CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1290, 29 August 1914, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

TEFF GRASS, (To the Editor.) Sir. —This plant is a native of Abyssinia and is largely cultivated in the bill country there. It was introduced into S. Africa some years ago, where it has proved of immense value for fodder ; and it is a splendid variety for a summer hay crop. If the seeds get sufficient moisture to germinate, it makes remarkably quick growth. It has been cut for hay in seven weeks from the time it was sown. When it is high enough to shade the ground, its growth is simply phenomenal, and as many as two or three cuttings may be made from it in a short season. Its feeding value is very high, and it is eaten greedily by all classes of stock. One farmer declares that his cattle will leave green lucerne for it, while a prominent dairyman avers that his milk supply was greatly increased by feeding Teff. It is an annual, and should be sown in spring. It will thrive on any ground—wet or dry, but soil of a porous, sandy nature is most suitable, and it produces from two to three tons of dry hay per acre. It will grow luxuriantly where lucerne will not live, and being so well adapted to withstand drought, it should prove a great boon to stockowners.—l am, etc., B, Harrison, F.R.H.SBurringbar Post Office, N.S.W, Australia, iB/8/i4.