IHAKARA FARMERS' UNION.

Shannon News, 21 February 1922, Page 3

IHAKARA FARMERS' UNION.

VISIT TO THE CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT FARM.

Linder the auspices of the Ihakara branch of the Farmers’ Union, quite a large gathering of farmers from the Ihakara, Koputaroa, Fairfield and Heatherlea districts visited the Central Development Farm on Friday last. The party was met .by Mr McCulloch, the manager of the Farm, and after luncheon proceeded to inspect, the various pastures and crops. As with most farms’the splendid season is evidenced by large stacks of clover hay and healthy growing crops of roots, the experiments with these being carefully explained’ as tiie party went along. Great interest was displayed in the herd of Red Polled dairy cattle, and their milk records, which fully justify them being legarded as a milking strain of cattle, hitherto only considered valuable lor their beef qualities. They are undoubtedly good dual-purpose cattle. Mr Mead, Government Veterinarian, emphasised the need for constitution in dairy animals. He said that it was a pity that we judged animals in New Zealand on a scale of points used at Home. Under our New Zealand environment the breedrs were developing New Zealand characteristics, and they should be judged on the results that they gave. There was great need to give young calves a good sound start in life. The stinginess on the part of some farmers in the question of whole milk the first two weeks of a calf’s life must beget a predisposition to disease caused by a weak constitution;" -

At afternoon tea time Mr -S. A. Broadbelt took the opportunity to thank JVIr McCulloch and the Farm staff for the most enjoyable and instructive day that had been pi ovided.

In replying, Mr McCulloch briefly mentioned the Farm School that is to be held at the Farm during the coming winter months.- The course ot lectures lasting about a week will be given by Government, experts, and be available to any farmers in New Zealand. All the necessary accommodation is available on the spot, and n. is hoped that the only charge will be a small one for the food consumed. A guarantee of forty fanners is iequired to make the scheme a success.—(Contributed.)