LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

Southland Times, Issue 22499, 8 December 1934, Page 14

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

(Conducted by

W. S. Allan,

B. Agr. Sc.)

Items of interest with o view to publication in these columns yill he accepted, and any inquiries accompanied by the name and address of the inquirer, not necessarily for publication, will be answered through these columns. PASTURE PROBLEMS A SURVEY OF PRESENT KNOWLEDGE. (By G. H. Holford B. Sc. Agric.) Series I. Some months ago Mr G. H. Holford, was invited to contribute a series of articles to the “New Zealand Farmer” on Pasture Problems. By reason of his long association with the work of pasture improvement and the close study which he has made of the subject, both here and in Australia, Mr Holford is well equipped for a discussion of the latest development. These articles will be ' republished here in serial form, by special permission of the author and the New Zealand Farmer. In responding to the invitation to prepare statements on the present status of knowledge concerning grassland problems in New Zealand, I do so with a good deal of diffidence. Firstly, because there are many far more competent, because of long association and intensive study of the problems, to make this survey, and, secondly, the matter is one of great complexity. However, I will do my best, more especially as at no time in the history of the Dominion was it more important that the fullest returns at the lowest possible cost should be secured from grass, New Zealand’s most important “crop.” Grass As a Crop. Professor J. Scott Watson, who recently toured Britain and gave a series of lectures for the British Broadcasting Corporation, at the conclusion of his lectures said that his tour had shown him that people were only now beginning to understand the growth of grass, the oldest of all “crops.” Sir Daniel Hall, chief scientific adviser to the British Ministry of Agriculture, said recently that “Farmers must learn to farm grass and not treat it as an act of God.”

It is a surprising thought, when one dwells on it, that the study of grassland problems has been for so long neglected, in fact, modern pasture research began only fifteen years ago. Possibly no man is better known in connection with grassland research than Professor R. G. Stapledon, the noted director of the Welsh plant breeding station at Aberystwyth, which station also collects and publishes data regarding grassland work throughout the world. In passing, it may be mentioned that some years ago Professor Stapledon paid a visit to New Zealand, and is repeatedly referring to the great possibilities New Zealand offers for intensive grassland production. In a lecture given recently on points of view relative to the study of grassland, Professor Stapledon said that this was a “colossal and a glorious subject.” One notices in all his writings the feeling that even those who have been longest and most intensive in their investigations are just beginning to appreciate the complexity of the subject. For instance, in a recent bulletin, he says:— “Much is written to-day about the scientific management of grassland, and we think the evidence discussed in this paper should serve to show how very far we are from being in a position to lay down truly scientific rules for the maximum expedition of grasses and clover. An enormous amount of critical field experimentation, botanical, nitritional, and economical, needs to be conducted on contrasting swards made up of carefully chosen species and strains, before we can even claim to have collected the evidence upon which we can formulate our scientific rules.” Such a statement by so great an authority makes one feel very humble in taking up one’s pen to write on pasture problems. A word may be said as to why the study of grass has been for so long delayed, considering it is by far and away the most important crop in the Empire, and for that matter, in the world. One writer states that the abased position of grass is mainly psychological. Grassland farming has none of the glamour which belongs to arable farming. The pride in well-bred stock seldom extends to the grass on which they are bred. Since the Great War, the problem of grassland has received considerably more attention than formerly. The recognition that grass is a “crop,” just as any of those on the arable land, has given a fresh start to scientific work and thought on grass.

Figures show that the number of stock carried on the grasslands of the Empire approximate five hundred million head. It can be also easily shown that no part of the Empire is so dependent on grass as is New Zealand. There is, therefore, surely a clear case for the most intensive study of grassland pro - blems in this country. It is true that considerable progress has been made and that the best grassland farmers in New Zealand are probably as good as any in the world. Certainly, so far as some of our production per acre figures are concerned, • they cannot be surpassed. Progress in New Zealand. I believe that Mr A. H. Cockayne, director of the New Zealand Plant Breeding Station, was one of the first in the Empire to develop a sound philosophy in regard to grass. Twenty years ago he was writting on this subject, and what has since been done in New Zealand is largely as a result of his inspiration, carried out with an excellent team in Mr E. B. Levy, Agrostologist, Mr J. W. Hadfield, Agronomist, Mr A. W. Hudson, Crop Experimentalist, and a number of others in the Department of Agriculture. In an address he gave recently, Mr Cockayne said:— “In certain aspects in grassland farming, New Zealand is by no means the most backward of countries. She leads all others in the production of grass ensilage and its recognition as a pruning factor leading to stability of milkproducing pasture. She leads all others in the topdressing of grassland with superphosphate. She leads all others in the use of sodium chlorate in grassland weed destruction. She leads all others in her desire to establish permanently young milk-producing pastures, and, by no means least, she leads all others in the acreage of Government certified pedigree grass-seed. She stands almost last on the list in regard to the amount of hay saved and the amount of supplementary crops grown pier 100 acres of sown grass-land, and she stands quite near the bottom in the amount of the people’s money that she spends on grassland research.” The sting lies in the last sentence, and it is hoped to show in this series of articles the great urgency there is for a far greater expenditure of money, even despite present economic conditions, on the study of grassland problems. There is no greater student of grassland farming than our Governor-Gene-ral. Lord Bledisloe. He has said that:— “Just as the eighteenth century is associated with a progressive revolution in arable husbandry, and in the nineteenth century a similar lean forward husbandry) .so-the twenti=

eth century is calculated to rank in history as effecting a like revolution in grassland husbandry." Mr Cocayne has indicated some of the lines along which New Zealand has progressed. The formation, three years ago, of the New Zealand Grassland Association, with Mr Cockayne as president, was a progressive step which, it is hoped, will focus attention on the study of Dominion grassland matters, acting, as it does, as a valuable agency in bringing together those studying the problems. Farmers Can Help. It is felt, however, that the combination of research workers is so small that their efforts should be reinforced by the experiences of practical farmers. In this connection I would like to draw attention to the important statement made a little time ago by Mr R. P. Connell, in the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, where his essay, “Some Aspects of Grassland Farming Advancement in New Zealand,” can be read by all with much profit. After referring to the fact that New Zealand has advanced considerably in her grassland knowledge, he stresses the matters which he considers lead naturally to another fact of considerable importance, that is, that the bulk of the knowledge on which our present relatively efficient practice is based has come, not from the laboratory or farm trial plots, but from the field work of . the practical farmer. This he illustrates by a number of examples. Here also may be quoted the concluding statement of Mr Cockayne, in his presidential address to the Grassland Association, in 1933, which indicates that very much more has to be ■ done regarding the art, as well as the ■ science, of grassland farming. “One has rather the feeling that grass- ' land research tends to become in its progress too often directed more and ’ more towards the science concerned than to the art into which it must be incorporated, if rapid practical translation is to be secured.” We have only to consider that grassland problems vary in every district of : New Zealand; they will vary on every . farm, in fact, on every paddock; every • field is really an experimental area.

The observations on the practical experience of farmers can be invaluable in adding to the knowledge gained, and leading to answers to some of New Zealand’s grassland problems. The work along this line is felt by the present writer to be one of the principal directions in which effort should be concentrated. It is hoped, therefore, that all those who can will contribute their little bit, and will set down their experiences, so that these can be studied by those whose work it is to do so. My only excuse for attempting the task set me is that I have been interested, largely through the inspiration given me by Mr Cockayne, in grassland matters in New Zealand for the past two decades; I have endeavoured to keep in touch with grassland research work, and to gather, so far as has been possible, the experiences of practical ‘farmers. As far as lam able, I will endeavour to interpet some of the problems relating to seed mixtures, strains in grasses and clovers, times and methods of sowing seed, and the manuring and utilization of pastures. As the Prince of Wales recently .said: “The problem is much easier when it is broken up into individual pieces.” However, as stated earlier, the problem, either in pieces or as a whole, is a big and a complex one, and it will be many years before anything like a solution—if it ever can be found—can be stated with any degree of accuracy for any one branch of grassland knowledge.

I am convinced that so far as New Zealand is concerned the success of our agriculture—and that means the welfare of this country—depends upon the cheapening of production of live stock products, and that the cheapest food for stock is grass.

(To be continued-.}.

THE ROYAL SHOW GREAT AGRICULTURAL FEATURE, We are on the threshold of our greatest agricultural function of the year. Next week Invercargill will be crowded with visitors from other provinces and from the country who wish not only tc see all the stock of the year, but to renew their acquaintance with exhibits and exhibitors. Yeoman service is being done for the country by the association: every member of the committee works for the progressive improvement of the stock oi the Dominion—and they pull togethei well. There is none of the “get-off-the ’earth” type of officialdom one meet: with sometimes. The management i: good and the judging is as expeditiously carried out as is compatible wit! soundness. It begins early and proceeds promptly, and most of it is finished in good time to enable anyone t< study the animals in detail and in comfort. The committee may make mistakes sometimes, but the man who never makes a mistake never makes anything, and they must be credited with having rlone their share.

It now rests with the farmers and the public to show their appreciation of the efforts made by rolling up in phenomenal numbers. It is to be hoped that there will be favourable weather, excellent stock exhibits in all classes, satisfactory judging and a large attendance. These are now characteristic features of the annual summer show in Invercargill. NEW RAPE TEST CLUB-ROOT RESISTING. An interesting experiment being carried out in the Gore district is in tests of club-root resisting rape. These crops, which are widely used for the fattening of lambs, have of recent years been severely attacked by club-root and very poor crops have been secured. A new variety has been developed which is said to remain remarkably free from the attacks of club-root and farmers are co-operating freely with the Departmental officers in the testing of the new variety. A considerable amount of experimental work is being carried out throughout the province under the direction of the Departmental officers. Since the Gore experimental area was closed down, experimental work under the sole control of the Department has been restricted to the Winton experimental farm, but as this is conducted to a large extent on practical farming lines the amount and objects of experimental work are somewhat restricted. Farmers have co-operated freely in the laying down of experiments for a wide variety of purposes on their properties and a great deal of valuable information should be gained. A valuable feature of these experiments on the farms is that more particular information can be gathered concerning the special characteristics of various districts.

. FARMERS MEET NEW | CONDITIONS ADJUSTING EXPENDITURE TO INCOME. There is a fairly general impression that, even allowing for the effects of reduced prices for their products, the men on the land can attribute much of the trouble which has come upon them during the last three or four years to the mode of living which they previously adopted. That a great many of them “spent up to the hilt” cannot be denied. There . was prosperity on every hand. Money flowed in and it flowed out again. Among tire older established farmers j who had won the titles to their hold- ’ ings, and were on excellent terms with all their creditors, where they had any, ' there seemed no need to bother about the future. A motor car, for example, , was regarded as essential, and when new models appeared, they replaced the old ones as a matter of course.

A generous standard of living, however, was not always confined to those who occupied positions of comparative affluence. Others far less strongly entrenched financially were infected by the examples of those more fortunate, and, frequently, spent, not according to their actual requirements, but according to their tastes and their desires. Harsh, unsympathetic critics, who often overlook the fact that they did likewise, now declare that they lived in a fool’s paradise. Perhaps they did, but they were by no means alone, for the whole community shared freely in the prosperity which abounded. All who lived beyond their means, who translated into action the spirit of the text “Eat, drink and be merry, for to-morrow you may die,” and manifested little regard for the days to come, were culpable when viewed in the light of sound economic practices. On calm reflection, though it must be said, on their behalf, that they had many inducements to pursue the course which they followed. There was no difficulty in obtaining advances from the banks on security which was not always assessed on a conservative basis. The keen competition among the manufacturers of agricultural machinery and implements, and other farming accessories, resulted in the purchase, frequently, of equipment which was not actually needed at the time. The storekeepers permitted accounts to become larger and still larger, and, in numberless instances, these ranged anywhere from £5O to £lOOO. The Day Of Reckoning. Then the crash came, with its inevitable reckoning. With dramatic suddenness it put a stop to all unwarranted spending, and, for the time being, prevented, expenditure even upon absolute necessities. There was feverish haste then to set: houses in order. The task was formidable, and its performance has necessarily been accompanied by much hardship, and almost a revolutionary change in outlook. The process of readjustment is still in progress, and, apparently, it will proceed for a long time to come. Life among the primary producers has taken on a new angle. Hundreds of farmers, dairymen and fruitgrowers have lost everything they had. They have vacated their holdings, not only penniless, but owing more or less substantial sums to creditors, whom, probably, they never will be able to pay. Whether these families have themselves wholly, or only partly, to blame for the disasters which come upon them, one cannot but sympathize with them. Only those who have suffered the loss of a home which they have created, or have assisted to build up and improve over a period of years, can fully appreciate and understand the feelings of those who have experienced similar misfortunes. It is very easy to talk about the survival of the fittest, but the high sounding phrases usually employed in that connection lose a lot of their significance and then.' weight when the lives of men, women and children are at stake, especially when the _ troubles which have come into those lives have been, in large measure, due to circumstances beyond their control or direction. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspects of the situation which has come about as a consequence of the stupendous fall in the primary products—wool is the only commodity which has regained anything like its former position—is the earnestness and the thoroughness with which the men on the land, and those institutions intimately associated with their welfare, have engaged in the work of re-establishing their activities on the new basis. Readjustment of Ideas. There is taking place a complete readjustment of ideas and policies. The last thing the farmers, as a body, desire, is to be dependent upon the bounty of the taxpayers, although they are well aware of the fact, that without themselves nobody would be in a position to pay taxes. They have not suffered any eclipse of the spirit of independence which has always characterized them. In various ways they are seeking to secure their own rehabilitation. In the days before the war it was often boasted that the poultry, the cows and the pigs kept the farm homes going, and at times furnished sufficient to cover all the expenses of the annual holiday in the city. Those days appear to have returned, at any rate in part, and it can be said that the farms are more self-contained now than has been the case for more than 20 years. Another pleasing feature _of many farms is the tendency to cultivate vegetables and fruits of various kinds. Still more of this should be done, if for no other reason than the advantages which follow such a practice from the health point of view.

Thrift Displayed. While it is undeniable that thousands of farmers and other primary producers have seriously gone back financially since the advent of the depression, it is a remarkable fact that, in numerous country centres, not only has the number of depositors at the Savings Banks increased, but there also have been substantial advances in the total deposits. ,

This, surely, is convincing evidence of the spirit of thrift which is abroad. At first it is difficult to harmonize such facts and figures with the tales of financial hardship and even of privation. The probable explanation is that families which formerly spent any surplus cash that came into their hands, have more recently been placing portion, or, perhaps, the whole of such surplus in the Savings Banks _as an assurance against possible contingencies. Here and there public bodies, such as agricultural societies, have felt the pinch of the hard times, but, considering all the circumstances, the amount of support which they have generally continued to receive has been astonishing. Undertakings launched in aid of charitable organizations, including especially hospitals, have had extraordinary support, and, in every department, there has been revealed a determination to maintain the efficiency of community. •jnstitutiemek

This commendable policy has been accompanied by the exercise otiemarkable resourcefulness on the part ot the farmers in the adaptation and utilization of mechanical plant for cropping and harvesting operations. Implements and machines which, 10 years ago, or even less, would have been scrapped as worthless, have been readjusted and rejuvenated as far as possible, and they are being made to serve until improved circumstances will permit their replacement by up-to-date equipment. It is realized, of course, that there is more or less loss of efficiency associated with the employment of the old plant, but that is regarded as unavoidable. , Efforts are being made to keep buildings, fencing and other permanent improvements in a reasonable state of repair, but the task is proving extremely difficult, and altogether impossible in many cases, and it is apparent that, when once farming is established on a sound, economic footing again, an enormous expenditure in the aggregate will have to be incurred in the replacement of fencing and in other directions.

A RECORD CARROT CROP

BALANCED FERTILIZING.

What is officially considered to be a record carrot crop was awarded, the championship cup in the North Taranaki Field crop competitions recently. It was grown by Mr J. H. Paulger of Titorangi and was judged by Mr J. M. Smith, who has since been appointed Fields Superintendent in Southland and Otago. The crop, (Matchless White variety) weighed out at 74 tons 16 cwt. per acre. It grew on a free well worked soil, lying to the sun and the area was plougned from dairy pasture in the preceding September, disced twelve times, tine harrowed twice and chain harrowed prior to seeding. The seed, mixed witn fertilizer was drilled in rows eleven inches apart on the 2nd of November of last year. The somewhat narrow spacing of the rows was adopted by Mr Paulger, because, as he put it “in these days wiien tonnage per acre is so important, I believe a great deal can be said for this close spacing in order to get as many roots as possible per acre. always provided every root has plenty of room to grow to its maximum size, which of course must be assured by efficient thinning of the plants in tne rows.” The grower is an ardent believer in the value of potash to all crops and pasture, and he employed a mixture, consisting of two parts super, one part “Sun” 30 per cent potash salts and one part blood and bone. The mixture was applied at the rate of 6 cwt. per acre. This would give on an analysis basis approximately 2.5 per cent Nitrogen (Nj 12.5 per cent Phosphoric Acid (P 205 and 7 per cent actual Potash (K2O). It was tnus relatively much richer in potash than the usual compounds for root crops fisted in Southland, and the excellent quality of the carrots was attributable to the sugar and starch content encouraged and enhanced by potash. To put it in another way the fertilizer dressing really consisted per acre of 3 cwt. super, 11 cwt. 30 per cent potash and 1J cwt. blood and bone.

SHEARING METHODS

INFLUENCE ON PRICE.

Shearing operations are well advanced and in a number of cases have been completed. Much of the clip in Southland, however, has still to be taken off. Hence, there need be no excuse for the publication of the following pertinent observations by the Australian Government Sheep and Wool Expert. In the preparation of wool for the market (he points out) many farmers are inclined to neglect details which, undoubtedly, have an important bearing upon the ultimate prices realized for their wool. Some of these details may appear to be of minor significance, but it has to be remembered that they have a cumulative effect In carrying out the shearing there is a right and a wrong way of doing things, and it is just as easy to pursue the former as the latter course. It is desirable to complete the shearing in the quickest possible time, providing, of course, there is no sacrifice of efficiency. If the animals have been drafted prior into workable flocks or mobs, effective handling is thereby facilitated, and the work of classing the clip is If the work is to proceed smoothly once it has begun, some attention must be given to the shed, surroundings, and equipment, just before shearing commences. The shed must be cleaned and swept out thoroughly, while the shearing board and woolroom floors should be scrubbed and washed. The counting out pens must have all gates and fastenings in good order. . All gear and equipment should be in satisfactory working condition, and if sufficient spare parts such as combs, cutters, long and short cuts already cut and ferruled ready to slip in at a moment’s notice, etc., are on hand, considerable time will be saved when these parts are required, as they invariably ai'e. The power unit with overhead gear and hand-pieces should be overhauled. The woolpress and other woolroom appointments, viz., woolpacks, twine, bale fasteners, branding equipment, tallybooks, tar brooms, etc., should be in their correct places and ready for handling. If some forethought is given to these matters, shearing can be started with the confidence that waste time will be cut to a minimum. Immediately the shearer has removed the belly-wool it should be picked up and the stain removed from it. On no account should the boy on the board be allowed to sweep or kick this wool along the floor. Every effort should be made to keep dust and dirt out of the wool, as the presence of any foreign substance depreciates its value to a marked degree. As the shearer lets go the fleece it should be picked up by gathering the two hind legs, lifting them up, then drawing them back and doubling them round the rest of the fleece. The fleece should then be thrown on to the skirting and polling table, neck-end first with the britch-end still nearest the operator. In this way the fleece is spread evenly over the table. It is important that the table be the correct size, the minimum dimensions being 10ft 6in long, sft wide, while lift 6in by sft 6in is the most desirable size. Skirting and rolling cannot be done efficiently on an undersized table. In skirting, the short, fribby and strong portions are removed from the edge, thus making it as uniform and even as possible. Skirting should be commenced just behind the fore leg and continued toward the neck. When both sides of the neck-end have been completed, fold in the neck one-third the length of the fleece. Begin skirting again behind the fore leg and proceed down the sides and flanks and around the britch. The britch-end is now folded in one-third of the fleece length. The fleece is then folded in half lengthways, and again in the same direction; now roll it from the britch-end; in this way the best and most attractive portions are exposed. _ The process of skirting and rolling is important for two main reasons—(l) to make the fleece as uniform and even as possible: (2) to present it in an attractive fashion. All skirtings must be picked into first pieces, second pieces, and stain. Urine stain is a permanent one, which cannot be removed without damage to the fibres. . The classing of the wool clip is determined by the following:—(1) the type of wool? <2) themffinW >of -ehoap-shorn;

(3) seasonal and market conditions. In classing merino wool, length, colour, conditions, quality, and soundness are the chief factors to take into consideration, while with crossbred wool, quality, colour, and style must be considered.

Where the clip is small and is not classed on the property, it is advisable to have it re-classed in the wool store, and all bags,‘fadges, etc., bulk-classed. The last and one of the most important steps in the preparation of wool for the market is the baling and pressing of the fleeces and branding of the bales. Badly branded and pressed bales create an unfavourable impression in the minds of buyers, but this can be avoided with a little care. In baling wool the bale should always be put in the press with the sewn seam toward the fixed side. From 35 to 50 fleeces, according to their weight, are placed carefully in the press; these should make a 280-lb or 290-lb bale. Light weight bales must be avoided. Bales should be branded distinctly on the square side. The name of the property and the number of the bale only, should appear on the top of the bale. At the completion of shearing a specification list setting out the brand, description, and number of each bale should be forwarded to the woolbrokers acting for the sheep-owner.

RABBIT BOARDS

LACK OF CO-OPERATION.

Complete extermination of rabbits on farms is quite impossible without the close co-operation of all the farmers in New Zealand. The resent controversy over the establishment of a rabbit board in Southland tempts one to state that if voluntary co-operation is lacking, then some form of compulsory cooperation should be launched. Advocates of co-operation among the men on the land have frequently declared that, for such a system to be thoroughly successful, it must necessarily be of a voluntary character.. In other words, it must be conceived in a spirit of community as against personal service, and those associated with the movement must think and act collectively rather than individually. _ There are numerous convincing examples of such co-operative enterprise, the fruits of which have abundantly justified the measures pursued. It is a regrettable, though unchallengeable, fact that the successes recorded have been few compared with the failures. Man is inherently selfish, unfortunately, and to that fact must be chiefly attributed the disappointing results which, all too often, have marked the attempts to launch genuine co-operative activities on a purely voluntary basis. Not only is man selfish, but he also is suspicious. In the first place, when it is suggested to him that he should link up with this or that undertaking for the betterment of others as well as of himself, he generally considers that he can gain more by “paddling his own canoe." Further, when he does consent to make one of such an organization, it is not long before he begins to wonder whether others are not going to fare more satisfactorily than he is himself.

He may even form the conviction that, after all, those responsible for the initiation of the scheme are particularly concerned with the matter of gi in ding their own axes.”

Directly and indirectly he conveys his thoughts and impressions to others, and, not infrequently, the ultimate upshot is that dissensions occur, factions are formed, criticism becomes rife, enthusiasm wanes, and another failure in voluntary co-operation is registered.

HAY-MAKING

COCKING ADVOCATED.

When haymaking is practicable it is a mistake to postpone cutting hay crops until the heaviest possible crop is obtained. While a few extra hundredweights may be harvested from an acre, many hundredweights of feed are deteriorating seriously. Further, the later the haymaking the more are naturally sward-forming species likely to be affected detrimentally and the less is the likelihood of the quick production of a prolific aftermath. But because of weather conditions haymaking is at times not practicable when the hay crop is at the most suitable stage of growth for harvesting. This fact provides the basic and the sound cause of the popularity of ensilage in the main dairying districts. The advantages of mowing at the leafy stage of the bulk of the hay crop are so great that they well justify special measures to save hay in a good condition before it has become undesirably stemmy and mature. Cocking is one of these measures; over much of the Dominion it is seldom possible to save a

heavy crop of hay at the right stage of growth and in good condition without cocking. In this connection it is interesting that inquiries disclose that practically all the hay exhibited successfully at shows has resulted from cocking. To many, but not to all, it is unnecessary to point out that a nay-cock should not be a mere heap. A haycock should be well-hearted and raked and efficiently built so that it will shed much rain and be wet only on the outside. Cocking is particularly useful m the securing of lucerne and clover hay of good quality. If rainy and broken weather occurs immediately after mowing then, within reasonable limits, the mown material should not be handled until fine weather seems to have returned; handling of mown material increases the facility with which nutriment is washed out by rain. If there seems to be likelihood of bad weather, cocking should be hastened —the amount of leaching corresponds with the amount of rain which washes the material and the amount of rain which falls on the area occupied by the cocks is but a fraction of the amount which falls on the area occupied by the swathes.