A MODEL FARM NEAR RUNCIMAN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 177, 26 May 1916, Page 3

A MODEL FARM NEAR RUNCIMAN.

[By our Travelling Bepresentative]

There are some farmers who tarm tor profit and others who farm for hobby, but there are very few who endeavour to make a model of all their farming cperttionf, and combine profit, hobby and pleasure. However, he this as it may, it anyone is desirous of inspecting something special in the farming line, 1 would recommend a visit to "Berkenlea," the rcsi-de-ce cf Mr Mark Balhrd, of Kuzciman, and 1 am sure that the owner will be pleased to show visitors a holding that is not only a ere it to the district but a source of profit and pleasure to its proprietor

Quite recently 1 had an oppritunity of inspecting this farm of just one hundred acres and all the good Uines tfcereon, and it was with keen appreciation that I saw many of Mr Ballard's results and was initiated into eorre of his methods. First of all 1 may say that the owner manages the one hundred arris single handed, barring of course the necessary assistance of neighbours at hatvest tirre, and the help of several dutiful daughters in milking operations. However, 10 ke:p or.e hundred acres in the order as 1 saw it is no mean task, and does not allow of any waste labour or careless metheds. The farm is divided into some eight paddocks and the one great feature that is everywhere noticeable is the total absence of all noxious weeds. Neither around tbe boundary dividing fences, nor along the water coursrs nor in any of the odd corners could be setn a blackberry, a gcree, or even a common dock, and it is r:ot as if there were ncne of thes3 pest 3 in the vi-inty, for as everyone knows the Puk knbe East roads are as well supplied with noxious weeds as elsewherr. This past season any Haddock on (ho farm couH have been cut for hay, and even now in practically midwinter the wealth of feed is astonishing

Mr Ballard, like all successful lamer-, believes in liberal topdressings lor tie grass paddocks, and also in mire than liberal harrowing?, not with a light set of chain harrows as is usual but with ordinary tine harrows, all paddocks being harrowed and ciYsa-narrowcd with the tines. The result is that all tufts arc well shitted, manure spread and the li?lCs thorouhgly aerated. This eeason about 40 lons of choice hay has been saved, two stacks containing about twenty tons each. 1 examined one and it is certainly a credit to the owner and the builder, Mr Frank Ballard. Measuring about 36ft by 14ft, with eaves about 9ft high, it is a real model of perfection, the symmetry and alignment being absolutely faultless, the thatching even showing the mark of a master bard. If a prize was ottered for a bay stack thsre is no question where it would go THE DAIKY HEKD These are Shartrnrns of the typicil milk strain. Some thirty odd were inspected, and all show careful and systematic selection. Being singla handed ot course Mr Ballard is not able to go h for hand feeding, and probably his returns are not ss good as whare this is adopted, but if the extra labour is counted I fancy be would make a fairly close finish, for the herd had averaged just on £2 a cow per month for the past five months. Mr Ballard is a firm believer in giving the milkers a systematic change of pasture, and from two to three days in any one field at a time is the rule. Ibis season all the calves ha«e be?n reared and saved, and are row on the property, and a choice lot they are. A neat little calf paddock, conaining a roomy calf house where every calf has its own bail and bucket, makes feeding time a treasure and ensures all calves getting the full ration I have not mentioned the c mfortable cowshed all concreted, the concrete yard (a solid comfort. Mr Ballard calls it) and tr.o many oilier arrangements adopted and applied for general convenience PUBLIC SPIRIT

ODe feature showing the pubke spintncas of our friend was his voluntary otfer to add to lum bam and ti ljt it up as a social lull lor the benefit oi the young penile and others wishing lor healthy recreation. A hall was wanteJ at tins part of the district, but as such a lot of patriotic subscription bad been round it was considered that a list might rot be met with favour by the residents. However, Mr Ballard settled the matter by addine some 35ft to an already large barn and allowing the free use of il for all local functions

I may add that most of these particulars had to be "dug out," to use a topical term, tor the owiu.r of "Bcrkeiilea" floes not play lor the limelight, but nevertheless any interested farmer need not fear to ask his advice on any farming subject?, for I am eure any request, if reasonable, will be