OTAGO FARMERS’ TOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17750, 29 June 1929, Page 9

OTAGO FARMERS’ TOUR

RUAKURA INSPECTED. VALUE OF FERTILISING. WELCOME HEARTILY APPRECIATED Wonder was freely expressed on the faces of the 250 odd farmers from i Otago who were shown over the Ruakura State Farm by the manager, Mr H. Munro, yesterday afternoon. What impressed the visitors most was the delightful freshness of the pastures and the line appearance of the stock at this time of the year. They expressed great surprise when Mr Munro informed them that ■ the best pedigree cattle in the Dominion were represented on the farm and that the butter-fat production of some of these animals Iras second to none anywhere in the \L^Td. After Inspecting tlffe stock the farmers gathered at the homestead where a hearty welcome on behalf of Waikato farmers was extended by Mr T. H. Henderson, of Horsham Downs, president of the Waikato sub-pro-vincial branch of the Farmers’ Union. Mr Henderson expressed his regret that the weather had not been more favourable for the trip. He reminded the visitors that they were standing in the centre of a “land of milk and honey” literally. They had no idea of the extent and quality of the surrounding farming district. One-third of the Dominion’s exported butter-fat products came from one dairy company alone. After Mr Henderson had spoken a few words of sympathy to the Southerners in connection with the disastrous earthquake catastrophe, he commended the farmers’ excursion as a fine scheme for the interchange of thoughts and the broadening of views.

Need For Co-operation. "If we co-operate solidly and strive to produce still more for export we can rest assured we are working on the right lines,” he added. “I am satisfied it is quite possible to increase our returns.” Mr Henderson paid a tribute to the Women's Division who were doing splendid work in furthering the interests of the primary ' producer. He went on to say that the. results obtained in the Waikato by judicious use of fertilisers were marvellous and he strongly advised dairy farmers in Otago to use manure more liberally if they wished for success. Mr Munro extended a cordial welcome to the Southerners on behalf of the Agricultural Department. It was unfortunate that time allowed them to view only a small portion of the farm. What they would see, however, would give them a good idea of the potentialities of the Waikato when the land was properly managed. Mr Munro then detailed some interesting statistics as an indication of the carrying capacity of the farm. On behalf of the Waikato Winter Show Association, Mr A. K. Alexander, the president, welcomed the party and wished them an enjoyable trip. He thought the railway excursion was one of the finest ideas yet conceived by the Government.

Up Here to Learn. In reply, Mr J. D. Revie, president of the Otago branch of the Farmers’ Union, thanked all who had given them such a rousing welcome. They had read much about Ruakura and now found that it had come well up to their expectations. They had come up to learn something about the North Island and had their eyes and ears well open. In regard to the use of fertilisers he believed that if they were used on some of the land in Otago it would be impossible to get the stock into the paddocks. (Laughter). To the best of his knowledge the average Otago farmer used from one cwt to 2 cwt super once every 45 years. (Renewed laughter). He added that the Otago farmer was at a disadvantage as super cost £1 per ton more than it did in the north. Cheaper rates should prevail, especially as some of the most modern manure works in the Dominion were located down south.