HERD TESTING.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1926, Page 4

HERD TESTING.

VALUE TO DAIRY INDUSTRY AND

DOALINION,

“'That this ClVamher records its satisfaction at tlio progressive movement of the dairy farmers in herd-testing, resulting in .an improved average yield per cow, believing that this is a thor-

oughly practical method of increasing production, thus contributing to the prosperity of the Dominion. The Chamber heartily supports the request for a Government subsidy towards this end, provided that an equitable basis of distribution of any such grant is deputed,

wherby the benefit of the subsidy will reach thoso farmers who effectively apply the principles of herdtesting end culling.” This resolution was moved by Air A. L. Hunt at the Chamber of ’Commerce meeting on Tuesday night, was seconded by Air S. A. Longuqt, and carried unanimously. Air Hunt mentioned that the Chambers throughout New Zealand had opposed dairy control, believing that any attempt. to regulate market prices at the other end was fraught with danger. There was certainly a considerable difference of opinion on this subject. There could, however, be hut one mind on the desirableness of increasing (induction, which must increase the prosperity of the country, and was, in fact, the only hope of the future. The testing of cows and the keeping of better stock was undoubtedly the most effective method of putting one of our chief industries on a stable and profitable basis. Air Hunt said he had secured the following figures from a reliable source

“Total number of dairy cows in New Zealand (in milk and dry), 1,323,432. Average production, approximately, 1801 b fat

Number of cows tested 1924-25 season, 196,850 Data collected for 151,875 tested cows gives average yield of 223.541 b. fat.

If all dairy cows in New Zealand yielded an average production of 3001 b fat, this, at Is Gd per lb., would mean an increased revenue of £11,910,888. If all tested cows (196,850) had yielded 3001 b fat instead of 223.541 b fat, this, at Is Gd per lb would mean an increased revenue of approximately £1,122,045.” When it was realised, said Mr Hunt that nearly twelve millions of money could be secured from the dairy cows at present being milked in New Zealand, and this obtained with very little additional labour and the utilisation of no more landj then it must be apparent to all that this formed one of the i most important movements of the day. Hundreds of farmers had got iheir [herds up to 3001 b., and many to. higher figure, and if all set to work in j earnest over this matter, then within I six years many millions of additional j revenue would ho assured. It was true the subsidy asked for was £IO,OOO. | which would require to come out of 1 the public funds;- but he was sure that ’ tho views of the Chambers of Oonl--1 merco, at any rate, were big enough ! ami broad enough to support, the pro--1 posal to benefit the whole community, | It was decided to forward a copy of tho resolution on to the Minister, the Press, the National Dairy Association, ; mud other bodies interested.