HERD TESTING.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18170, 7 November 1930, Page 9

HERD TESTING.

SOUTH AUCKLAND WORK. AFFECTED BY DEPRESSION. FEWER HERDS OPERATING. Notwithstanding the low prices which have obtained for butterfat this season, a large number of the old members of the New Zealand Co-operative Herd Testing Association, together with a considerable number of new ones have agreed that they cannot afford not to have their herds tested. The unsatisfactory state of the butter market, however, is undoubtedly affecting an appreciable number of farmers when deciding whether to maintain herd testing this season. This is reflected in the decrease in the number of herds under test with the New Zealand Association at present. It must be remembered, however, that the state of the butter market is not solely responsible for the position as a good number of members who have tested for several years in succession have dropped out for one year. The association' always endeavours to impress upon farmers the tremendous advantage to be derived from continuous testing as this is the only means by which farmers can possibly obtain a complete record of individual production per cow. On numerous occasions members who have tested for several consecutive years and have then missed for a season have informed the management that "'they were entirely lost without monthly visits from the testing officer. They have stated that they feel as if they were working in the dark and were more eager than ever to join up again. The Latest Returns. It was anticipated by the management that there would be no increase in the number of herds under test this season; but in spite of the present economic position the New Zealan Co-operative Herd Testing Association is experiencing a very satisfactory period. There are at present 70 groups In operation comprising 1734 herds, compared with 71 groups of 1844 herds last seasonAlthough there are 110 fewer herds this season it'is gratifying to know that there are approximately 100 fewer herds being tested under the alternative system. With the latter method, under which reduced charges are made, the testing officer visits a farm on alternative months, the farmer taking his own .samples and recording the weight of milk every other month. Samples, of course, are tested by the officer. This decrease in the herds tested under the alternate system demonstrates clearly that farmers are realising that it is more satisfactory to- have personal visits from an officer each month. Taking this fact into account, the association has approximately only 60 full herds less than last season.

“ A striking feature of this season’s herds Is the increase In the average number of cows per herd under test,” stated Mr S. J. Sheaf, general manager of the association, in a special Interview with a Waikato Times reporter, ii Last season the average was 48.2 and this season It Is estimated that It will be at least 80. v The result is that while there is a decrease in the number of herds under test it is anticipated that the same number of cows (about 94,000) will be tested by the association this season,” he added. Mr Sheaf stated that It had been noticed that farmers were getting their herds in much earlier than usual this season. This was evidenced by the fact that 4000 more cows received the August test than during the corresponding month last year.