A NEW PROPOSAL.

Shannon News, 31 July 1923, Page 3

A NEW PROPOSAL.

| TO ELIMINATE THE “SCRUB” BULL I An interesting announcemmt Las just been made, by Messrs Wright, 1 Stephenson and Co., Ltd., in, connection with the campaign that lhas been carried on, with more or less vigour over a period of years, to eliminate the “scrub” bull from the dairy herds oi the Dominion. No one questions the harm that the bull of non-butter-fat ancestry has done in the past. In fact, legislation has been urged to make the use of the “scrub” bull illegal. The difficulty that all proposals in this connection have faiied to provide for, is that of finance. His bu,tterfat cheques are practically the only source of income that is enjoyed by the dairy farmer, and it is not customary lor payments in the early part of the season to be on liberal lines. Consequently few dairymen are in a position to pay the. price necessary to secure for their herds, a good butter fat sire.. After very serious consideration, Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., have decided to establish a service which will provide not only for expert selection but the bulls will be sold on terms. Particulars are outlined in the attached letter which has been addressed to Directors of all dairy factory companies throughout the Dominion. Doubtless the opportunity nqw made available through the. enterprise of Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., will prove very acceptable, and it should pavtei the way for a general Improvement in the dairy stock of the country. THE OFFER TO DAIRY FACTORIES.

“Shortly after the establishment of a special stud stock department of its business by Messrs Wright, Stephen, son and Co., Ltd., a request was received from the Raetthi Co-operative Dairy Factory Company, Ltd., inquiring if. this Department would select purebred dairy bulls bred from known butterfat strains on behalf of the suppliers of that factory. In supporting the request Mr A. Harris, chairman oi Directors of- the Raetihi Company, said his directorate was anxious to see their suppliers set about improving their herds in a systematic way, and it had been decided if Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., were also prepared to finance the purchase of the necessary herd sires, to offer their suppliers the right to purchase the bulls on terms.. The proposed terms were: 25 per cent, cash on delivery, and the balance in six equal monthly payments, interest to be at 8 per cent. Payments would be made by the Dairy Factory Company, who would make the necessary deductions from suppliers butterfat cheques. This system of payment would not make any serious drain on the immediate financial resources of their suppliers;. In the past, few dairymen were in a position to pay dowiwa lump sum at the beginning of the season for a pedigree bull, hence had made use' of the cheaper scrub bulls, which often are good enough in their general appearance, but whose breeding and butterfat ancestry is an unknown quantity. This practice could he overcome if terms of payment could be arranged, and the selections made by a competent man familiar with the pedigree herds and butterfat strains. The request was agreed to, and the bulls were eventually selected from leading Taranaki and Manawatu pedigree herds of Jerseys and Friesians, these being tihe breeds decided upon at a meeting of the factory suppliers. At this meeting each supplier intimated which breed of hull he required, and the amount he was prepared to invest. When selected, the bulls were railed to Raetihi and delivery taken by the respective suppliers, who were also handed the full pedigree of their respective purchases. Translers of each bull were also duly registered through the Breeders’ Associations, from the breeder to the factory supplier, so that when the latter again wishes to dispose of the bull he will have the necessary papers to prove that the animal is a purebred and registered. Without exception each supplier later on expressed his pleasure with the animal purchased on his behalf. It has now been decided to extend thte ; same offer to all dairy factory companies The same terms are also available, or cash purchases may be made. Suppliers may decide upon any breed, and the limit which they are prepared to spend in the purchase ol a bull should also be. stated. The selections of bulls will be made by an experienced judge who has a first-hand knowledge also of the herds and strains. Herds will to visited and se- 1 lections made either on the farm or at the various breeders’ sales of purebred bulls. No charge will be made for selecting, commission being chargeable to the vendor only. It is not anticipated that money can be made out of the scheme, other than the .bare expenses, but its value, to the daily industry should be incalculable. The main points are : (1) Selections made by an expert thus ensuring a good animal bred on the right lines. (2) Payment to be 25 per cent, cash and the balance spread over six months bearing interest 'ait 8 per cent. All payments to be, guaranteed by the dairy factory. These terms will allow the small man an equal chance with his older established neighbour to get a good herdi sire. 3). The initiative to be taken by the factory directorate one of whose cares undoubtedly is the improvement of the stock in their district. (4) Each supplier may nominate tbp particular breed which he fancies, and the amount which he is prepared to invest. The minimum price should be from 30 to 40 guineas. If a bull is bought 'at 40 guineas, 10 guineas would be paid down, 'and six monthly payments of 5 guineas 'each would clear off the. balance. Dairy factory companies may discuss the matter with any branch o r Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., or of Abraham and) William, Ltd.