A DANISH SYSTEM.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 76, 12 January 1912, Page 4

A DANISH SYSTEM.

The Agricultural Department of this Dominion and the State Departments of the Commonwealth are importing bulls to improve the settlers’ stock. In Denmark, however, the Government has another way of aiding the self-reliant farmer. The various schemes for assisting breeders which have been f lopcei by the Danish Government, and especially that of prizes for bulls and their produce, has brought about a new departure in the method of buying and selling bulls in that country. This is described in an elaborate report on “ Cattle Breeders’ Associations in Denmark.” The last yearly average price published officially for bulls-of the Jutland br-eed puts their value at £B4 14s 5%d, “ £3l 18s 2d of this being cash, and £52 16s ‘on condition.’” Similarly, the average for the Red Danish bulls was given as £IOO 3s this being made up of £4O 2s lo%d cash and £6O 0s 5d “on condition.” The conditional part is explained. The Government aid to cattle breeding consists of prizes, which depend upon the class into which the bull goes as shown by the number and quality of the calves he gets, the produce (and so the bull) being classed for the amount of premium at the various agri-

cultural shows which are recognised and aided by the Government. Thus, since bulls must be recognised at these shows in ordc ■ to obtain Government aid in the shape of prizes, it has becom • common to buy bulls for a cert;, n sum of money payable on del, iry, and an additional sum, acceding to the recognition whic.i the bull and his produce receive in the show ring. As it may take two years before .some of the conditions can be decided, the buyer is, of course, responsible and liable to the seller for the treatment the animal receives up to that time. Also, as the result of the premium system, based ort produce results, sellers are required to give a guar nteed pedigree as well as a health certificate. The latter must certify that the bull has passed the tuberculin test', and is in possession of breeding powe.r. It is thought that the fact that the greater part of the purchase price of the animals depends upon such conditions, shows how the people va’ue, and are willing to pay for those ; if litres in the bull which ca> be judged from outward appearance, but which largely determine his value for improving the herd.