PLOUGHING MATCHES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 130, 24 July 1880, Page 2

PLOUGHING MATCHES.

To the Editor.

Sir, —As one who considers that anything in any way tending to foster im provement in the mode of agriculture is a public good, I sincerely hope that the shelving of Mr. Hunt’s question re “ploughing match” at the A. and P. Association’s meeting yesterday will not result in there being no district match this year. I cannot for a moment agree with Mr. Grigg, that a ploughing match is only an amusement. On the contrary, it excites a spirit of emulation amongst farmers which must of itself be productive of good, and I take it that a yearly match acts as an incentive to onr fanning youth, and stimulates them to improve upon the general slovenly style of ploughing which is now seen in so many paddocks. I entirely agree with Mr. Walker that fancy ploughing should be discouraged, and can imagine no better plan for doing so than public matches, under strict regulations as regards the same. What is required is good strong ploughing, well and cleanly cut, solidly packed, and leaving a good seed bed —with suilicient comb to form a good cover for the seed. All this can be done without recourse to “false cut,” which should be rnostcertaiuly discouraged, and is so by all good farmers, because it leaves the ground too hollow at the back of the furrows, and tends to materially dry up and wither the roots of the young grain. In England, ploughing matches are and have been for many years an acknowledged and beneficial institution. Why does not the same apply here ? In conclusion, I hope the farmers themselves will organize a ploughing match this season, which I doubt not would eventuate in a great success. —I am, &c., Agricola. . Ashburton, July 22, 1880.