Better Stock

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 584, 9 February 1929, Page 29

Better Stock

HELPING THE FARMER

Successful Victorian Idea

TI) the conscientious practical dairyman the oft-repeated platitudes regarding the need of better sires are beginning to have a more or less irritating effect. He knows, as well as any kerbstone critic, that well bred bulls make for higher returns: the trouble, in many instances, however, is finance.

IN Auckland, at the moment, there is a strong idea in certain quarters that something should be done to bring well-bred bulls within the range of every dairyman. It is contended unth considerable weight that, in improving the quality of our dairy stock, «« would be boosting production, and such a move at any time is reflected on the well-being of the whole community- Thus, it is argued, any movement to improve the herds merits the support of all, not the least the leaders of the commercial world. Investigation by those interested in Auckland has resulted in the formation of a scheme for the building up of a fund, supported by the commercial community, which will finance farmers jnto well-bred stock. The idea is certainly one in the right direction and as such has much to commend it. ■rtie Victorian Government has gone a step further. A Bill put through fie Victorian House in 1927 provided U sat sum for the prosecution of a State purchasing scheme. To date, results have proved most successful, end it has done much to do away with the “scrub bull.” The plan for the purchase of bull ealves was first brought into operation fa Victoria in November, 1927, and it was described by many visitors from

other countries as the most liberal and effective in operation in any part of the world It provided that the Government might purchase up to 75 per cent, of the purebred bull calves from cows which qualified for certificates under the standard herd test. The price was computed on the basis of Is a lb for the net estimated butter-fat production of the dams, provided that the animals were taken from the breeder within three months from birth. If the calf was from a heifer in her first lactation period the price was computed on the butter-fat production of liis dam’s dam and sire’s dam, provided that the heifer was subject to the standard herd test rules. If it w as impracticable to purchase the calf until it was aged more than three months an allowance of £2 was paid for each period of three months, up to 12 months, in which the animal was retained by the breeder. Only approved dairy farmers, excluding those who are breeders of purebred cattle, are eligible to participate in the scheme. The calves are sold to them at half the purchase price, the incidental charges, such as transport, being paid by the farmer. The terms of purchase are thus most liberal, and are such that only the genuine dairyman who wishes to acquire a young

bull of good breeding can receive the beneits of the scheme. Certain conditions have to be observed by the purchasers, but their fulfilment is to the further benefit of the buyer. The purchasing dairy farmer must undertake to have destroyed any “scrub,” or mongrel-bred, bull he may have in his possession at the time the bull acquired under the scheme reaches an active age. Another condition is that the farmer must retain the bull for at least three years, and he must keep records of the production of his herd from the date of taking possession of the bull. Ali. bull calves acquired under the scheme are selected by experts of the Department of Agriculture, and in choosing them close attention is paid to type, pedigree and the production of the dams. Every safeguard is made for the purchaser, and a bull before being accepted must have been found to conform to all the conditions. Particular emphasis is laid on the production of the dam, and of the claims of the calf to the characteristics of the breed. With his recognised increasing enterprise and penchant for any modern ideas which make for increased production, the New Zealand farmer is gradually moving of his own accord toward the breeding of only the best stock on the farm. The Rural Credits system, introduced last year, lias also done much to remove barriers in regard to finance. It is worth considering, however, whether the farmer would not benefit by a State system for the purchase of bulls. The creation of a new department with its incumbent high administration costs, might be used as an argument against such a proposition, but, if it was made possible for the farmer to buy a guaranteed bull much in the same way as he buys his time-pay-ment separator, the general result would be for good. A farmer to-day seldom knowingly buys a poor separator, neither w r ould he sanction an inferior bull if he got the same terms. The idea is certainly -worth considering.