WASTE IN AGRICULTURE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 440, 17 February 1912, Page 3

WASTE IN AGRICULTURE.

One of the greatest outlays that farmers have to contend with is in connection with farm machinery. Many implements, some of which are most costly, are used only for a few days. The implements must, of necessity, lie idle, till another season comes round which demands their use. Progressive farmers provide sheds in which to shelter implements from the weather, and thus prolong their period of usefulness. Unfortunately, many of these sheds have not been located where they are convenient, and. while the owner posseses the best of intentions, implements are often left in a convenient place to unhook, rather than taken to the head. In other instances, thesize of the shed has not kept pace with the increasing number of tools that is found necessary in the equipment of an up-to-date farm. The result is that machinery, which costs heavily in good hard cash, is left to fight out its own salvation with the elements. While from some aspects this may be good for the manufacturer, it is not in the best interests of the farmer. The indifference towards suitably housing farm machinery seems to be coming more prevalent. It is evident that those who leave implements exposed to the weather do not realise the great cost to themselves of such a practice. It costs money to erect a shed to accommodate the machinery. It costs much more, however, not to house the machinery, and, as a consequence, pay for the ravages of the elements, by purchasing new fools at shorter intervals than would otherwise be necessary. Aside from this monetary consideration, there is nothing which gives a farm a more slovenly appearance than implements exposed to the weather on the shady side of some fence, tree, or building, or ever herded in some central spot as is common with some farmers. Shelter your implements as soon as you are through with them for the season. Remember that your neighbours are seizing you up by the machinery you leave out of doors.