STRATFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM SOCIETY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 80, 13 March 1931, Page 4

STRATFORD DEMONSTRATION FARM SOCIETY

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Stratford Demonstration Farm Society was held on Tuesday, there being present: Messrs. J. M. Smith (chairman), E. Martell, C. A. Marchant, J. W. Boon, A. H. R. Amess, C. C. Henderson (farm manager). Apologies ■were received from Messrs. Tarrant and Were. Regarding the proposals for co : operation between the society and Stratford Technical High School, the chairman read a report indicating the assistance the pupils can render regarding a survey of the farm, weighing of ensilage, cropping trials, forestry and general. It was resolved that the chairman’s report be adopted, and that a field day be held for the pupils and staff of the Technical High School on a date suitable to the chairman and Mr. Amess. The chairman read a report as to the suggested top-dressing, which is as follows; “Proposed top-dressing trial. Field 14, 1931. 1, super; 2, basic slag; 3, slag (high grade); 4, slag (low grade Albert); 5, soluble slag; 6, African phosphate; 7, African super; 8, phosfull; 9, potassic phosfull; 9a, super and ammonia mixed on the job; 10, ammoniated super;, 11, super, blood and bone; 12, super, nitrate soda; 13, super and lime. Across all plots strip 30 per cent, potash and ammonia; 3 brands of fish manure.” It was resolved that the report as outlined be adopted. The manager reported that 16 weaner pigs had been sold during thi month. Wintering of Pigs In a general discussion on feeding pigs, it was suggested that different trials as to feeding be arranged, and this was deferred until next meeting. The manager’s report for the period ended March 10, 1931, was adopted as follows: —“Pastures: These have made quite good growth for the season of the year and there is still plenty of feed about. Crops: A start was made with the feeding of the soft turnips on February 22, and the herd is getting a big load daily. The mangolds and carrots have been intercultivated and are dfcing quite well. * Herd: 58 cows are going through the shed and the milk taken to-day was 1,4321 b, with a 4.8 test. All cows ■- appear to be in calf with the exception of one of the last year’s heifers. The big bull was sent to Patea on March 3. General: A field day was held on the 24th and was well attended. Twenty-two cow covers have been sent for repairs, while there are 24 on hand in good order. Pigs: 16 pigs were sold on February 28, 8 bringing 10s 6d and the remainder Bs.” .

In a discussion as to increasing stock on farm, the manager reported that there was more grass this year due to good season. At present there were 58 milking cows, 15 in-calf heifers, four in-calf cows, which would be available for the herd next year. It was suggested that 100 sheep be purchased. It was resolved that .■ Messrs. Marfell, Marchant, Were and Tarant he a stock committee to go into this matter, with power to act. The stock committee met later at the farm and decided to plirSESse 100 sound-mouthed ewes and two Southdown rams. The secretary reported that the butter-fat for the season ended February, 1930-1931, was 1,4001b5. showing > an Increase of 1,467!b on the previous year. ’ Accounts amounting to £6 13s vd were passed for payment.