A Farmer's Notebook LATE ENSILAGE MAKING

Southland Times, Issue 23828, 27 May 1939, Page 18

A Farmer's Notebook LATE ENSILAGE MAKING

Unusual Practice In Southland GOOD CROPS OF RED CLOVER USED EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF SURPLUS GROWTH Weather conditions during the summer presented farmers with many difficulties, particularly in the saving of grass crops in the form of good hay. Nevertheless, by the exercise of a good deal of ingenuity most fanners succeeded in.harvesting their crops. The general outcome Has been that a much greater quantity of hay is available for winter feeding than usual, although the quality in a good many cases is perhaps below normal. Another feature in the provision of winter feed has been a big increase in ensilage making. By this means farmers avoided the risk of making poor quality hay in the wet weather, and ensured full feeding value of the grass crops by turning them into ensilage. It is in seasons when broken weather is prevalent that preservation of crops by turning them into ensilage stands out prominently as profitable practice. At the present time a good many farmers are in the process of making up their minds when they will begin feeding stock with supplementary foods such as ensilage. In contrast to this it is interesting to observe that on two well-known farms in the province the owners are actively engaged in ensilage making. It is, of course, rather unusual to be carrying out work of this nature in the month of May. However, the work that is at present being done upon the farms of Messrs Clark Brothers, Ryal Bush and W. R. Ayson, Otautau, goes to show that reserve supplies of fodder in the form of ensilage can be secured at any period of the year provided the necessary material is available. On the two farms mentioned ensilage is being made from a second growth crop of red clover, which followed the cutting of hay crops earlier in the season. Messrs Clark Brothers have a big field of clover about two feet in length which will provide a very big tonnage of ensilage. . Mr Ayson has a somewhat smaller area, and is fortunate in having a really good proportion of grass in the crop which will tend to balance up feeding values. Of the several types of red clover, certified Montgomeryshire Broad Red is the most persistent. The number of farmers who have sown this type have increased greatly in recent years. While Messrs Clark Brothers and Mr Ayson have not used the certified, seed their experiences have shown that the inclusion of a good seeding of red clover in pasture mixtures can provide a most valuable catch crop.

STOCK FEEDING IN WINTER

At this period of the year it is usual for thoughtful farmers to give consideration to a method or system of utilizing supplies of winter fodder, to the utmost advantage. Farmers who meet with the. greatest success are those who, by observation and study, have arrived at a good working knowledge of the varying nutritional food values in the available stock foods. It is fairly well known that sheep and cattle can be wintered more economically and effectively, when the daily ration comprises dry feed in the form of good hay or oaten sheaf chaff, in addition to a supply of roots in the form of swedes and turnips. Failing the necessary quantities of roots, these can be replaced by green crops such as chou moellier or kale. Also, another good standby is a reserve in the form of good ensilage. Well-balanced feeding can be assured when a combination of dry and green foods are supported by a ration of good mineral lick. Where green feed is either scarce or absent it is wise to supplement the chaff or hay ration with meat meal, or perhaps linseed meal. It has been found that where a regular ration' of green feed has been maintained during the winter months, the health of stock, particularly breeding ewes, has been maintained at a high standard, with comparative freedom from diseases.

One of the cheapest and most efficient forms of green feed for the purpose is the production of autumn-grown grass that does not suffer very much from the effects of frost during the winter months. During recent years on a number of farms in Southland it has been proved that this can be done. Pasture growth during the autumn has been particularly good in the Western and coastal districts with the result that stock are entering the winter in really good heart and condition. However, because of this some farmers may be tempted to delay supplementary feeding until the stock become somewhat pinched for feed. This practice has proved to be a ‘‘penny wise and pound foolish” policy. One of the secrets of success in economical and efficient feeding of stock is to make a start before they fall off in condition. It is very easy to make a mistake as stock begin to. go back as soon as they are forced to draw upon their internal reserves of fat. In fat stock this process may actually be in progress for several weeks before external indications are noticeable.

PROVINCE IMPRESSES YOUNG FARMERS

The winter programme of Young Farmers Clubs is now well under way. A pleasing feature has been the renewed interest in the Dipton district where the club held a field day on Messrs D. Mcßae and Sons farm at Benmore. The main feature was instruction in making concrete fencing posts and drain pipes. Also, most of the club members joined with the Lochiel Club in welcoming the recent party of young farmers from Nelson and Marlborough at the experimental farm at Winton. The Woodlands Club recently held a very successful sheep dog trial which was confined to its members only. It is now proposing to hold a further trial open to all club members in the Western

Districts, and it is possible that a championship event will be staged. The debating competition for the cup presented by the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union will begin in the near future. A feature this week has been the establishment of a strong club at Drummond. This makes a total of six clubs in Western Southland, and thus avoids a bye in the debating competition. The leader of the visiting party from Nelson and Marlborough, Mr D. Merry, has recently written a letter expressing appreciation of the hospitality extended. in Southland. The extensive area of flat land carrying first-class pasture created a most favourable impression and a great deal of surprise as very few in the party had previously visited this province.