Farmers' Field Day at Horahora

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6172, 12 March 1948, Page 5

Farmers' Field Day at Horahora

VALUE OF GRASS FEED

METHODS OF TREATMENT On Wednesday the Horahora branch of Federated Farmers arranged what proved to be a very successful field day on the farm of Mr R. H. Scarlett. Over 80 farmers from Horahora and the surrounding districts profited from discussions of farm problems with Mr E. P. Neilson, consulting officer for New Zealand Dairy Board and Mr J. Davies, Agricultural Instructor of the Department of Agriculture. The fine spirit of co-opera-tion of these two bodies is proving very beneficial to the farming communities in the Waikato. In a few words of welcome' Mr Neilson, who has done considei-able research in this district, remarked' how gratifying it was to find practically the complete district responding to his efforts on their behalf. Mr Davies spoke at some length on the value of grass as compared with other feed for dairy stock—its growth and development. - A tour of inspection of a portion of the farm proved of considerable interest, special stress being laid by the instructor on the effect of varying conditions on the growth of grass, one in particular being the absolute necessity for consolidation of soil to preserve its moisture. Specific examples were pointed out to illustrate the value of such treatment. Another item of particular interest was the advisability, as formerly suggested by Mr Davies, of converting an old grass pasture to new. That is, ploughing in late spring and working thoroughly with all the emphasis on consolidation,, then resowing in grass in autumn. I A paddock thus treated by Mr Scarlett was closely examined by the farmers present, and will in futui'e, be watched with particular interest as this is a new method of treating worn out grass pasture. After lunch, Mr Neilson spoke on pasture management, dealing especially with fodder conservation. Mr Neilson stressed the value of wintersaved pasture, such as was closed up in mid-April and saved for spring feeding. He suggested, from research findings, that an acre be saved for every cow calving in June and July, and two-thirds for every one in August, and one-third for every fow calving in September. This would entail the closing up for winter of approximately half the' farm. As regards area of hay to be sown, Mr Neilson went on to say, that a minimum of hay required for each cow would be about 10-15 hundredweight, with two tons of silage. This, in an average crop would mean an "acre of each for every three cows. Time was given for questions and open discussion of topics under consideration. A lively interest t was evinced.

Mr Bull, leader of the young farmers' movement, outlined the objectives of this drganisation with a view to forming a local club. All too soon, it was time for the branch chairman, of Federated Farmers, Mr J. W. Watson, to close the function, with special thanks to Mr and Mrs Scarlett, who had done much towards making the day a pleasant one, and to remind farmers that "there is plenty left for another day."