COMPETITIONS IN STOCK JUDGING.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 14

COMPETITIONS IN STOCK JUDGING.

The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association have for a number of years "held competitions in. stock judging by young farmers, and it is a pity that more associations do not provide similar means of ordinary interest in live stock. The Marlborough A. and P. Association, at their late show, hud a team of High School boys assisting the class stewards, and this is a first step , in a useful educational course. A report from the United States says that tho'interest in stock judging formed every year at the agricultural high schools, is growing, and the competition for stock:judging places becomes very intense. It is considered that one of the highest honours that can be won is a stock judging appointment. Numerous contests for farm boys are held at short ..courses at most of the State shows, and the opinion is expressed that there is nothingwill train a farm boy any nioro quickly to see true values and to compare one thing with another. One of'the counties is organised with a county adviser, the pupils in the high school take up stock 3udging, the adviser gives the special demonstrations, and takes them around to tho farms where they may study well-bred animals. This tendency, it is asserted, fits in well with the general improvement in lire stock, and points to a future generation that will breed better animals than are bred at present. Seeing the details of animal conformation, and studying the harmony of the whole structure is a fine art. It is sometimes asserted that the good judge of stock is really born—not made, but oven a youth may derive much benefit by pitting his judgment against that of others who have had greater experience. This is a matter that should be more widely taken up in New Zealand.