CROPS FOR DAIRYFARMERS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 121, 15 December 1915, Page 4

CROPS FOR DAIRYFARMERS.

(By K E Fairfax-Cholmeley in the "Journal ot Agriculture.") Owing to tbe high price of land ths necessity tor moie intensive cultivation is apparent to those engaged in dairying. It is admitted, of courße that action in this direction is handicapped by the labour question, while the present high price of certain seeds and fertilizers also act 9 to some extent as a deterrent. In suggesting ths cropping scheme set out below, consideration has been given to the following points:— 1. 'lhe crops are those that will give feed throughout tbe year, especially during those months when there is the least grazing obtainable from tbe permanent pastures; also those that require tbe minimum amount of labour. 2. The crops have been placed in such an order as to rotate, and green manure is provided in tbe cheapest form. 3. By growing naieu chaff aad lucerne to feed with the root crops and ensilage a more balanced ration is provided. In order to obtain the maximum benefit the land must be reasonably well cultivated, and suitable manures used. In nearly all cases lime is required. If the land is light, as in Taranaki (the writer's district), fine ground limestone (carbonate of lime) should be used, not burnt lime. I Ihe subdivision of tbe dairy farm into fairly Bmall fields will materially assist in the work of intensive cultivation. Good substantial fences should be erected. Poor fences mean endless repairs, and often thn ruin ot a crop by cattle trespassing. The success ot a crop depends to a great extent on the cutlivation tbe land receives botb before and after sowing. Too great importance cannot be attached to tbe cultivation and clearing of a crop, and this is where tbe labour question most affects the farmer. More failures are due to tr.e want of cleaning and thinning at the proper time than any other cause. It is well to remember that a crop of half an acre well cultivated is better than one acre neglected. Supposing tbe case of a farm of 60 acres subdivided into two parts —2O acres for cultivation, and 40 acreß in permanent grass for grazing—tbe following are the crups suggested, 'lba 20 acres are divided into four fields of 5 acres each, and it will be sesa that the crops can follow each other. Field A First year Swedes and mangels Second year Oats, clover Third year Soft turnips, or chou moellier, or maize Fourth year Italian rye-graßß and clover Field B First year Oats, clover Second year Soft turnips, etc. Third year Italian rye-grass and clover Fourth year Swedes and mangels Field C First year Soft turnips, or chou i moellier, or maize Second year Italian rye-rgass and clover Third year Swedes Fourth year Oats, clover Field D ! First year Italian rye-grass and clover Second year Swedes Third year Oats, clover Fourth year Soft turnips or chou moellier Swedes would be sown at the end of November or in December; oats and clover in August, the aftermath of clover being ploughed under for green manure; soft turnips in October to November (or if chou moellier is used, September to October); Italian rye and clover about April. Tbese crops will provide feed as lollows: During the months of June, July, August and September swedes and mangels from field A, also chaff field B, and bay and ensilage from field D. DuriDg October, November and January tbere should be sufficient grazing from the permanent field;. During February, March, April and May fields C and D will be utilised. With regard to the use of soft turnips, my experience has been that the milk is not tainted if cows are carefully fed after milking. It is a crop that requires the least labour of any, and gives a good yield. Cows can be grazed on tbe crop, or the rGots can be catted out. If tbe latter metbod is used, it is good farming to cart off five or ten rows, and to leave five or ten alternatively to be grazed. By tbis metbod the land is not impoverished to the same extent as if all the crop was carted ouc.

Maize has been rather aD uncertain crop in North Taranaki during the last few years, and requires a lot ot handling. Cbou moellier ii coming more into favour. I have found that by nipping out the heads the foliage is increased and the stalk decreased. Carrots have not been mentioned on account of the labour tbey entail, although there is no crop to equal them fur milking cons. Tares have not been included, on account of the high price ruling for seed. In addition to these crops every farmer should endeavour to establish a plot of lucerne. Its feeding value is of such a high degree and its yield bo much in excess of other fodders that it will handsomely pay the farmer for the time and labour expended if hj is successful. Clean land and a plentiful dressing of lime are the chief essentials. A crop of potatoes or carrots, or any crop that requires constant culitvation, followed by one ur more smother crops ploughed in is the best method of preparing the ground. if is not every kind of land that will grow payable crops uf lucerne. Those lands that contain lime, and the subsoil of which is fairly light or of a gravelly nature, ate the most suitable. It must bj distinctly understood that no hard-and-fast rule can be given for the exact amount of food required to be grown. This depends on climate, soil, and number of Btock to feed, and can only be estimated accurately by the farmer himself, with direct experience and knowledge of the land and his requirements. Appended is a suggested croppingscheme for a 60 acre farm all under cultivation. Modifications to suit special conditions could, of course, be introduced. Field A, 10 acres: Swedes and mangels. Sow in November or December. Field B, J'J acres: Italian ryegrass and clover. Sow in August. Fuld C, 10 acres: Turnips, chou muellier, maize. Sow at different dates between October and December. Fitld D: Oats and clover. Sow in spring. After being grazed and harrowed, the aftermath of clover to be ploughed in. Field E: Temporary pasture for hay or en&ilage. Field F: Temporary pasture fur grazing. These crops will give fc:d as follows: June, July, August and September—Swedes, mangels, engsilage, and cbatf. October, November and JanuaryEnsilage, grass, chaff, grazing field B. February, March, April, MaySoft turnips, chou muellier, maize, cbatf; grass tileds B, D and E.