FEED FOR THE STOCK.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16652, 18 November 1925, Page 8

FEED FOR THE STOCK.

RELYING ON GRASS ALONE. IS IT A WISE MOVE? Some of those who have been keeping a close scrutiny on the pendulum so far as it concerns the future of flic man on the land in a dairying district such as this, have uttered warnings more than once when their suppliers have come together for the annual meetings, to be prepared against the danger of over-stocking and the failure "to provide adequate supplementary forage for the needs in the event of a dry season coming upon ,South Auckland. While there is no necessity for any alarm at Ihese warnings, ill results will be provided against if farmers will take due cognisance of the importance of being prepared. That farmers are taking grave risk in failing to provide additional fodder for summer and winter use is the conclusion of those who are closely concerned with agricultural progress. So far as this district is concerned we have experienced a very late spring, and had it not been for a bounteous hay crop last season farmers would not have fared too well. The indications are that the hay crops will be extremely light this year, and should there happen the misfortune to experience oven a short dry spell on top of the present, shortness of feed, farmers who are neglecting to make provision for the unwelcome will be in an unenviable position. From enquiry made among the merchants it is gathered that there has been a pronounced decline in the purchase of seeds for all varieties of summer forage crops. The area, of ground under preparation for swedes, mangolds and other winter and early spring feeds likewise shows a decided failing off. The majority of farmers during the past season have topdressed heavily, obviously with the intention of relying on their grass and hay stocks alone to sustain their stock for the 12 months. The decision in this direction has been brought about, no doubt, by the splendid seasons that have been experienced during the past three or four years, when much of the summer crop supplies were not utilised owing to the splendid growth throughout' the year adequately meeting the needs. While the heavy application of topdressing manures is to be commended and will give its just reward, in a season such as this the position requires close study with a view to providing against any unprecedented needs of the immediate future. This is the first season in which the experiment of relying on grass alone has been resorted to to any marked exient. Owing to the late season and the unsettled weather experienced up io the present, combined with the fact that dry and bad seasons are predicted by some of the leading scientists in many parts of the world, farmers in general, and dairy farmers in particular, would be well advised to make substantial provision for Ihe needs of their stock during the coming season.