BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVII, Issue 2, 20 August 1923, Page 112

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ AGRICULTURAL CLUBS.

NOTES ON THE TARANAKI AND WANGANUI EDUCATION DISTRICTS COMPETITIONS: SEASON 1922-23.

J. W. DEEM,

Fields Instructor, Department of Agriculture.

The work of the agricultural clubs in the Taranaki and Wanganui districts in the 1922-23 season was carried out on the same general lines as in the preceding year. In the root-growing competitions, however, the conditions were slightly altered by raising the points allowed for cultivation from 20 to 40, and reducing the points allowed for weight from. 2 points per ton to 1 point per ton. By this means it was felt that more encouragement would be given to. cultivation, and that competitors with poorer land would be put on a more equal footing with one on an exceptionally rich area, it being possible under the new method for a crop much inferior in weight to beat the heavier one, provided more attention had been given to cultivation and records, which are considered the two most important points.

The central division in Taranaki was cut out and the area divided between north and south Taranaki. Swedes were also eliminated, and the root competitions confined to mangolds and carrots. The mangolds grown were Prizewinner Yellow Globe, and the carrots Matchless White.

In addition to the root-growing and calf-feeding competitions a poultry club was started at New Plymouth. There were not a great many competitors—twenty entering and seventeen carrying on—-but it is hoped that this class of competition will extend. The procuring of broody hens at the right time seems to be one of the greatest difficulties.

ROOT-GROWING COMPETITIONS.

The season generally was excessively wet and not conducive to the best results from field operations, especially where young people were concerned. While there were many failures from this cause, the percentages of competitors who carried their plots right through to the judging-day are very gratifying. In the Taranaki district fifty-four schools made 491 entries, of which number 335, or 68-2 per cent., had their plots'judged. In the. Wanganui district sixteen schools made 138 entries, of which 70, or 50-7 per cent., were judged. As in previous years, the judges reported a considerable number of failures owing to stock gaining access to the plots. It is regrettable that no improvement has been shown in this direction.

■ The Taranaki results show that the heaviest crops are not quite up to the best yields of the previous year. This is fairly general in all classes of crops, no doubt due to the excessively wet autumn. On the other hand, the average yields for each school are more even than in previous years. Further, the judges found that cultivation had been better carried out, and that the average plot was much tidier than in previous years. This indicates a closer study of the instructions given from time to time, and a better knowledge on the part of the pupil,

no doubt gained from previous experience.' In many instances these plots afforded a splendid object-lesson in cultivation. Frequently the competitor’s plot was in splendid condition and gave a big yield, whereas the parent’s crop in the same field was very light and badly weed-infested. Lessons of this nature must be advantageous all round.

The heaviest mangold crop was one of 132 tons 5 cwt. per acre, grown by Harry Betts, Okaiawa. Although considerably below last year’s best crop of 152 tons, it is a very high yield, and reflects great credit on the grower. Last year’s champion, Dorothy Ward, also belonged to Okaiawa. When it is mentioned that the five competitors at this school secured the fine - average of 104 tons 5 cwt. per acre

it will be realized that the Okaiawa competitors are keen mangoldgrowers. This is the first occasion since the competitions started , that the championship has been won by a boy, the two previous winners being girls. The average mangold crop for the whole of the competitions was 48 tons 1 cwt. per acre.

In carrots the heaviest crop weighed 66 tons 12 cwt., against last year’s best of 72 tons. The champion this year was Jane Keighly, of Matapu. The average carrot-yield per acre was 36 tons 8 cwt., against 35 tons 5 cwt. for the previous year.

The placings for the championships are as follows : —

South Taranaki. — Mangolds: Harry Betts, Okaiawa, first, 229 points (Taranaki champion) ; ■ Erna Ward, Okaiawa, second, 220 points ; Dorothy Ward, Okaiawa, third, 189 points.

. Carrots : Jane Keighly, Matapu, first, 164I points; Roy Green, Okaiawa, second,. 157 points; Doreen Stanton“Rawhitiroa, third, 156 points.

North Taranaki. — Mangolds: Hazel Phillips, Mimi, first, i8i| points; Roy McKenzie, Tikorangi, second, 176 points; Elizabeth Free" Waiau, third, 167 points. Carrots Roy McKenzie, Tikorangi, first, 160 points Bernard Brophy, Warea, second, 1451 points ; Amy Phillips, Mimi, third, 135 points.

Wanganui-Feilding.— Mangolds: Elsie White, Glen Orona, first, 170I points (divisional champion) ; Ivy McKay, Wangaehu, second, 163-J points ; Alison White, Glen Orona, third, 160-J points.

Following the practice of previous years, displays of roots were made at the New Plymouth, Hawera, and Palmerston North winter shows. At the two former the exhibition of roots was exceptionally good, the carrots being the finest I have ever seen staged, nearly every entry being worthy of a first prize in open competition. As in the past, these displays were a feature of the New Plymouth and Hawera shows ; at Palmerston North the exhibit was rather poor. .

CALF CLUBS.

These were confined to Taranaki. Altogether 259 calves were entered, of which. 200, or 77-2 per cent., were brought forward to be judged. All the calves were graders, and represented the breeds as follows : Jersey, 161 ; Friesian, 25 ; Shorthorn, 12 ; Ayrshire, 2. This year 100 points were allowed for cost of rearing, one point being deducted for every shilling of the cost of rearing. Thus, if the cost was £5, no points would be allowed; 100 points were allowed for condition, and 40 for record-charts. These points are not quite satisfactory, however, and may be altered for next year's competition. The average cost of food per calf in north Taranaki worked out at 17s. 7fd., and in south Taranaki at 16s. rod. The highest cost in the former division was £2 9s. 8d., and in the latter J 2 2s. 6d. ; the lowest costs were 3s. 6d. and 5s. 7|d. respectively.

GENERAL.

The general control of the clubs was on the same lines as 'previous years, the Farmers' Union, a number of individual farmers, and officers of the Education and Agriculture Departments co-operating. While it is generally admitted that these clubs serve a valuable purpose, the Farmers’ Union is experiencing great difficulty in collecting sufficient funds to pay the prize-money. It would appear that unless the finances can be placed on a more satisfactory footing there is a danger of the movement falling through. -

The Pukeokahu-T aoroa Rabbit District (Wellington) has been constituted for the purposes of Part III of the Rabbit Nuisance Act.

The West Coast Agricultural, Pastoral, and Industrial Association has been incorporated under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act.