FARM NOTES.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 640, 10 June 1921, Page 5

FARM NOTES.

MATTERS OF INTEREST, The vast majority of farmers never dream of submitting their cows to test, says the Taranaki Herald. Twen-ty-seven associations, representing 422 herds and 10,460' cows, are now at- work, and it is estimated that 14.700 cows are tested by private arrangement. That is to say, that about 25,000 dairy cows out of nearly a million are under test, or one in 40. What are farmers of Taranaki, with their high-priced land, going to do about it? The present milking season, is drawing /to a close and it" is too late to do anything*, but it is not too early to take steps for the formation of testing associations for next season. The dairy companies and agricultural societies should take the matter up and start a vigorous campaign during the winter, never resting until the farmer who does not test his cows is as extinct as the moa.

The-opinion is freely expressed by prominent Manawatu farmers that owing to the poor returns from sheep farming there will be a big increase in the butter-fat suppliers next season. This will mean a demand for good milking cows as spring* approaches.

The following is from the Eltham Argus: —A proposal is on foot to establish a loan and banking corporation in connection with the dairying industry in this country. The proposed capital is very large, running into millions,' and the principal object is stated to be the Issue of loans on mortgage over farm land, the borrower paying 4 per cent, plus 1 per cent, for expenses and 1 per cent, sinking fund, with provision for a rebate on expenses should the cost be less than 1 per cent. The shareholding qualification is based on the number of cows owned. A full prospectus will be issued in June, and it is hoped by the promoters to have the concern in operation by October next.