CROP AND PASTURE COMPETITIONS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 79, Issue 2, 15 August 1949, Page 167

CROP AND PASTURE COMPETITIONS

Contributed by the Extension Division.

BEFORE the war crop and pasture competitions were conducted in most districts in the

Dominion. During the past 2 or 3 years many of them have been revived and the purpose of this article is to summarise the various competitions carried out during 1948. Limitations of space and the large number of different classes make it impossible to give details of prize-winning entries, but these are usually published locally. There are, however, many points which emerge from each competition and a study of the factors contributing toward success and the lessons to be learned from it are most important.

IT is the contributions to farming knowledge made by competitors which warrant the participation of local Instructors in Agriculture as judges at crop and pasture competitions and the presence of local farmers during judging. In the farming community of any province there are farmers whose ability in relation to certain phases of farming is outstanding and from whom all can learn. If these capable farmers can be induced to take a leading part in competitions, it is obvious that progress must follow as their knowledge becomes more widely publicised.

It is possible, too, that the competitor at the bottom of the judging list may contribute more to farming knowledge than one at the top; a preventable fault may have caused him to be placed last and a competent judge can point this out to farmers present at the judging, who will be able to avoid making the same mistake.

A review of district crop and pasture competitions follows.

Otago

In reviewing the competitions in Otago W. R. Lobb, Fields Instructor, Dunedin, gives some interesting sidelights on their development. Pasture competitions were revived last season after a lapse of some years due to war conditions, the Milton branch of Federated Farmers holding a competition in November. A review of the past work of competition committees and their history follows, and results of the latest competition will be given later in this article. In their report on farmers’ field competitions in 1936 the Otago committee made the following comment: “Despite the claims of other districts, Otago can rightly claim to be the home of farmers’ field competitions in this

country, for records reveal the fact that competitions were , conducted in this province as early as 1895. In that year, Sir John Bennett Laws presented a 50 guinea challenge shield for the best-managed farm of from 100 to 400 acres in Otago or Southland. The competition was judged by Mr. P. Pattullo, Inspector for the New Zealand and Australian Land Company. “In 1897 field turnip competitions were introduced, Joseph Fison and Company Ltd. offering two silver cups for competitions, one for the best 5-15 acres of turnips and the other for the best 16 acres or over of the same crop. Messrs. Donald Reid and Company also offered two cups, while other trophies were forthcoming from Messrs. Nimmo and Blair, Wright Stephenson and Company, and from the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society, who were sponsoring the movement. ■

“By 1901 these classes increased to eight, mainly for various crops, principally swedes, turnips, and mangolds. “An interesting class introduced the first year (1895) was a reaper and binder trial held at Outram, which attracted three competitors. These three entrants were manufacturers of machines and as it was apparently not the intention of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society to encourage such competitors, the conditions were changed and the following year the competition was open only to farmers and no paid servant of any maker, or expert, was allowed to be with the machine. The ' competition attracted eleven entries. “The various competitions as outlined were continued up until 1917, when possibly on account of international upheaval, they were discontinued. ' From the late twenties onward some were revived in Southland and in the early thirties in Otago. The enthusiasm became quite widespread throughout the territory and at the commencement of the Second World War the Otago Farmers’ Field Competition Committee was a very active

body. Well-patronised and widelydispersed competitions were held, covering best-managed farms, ewe hoggets, pastures, turnips, swedes, and chou moellier. In the Otago area championship awards for pastures had been inaugurated and many cups and trophies were competed for.” Forced into Recess In 1940, owing to the unsettled conditions, the Otago Farmers’ Field Competition Committee was reluctantly forced into recess and championship competitions were curtailed. .It was left to district committees to decide on the type and extent of competitions they wished to conduct. It was realised that these competitions were of great value in increasing production and that it was not desirable to cancel them, because some districts might consider that they were still able to carry on. During the war most fixtures were cancelled, but root crop competitions were held in- South Otago and, with one or two breaks, in Southland. '

Apart from the competitive aspect alone, competitions have considerable value. It can be assumed that the winning entrant has used the best practices to achieve . his success, and information gained over a number of years from the winning entries can show what are the best management practices. The information which. is given out about the methods of successful entrants can then be regarded as valuable. From competitions it is possible to determine the best times to plough, the cultivation methods to be used, the most suitable dates and rates of sowing, the best pasture mixtures, the best varieties to sow, the manuring, , liming, and topdressing necessary, and the most efficient general management methods for various crops in different districts. Competitions also give information on when various practices were widely adopted or when they ceased to be favoured. Dates at which new varieties of plants were introduced can also be assessed.

Extracts from Judges’ Comments

The following extracts from various judges’ reports on crop competitions will show how interesting and valuable items can be gained from farm competitions:— .

Southland turnip and swede competitions, 1935: “Another feature that was quite noticeable was the prevalence of the condition known as ‘mottled heart,’ seen on cutting. This condition, known in Canada as ‘brown heart’, was:there remedied to a great extent by applying boron compounds at the rate of a few pounds per acre with the fertiliser employed. This disease did not appear to be confined to any particular variety, as in the judged crops the following were represented: Masterpiece, Elephant, Superlative, Tipperary, Crimson King, Grandmaster, Knockdon, and Sutton’s Perfection.”

The use of boron on swede areas is a well-established practice in Southland today.

Another extract from the. same report .throws enlightenment on a point which has caused much discussion since the introduction of New Zealand grown turnip ' and swede seeds; the opinion was given before such seeds were on the market: “A complaint, frequently voiced by the farmers we met in our travels, was the great falling off these last few years in the yield of yellow turnips, and it would appear that this has been an important factor in recent years in the consequent falling off of entries in this particular section of the competition.”

Southland competition, 1936: “. . . It is of interest also to record that a 24in. ridger was encountered for the first time in these competitions.”

A practice not encountered today, but which must have been employed frequently in the past is revealed by the fact that among the winning entries about this time many had been saddle harrowed.

Strath Taieri district competition, 1936: “The average yield following double ploughing was 55 tons per acre, following early ploughing 41 tons 4cwt., and following late ploughing 40 tons 3cwt.”

Sowing dates are somewhat unusual in this district, as the following statement in the report shows: “Four crops were sown in September, giving an average yield of 52 tons lewt. per acre; 7 were sown in October, with an average yield of 40 tons Bcwt.; while 5 were sown in November, with an average yield of 40 tons 12cwt.”

A note on disease, typical of the information gained and passed on by competitions, reads: “Crops were relatively free from disease. A number of crops had second growth on the roots which is frequently confused with club-root, but which is a common occurrence in some seasons. Club-root and dry rot were both present in various crops, while some were affected with mottled heart. The incidence of this latter disease appeared to be confined to the river flats, although all river flat crops were not affected. It would appear to be rather significant that no mottled heart was observed on the terrace country away

from the river. Those crops on the river flats following lea were free from mottled heart, whereas those on similar country following turnips were affected. The worst infection of this disease was on a crop following two previous swede crops. The worst infection of club-root was also in a second succeeding crop of turnips. Dry rot, however, was noticeable throughout various crops, and as this disease is seed borne, it is not surprising that it was found at random. A rather significant factor was the freedom from disease in those crops following lea.”

Milton district swede competition, 1936: Yields in relation to months of ploughing were given as follows: —

Stirling competition, 1936: “Eight crops followed lea; yields ranged from 64 tons lOcwt. to 90 tons Ucwt. and averaged 74 tons lewt. Four crops followed , potatoes, the yields ranging from 74 tons 16cwt. to 95 tons 16cwt. and averaging 86 tons 7 cwt.

In 1943 the judges encountered New Zealand-produced seed and reported “. . . and the outstanding fact was the excellent germination. The purity of these lines was satisfactory.”

In 1944 New Zealand seed of both turnips and swedes occupied the winning places in the competitions.

It is comments such as these and information passed on at judging and by the Press that add to the value of competitions.

Pasture competitions: Extracts from reports on these competitions have mainly the same valuable features as the extracts already given in regard to crop competitions. A 1936 report sums up the position in regard to Poa annua: “This grass, during the spring, gives a fair amount of very palatable feed, but cannot be regarded as a very good grass on account of its very short life. ' It is essentially, at the most, an annual. . Under favourable circumstances it will flower and reseed several times in the 12 months, and is found most frequently filling in gaps in open swards of high fertility and in odd waste corners of the farms where bare patches are common, such as gateways and yards.”

A report on Central Otago pastures makes these points: “The three most striking features seen are: 1. The large amount of Poa pratensis in the Galloway district. This grass is quite correctly regarded in many districts as being an inferior grass, but in the pastures at Galloway it is undoubtedly producing a very large amount of feed at the present time, and in judging the pastures it was necessary to regard it amongst the good grasses. One instance was seen where the recovery after cutting 10 days previously amounted to some 6 or Bin., and it is doubtful whether ryegrass would have made much more growth in that time. Nevertheless, when viewed broadly, Poa pratensis must be regarded as a fairly-poor grass, on account of its very twitchy and aggressive nature. This is seen repeatedly in lucerne stands

where the grass has to a very largeextent pushed out the lucerne. 2. Theclover content of the pastures under irrigation is excellent and, if this were more general in other districts, there is no doubt that their pastures would be considerably improved. 3. Timothy. This grass under irrigation appears tobe giving excellent results. It is a very palatable and nutritious grass and with cocksfoot it provides some very useful feed after the ryegrass has passed its best.”

Of a pasture in the Waikouaiti district the judge comments: “This particular pasture is interesting in that it affords an excellent example of the effect that continuous hay crops have on various species. Cocksfoot thrives under these conditions to such an extent that it smothers out certain plants. This fact, coupled with the probability that a short-lived strain of ryegrass was sown, has resulted in the virtual complete elimination of the ryegrass. Under these conditions red clover or cowgrass will hold for many years, partly due to the lack of heavy summer grazing and partly due to light reseeding if the crop is cut late in the season. As mentioned before, white clover under these conditions does not thrive to the extent that it does when under continuous grazing.”

If the comments of judges on competitions were compiled, they would make a handbook on agriculture.

Milton Competition

After the recent Milton competition the judges stated that, throughout, pastures reflected credit on the district and the majority were of a high standard. The general pastoral practices of the district can be summarised from the following information gained. by the judges during their inspections: —

Of the pastures entered for competition 85 per cent, were sown with Certified seeds. Seventy per cent, of the pastures were sown with complex mixtures, the remaining 30 per cent, being ryegrass-white clover paddocks. The complex mixtures used were somewhat similar, the most common grasses included, other than perennial ryegrass, being cocksfoot, timothy, and Italian ryegrass. The clovers included in mixtures other than white clover, which was present in all, were Montgomery red clover and, in two or three entries, alsike. Rape was the most frequently-used nurse crop; some pastures were sown down with oats and others with wheat. In several cases no cover crop was employed.

With the exception of 4 entries for which the information was not available, all pastures had received lime, the amounts applied during the life of the pasture varying from 1 to 4 tons per acre. It would appear that in pastures up to 8 years old the usual amount applied in the district is between 2 and 3 tons per acre. ■'

It is obvious that the general practice is to sow the seed mixture with 2cwt. of manure and, where a nurse crop is used, this is to be expected and is no doubt good practice.

Twenty-six of the entries had been topdressed subsequent to the initial application of manure, mainly with straight superphosphate. Information was not available in 4 cases. One instance of the use of cobaltised superphosphate was recorded. The general application of topdressing seemed to be

1 to 2cwt. of superphosphate per acre •every year or every second year, though in some cases applications were made at longer intervals and in others the rate of application'was heavier, up to scwt. being applied. Suckling •clover, Yorkshire fog, and Poa trivialis ■were prominent in, pastures which were not topdressed.

The most common undesirable grasses :seen were Yorkshire fog, Poa annua, sweet vernal, browntop, and chewings fescue. Poa trivialis was present on land which should have supported pastures which would exclude it from the sward. Suckling clover was a constituent of swards where its presence -could be deemed undesirable. The -common weeds were flat weeds of many species, chickweeds, thistles, -docks, and yarrow; a smaller quantity ■of many other weeds was present.

The judges felt that the competition •could be even more valuable if pastures were judged in spring and .autumn, and that if this were done, .some alteration in the minor placings, at least, could no doubt be expected.

Southland

A crop competition limited to swedes and chou moellier is conducted .annually by the Southland Agricultural ■and Pastoral Association in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. There are two judges, one from "the association and one from the Department. The winning crop of swedes in the 1948 competitions yielded 77 tons per acre, the best chou moellier area 64 tons per acre. An important point commented on by the judges was the seeding rate for chou moellier, which varied from lib. to 31b. per acre. 'Three pounds per acre was considered •definitely too heavy. The old controversy about the respective value of thick and thin stalks again arose during the competition, but it was found 'that there was little difference in weight between a thinned crop (thick stalks) and a thick crop (thin stalks). The latter seem to be more desirable dor sheep feed.

The judges were given the opportunity once again to point out the effects •of boron deficiency, as 2 of the heaviest •crops of swedes weighed lost a considerable number of points for quality through the incidence of brown heart in the crop. The chou moellier crops were all of good quality.

Canterbury

Pasture competitions have been held -during the past few years in several ■districts in Canterbury, the 1948 Ashburton competition being described in the July issue of the “Journal.”

In the Rangiora district lucerne and field crops and pasture competitions -are held. The Sheffield Agricultural and Pastoral Association conducts a •competition’for greenfeed, turnips, and pastures, while Federated Farmers branches at Hororata and EllesmereDunsandel organise pasture competitions.

! Nelson

Field competitions have been featured by both the Nelson and Motueka Agricultural and Pastoral Associations for a number of years as part of the annual show competitions. Entries have included areas of lucerne,

cowgrass, or cowgrass and ryegrass for hay and permanent pasture. Judging has been done by the local Instructor in Agriculture and endeavours have been made to combine judging with a farmers’ field day. It' is considered that pasture competitions in particular have helped to some degree in the improvement of the district’s grassland. South Taranaki - In co-operation with local branches of Federated Farmers competitions -including those for hay, silage, and pastures were conducted in the Hawera district. Field days at which there was a good attendance of farmers were held on each judging day and the time spent was considered well worth while by those participating, as opportunity was taken to view outstanding features on all farms visited. Mid-Taranaki , Pasture competitions were conducted in the Wharehuia, Pukengahu, and Strathmore districts. Hay and silage competitions are included in the Strathmore . competition; which was maintained throughout the war years. Hay and silage are also judged in the Tarata district. A number of factors operate against the making of goodquality hay and silage in Central Taranaki: High rainfall and unsettled weather are generally experienced before Christmas, and by January ryegrass and white . clover are overmature. On broken country farmers are compelled to cut the same paddock year after year. Moreover, because of labour shortage haymaking is done in gangs and this system of harvesting tends to give a product which is not of the best quality. No extra topdressing is possible on the hay and silage paddocks and the transfer of fertility by feeding ' out in other» paddocks results in the gradual elimination of perennial ryegrass and white clover from the hay paddocks.

North Taranaki Field competitions were revived on a district basis in North Taranaki in 1946, when pasture competitions were held. In the 1947-48 season crop, hay, and silage competitions were also revived. The 1947-48 competitions drew 314 entries in the pasture section, 34 in the crop section, 64 in the hay section,. and 28 in the silage section. The judges’ report indicates that the winning entries in all pasture, hay, and silage competitions were of a very high standard, but crop yields were not as high as those of many winning entries in previous years. Most of. the hay inspected had been harvested and stacked in good condition and only a small proportion had been affected by rain. It was noticeable that most of the best stacks were round and it appears that unless there is a big gang on the stack, an oblong stack is more difficult to construct than a round one and therefore is more likely to let in water. On the whole the silage was very good. The dry spell experienced in the previous November appeared to have been responsible for much of the silage being slightly darker than usual and some to be very black even when the material was cut at a leafy stage. ' Auckland Competitions in the Auckland district are confined to those conducted by Mauku Federated Farmers and in addition to a pasture, hay, and silage competition, include one for the bestkept farm. The judges consider that the best-kept farm competition is extremely valuable, as it provides a wealth of evidence of what can be accomplished on the average farm. It has revealed that by thought, care, and planning the gardens and general surroundings of the homesteads of farms entered in the best-kept farm competition have been brought up to a

standard which should be aimed at by other farmers. Other features of farms in the competition were the excellence of the water supply and reticulation, farm shelter, and the condition of stock, which indicated they were well fed. On every farm the supplementary feed position was well above average. There were also good supplies of hay, silage, and wintersaved grass and in some cases swedes and autumn-sown cereals. The housing of farm implements was generally good.

Matamata

One swede and one hay competition were completed in the Matamata district in 1948. In the swede competition the main features were the early sowing and the short period between ploughing and sowing. On this pumice —Taupo sandy silta long fallow results in the small amount of humus in the soil being leached, leaving a layer of almost pure sand on top in which moisture needed for germination is lacking. Another feature was the success of a swede crop when sown with a permanent grass mixture; many farmers are now using this method of grassing down, with good results.

Rotorua

In 1947-48 field crop, hay, and silage classes of the farmers’ field competitions conducted by the Rotorua, Ngakuru, and Reporoa branches of Federated Farmers there was a slight increase in entries compared with the previous season’s competitions. (An account of the 1946-47 competitions appeared in the March, 1948, issue of the “Journal.”) A pleasing feature of the 1948 season’s competitions was the almost general improvement in all classes. There was evidence that more care had been taken in making meadow hay, lucerne hay, and silage and as a result the quality was better.

The incidence of brown heart in swede entries, so noticeable in the previous season, was confined to only a very few crops and in these the disease was not particularly bad, except in two cases where no borax had been used. The highest yield in the swede competitions was 80 tons per acre.

C. R. Taylor, Instructor in Agriculture, Rotorua, makes the following comments on the competitions: — Swedes , ' In discussing the results of the 1946- season competitions in the March, 1948, issue of the “Journal” reference was made to the fact that no safe conclusions could be drawn from only one year’s competitions. Similarly it would be inadvisable to be too dogmatic in assessing results after two years of contests, but since certain features in respect of swede growing noted in 1946-47 recurred during the 1947- season, they are probably of more than passing interest. Seed: Crimson King variety again took first and second places in all three districts (Rotorua, Ngakuru, and Reporoa) and one third place, while Grandmaster and Superlative each took one third place. Thus out of 9 possible places Crimson King secured 7, against 6 for 1946-47. This performance would

at least suggest that the variety possesses certain characteristics which adapt it particularly well to pumicecountry conditions. Crimson King, sown pure, was the seed used in 15 of the total of 30 entriesso per cent, of them, compared with 25 per cent, the previous season. New Zealand Resistant and Sensation were other varieties represented, but neither of them nor Superlative nor Grandmaster featured prominently in' any of the district competitions.

As was the case in 1946-47 most entrants used lib. ■' of seed per acre. There is some evidence that, given satisfactory germination conditions, not more than lib. per acre should be sown (broadcast or in narrow drills) if a crop of good-sized bulbs is desired. In the 2 years competitions have been held it has been noticed that heavier seeding rates have produced a large number of small roots which give a tonnage per acre less than that of fewer but larger bulbs. Moreover, with thick crops of small roots it was noticed that diseases, especially dry rot, tended to be more prevalent.

Method of sowing: Of the 30 swede entries 16 were sown with the drill and 14 were broadcast, using the ordinary topdresser. Most drilled crops were sown through every second coulter, but one was sown in 24in. rows through a manually-operated cultivator with sowing attachment. Except where the seed was sown by cultivator, seed and fertiliser were mixed before sowing. There was no significant difference between the crop where seed was sown separately and the others.

Fertiliser: All placed entries were manured either with superphosphate or serpentine superphosphate (chiefly with superphosphate), the quantities ranging from Ifcwt. to 3|cwt. per acre and the average being about 2|cwt. The majority of entrants used straight superphosphate at the rate of approximately 3cwt. per acre. Only 2 entrants used lime (lewt. per acre) in addition to fertiliser. Potash, in amounts varying from 201 b. to 1121 b. per acre, in conjunction with a phosphatic fertiliser, was employed by 4 competitors. This additional manure apparently did

not help to produce better crops, which confirmed the experience of the previous year.

Cultivation: All but 1 of the 30 entries were ploughed out of grass to a depth of 4 to 6in. The exception was an area which was disced (several times) from grass and, incidentally, it produced an . excellent crop of sound roots. For some reason there appeared to be a tendency this year for ploughing in relation to sowing to be earlier. In 1946-47 most of the competitors ploughed early in November and sowed in the same month, securing excellent results. This year an equally substantial number ploughed during late October and early November, but did not sow until early December. It seems probable that the intention was to sow sometime in November, but the weather at that time was unfavourable. Whatever the reason for earlier ploughing, it was clear that, generally, the best crops were those sown on land that had been ploughed not many weeks before sowing. In fact among the placed crops was one which, within a week, had been ploughed from grass, worked to a seed-bed, and sown.

Except for 2 entries which were sown between mid-October and late October (September ploughing), all were sown between late November and early December.

As in the 1946-47 season, the areas entered last season had been given the customary 2 or 3 cuts with discs, followed by a stroke or two with tripod and chain harrows. In a few cases competitors also used tine harrows. Only 8 of the 30 entries were rolled, either before or immediately after sowing. Of the 9 placed entries only 3 were rolled to consolidate the seed-bed. Reporoa competitors were the only ones to roll their land before sowing. It would appear, therefore, from 2 years’ results that under Rotorua conditions rolling is not absolutely essential to the success of a swede crop.

Disease: Contrary to the previous season’s experience, most entrants this year used varying quantities of borax to control mottled (brown) heart disease and almost without exception satisfactory to excellent control was gained; but it was noticeable (except

in two instances where the organicmatter content of the soil was abnormally high. for pumice country) that where no borax, or very little of it, was used the disease was relatively severe. Whereas the majority of competitors failed to use borax in 1946-47 for . the control of mottled-heart disease, mainly with disastrous results, this season 21 entrants used between 41b. and 201 b. per acre, the average being about 91b. Dry rot disease was present in many of the entries, but to such a minor extent that it caused very little - loss. There was no evidence of soft rot or other serious infection. Records: Most competitors scored fairly well in this section and thus contributed materially to the preparation of this survey; but there is still room for some improvement if the full purpose of the competition is to. be achieved,

Meadow Hay (Stacked and Baled) - There was a most pleasing improvement in general quality of meadow hay and in the manner in which it was protected from stock and weather, compared with the position in 1946-47. Generally the herbage was cut in a much more leafy condition and also contained a higher proportion of clovers and trefoil. Inferior grasses such as sweet vernal, goosegrass, and hairgrass were not nearly so prominent and there was a considerable improvement in the ryegrass and cocksfoot content. All first-place entries were of an exceptionally-high standard — a standard well worthy of emulation in the future. In fact, most of the placed entries consisted of really good hay. No material difference in quality could be detected between - well-made stacked hay and' well-made baled hay.

Lucerne Hay » The lucerne hay class showed some improvement over the previous season’s competition, both as regards the number of entries and quality. Results showed, however, that there was ample scope for further improvement in this important winter supplement. Greater care should be taken in harvesting the crop to see that as little leaf as possible is dropped. It appears that usually lucerne is left far too long in the swath before being windr owed and possibly cocked.. The result is a rapid loss of leaf, due to heat from the sun, and the ultimate saving of bare stems only. Most entrants • lost points either through faulty harvesting methods, or failure to protect stacks adequately against bad weather. Lack of experience with lucerne was largely responsible for the faults mentioned. Silage The entries (10) received in the

silage section showed a distinct improvement over those entered in 1946-47, which was very encouraging, especially in view of the fact that the Rotorua district has never been regarded as an important silage-making area. 1 .

The 1947-48 competition proved conclusively that silage of the highest quality can be made by farmers in the Rotorua district. If a few farmers can make silage satisfactorily, no doubt all farmers, with experience, could do likewise.

Silage making should be particularly attractive to farmers whose properties are fully developed and in first-class pasture, as not only does it lend itself to pasture management of a high order, but it can also obviate the need for breaking up. good pastures for annual cropping.

DAIRY PRODUCE GRADED FOR EXPORT

THE following figures showing quantities of dairy produce graded for export during June and.for the 11 months ended June 30, 1949, with comparative figures for the same month and 11-monthly period of last year, have been compiled by the Dairy Division of the Department of Agriculture from figures supplied by. divisional officers at the-various grading ports:—

If these figures are converted into butterfat equivalent, there is an increase of 11.683 per cent, in butterfat graded for the 11 months as compared with the corresponding period of the preceding season. It should be noted that the above figures refer only to butter and cheese graded for export, and that owing to diversions which may take place from time to time, they are not necessarily a true indication of production trends.

BUTTER Tons Tons Percentage Total in store Period Creamery Whey Total inc. or dec. at end of mth. June, 1949 1,053, 28 1,081 +102.434 13,698 June, 1948 .. .. .. 519 15 534 14,673 Increase or decrease .. .. +534 +l3 +547 ' —975 For II months ended 30/6/49 142,182 2,633 144,815 0.870 For II months ended 30/6/48 128,282 2,334 ' (30,616 Increase or decrease .. .. +13,900 +299 +14,199 CHEESE- Tons Tons Percentage Total in store / Period White Coloured Total inc. or dec. at end of mth. ' June, 1949 1,346 110 1,456 +43.166 11,653 June, 1948 1,017 - ' 1,017 'x 5,629 Increase or decrease .. .. +329 +llO +439 +6,024 - For II months ended 30/6/49 89,438 5,163 94,601. +14.481 For 11 months ended 30/6/48 82,634 82,634 Increase or decrease .. .. +6,804 +5,163 +11,967 .

SEED MAIZE

FOR several years the Department of Agriculture has been interested in the results being obtained from the use of hybrid types of seed maize and three seasons ago the Department grew an experimental area for the production of seed of a genuine double hybrid —Pfister No. 360. Imported seed of this hybrid had already behaved very well under local conditions and, as a result of the information gained from the experimental area in the 1946-47 season, an area for the production of hybrid seed on a commercial scale was sown the following season.. Unfortunately the total produce of this area was lost in the disastrous flood experienced in the Gisborne district in 1948, but a further area was sown out for the 1948-49 season. This area has now been safely harvested and at present the produce is in crib preparatory to threshing and. machine dressing.

The resultant seed will be distributed by the Department as “Certified Pfister Double Hybrid No. 360” in time for the coming spring sowings.

Orders for this seed, which will be accepted only from those firms usually engaged in the supply of seed maize,, should be placed with the Instructor in Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Box 29, Gisborne. Farmers desiring to obtain supplies of this New Zealand-grown seed should make arrangements with their local mer-r chants.

Month No. of crops Yield (average) ton cwt. May2 46 12 June 2 45 1 July 3 42 8