THE Shannon News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1921. INCREASING PRODUCTION.

Shannon News, 5 August 1921, Page 2

THE Shannon News. FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1921. INCREASING PRODUCTION.

Future development, ol agriculture xn New Zeatanxx undoubtedly .lies along the lines ol more intensive production. What progress has been made up to the present is not due in any marked degree to the application ol scientific methods to the industry Changing conditions, however, make it more and more necessary that production should proceed hand in hand with theoretical' and practical research and investigation. It is satisfactory, therefore, to find the dairyiarmers on this coast alive to the benefits ol expert knowledge in legat'd to the fundamentals of their industry, and particularly as to the chief objective, the increase of production. The Levin dairy farmers are taking up with enthusiasm competitions designed to demonstrate the v best and most economical methods cf growing winter fodder—one of the most important problems connected with dairying in this country. The Shannon Co-operative Dairy Company, through its directors, are- endeavouring to arrange, for an experimental plot in Shannon, with a view to obtaining reliable information as to the most suitable system and kinds of cropping for this district. In this issue, the IVlayor, in an inspiriting letter, emphasises the importance of this step, and wishes the movement success. If is undoubtedly a valuable suggestion, beginning •as it does at the very beginning of the practice of agriculture. Closely allied to this subject is the matter of soil analysis, and it was discussed at the recent conference of the Council of Agriculture. The most useful address during tfie conference was given by Mr T. J. Wild, of the Agricultural College at Christchurch, on Soil Surveys. The Masferton delegates brought forward a remit as follows: “That it. is essential in the interests of farm production that a soil survey of New Zealand be carried out, and failing a survey of the whole Dominion, a start be made in districts of whch the Agricultural Department has already considerable data.” Mr Wild delivered an address on this subject after'hearing it discussed, and the conference thought it was such a valuable one to farmers that they decided to get a great many copies printed and sent to agricultural and pastoral societies for distribution. This goes to show that farmers are awakening to the need for better and‘.in ore scientific methods, and we hope that the Shannon proposal will not be shelved, but will be pushed forw'ard until a successful issue is achieved.-