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FIELD NOTES FOR JUNE, 1927

(By W. J. McCulloch, Instructor In Agriculture.) In certain districts where the subsoil is chiefly a heavy retentive clay cr where- efficient drainage cannot be, or is not, provided for, every care should be exercised when carting out the daily ration of roots and" hay, to continuously change the location of feeding and so avoid as far as possible undue trampling and churning up of the pasture so noticeable on some dairy farms. While a certain amount of trampling may assist some pastures in good weather, if overdone when th e ground is sodden with winter rains, it can only result in a general invasion of weed growth later, while at the same time a large percentage of both roots and hay is wasted. Supplim entary Fodders; Grass growth except under exceptional circumstances will gradually be coming almost to a standstill towards the ' end of June and thus the supply of available fodders to both flock and herd should be increased. The later sown white fleshed turnips will be nearing a finish and the feeding of the swede crop probably started, while the mangels should be held, in still later use. In all cases kj sufficiency of hay must be provided for'the dairy herd and sheep must be allowed a good run-off to a pasture where the animals can provide themselves with roughage so necessary to assist digestion. Intelligent - and proper utilisation of fodder crops .means better health and' a lower death rate resulting in larger profits. Autumn sown cereals and temporary pastures should be reaching usefulness towards - the And ; of'/the; month and if grazed lightly, will be of great assistance during the next two or three months. Chou Moelller has bhcome somewhat " popular of late and has proved its usefulness likewise' as a late winter .and early spring fodder. , The of ensilage] in certain localities ‘ d'eserves more attention thnnhas hitherto*: been given to it especially in those localities ■where spring cultivation is very difficult' and where roots and other fodders are in consequence stfwh verylate and the subsequent yields somewhat" handicapped. .Again, in ... such : localities it is often difficult to feed off Or cart out roots in late winter and early spring owing to the wet condition of the land. Such country as a rule provides an over-abundance of grass and clover growth during summer which could be profitably stored as ensilage when, the weather 1 is good, and fed tp stock: as requiredin the lean periods. Liming.

Liming may still be continued during June. Stiff tenacious, clays Cap . be greatly improved, both physically and chemically, always provided drainage is satisfactory. Top-dres-sing exerts its greatest influence.; when the soil has a sufficiency of limb and stock are healthier. On stiff tenacious clays upwards of one top per acre of burnt lime will greatly assist towards a better texture' and! freer working condition and a lesser amount according to the type: of . soil, .while on the freer types, but where excessive acidity is" present ground limestone would be satisfactory. Top-Dressing. .

Top-dressing with manures will still be in progress. Slow-acting fershould be applied as soon as ; possible now if early benefit is to be : expected. All old pastures should be severely tripod-harrowed either during June or early in July and either before or after manuring and preferably both. Drainage should be attended to after heavy rains and sUspect wet patches over known lines of underdrains. Open these and examine at once otherwise a whole length of drain may be ruined by silting up. •

Ploughing should be pushed'ahead for spring crops as conditions permit but never w’hile the land is sod-, den with moisture except in the case, of old grass being turned. The latter does not bake so readily if ploughed a little wet but should not show indications of a glazey furrow. Miscellaneous. Pick over stored potatoes eliminating air rotten or diseased tubers. Stump new land to be cropped next spring. Paint and repair farm implements. Concrete work 'in cowsheds and yards should be attended to in the off season. Where concrete is required to be moisture-proof add 1 pint raw or boiled oil per bucketfuli of material.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SNEWS19270602.2.3

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Shannon News, 2 June 1927, Page 1

Word count
Tapeke kupu
693

FIELD NOTES FOR JUNE, 1927 Shannon News, 2 June 1927, Page 1

FIELD NOTES FOR JUNE, 1927 Shannon News, 2 June 1927, Page 1

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