Farming Some Basic Questions by D. Wright Another season is drawing to a close and at this stage it would perhaps be as well to consider in what ways production and monetary returns could have been increased. Farming at the present time is still very rewarding to the efficient farmer who is producing somewhere near the potential of his property and doing so in an economic manner. There are many farms, however, on which production is such that with mortgage repayments and running costs taking a big percentage of the income, it is very difficult to achieve a fair standard of living without taking casual seasonal work. This usually results in further deterioration.

Basic Fundamentals There are certain basic fundamentals which are necessary for farming. The first requisite is the ability and will to work and work consistently. Generally it is a matter of working alone, which some people just do not seem to be able to do over any length of time. It is particularly important to work to a plan and an objective as many have the capacity to work but suffer a sense of frustration when no real results are forthcoming. It is essential to analyse the property carefully and consider its strengths and weaknesses. It is both unwise and foolish not to observe and seek information when necessary from successful neighbours, and, probably more important, to take advantage of trained Government Departmental Field Officers who are employed for the specific purpose of assisting farmers. Farming is a way of life which requires keen interest, consistency and hard work over a long period. If these essentials are lacking, take up another occupation.

Grass Comes First In this country we are grassland farmers, and our first consideration is to have pastures capable of producing as much palatable feed over as long a period as possible. The quality of the pasture determines the amount of stock a farm will carry and hence your potential income. The dominating factors in pasture growth are climate, soil fertility, drainage and the composition of the sward. Northern Advocate Photo Mr W. Maki of Takahiwai, Whangarei, who won first place in the dairy farm section of the 1962 Ahuwhenua contest. Commenting on Mr Maki's win, the judge said that he was a natural stockman, who had already achieved the high average of 289lbs of butterfat per cow, with the likelihood of even greater returns in the next few years. The winner of the sheep and cattle section was Mr Kingi Grace of Tokaanu, a thoroughly experienced stockman whose work showed many interesting features. Second place in the dairy section was awarded Mr & Mrs C. Rutledge of Te Kopuru, Dargaville, and third place in this section went to Mr J. W. Hedley of Hoe-o-Tainui, near Morrinsville. In the sheep and cattle section second place went to Mr J. J. Reid of Kaikohe, and third place to Mr A. Whata of Rotorua. Consideration should be given to the suitability of the pasture species in relation to the climate and soil type. Perhaps the most important item in the farming budget is manure and it is essential to apply the correct amount of the best fertiliser for your kind of country. You should seek expert advice on this. After pasture production, the next logical consideration is stock. Good quality stock are essential, and they must calve at such a time as to allow a