FARMING PROBLEMS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 52, 29 January 1938, Page 8

FARMING PROBLEMS.

The visit to Palmerston North of Dr Hammond, F. 8.5., of the Cambridge University School of Agriculture, must attract the widest interest among the farming community of the important district of which this city is the centre. An eminent authority on animal nutrition and one of the world's leading experts on meat quality, the distinguished visitor is examining stock breeding conditions in this country, and together with Dr Hucker, of Cornell University, United States, who is investigating the disease of mastitis in cows on which he is a noted authority, will furnish a report to the Government on the surveys made. Pastoral farming has shown remarkable growth in New Zealand, particularly _in recent years, but associated with increased production are problems baffling to the industry, which is receiving wholehearted assistance from research institutes and other workers to minimise the losses that annually occur from stock ailments. It has been estimated that complaints in stock of every kind cause an annual loss of eight million pounds, a sum of tremendous consequence to a country almost wholly dependent upon its primary industries for its wealth. It is the Government's desire to vigorously fight the enemies that affect stock by extending the service at the command of farmers, and the reports of Dr Hucker and Dr Hammond will form the basis of this campaign. The opportunity presented to farmers to meet Dr Hammond at Eeilding and then at Palmerston North is so valuable that none should allow it to pass by. If we are to improve' our position in the great market of the world every attention must be given to the quality of stock we export. In some respects we have achieved a great success; in others we have yet_ to provide the carcass which English buyers prefer, and not finding it among this Dominion's meat exports they turn either to foreign or to other Empire countries for it, with consequent loss to ourselves. "When in Palmerston North Dr Hammond will examine and judge the pigs displayed in the export classes at the Eoyal Show, and producers will be able to learn at first band of the suitability of this meat for the > British market. The opportunity to meet such a world authority happens so infrequently that the pleasure and profit to be derived from it must impress the farming community.