DEMONSTRATION FARM

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1933, Page 12 (Supplement)

DEMONSTRATION FARM

WORK OF STRATFORD SOCIETY. SUGGESTIONS FOR COMING MONTH. -( Where there is likely to be a feed shortage in the July to September period, topdressing with a suitable phos* phatic. fertiliser at'the present time will do much to relieve the position. It is too late to remedy the : position 4 : by attempting to grow' supplementary crops. In. any case whether a feed shortage in the July/September period is anticipated. or not this is tlie best time to apply fertilisers to get an; even rate, of greas. production throughout. the year. Utilisation of grass in the spring is always, difficult and. that difficulty-is intensified if spring . topdressing of grazing lands is practised. For "the-production of extra early grass only those areas that. are good in rye and are well drained- and, sheltered should be chosen. A dressing of super or lime and super pow will do much to secure early grass. . : . With a view ‘to better, utilisation next season some thought might be given during the coming tweeks to further subdivision. Carefully revibw the past season and see where the weakness in this direction lies so that practices that , may overcome these weaknesses may be put into operation. . . .< ' ' Young grass should be nursed along. In grazing for the first time or two employ a large number of stock for a short period rather than have a small number grazing for a long period. A large number will crop the pasture down evenly whereas with, a - small - number of stocS only the most nutritious and palatable species will be selected and the rest of the sward allowed to get rank. Tf thiß weather is very wet remove all stock from young gpass. - The full use of accumulated farmyard manure should be made by carting thia out on to weak patches in the grass or on to areas'that' have been affected by the grass grub. This manure is also valuable for root crops and if the area is to be ploughed is not required for grazing the manure may be spread over the area preparatory to ploughing. The harrowing of grass land to distribute droppings and so utilise this valuable manure ' and -»t the same time save .&• sward should be carried.- out. ■. ‘f : -■