HERD-TESTING.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19313, 20 July 1934, Page 4

HERD-TESTING.

RECORDS BROKEN.

FURTHER ADVANCES MADff.

RETURNS OF BEST HERDS. The breaking of several records, in* dicalive of the remarkable advances made by herd-testing, is referred to in the report io he submitted to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Co-operalive Herd-testing Association, on Thursday, by the chairman of directors, Mr R. A. Candy. The Auckland Province was favoured with excellent climatic conditions during the greater part of last season, but the unfavourable weather which prevailed toward the close of tlie season reduced the average production of cows tested by the association,” says Mr. Candy. The average yield of all cows tested by the association was 260.241 b., an increase of 6,981 b. compared with the previous season. Last season’s yield represented the second highest average on record. The association’s records demonstrated the remarkable advance that had been made in herd-testing in recent years. The group system of testing commenced in the Waikato in 1922, and in the 1922-23 season six groups of 157 herds and 6900 cows were tested. The number of groups had increased to 84 in 1933-34, with 2045 herds and 122,286 cows, a record for the association. Average Yield Increased. Tiie average yield increased front 207.81 lb. in 1923-24 io 260.241 b. in 1933-34. last season’s production being beaten only in 1929-30, when the average yield was 262.731 b. fat. During 1932-33, 2000 herds or 115,006 cows were tested, the average yield being 253.261 b. fat. fi’he honour of owning the highest cow under test during the season went to Mrs. N. Hyde, of Springdale, whose grade Friesian Lottie, registered 8841bs. fat and 22,0021b5. milk in 261 days. The cow' calved on September 12 and had eight tests during the season. Unfortunately she later contracted foot-rot; which had a detrimental effect upon her yield. “ It is with much regret that I find it necessary to refer to the distressing position of the dairying industry,” continued Mr. Candy. “ The difficult economic- conditions prevailing throughout the world make it impossible. I consider, io attempt to forecast the future, and I can only express the earnest hope that & marked improvement on the present unsatisfactory position and uncertain outlook will take place during the coming season. One tiling, however, is certain, and that is that no factor is capable of reducing the cost of production as much as a considerable increase in production per cow, which necessarily means Increased production per acre. It is pleasing to note that many dairy-farmers are recognising this fact, which is reflected in a further increase of 7280 cows, by the association last season Government Subsidy. "An amount of £SOOO has been placed’ on the Government estimates for the present financial year, representing subsidy to the herd testing movement in New Zealand for the past season, although the grant has yet to receive the approval of Cabinet. It would appear that this amount will represent a payment of 2d or 2Jd per cow.” The association had been operating under an exceedingly low scale of charges' during the past three seasons. In the 193.1-32 season the substantial reduction of 33 1-3 per cent was made, largely owing, to financial assistance rendered by the Government and Dairy Control Board subsidies amounting to ltd per cow. As the Board subsidy, which amounted to Gd per cow', was granted for one season only, and the Government subsidy has been, substantially reduced each year, it was quite obvious that to remain on the same scale of charges indefinitely was impossible. Mr. Candy mentioned the reduction in testing charges over the past three seasons has amounted to £25,184, while the total financial assistance rendered during that period by way of subsidies was £7087. Fees for tlie coming season would be based on the old scale of charges, less a reduction of 30 per cent. Average Cost per Cow. fi’he balance-sheet for the season discloses. an excess of expenditure over income of £2532 10s 2d, compared with £3083 2s 9d for the previous year, but the deficiency on the operations lias been made up out of the reduction in - testing fees reserve account. The actual average cost per cow of carrying out the work, based on the number of cows “charged for,” was 3s 7.70 d, which is the lowest figure ever recorded by the ciation.During iho year Messrs. D>ncs Fulton (Hamilton) and F. 11. Anderson (Cambridge) retired from the hoard of directors, and Messrs. 11. M. Neal (Port Albert) and 11. E. Bripklahd (Pio Pio) took their places. Messrs. \V. L. Ranslead (Matangi) and A. S. Wyllie (To Awamutu) retired by rotation, hut would be rc-clected unopposed. _____ ______