THE FARMERS’ MONTH

Wairarapa Age, 21 April 1927, Page 3

THE FARMERS’ MONTH

FIELD NOTES FOR MAY. WINTER FODDERS AND FEEDING.

BY

W. J. McCOULLOCH

XINSTRUC-

TOR IN AGftICULTUBB, PALMERSTON NORTH). The feeding of supplementary winter fodders .should nc< bo neglected even though the yield of the herd is fast diminishing. Where swedes arc grown, together with a reasonable ration <•!.' hay should be relied upon. Care should be taken not to feed froo many swedes to the breeding flock in the early stages of pregnancy. Where

roots are grown on heavy land they should be pulled and fed out as far as possible on the poorer parts of adjoining pastures, thus while improving the latter tho soil texture of the former

field is not spoiled by puddling. Should roots or other fodder be fed off stock must have a reasonable run-off into adjacent pasture, and he kept off entirely during wot weather if they are tot remain healthy and the crop is t& ho fed for most profit. .THE MANGEL CHOP. Mangels should be sufficiently ripened during this month in a normal season to be pulled and clamped. If this cannot he dene and it is intended to leave the crop in the ground they should he pulled or harrowed »ut in sufficient quantity to keep at least three wcclg-t in advance of feeding. Neglect to observe-this precaution, is still responsible for much sickness, especially in dairy epws, and likewise causes purgiag in sheep. Where conditions are suitable and the necessary cultivation is given the mangel crop is one, of the most profitable grown on the farm but must not be carelessly fed. In localities where frosts are severe they are better pulled and clamped rather than left in the field. Lambs should never be in low condition when turned on rape or other green • fodders, otherwise loss may occur. It is always wise to keep them on good clean fresh pasture for a time while gradually allowing their digestive organs to "become used to a changing of diet. Where swedes or, turnips are being fed off on the ground the shells should be grubbed up with the cultivator, provided the weather is dry. PASTURE MANAGEMENT. Top-dressing with the slower acting fertilisers may still be carried out; likewise any liming that may be intended. Young pastures should be very carefully treated during winter and never fed closely and wherever possible fed off at first with sheep, and whatever the stocking may be choose a time when the ground is not wet. Many young pastures continue to be badly treated in the first season, and there is little doubt that neglect of these simple precautions is responsible in many cases for the short life of newlysown grass.

Tripod-harrow old pastures heavily during this and the next two months when- opportunity offers. This operation is probably the next important item to top-dressing, and hence the importance of stumping old hush land as time permits during winter. Tripod-harrowing stimulates the roots of the plants, tears out moss, and breaks away the dead and decaying matter, allowing both sun and air to penetrate the surface soil, all of which is so necessary in developing a vigorous growth of useful pasture elements. Yard manure saved round cowsheds and stables during the past season and not required specially flor other crops should be carted and spread over weak pasture. MISCELLANEOUS. Ploughing for spring crops should be pushed ahead /s weather permits. Old lea where the couch or mat-forming species are much in evidence should be turned over in flat broad furrows the first time, tnus assisting a better decay of such grasses. Land recently cropped and now being ploughed for a bare fallow should be left as rough as possible so that the greatest possible surface | will be exposed. Artichokes should be ready for stocking this month or in June. Drainage should be carried out while the land is soft, and completed open drains kept free of debris. Likewise, the mouths \)f tile and mole drains should he inspected from time to time and freed of rubbish.