NOTES AND COMMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21203, 28 August 1940, Page 15

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Imported Jersey Sales Although the general appearance of the bulls in the second sale to be held in the Dominion on account of Mr Wallace MacMonnies, of America, at Auckland last week was hardly as impressive as that of the first lot of bulls sold three years ago, they were all very attractive sorts from a breeding point of view. Three of them were bought for the Waikato and they should be a valuable addition to the imported blood already in use in this district. In view of the fact that Jersey Island has been over-run by the Nazis, last week’s sale was of extra significance because it probably presented the last opportunity that Dominion breeders will have for some time of acquiring at auction Jersey bulls of pure Island blood. Whey for Ensilage A greater quantity of ensilage is needed in the Waikato this season to ensure a greater production of dairy products for Britain. However, the ensilage must be of good quality if it is to be of any value as a fodder for the stock. The addition of molasses has been found by Waikato farmers to be an excellent method of improving the quality of the material, but because of the higher prices ruling for molasses it is suggested that whey would prove an ideal substitute. Dr. H. E. Annett, of Matangi, has used whey for several years now in ensilage making, and has found it extremely satisfactory. More whey will be available in the district this year, and dairy fanners are being well advised to use this by-product in the making of their ensilage. Classes for Shearers Young farmers often experience the greatest difficulty in obtaining experience in shearing. In view of the likely shortage of experienced shearers during the coming season because of enlistments. it is probable that many young farmers with little previous experience will be called upon to fill the vacancies that have been created because of the war. Under the circumstances, therefore, the special shearing classes to be provided at the Ruakura Farm in September and November should be well attended. They will provide a unique opportunity for young farmers to learn shearing under capable tuition. Control of Grass Any increase in farm production can only be achieved by avoiding waste in all farming operations. The proper control of pastures is one means by which waste can be avoided. If the pastures are to be effectively utilised both ensilage and hay should be made, but ensilagemaking in the past has been too much neglected. It is true that some farmers have been disappointed with the quality of their ensilage, but this was principally because they did not appreciate the fact that the better the material from which the silage was made the better was the resulting fodder. Furthermore, there was often not a little carelessness in the harvesting and making of the material. Australian Produce During 1940-41 the United Kingdom will probably purchase under contract from Australia 75,500 tons of butter and 13,000 tons of cheese, valued at about £15,000,000, as provided under the terms of th.e dairy produce agreement, which will expire on June 30. Australian interests had anticipated that, because the Lowland European countries could no longer supply British requirements. German Agriculture The number of wage-earners in German agriculture has been permanently reduced since 1933. There were in 1938 400,000 workers fewer than in 1933, and if statistics were extended to their families, the real shortage of agricultural labour amounted to about 800,000 persons. A number of legal measures have been taken since 1933 to combat the drift from the land, but, as the above figures show, without result. Fat Lamb Production A statement recently issued by the Victorian Department of Agriculture points out that present conditions threaten the existing standards as far as lamb production is concerned. The British market, it says, cannot afford to be so discriminating in war time as previous and, for many reasons, it is undesirable that the quality of export lambs should be allowed to decline. Chief among these is the likelihood of intense competition in post-war markets. It is easier and less costly to maintain quality than to attempt to regain it in the face of less favourable market conditions afterwards. The Breeding Sow Experience has shown that sows having the benefit of succulent and nutritious pasture and plenty of daily exercise in the sunshine in clean paddocks, where they are undisturbed by other stock, are more likely to have big litters than sows which are continuously housed or confined to a small pen. Keeping pigs in paddocks is satisfactory only where clean, warm, dry shelter sheds are available, in which the pigs may camp at night. As the farrowing time approaches, it is advisable to place each sow in her own individual yard or pen. The best time to do this is aboLit three weeks before the sow farrows. Hybrid Maize Discussing the possibilities of hybrid maize in Australia, Dr. Edwards. New South Wales plant pathologist, said that its production should become the major line of breeding for all local maize-growing areas. In producing hybrids in Australia, the work should be based mainly on inbred lines obtained from existing varieties adapted to local conditions. Large-scale introductions of seed from America would not be advisable. The experiment farms should maintain control of their inbred lines, and be responsible for the production of the single crosses.