REDUCING FARMING COSTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19339, 1 June 1937, Page 6

REDUCING FARMING COSTS

UP-TO-DATE METHODS .Modern cultivation has been made available to Gisborne farmers by the importation into the district ot a large Howard rotary hoe, which works to a width of (iff din and can till 10 a. depth of bin. In other parts of New Zealand, especially Hawke’s Hay, these hoes are very popular with farmers, who have proved them to be efficient, economical tools. The machine is admirably adapted for breaking up maize, turnip, and rape ground, and with a couple of strokes leaves a seed-bed suitable for grass, or a catch crop. Used on the t arrow, immediately following ploughing, the hoe does thoroughly the work of discing and harrowing, leaving a good seed bed, level and well laid. la operation, the machine has a number of hoes rapidly revolving on :i drum. Those stir up the earth to the required depth and break it tip into small particles. No heavy clods nr lumps are left, the whole surface being finely finished. I'n order to obtain the same result with discs and harrows it- would be necessary to make many strokes at very great labour cost. Hollows and uneven surfaces are levelled out by the hoe, as it progresses, and after the job is finished the paddock has the appearance of being thoroughly tine harrowed. Yesterday afternoon a demonstration was given before a Herald representative. A piece of heavy Poverty Hay Hat land in a neglected orchard was chosen. The land was rank with weeds. The hoe made a splendid job. The first stroke chopped up the weeds and broke up the surface; the second stroke going to a depth ot about -tin., buried most of the weeds and left a very good surface. The test proved conclusively that on utilize land or in rape paddocks an efficient, quick, and economical method of cultivation is now available for fanners. The hoe is available for engagement on contract or piece-work, amt can be effectively used in areas ranging from half an acre upwards. Farmers who have lields awaiting cultivation should communicate with Mr. U, liaison, ’phone 1 1257 Iv, who will be pleased to demonstrate the work the line can do.*