N.Z. Federation of 'Young- Farmers’ Clubs

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 60, Issue 2, 15 February 1940, Page 152

N.Z. Federation of 'Young- Farmers’ Clubs

Edited by

5. Freeman,

Dominion Organising Secretary i

National Stock Judging Contest

S. R. WHYTE, Hon. Secretary, Otago-Southland Council. WHEN the National Stock Judging Contest for Y.F.C. members was entrusted to the Otago-Southland Council it was decided that every effort f . would be made to see that it was a success. With the outbreak of war came a general feeling of confusion and uncertainty. It appeared as if the contest would have to be abandoned, or at least considerably modified. However, the statement issued by the September meeting of the Dominion Executive asking that the major activities already in train should be proceeded with cleared the air considerably, and the Otago-Southland Council settled down to make the contest

an important feature of the Royal Show at Invercargill. Nevertheless, it was felt that it was doubtful whether much support could be expected from councils and districts whose teams would have long distances to travel to the contest. As a result, and with the permission of Dominion Headquarters, it was decided to invite entries from club teams as well as district teams. Good Entries No fewer than 16 teams were entered, of which one came from Manawatu District Commitee, one from Wairarapa, one from Christchurch, and one from South Canterbury. In the individual championships there were 220 entries from 105 Young Farmers. Auckland was represented by Cliff Riddell, of Te Puke, who incidentally got into the money in the dairy cattle class by being second prize-winner. The contest began on Wednesday, December 13, in brilliant weather and with plenty of support and enthusiasm. No serious hitches occurred, and the six classes, some of which attracted 54 entries, were completed by 4.30 p.m.

Results The following are the prize-winners, and the congratulations of the OtagoSouthland Council are extended to them for their excellent performances, whether as teams or individuals: — Romney Rams. Gardyne (Waikaka Y.F.C.), 1; H. G. Stephens (Christchurch District Committee), 2; E. Withell (Hinds Y.F.C.), 3. Southdown Rams. —E. Withell (Hinds Y.F.C.), 1; M. Brooks (Christchurch District Committee), 2; A. McKenzie (Hinds Y.F.C.), 3. Dairy Cattle. —D. Hurford (Christchurch District Committee), 1; Cliff Riddell (Te Puke), 2; W. Barron (Woodlands Y.F.C.), 3. Beef Cattle. —G. Blatchford (Wairarapa District Committee), 1; Ross Henderson (South Taieri Y.F.C.), 2; W. R. Kofoed (South Taieri Y.F.C.), 3. Clydesdale Horses.G. Blatchford (Wairarapa District Committee), 1; F. Robertson (Drummond Y.F.C.), 2; D. Hurford (Christchurch District Committee), 3. Baconer Pigs. L. Christie (Warepa Y.F.C.), 1; H. McKenzie (Wairarapa District Committee), 2; Ross Henderson (South Taieri Y.F.C.), 3. Teams Championship. Wairarapa District Committee, 1; Christchurch District Committee, 2; Hinds Y.F.C., 3. Entertainment Because of the number of counterattractions it was not possible to arrange all the entertainment that this council would have liked, but a very pleasant conversazione was held in conjunction with the final of the South

Island debating contest between a South Canterbury team and the Otama team. The chairman of the council, Mr. A. C. Cameron, was responsible for the success of this function. Thanks It would be impossible to mention any individual, as so many co-operated, not the least of whom were the competitors themselves, who were on time for the judging of all classes and did their part to make the contest the success it was. ■ However, this report would be incomplete if mention were not made of the various breed societies who kindly donated trophies, to the Dominion Executive for the championship team’s

trophy, and to the Southland A. and P. Association for its assistance both monetary and in providing such excellent facilities for the conduct of the contest. The council is also grateful to the North Island and Canterbury teams for lending their support and adding additional interest by their attendance. , Conclusion Lessons which will prove valuable in future contests have been learned, but the Otago-Southland Council considers that it is entitled to feel gratified at the way the contest was carried out, and looks forward to being entrusted again in the future when and where major activities of the Y.F.C. Movement are carried out.

Otama Team Wins South Island Debating Contest

THE final of the South Island Debating Contest was held at Invercargill during Royal Show Week in the evening following the Y.F.C. Stock Judging Championships on Wednesday, December 13. The occasion was a consersazione arranged in honour of the visiting Young Farmers, and there was a large audience, Mr. A. C. Cameron, Chairman of the Otago-South-land Y.F.C. Council, being in the chair. Following the debate, many tributes were paid to the Young Farmers’ Club movement, and speakers commented on the excellence of the standard attained by the members in both the stock judging contests and the debate.

Elimination contests held previously had resulted in the South Canterbury team and the Otama Club team being selected to represent the . Canterbury and Otago-Southland Councils respectively. The teams were as follows: South Canterbury: N. Wilson (leader), J. Barclay, and Cyril Whatman. Otama: S. A. Mackay (leader), L. G. Mackay, and E. E. Cameron. The subject for the final debate was rather difficult, “That Environment has a Greater General Influence Than Heredity,” but both' sides gave very creditable performances, the Otama team taking the affirmative and the South Canterbury team the negative.

The contest was won by the Otama team with 237 points, against South Canterbury’s 225 points. - The judge was Mr. A. J. Deaker, of the staff of the Southland Boys’ High School, who is a well-known debating judge in Invercargill. In winning this contest the Otama team becomes the champion Y.F.C. debating team of the South Island. An endeavour is to be made in the near future to arrange for a National Y.F.C. Debating Championship, which will be contested by the Otama team representing the South Island, and the Apiti team representing the North Island. ♦ ♦ . 1

Results of Dairy Cow Judging Competition

THE results of the Dairy Cow Judging Competition conducted through these pages by means of photographs of animals (“Journal of Agriculture,” August, 1939) are now to hand' The delay has been caused by the fact that, doubtless because of war conditions, the competition was not very well supported, and it was found necessary to extend the closing date. As it was, only 114 entries were received. The entry fee of 1/- each realised the sum of only £5 145., the balance of £ 1 16s. being paid by the Levin Club, which sponsored the competition and guaranteed a minimum amount of £7 10s. as prize money. The awards are as follows: No. 38, D. T. Lynch, Linton Y.F.C., and No. 54, F. Garnett, Alton Y.F.C., 110 points, tie for first; No. 65, B. R. Neels, Waimana Y.F.C., 109 points, third. D. T. Lynch and F. Garnett divide the first and second prizes, £5 and £2, between them, and B. R. Neels receives the third prize of 10s. An exceptionally good card was sent in by the Rangiora High School, scoring 135 points out of a possible 180, but as this was a combined effort it was not eligible for the competition. In recognition, however, of the very creditable performance, a special award of £1 has been made by the Dominion Executive. Of the 114 competitors, 101 were club members, the remaining 13 being nonmembers whom, it is hoped, will be attracted to the Y.F.C. movement. Judge’s Comments Mr. Thos. Ranford, the well-known Jersey breeder, who kindly judged the competition, placed the cows in the following order of merit;Nos. 2,4, 5, 6, 1, and 3, and has submitted the following report: — . . ' “I would like to express my delight at. the splendid performance 'of the competitors, and with one exception they all showed a good knowledge of ,what to look for in a good dairy beast. “It became a little harder to apply the knowledge rightly, but the majority did very well indeed. The animals in the class were well chosen, the first three placed by me gaining their honours on constitution. and good capacity, plus refinement and fineness of bone and skin, which we look for in our best breed cows and performers. The winners kept this well in mind when choosing their animals, and gave excellent reasons for their placings. ' “Some competitors had the knowledge but not the eye, showing need of more training in quick selection. Some entered thinking they might just strike a win (at least, that is how I took it), and some entered for fun.

“Some were caught out . with a large vessiel, forgetting even proportions, and again 1 others went for straight outline. This -latter point is very desirable in a breed or dairy animal, all other points being equal, but should never come . first in itself. No. 1 cow illustrates this point; as I see her, she has good lines, but is gross, lacks body,

and has an inclination to roundness of bone with this. No. 3 caught a few, who described her as very fine. In this case the difference comes in between fineness and weakness, and to me she inclines to the latter in every way.

J “No. 6 troubled some, but this cow, , although attractive in appearance,' is ■ too shallow, again showing a sign of • weakness or lack of constitution so necessary for heavy production. No. I 5, with her large vessel and deep body, ' scored high with some who over- ; looked her shortness and uneven pro- , portion; she also appealed to me as slightly high on the leg, but an excellent cow otherwise. “The tail-finish of No. 4 seemed to worry others; to me she has a good tail-finish, but was caught by the camera holding it up. This cow has beautiful bone and skin, good length L of body, a true wedge shape, and good , capacity of udder. Although from ap- . pearance not so well caught as some of the others, she is alert; the head being slightly turned gives her neck an ! appearance of thickness, but, take her ’ right through, she appeals as a very 1 desirable type of animal for both dairy J and breed. ’ “No. 2 pleased most, but her top line worried some, who described her, as a ’ hollow-backed animal. To me, she is . not weak in the back or loin, but exaggerated in the tail-finish, which, however, is not coarse but fine. Taking ; her right through, I see in her all those points which we look for in the ideal • dairy and breed cow, with the one 1 weak point as described above. ’ “Allow me to congratulate the com- , petitors on their fine work:”

Y.F.C. Members And Overseas Service

Advice has been received of quite a number of Y.F.C. members who have joined up for overseas service with the New Zealand forces. It is of interest to note that the Dominion President, Mr. E. W. Barnett, who had offered his services on the outbreak of war, was called up in December as a Pilot Instructor, and is at present stationed at the Flying Instructors’ School, R.N.Z.A.F., Mangere, while Mr. D. F. Coleman, Dominion Vice-President, went into camp at Burnham during January.

Geraldine Club's Field Day

J. A. THATCHER,

Hon. Secretary, Geraldine Club.

THE first field day organised by the Geraldine Young Farmers’ Club was held in the Geraldine district on November 30, 1939. More than 59 attended, including Young Farmers, members of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union, and pupils attending the agricultural course at the Geraldine District High . School. In the morning a visit was made io the farm of Mr. J. Crotty in Sercombe’s Road to inspect the five breeds of sheep kept there, namely, Southdown, English Leicester, Romney, Border Leicester, Ryeland. Using the Southdown and Romney, Mr. Alan Grant, stud stock breeder of'Waimate, explained the special value of these breeds for use in the frozen meat trade, and especially pointed out the many points which characterise them. Sheep Judging A special sheep-judging competition on Southdown ram hoggets, in which Young Farmers .and agricultural students took part, was won by G. Sheed, Geraldine Club, with A. Crotty, agricultural student, second, and R. Hammond, Geraldine Club, third. Mr. Grant, who judged the competition, said Sheed’s placings were correct and Crotty was only one point out. The afternoon session was held on the farm of Mr. S. R. Muff, of Orari, where Mr. E. J. Lukey, B.V.Sc., demonstrated on dairy types, using Mi. Muff’s fine Friesian cattle. This lecture was supplemented by an address by Mr. Muff, who outlined the many advantages to be derived from herd testing and sire recording. Mr. Muff, who is an ardent supporter of this practice, backed up his many arguments

with substantial evidence of the amazing results he had obtained. Great interest was displayed in the extensive and up-to-date piggery which was the scene of the next lecture, which was given by Mr. D. Urquhart, Inspector of Stock. Mr. Urquhart particularly stressed the special points of the Red Tamworth, and the qualities farmers should seek when purchasing these animals. Ideal Pastures A visit was then paid to Mr. Muff’s pastures, which gave a fine illustration of the value of soil analysing and topdressing with lime and super. The inspection was accompanied by a talk on the ideal pastures, pasture mixtures, and pasture management by Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture.

The many advantages which the electric fence holds over its predecessors was amply shown' in an address ana demonstration given by Mr. Douglas Muff, a club member. This was the concluding demonstration, and Mr. V. Stonyer, .club chairman, thanked Messrs. Grant, Lukey, Leitch, and Urquhart for their fine lectures, and more especially Messrs. Muff and Crotty for placing at our aisposal their stock and properties for inspection.' The arrangements for the day were carried out by a special committee consisting of V. Stonyer, chairman; J. Thatcher, secretary; W. Crotty, advisory president; E. N. J. Hannah (High School Agricultural Instructor), and H. Worner.

Cheviot Club's First Field Day

A. MOWAT,

Hon. Secretary, Cheviot Club.

THERE was a large attendance at the Cheviot Y.F.C. field day recently, which was the first field day to be organised by this club. Young Farmers of the district and from the Omihi-Scargill Club, and also members of the Farmers’ Union, gathered at the Sloss Estate, “Leamington Downs.” After, being entertained to morning tea, the visitors inspected Ryeland and Southdown sheep, following which a field of Cross 7 wheat was inspected,

and Mr. A. S. Nash, Department of Agriculture, explained the breeding and certification of the wheat. , He ’ “ “S XeSTeas’ures W mg smut and P reventive measures. After inspecting a field of peas and an excellent one-year-old pasture the party proceeded to Mr. J. Beckett’s farm, where a demonstration was given by Mr. D. MacDonald, Amberley, on “Fat Lambs and How to Handle Them,” and the points in knowing

when a lamb is “fat.” He also demonstrated the points of judging Southdown, Corriedale, and English Leicester sheep. Q . sw a ,T ~ . , „ on ° a charac eris pom so Clydesdale horses by Mr. J. Wyllie, Omihi, a prominent breeder of Clydesdales. An inspection was made of a seed paddock of certified ryegrass, on which was an exceptionally good crop.

In the afternoon Mr. J. B. Stevenson’s farm was visited and an inspection made of a crop of Marquis wheat. A pasture was then inspected which ranked first in the district for the spring pasture competition, and Mr. Nash pointed out its make-up and manurial treatment, and described it as being an ideal sheep grazing pasture. A most outstanding paddock of certified

Italian ryegrass was also inspected, and an inspection of the farm and various crops ' followed. * A visit was then made - to Mr. McPherson’s farm, and an inspection made of some very old permanent pastures, still growing vigorously and containing a large proportion of the original pasture grasses. An inspection was also made of Mr. McPherson’s

woolshed and dipping yards, which are most up to date. This concluded a most interesting and instructive day. In the evening a gathering was held in the Public Library, when Mr. A. S. Nash gave a review of the judging of the district spring pasture competition to a . large attendance consisting of Young Farmers and members of the Farmers’ Union.

Stock Judging Competitions For North Auckland Clubs

IAN D. BODLE,

Matarau Club.

A YOUNG Farmers’ Club stock judging competition is to be held at the Whangarei A. , and P. Society’s Centennial Autumn Show during the afternoon of the first day of the show, March 8, 1940. , The generosity of the A. and P. Society, farmers’ organisations, and individuals keenly interested in our movement has enabled the Whangarei District Committee of Young Farmers’ Clubs to initiate a competition which should attract members from all Clubs in the North. . > Although several details have yet to be finalised, it can be stated with authority that the competitions will be as follows: — Dairy Cattle. (a) To judge four or five Jersey cows. First and second prizes. ' ■ t (b) Club teams of three, one member to be under 21 years of age. (Clubs

may enter more than one team.) First prize. Bacon Pigs. (c) To judge four or five bacon pigs “on the hoof.” First and second prizes. (d) Club teams of three, one member to be under 21 years of age. (Clubs may enter more than one team.) First prize. General. (e) Prize for competitor securing most points in classes (a) and (c). (f) and (g) Two classes the same as (a) and (c) open only to Young Farmers’ Club members of .18 years and under, and pupils of agricultural section of the Whangarei High School. Certificates from A. and P. Society. (h) The Supervisor of the Northland Pig Council may co-operate with us in arranging a Bacon Pig Judging Competition for members of Pig Clubs only.

Entrance fees are required only for classes (a) and (c). The entrance fee is 6d each class. Competitors must accept the decisions of the judicial committee, which will check the total points gained by each competitor. Entries will be accepted until 12 o’clock on March 8, but members are requested to advise the secretary of Whangarei District Committee of Young Farmers’ Clubs how many competitors are coming from each club as soon as possible. It should not be necessary to emphasise that observation is the best foundation of practical education, and that Young Farmers’ Club competitions are doing excellent work in this direction. As the Whangarei A. and P. Society’s Stock Judging Competition for Young Farmers has been generously supported by friends of the movement, it is to be hoped that members throughout the North will endeavour to do their part by entering wholeheartedly into these competitions if they can possibly be in Whangarei at the time.

Waihaorunga Club's Field Day

H. A. BROWN,

Hon. Secretary. Waihaorunga Club.

A SUCCESSFUL field day was held by the Waihaorunga Club in November, 28 members and 18 visitors being present. A start was made at 10.30 a.m. on the property of Mr. W. Armstrong, Waihaorunga, when an inspection was made of 60 experimental plots of various grass and clover mixtures sown by club members two years previously. Mr. C. C. Leitch, Department of Agriculture, demonstrated on the strains and seed, mixtures, and it

was clearly shown that New Zealandgrown seed was far superior to imported seed, and that high-grade seeds resulted in more lasting pastures than those sown with seeds of inferior quality. At the conclusion of Mr. Leitch’s demonstration a visit was paid to Mr. Syd Hurst’s farm, where lunch was waiting. After lunch the party went on a tour of Mr. Hurst’s farm in cars, stopping here and there for Mr. Leitch

and Mr. Hurst to discuss the various pasture mixtures and to demonstrate the effects of topdressing, etc. Members showed keen interest in Mr. Hurst’s private lime-crushing plant on Mr. J. Bell’s property, and also in the irrigation dam being built by Mr. Hurst on his own property. Mr. Hurst explained his projected scheme, and showed how he had already proved the value of irrigation on that type of soil. After inspection of further points of interest the party returned to the

homestead, where Mrs. Hurst and lady helpers had prepared refreshments. Mr. Bruce Armstrong, vice-chairman of the club, thanked Messrs. Armstrong and Hurst for the use of their properties for the field day, and Mr. Leitch for the able manner in which he had explained the various points in regard to the pastures, etc. He also thanked Mr. Syd Hurst and Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hurst for the hospitality they had extended to the party generally. The day had proved most instructive and interesting, he said, and club members and their friends had thoroughly enjoyed ' themselves. Sides were then picked for a friendly cricket match, in which ■ the “Roughs” beat the “Toughs” by 43 runs to 37. In the evening two debates were held with members of the Waifiaorunga Women’s Institute, bringing a very enjoyable and informative day to a close.

Among the Clubs: Reports on Activities

Christchurch. Ellesmere. Congratulations were extended to club members successful at the National Stock Judging Competitions. The competitors securing places were H. G. Stephens (2nd in Romneys), -M. . Brooks (2nd in Southdowns), and D. Hurfo'rd ' (Ist in Dairy Cattle and 3rd in Clydesdales). ' The above were also members of the Christchurch team which gained 2nd, place in the . teams event. An address entitled' "Some Aspects of Grassland Cultivation and Management” was given by Mr. R. H. Bevan, Lincoln College. West Melton. This was an open meeting, several members of the Farmers’ Union and their wives being present. " The resignation of P. Ashwell, club treasurer, was received. Messrs. Gough, Gough, and Hamer, Ltd., Christchurch, gave a motion picture display featuring tractors and their value to farming and other industries in U.S.A. ' A Wairarapa. Martinborough.— General business, followed by a discussion on club affairs. Manawatu. Apiti. Election of committee to organise club show to be held in March. General discussion on matters in connection with this show. Opiki.—Decision to raise funds by means of a raffle. . ; A short address on "Sporting Activities” and a motion picture display was . presented by Mr. H. de O. Chamberlain, Department of Agriculture. At a previous unreported meeting various club members gave six-minute speeches— Vile, “Electric Fences”; J. Young, “Panama Canal”; D. Young, “Eradication of Blackberry”; J. Paget, “Stumping”; C. Phillips, "Ensilage”; A. Young, “Value of Trees”; G. Makeham, “Farm v. City Life”; E. Vile, “Scilly Islands.” Oroua Downs..A lecture entitled “Certification of Ryegrass” was given by Mr. L. Earl, Department of Agriculture. Otaki-Te Horo. Talk by Mr. S. McNichol, Department of Internal Affairs, on "Physical Fitness.” At a previous meeting Mr. M. C. Holmes spoke -on “Impressions of Farming Abroad.” Tokomaru. Arrangements for club dance. Lecture by Messrs. Nielson and Peirson, the subject being “Pigs, Cattle, and Sheep.” Wanganui. Waimarino. — Arrangements for Y.F.C. stock

judging at local show.' Proposed South Island tour discussed. / . South Taranaki. Alton. Report by club’s delegate on the meeting ,of the Red Cross held recently. Mr. J. E. Davies spoke on “Co-operative Farming.” Hawera.—Lecture by Mr. F. Bone on his recent visit to Great Britain and Scandinavia. Kaponga.— General business. Each member present gave his views on “The Wintering of Pigs.” ' • • Central Hawke’s Bay. Onga' Onga.— Arrangements made to hold a field day. Mr. E. S. Bibby, advisory president, reported on the Primary Production meeting held in Waipukurau. Proposed to seek the co-operation of the Farmers’ Union in an endeavour to teach young farmers to shear. Decided to send a letter to Mr. H. S. M. Quigley asking for information as to the progress made by the promoters of a Land Settlement . Scheme. Poverty Bay. Gisborne. General business. Dr. Bowie addressed the meeting on “Social Diseases.” Tolaga Bay. General. Talks by club members as follows: Craill, "Trapping Opossums” ; S. Smith, “Ploughing”; 0. James, “A Magneto.” At a previous meeting Mr. Phillips spoke. on “A Tour Through Europe.” Te- Kuiti. Te Anga Central. Arrangements for annual dance. General discussion on potato-growing competition. Western, Bay of Plenty. Kati Kati. Business meeting. Pukehina.— General business, Mr. J. B. Cawie gave a short talk on "The Correct Manner of Conducting a Meeting.” A lantern display featuring “Seed Certification" was then presented by Mr. A. V. Allo, Department of Agriculture. A field day was held on Mr. J. Pattie’s property. There were 24 present, eight of whom were visitors. Opening speeches were made by D. Shearer, club chairman. The demonstrations included “Jersey Cow” (W. Riddell), “Draught Horse” (B. Broom and M. Marsh), “Bacon Pig” (D. S. Ross). —Arranged to hold a club dance. Five members were transferred to the newlyformed Pukehina Club. An address by W. W. Johnson, who gave an account of his voyage from England.

Tauriko.— General business. Mr. A. V. Allo gave a lantern lecture on “Grass , and ’ Clover Certification.” . Waikato. Cambridge.— General business. A study was made of the Palomar Mountain telescope. Field day held at Ruakura Farm of Instruction. There were 32 present, . including -17 visitors. Messrs. T. E. Rodda and E. M. Ojala, Department of Agriculture, made the opening speeches, and the demonstrations included the following: “Aberdeen Angus Cattle” (Mr. T. E. Rodda), “General Experiments” (Mr. E. M. Ojala), “Dairy Farm” (Mr. E. R. Marryatt), "Sterility in Bulls” (Mr. S. A. Southcombe), “Pig. Experiments” (Mr. J. H. Hitchcock). Hauraki.— Discussed debating contest rules. Mr. J. W. Epps spoke on “Herd Testing,” Mr. Townsend 1 on “Jersey Cattle, Their Origin and Place in New Zealand Today,” and Mr. Cheale gave a talk entitled “Pigs and Their Management.” Huntly West. — business. - Auckland. — Arrangements for field day. Discussion on' inter-club competitions and visits, and also on the district court at the Hamilton Winter Show. A talk entitled “The Control of Noxious Weeds” was delivered by Mr. J. E. Bell, Department of Agriculture. At a previous meeting the final series of talks dealing with grassland farming were given by Messrs. Bell, Lane, Paul, and Burgoyne, the subject on this occasion being “Handling of Pasture.” Harrisville. General business. Two interesting talks were given by Mr. L. G. Morris, dairy factory manager, on “Butter Manufacture” and “Feed Flavours.” Mangatawhiri. Arrangements for club dance. Decided to support the A. & P. Association, and several members 'offered their services .as stewards at the forthcoming show. Whangarei. Keri Keri. General business. Mr. P. Everett, Department of Agriculture, lectured on “Cross-pollinations and Budding.” This was followed by an open discussion on the agricultural films displayed recently by Mr. S. Freeman, Y.F.C. Organising Secretary, and Mr. E. B. Glanville, District Secretary.