ROTATION OF CROPS FOR DAIRY FARMS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2131, 22 May 1920, Page 1

ROTATION OF CROPS FOR DAIRY FARMS.

In the current number of the Journal of Agriculture, Mr J. L. Bruce, the Superintendent of Experimental Farms, outlines a system pf rotation of crops for dairy farms which is well worthy the attention of small land-holders who Avish to obtain the best results from their acres and their herds. Mr Bruce maintains that there is much land in this country admirably suited for a sound system of rotation farming upon ■ which production could be easily doubled. A system of rotation has been commenced at the Central Development Farm at Weraroa, on a fairly extensive scale, and it is to be tried on a smaller scale at the Ruakura Farm of Instruction, and the Moumahaki Experimental Farm, Avith slight variations to meet soil conditions and local requirements. The results Avill be open for inspection by the public in due course, and meaiiAvhile Mr Bruce meets the inevitable objection to his oAvn proposals by shoAving they Avonld involve the small holder in no excessive expenditure. “It may be argued/’ he anticipates, “that rotation farming as Here advocated is all very well in theory or for the Government to' practise upon its farms, but that labour is unprocurable, and the small farmer cannot afford to employ assistance or keep horses for tillage. It will he observed, however, that of the six paddocks three are in grass. Avhich means that on a 50-acre holding only about 15 acres arc under cultivation at one time, and'as practically every dairy farmer has to k \ “

keep one spring-carl horse it only involves keeping a second horse. A light two-horse team is ample for [he working oif a 50-acre dairy farm run on (his system, or even a considerably larger area.” If the adoption of Mr Bruce’s proposals Avould result in doubling the production of the farm, the cost of a horse, a plough, and a set of harrows should not bring- about their rejection by any enterprising dairyman.