HERD TESTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3831, 16 August 1927, Page 21

HERD TESTING.

THE GOVERNMENT’S SUBSIDY. . WELLINGTON, August 8. The direction in which the Government subsidy of £BOOO towards the cost of herd testing in New Zealand will be expended was outlined by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr O. J. Hawken) to-day in elaborating his previous announcement of Cabinet’s decision in the matter. The Minister made it clear that the assistance given to any organisation would depend upon the service that body rendered to dairy farmers.

Ihc general economic position of New Zealand at present,” said the Minister, has to be viewed from the standpoint that the Dominion’s livelihood is mainly dependent upon the production of primary products. The export of dairy produce has increased during rec-ent years until it now attains the position of nremier importance. It is, however, not only important- that the total value should be increased, but it is equally important that the production should be economical. This emphasises the necessity of herd testing for yield. The Department of Agriculture initiated the association system of testing dairy cows for yield some 18 years ago, and many dairy farmers now appreciate the importance of this work. More dairy cows should be on test each year if our exports of dairy produce are to be produced at lowest cost.

“The department,” proceeded the Minister, “has not only continued to support the testing of herd cows, but it also undertakes, the testing of purebred dairy cows for certificate of record, and more recently has given an extended service to breeders for the tesing of other purbred cows in their herds. The testing of purebred dairy cattle has had a definite influence on tlie better breeding of dairy cows for the average dairy herd. It was with the object of encouraging more herd - testing, which will assist the dairy farmer in the more intelligent culling of unprofitable cows and stimulate an incentive towards improved breeding that the Government decided Io grant a subsidy up to £BOOO, so that the cost of this work to the dairyman would be decreased. This money will, it is believed, fie recouped to the country through increased production.

“ The assistance given to any organisation,” continued the Minister,* “ will depend on the services which that organsation renders to dairy farmers who test, but will not exceed one shilling per cow for group testing, or sixpence per cow for association - testing wherein the dairy farmer takes his own weights and samples. In the group method these are taken by an employee of the group, hence the costs are greater. A small board, as already announced, is being set up to go into the claims of the various associations for assistance, and this board will advise the Government as to how the grant should be allocated amongst these herd testing organisations which apply for a share in it. The board to be appointed will probably be constituted as under one nominee of the Dairy Produce Board, one nominee of the National Dairy Association, one nonrnce of the South Island Dairy Association, ono representative of the Department of Agriculture, and a chairman appointed by the Government. This should ensure a board representative of the Dominion,

“The foregoing,” concluded the Minister, “ constitutes the major considerations connected with tlie matter. There are also a few minor aspects to be taken into account and steps are being taken to advise the organisations concerned of the proposals at an early date.”