AN ADAPTABLE CROP

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 142, 18 June 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

AN ADAPTABLE CROP

LUCERNE AT 4800 FEET. The adaptability of lucerne to a wide range of soils and climate has provided many interesting examples in the. marked extension of the cultivation of this fodder crop in recent years. It is remarkable, for instance, to see how it thrives at high altitudes. The highest point at -which it is growing in New South Wales is on .the grazing property of Mr. W. V. Herbert, of Eucumbene, Adaminaby. This is right in the snow country and one of the coldest spots in New South Wales, but with laid-down pastures both sheep and cattle do well, for drought is unknown, and nothing but overstocking causes feed scarcity. On the slopes of Mount Cobrabald, over 4800 ft. above sea-level, Mr. Herbert has paddocks of lucerne. The sowings date back several years, and its suitability and successful growth has been well proved. His earlier experiments have been useful to Mr. Herbert in securing better results, and of his more recent sowings it can be said that he has obtained a “marvellous stand.” It is the practice of Mr. Herbert to subdivide the lucerne areas into small paddocks for rotational grazing. All such grasses as Phalaris tubcrosa, perennial rye, Wimmera and also subterranean clover do well on these-mountain heights and make the best of pastures.