THE FARM

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13488, 19 May 1917, Page 2

THE FARM

AGRICULTURAL EVENTS FOR WEEK ENDING MAY 26. MONDAY. Ohinewai stock sale. TUESDAY. Ohaupo stock sale. Matatoke—T. Wallers' clearing sale. WEDNESDAY. To Kuiti stock sale. Matamata stock sale. Ngatea stock sale. Cambridge horse fair. THURSDAY. Hamilton stock sale. Mangapiko—Clearing sale on account Messrs E. J. and M. E. Finlav FRIDAY. Morrinsv'lle stock sale. Xgaruawahia stock sale. SATURDAY. Te Awamutu stock sale. TE KC IAI FARMERS' UNION. A , [SJT TO KUAKURA. A visit of Te Kowhai residents to the Experimental Farm took place on the 11th inst. The party, numbering 56, arrived at the farm about noon, and were directed to the homestead, where the reception room was taxed to its utmost capacity to accommodate all. A hearty luncheon was partaken of, tea being provided by 'the management, which .after the 10-mile drive, was voted par excellence. The manager, Mr A. W. Green, who had so kindly arranged to conduct the party over the farm, had all his available horses and vehicles ready, and with the four motor-cars belonging to the party set out on a tour of inspection about 1.30. The weather, which had been rather dull in the morning, gave place to a lovely afternoon, and everything was seen at its best. One of the main impressions given by a visit to the farm is the perfect orderly manner and correct style of all that one views; everything has such a pleasing and finished appearance which carries its due weight .for the farmer seeing things properly done cannot fail to take a mental copy, and endeavour, as far as his means will permit, to improve his own methods.

The manager, as the party moved through the different fields and plots, drew rein where it was necessary to explain the different demonstrations in agriculture, viz., plots of grass and their manurial treatment, with the resultant carrying capacity or productivity

After satisfying numerous inquiries re manure and grasses, the next scene en louts was a beautiful herd of Pedigree Shorthorn heifers. These animals wer in great condition, and were a pleasing sight indeed, proving what careful attention and breeding will accomplish. Passing from these, the party entered a paddock of lucerne—about the most striking feature of the farm to those interested in this wonderful fodder plant. Mr Green stated that the paddock in question had previously been in paspalum, and proved that by ploughing to a depth of From 8 to 10 inches, it could be eradicated if found necessary to do so. The lucerne paddock was planted at different periods. One half, which had a small ] perecentage of Italian rye mixed with i ! 7iot being as good as the half containing no rye. This grass being in seed when the lucerne is cut for hay, re-seeds itself and becomes more of a "chocker" than a "bottom filler." Periodical tilling is necessary to keep the weeds awav, the implement used being a hoe-cultivator. The stacks of lucerne hay in the paddocks gave ample evidence of what this fodder plant will accomplish on Waikato soils properly drained and worked. The crop in question was about 18 inches in height, and was being stocked with sheep for stated « periods, for sheep cannot be grazed on lucerne right off, but require to be pastured gradually. Passing from the lucerne, paddocks were crossed showing abundance of \'fi'(\, one paddock, chiefly cocksfoot, being from seed saved at the farm. The next paddock of interest was one of rape plant" dearly in October, with 31b seed in rows about lo inches apart. This method of planting in drills has proved advantageous, ;>s it allows of better feeding oh", the sheep following down ,'lie rows and not tramping or Ivinj! on the plants. This paddock

has been fed off four times tlrs so: 1 son. and the rape shewing in drills i new fi*llv 12 inches in height.

Coming lack from this fiel<l tbp nartv v.as shown the two and-ahalf-yoar Pedigree Shorthorn heifers mustered on a rise, and a beautiful sight they presented, being so perfectly ouiet and such an even lot. Spotless cleanliness, obtained by the use of concrete, was the feature H the dairy section—no mud. everything clean and white, water flowing through and a 1 tout the ma- - '• i;i<■:■>. fe-ns and shrubs producing a pleasing effect. The piggerv was next visited, the hnly breed kept being Berkshire:-;. There is no r;ue«t'on that the lot seen is ihe best obtainable. The management have difficulty in sin-plying a !i the demands for breeders, some 170 animals being sent away last season for this purpose. Owing to the pigs

not being confined to styes, but having fenced enclosures with shelters, is to be attributed their healthy state and satisfactory results accruing when forwarded to buvers.

A specially fine fieild of mangolds "as next inspected, the "Jersey Queen" varity giving best results; a rough estimate of the crop viewed giving -M) tons per acre. The manager

'-t:'ti>,l that p.s mangolds fed direct from the paddcck to stock wore injurious, and to pigs fatal, pHting is required. The afternoon having advanced to■•vnrds sundown it \ras necessary to call a halt and retrace our journey.

Arriving at the homestead an opportunity was taken by the secretary of the Branch (Mr W. *B. Bluck) to cordially thank the manager on bVhalf of the members and visitors for his kindness in arranging and escorting the party over the farm, and for explaining in detail all matters of interest to farmers. The manager, in replying, said it was part of his functions to show visitors the farm, an average of 18 hours per week of his time being so engaged. During the absence of the men folk the ladies were escorted over the horticultural, apiary and poultry departments, and after a most interesting run round, finished up with another visit to the homestead, where a further supply of refreshments was dispensed. A start was then made for home, general satisfaction being expressed at having spent such a pleasant and profitable dav.