are only inclined to operate from hand to mouth.

Millers'prices for flour are as follows: — 2001 b, £2O ss; 100’s, £2l ss: 50's, £2l 17s Cd; 25’s, £22 ss. Bran, £8 10s per ton. Pollard, £lO 10s. Oatmeal —25’s, £25; 200’s, £24. . Little business lias been recorded in grade oats, and prices remain at 4s 3d, f.0.b., s.i., for A’s, and 4s for B’s. A fair quantity of under-grade oat have been offering from the south. These are mostly finding their way to the North Island at about 6d per bushel under the price ruling for B grade, qnuotatiins ranging according to the quality of the under-grade lines. . . . ... There has also been a fair inquiry both locally and from South Canterbury for super quality Gartons for seed sowing. The shipping prices for potatoes have weakened still further. The latest reports from Canterbury advise that f.a.q. white tables have been quoted at round about £4 f.o.b. There is no shipping to the North Island from this quarter, as Canterbury merchants can sell cheaper. The local market is quiet, and good quality is worth up to £5 10s per ton. sacks incljided, ex store, Dunedin. Supplies of chaff coming to hand are just about sufficient for the local trade. Small lots have been shipped to the North Island on a basis of £7 15s f.0.b., sacks in. This is equivalent to about £5 15s per ton, ex truck. Dunedin. The spring sowing of seels is now general, and this has created a slightly better tone in the wholesale market. Current wholesale prices for produce lines are as follows: Chaff, £5 10s to £5 15s. Potatoes, £5 to £6. Dairy Butter.—Best milled bulk. Is 3d to la 4d per lb, according to quality; separator pats. Is 3d. . .. Eggs.-—Stamped, la sd; case, Is 4d. Baoon.—Roll, Is 3d per lb. Hams, Is 3d per lb; boneless, Is 4d Japanese onions, 24s per case of 1, cwt. FRUIT REPORT. Supplies of oranges, bananas, and tomatoes arrived from Wellington to-day, transhipped by the Progress and the Storm. High prices were realised for all the fruits. No further supplies erf Vananas are peoted for about a week. The Waihora, which is due to'hrtfow (Saturday) from Sydney is bringing large supplies of mandarins, lemons, pines, and passions. Theso fruits will be auctioned on Monday.

The apple market has firmed a consequent on smaller supplies. Pears from cool stores are almost finished. Hothouse grown cucumbers from tha North Island are in short supply. Vegetables have a slow inquiry. Prices again cased during the week. Some nice samples of lettuce from the Heathcote Valley are meeting with a good demand. Current wholesale prices are as follows:’ Apples.—Delicious, choice, 10s; extra choice, 12s Cd to 14s; others, 5s to 6s; Sturmers, 8s to 9s; Democrats, 7s Cd to 8s 6d; cookers, 4s 6d to Cs. Oranges.—Navals, 225; Island, 25s (re* packed); Sydney Valencias, 20s to 225; Auckland Poormans, 12s 6d; Sydney Sevilles, 16s 6d. Mandarins, 245. ( Lemons.—Australian, 20s to 22s 6d. 1 Bananas.—Ripe, 35s per case. ! Cucumbers, 12s to 14s per dozen. Tomatoes. —Rarotongan, to 8s 6(1 per box Pears. —Dessert, prime, 3d per lb. Rhubarb, Cd to 9d per lb. Cabbages.—Choice, 4s to 6s per sack of two dozen; others, 2s per sack. Cauliflowers, to 8s 6d per sack, containing a dozen (choice only); others, 5s to 7s. Celery, Is per bunch of six sticks; extra qlioice, 5d per stick. White turnips, Is per dozen bunches. Parsnips, 6s 6d per cwt. Carrots, 7s to 8s per cwt. Potatoes, 7s 6d per cwt. Swedes, 3s to 4s per cwt. MERCHANDISE MARKET. The Rimutaka, which i 3 due to arrive shortly, is bringing a number of merchandise lines, including Symington soups, lentils, Morton’s herrings in sauce, and Peck’s pasts. A parcel of Clarence cigarettes is also on the Rimutaka. The Waihora has brought transhipment* from Sydney, ex Eastern steamers, including numerous lines of tea. The next sugar boat is the Kurow, due about September 14. A parcel of Black Horse coarse salt will be landed ex the Opawa. Wilson’s bulk extracts (glipin, nutraline, and ambsr) have been advanced in price. A new line of cigarette tobacco has made its appearance on the market—longcut bright Virginia, in 2lb tins. The macaroni and vermecilli market continues firm.

Extra choice ox .. .. £2 0 0 (£1 17 0) Choice and prime ox .. , 1 19 0 (1 16 0) Secondary 1 14 0 (1 13 0) Prime young cow and heifer 1 16 0 (1 12 01 Ordinary cow beef .. . . 1 12 0 (1 8 0)