MANY FARMERS AT JERSEY FIELD DAY & DEMONSTRATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 18, 3 April 1950, Page 5

MANY FARMERS AT JERSEY FIELD DAY & DEMONSTRATION

The importance of selection of cows on type before the advent of testing was dealt with by Mr J. Moreland, of the Beechlands Stud, and was ably demonstrated on cattle from some of the leading local studs, at a successful field day and demonstration by the South Bay of Plenty Jersey Club on the property" of Mr Neil Reid. Taneatua. last week. Mr Moreland pointed out that before testing there was only buttermaking trials and hand milking to help assess yields. The weather was fine and the function was attended by over 80 farmers and members from Te Puke to Opotiki and keen interest was shown in the proceedings. Visi-. tors were welcomed by the president, Mr W. R. Boon. Changes In Requirements , With Beaulieu Bluebird, V.H.C. (the daughter of a sound breeding V.H.C.) the first demonstration worked systematically over a cow with evident productive capability. Mr Moreland mentioned the changes in requirements which do not now lay so much emphasis on points like the very flat udder, tail of hock length, and long and tortuous milk veins. Then he stressed also the point that the feel of the skin and, bloom of the udder varied through-' out the year. ' Of great importance, however, was the general appearance^,wherein all the features must blend to give a balanced animal.

Penrose Forest Lad was the subject of discussion about herd sires. Before detailing the individual features of this fine animal it was pointed out that of more importance than the type of the bull was the breeding of him—with special emphasis on the qualities of Ips dam and her family—although both sides of the pedigree were of practically equal importance. Points that condemned a bull were twisted face, roached back, and undershot jaw. If the background of the bull was sound it was important that if any fault did exist they should not be those present in the herd to which he would be mated. Open Judging Class

Following each demonstration there was an open judging class and the demonstrator explained his placings of the cows, bulls, and incalf heifers. Mr Boon thanked all, who by their work and attendance had made the day such an outstanding success and that other such field days must follow. He especially thanked the demonstrator for his valuable instruction. Mr Moreland .later pointed out that in his own herd to retain her place a cow had .a minimum production to attain, no matter how typey she might be.