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The figure for 1947 production of certified timothy seed is not complete because a very appreciable quantity of seed which was harvested during the 1946-47 season has not yet been machine dressed. Partly because the selected strain of timothy is not well known and partly because of the high price being asked for this seed, the production of certified timothy at the moment seems to have outstripped the demand. However, this is felt to be only a temporary phase in the production of timothy seed in New Zealand. Adverse seasonal conditions have had some effect on the production of certified Montgomery red clover during the 1946-47 season. On the other hand, the acreage of cow-grass under certification has increased very materially. The production of certified subterranean-clover seed during 1947 is in line with that for the 1944-45 season, the figure for 1946 having been depressed by unfavourable seasonal conditions. The quantity of certified seed wheat increased materially in 1947, primarily because of an alteration in the scheme of certification which permitted areas sown with lines of seed a further generation removed from selection to be eligible for certification. Higher yields of certified rape seed account for the increased production shown. The figures of production for Government approved turnip and swede seeds do not reflect the Dominion requirements, as the acreage devoted to these crops is adjusted year by year in accordance with the carry-over of seed from the previous season. A severe frost in November, 1946, when chou moellier crops were in full flower accounted for a complete failure of all seed crops under certification: Other areas of chou moellier were affected similarity, and as a result an extreme shortage of this seed occurred during 1947. Extension Service The farm advisory work, which is the main activity of the Fields Division, has been expanded as trained staff has become available. A considerable amount of this work is done by visits to farms, by telephone, and by visits of farmers to the Department's offices. During certification and experimental work a considerable amount of advisory work is also done. Many lectures have been given by Fields Division officers to Young Farmers' Clubs and branches of Federated Farmers. Several field-days were arranged on demonstration farms and on plots laid down with co-operative farmers. A start has been made to revive the farm schools, which were at one time a feature of the extension service during the winter. The Division is co-operating with the National Broadcasting Service in giving midday and evening radio talks to farmers. Seed-testing Station As a result of the increased production of grass and clover seeds, the demand for the Department's seed-testing services was greater than in any previous year. Samples received for testing during the calendar year 1947 totalled 47,506, of which 16,352 were officially drawn samples for certification and 31,154 samples were received directly from merchants and farmers. The number of samples received in each of the past five years is as follows : 1943 .. .. .. .. 23,964 1944 .. .. .. .. 26,960 1945 .. .. .. .. 35,000 1946 .. .. .. .. 44,943 1947 .. .. .. .. 47,506 The numbers of tests carried out during the past two years are as follows : Test. 1946. 1947. Purity .. .. .. .. 33,732 35,623 Germination .. .. .. .. 40,000 48,922 Ultra-violet .. .. .. .. 5,190 6,087 Picric acid .. .. .. .. 7,258 6,398 Totals .. .. .. .. 86,180 97,030

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