PIG FARMING.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1925, Page 1

PIG FARMING.

UNDKR .MODERN CONDITIONS. In our methods of pig-farming in this country ivr arc getting too far away from Nature,” said Air I'red Ri.seoni.be, the well-known pig-breeder from the Cambridge district, to an Auckland "Star” reporter, when discussed the subject, recently. "The pig was never meant to he fed on slop,” he continued. "The snout was given for a purpose and the pig is never happier. and certainly never healthier, than when digging-in. The artichoke is the riches! vegetable known, and will yield up to 10 tons to the acre. The pig dot's its own feeding and enriches the soil in a remarkable way. We are holding 500 -rigs at l.ncorndalc at present. most of which arc pedigree. We have nine acres, and this area will lie increased to fifteen this winter. There have been failures with this crop, and making investigation- 1 found that the cause was due to inferior seed. There are several varieties the. market, and goo much care cannot., be taken in securing from a crop that is ol elm proven variety. Some do not resist drought or blight, and others, while they are not affected by these, do not yield the weight per acre, nor is the feeding value the same.” Mr Disrom.br went on to say that In- artichoke crop was replanted every other year, the replanting being done with seed from' the previous year's crop. He gave an interesting piece of information concerning what artichokes could do to produce pork. At the TTawkesbury College. New South Wales one acre produced, in six weeks, 3:1 ib pounds of pork, which at sixpence per Hi, worked out at approximately L>n.or Risen mho assured the "Star” reporter that similar results had been obtained here. “Ruling the summer months, ’ said Mr Riscombc, “when there is a plentiful supply of whey, or skim milk, and good pasture, the pigs do very little roolitm, and usually one ring will stop this, 'flu the other hand. it. will not prevent them from doing justice t" Ike artichoke crop in the winter, when tlm rooting is much suiter. Ibis nop I ‘in he planted from now on. and U requires similar treatment to potatoes The rows are planted 3 feet- apart and IS inches between the tubers. Ihe host results have been obtained at Rueorndale with the use of bonedust and basic-superphosphate, equal pails at the rate of newt per acre. After tlm I,ist year no manure is required. An occasional application of ground burnt lime tends to sweeten the soil and corrects the acidity that sometimes follow- the heavy stocking with pigs. Six httmlreilweighf of seed will usually plant an acre. In conclusion. Air Riscombc said : "I have gone move fully into tile growing of this crop because it is so little known in this country. I have grown it for six years, and each year the area lias been increased."