URGENT NEEDS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 20 April 1939, Page 4

URGENT NEEDS

DAIRY INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS OUTLINE BY MINISTER (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Addressing the Dairy Conference to-day, the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, said two of the most important requirements hading directly to the improvement of the whole of the dairy industry were, first, a reduction in disease, bringing about the longer milking life of cows, in other words lessening replacement, and second, an increase in the production capacity of replacement stock.

Ho spoke of the position of farmers as a result of the dry spell this year, March production being down 3000 tons on March of last year, but that was not all, for unless farmers could bring their stock safely through the winter with proper feed and attention it would be impossible for them to ensure adequate production next year. The matter was giving his department serious concern but he felt that with the organisation that existed nothing would be lacking so far as the department was concerned. With regard to disease, he had approached the Minister of Finance for funds to make a start with a Dominion-wide scheme and had his assurance that the money would be forthcoming if possible. With regard to replacement of stock, he said herd testing required broadening, hence the proposals of the Dairy Board for a development plan whereby bull testing took its ritghtful place along with cow testing.