Shorthorn Breeders' Association.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 July 1915, Page 2

Shorthorn Breeders' Association.

VISIT TO THE WERAROA EXPERIMENTAL FARM. Yesterday afternoon u'bout a dozen members ot the Shorthorn Breeders' Association visited tho Weraroa Experimental l'arm. it had been the in tcntion of the Association to hold its regular general meeting at the farm, but owing to the secretary, Mr Hunter, of i'almerston N'orth, being unavoidably absent oh' other business, t'<9 idea had to be abandoned, and only a brief committee meeting was held to deal with an urgent matter brought up by one of the members present. The visitors came from Taranaki, Wangauui, Dannevirks, Falnierston North, Shan- , 11011. Foxton, Taikorea, lVoputaroa ant'f Lovin and also from To Hoip. They "were shown over true farm by the manager, Mr Drysdj\lc, and took a keen interest in all tfioy saw, especially in the milking sl|ed, tho new dairy, the new calf pens, and tho plots of various grass** gfcr..n for purposes of comparison 111 the orchard. Theyre are of much interest, and convey a lot of instruction to farmers just now in showing what variety of grass makes the best growth in the winter. Almost any variety of grass will grow 111 spring and summer, but the grass tint grows well in winter, when feed is scarce, is of special value to fanners. Out of the dozens of varieties of tho farm there are several that have made good growth during the past low weeks.

The live stock were subjected to a critical examination, careful attention being paid to the Shorthorn cat'tle, and the visitors were of the opinion that the farm has some line specimens of the true Shorthorn type. The general appearance of the farm — tho well-grassed fields, the condition of tho stock, the orchards, tho dairy, the milking shed—excited fav-

onrabio comment

Alter ail excellent lunch, provided by the ladies, Mi Grant (Danncvirke) prosident of the Association, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Dr.vsdale for the kind reception they had given them. He said that Mr Dryadalo was one of the best friends the fanner had. Mistakes may have been made on the farm, out they could learn from a mistake as well as they could prolit from a success. After seeing what had been done on the Farm he felt that he should do tho same Farmers would have to go into a more advanced system ol tanning, and feed their stock. They had seen some good stock "in this district, but it re(juiral feeding. A noticeable thins on the farm was the well-fed stock, and in that respect everyone should do as well as the farm. Regarding the Association, they owed a lot to Mr Drysdalo for what lie had done for them. In the old day* tho Shorthorn cattle were the favourites for beef, but when dairying came in the good breeds had been lost. However, they would get them back again. The vote of tliank.s was carried, and at Mr Grant's call three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Drysdalo, and the stall. .Mr Drysdalo. in returning thanks, said that if was a pleasure to him to do all lie could for visitors to tho tarin; the only thing there were not enough

visitors. He would like to boo thoin (.•oino more often and at regular periods ol the year, and see the various phases of tiie farm and the work carried on. At a visit to tlie Farm was injunctive in showing the provision ol winter feed for stock. A mail wiifi money could buy good stuc'k, but ho would have to feed them. Different districts varied regarding winter lued, but if a man visiting the i'arm was observant, he could take nome new l eas that would improve hif> methods. Unfortunately the old methods stuck hke a sticking plaster in the .North Island, but with the high price ol land larm era would have to produce more au:i get a bigger return per acre; they would have to supplement the gras& pastures which were running omt. iliey must feed their stock and "keep them in good condition during the whole year ,and then at calving time tlie cowa would give a good quantity of milk and decent returns in butter fat, .u----stead .of waiting fox the spring teed lor this. He was pleased to see them all at the farm, and was sorry that the Association's meeting could i">t be held. He hoped that the Asso".' -• tion would be a success, and that they would visit the farm again later tn lie also hoped that the young nio'i v.oudd take an intoxest m it, and 1.1 future be able to take the place of the older men. A hearty vote of thanks.was accorded the ladies for providing refreshlitems. An impromptu committee meeting was held to deal with the accepting of stock that has passed the Association's standard, for the .second volume of the .stud book, the lirst volume being complete and in the printer's hands. The question was brought under the notice of those present by Mr .M. Craven (Taikorea). It was pointed out that with the first volume of the stud booker ised, farmer* wishing to sell stock that came up to the required .standard, were not able at present to assure a purchaser that such stock was registered, or accepted for registration, and therefore were under a disability. -Mr Law (Shannon) moved that stock passing tlie Association's standard be accepted for entry in the second volume of tho stud book from now 011. Mr Drysdale seconded this and it was carried. Tt is probable that a, meeting of the Association will be held at tlie Karji at a later date.