STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1927, Page 8

STRATFORD NEWS.

DEMONSTRATION FARM. FINE CONDITION OF HERD. It would seem that the pastures have recovered from the effects of the bad weather in the spring, and, judging from tlie appearance of the fields at the Stratford Demonstration Farm, there is now an abundance of fodder for the cattle. It is a maxim in farming that the triangular base on which a successful herd rests is “breeding, weeding and feeding,” and it is generally conceded that of these feeding is the most important factor. Experts agree that too much attention cannot be given to feeding, and results certainly bear out this contention. At the end of November last the cattle on the Model Farm were having their usual food supplemented with ensilage. Now, two cows have given 300 and 3051 b of butter-fat this season; that is, in about five months. Ample provision is being made at the farm for next winter’s feed —eleven acres of oats for hay, four acres of grass hay and a considerable amount of root crops and chou moullier. The soft turnips, sown about Christmas time, have made a good strike, promising a good crop. The mangolds and carrots, however, _ are unfortunately straggly. The weeds seem to be especially troublesome this year, though the recently cut grass hay is excellent and remarkably free from thistles and other weeds. There are also about 15 acres of new grass which is doing well and shows indications of being a good pasture. The abundance of feed in the pastures has resulted in the excellent appearance of the herd, which now numbers 60. Every cow appears to be in perfect condition, a fact which augurs well for the milk yield. Apart from the usual annual topdressing trials, there are practically no experiments being carried out on the farm at present, but a visit to the area is most interesting at any time, and many farmers take the opportunities offered. What is immediately apparent to visitors at the present time is the fine quality of the pastures and, generally speaking, the indications are for a successful farming year. GENERAL ITEMS. . Mrs. F. McDonald's racehorse Monaghan carried its exact weight of Tst 121 b in the Malone Memorial Handicap on the second day of the Stratford races, not Bst as stated in the report of the races. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. and Mrs. Klippell, of Sydney, who arrived in Stratford on Wednesday, are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. Manoy. Mr. AV. P. Kirkwood left yesterday for Sydney.