ISLAND OF JERSEY.

Shannon News, 13 April 1928, Page 2

ISLAND OF JERSEY.

CONDITIONS AMONG THE BREEDERS. A review of the conditions of the Islaud of Jersey for the year 1927, particularly relating to Jersey cattle, by "Islander,'' published in the Jersey Bulletin, says:' — The Jersey-breed activities on the Island may ‘be divided int<? four section?: Shows, export trade, herdbook work a lid milk records. Little may be said about the shows (full reports having already been published). The fall shows are a new feature and their trying out this year has been successful enough to warrant the fixing up of dates for 1928. Entries at all shows have been large and competition just as large as ever. Snow’s Pansy 3rd. made a niche for herself in the Jersey, lemple of fame by winning championship over the Island at both. the R.J.A.S. spring and summer shows, a feat only achieved, ; so it is said, by Sweet Morocco 25 years ago. The Peer Cup for get of sire went, out, of eleven teams, to Volunteer of Oaklauds, with a fine group of five daughters. This was of course at . the Spring Show. At the Summer Show Volunteer won the Spam Cup (in the first competition for it) with just as good a lot. Now he is in Canada, but he has left his mark behind. This remark brings us automatically to the export trade. In so .Tar as the North American continent is concerned, business has been brisk, about 500 head having been sent over in the 12 months ended October 3ist. Transportation goes on in the same way as usual, via Plymouth Sound, an inconvenient way, but the only one, and breeders are thankful' that it exists. South Africa took 40 head during the summer, besides some from England.. More stable conditions in the latter country would mean' further purchases and the breed would make great stride? down there. The Auptralasian market, too, is dependent on there being no foot, and mouth disease in England. There have been occasions during the year when long, periods have raised hopes of early shipment, but a fresh outbreak brought the embargo down again—bang. A further and widespread series of outbreaks is noiv announced from the mainland, and scientists and investigators alike seem as far as ever from conquering or isolating the malady. It-is understood that quarantine stations are to be established at London and other parts where cattle coming from u clean” districts might be isolated before 'shipment. This, if correct, would open the door a little to let the Jersey cow go out to those places where she is so keenly awaited. Two Jersey heifers have also been sent to Greece, a country which will now have to figure with Burma, Japan, Cuba and China, on the far flung map of Jerseydoin. From the Annual Report of the Jersey Herd Book Committee lately published interesting figures can be gathered. For instance, just over 2500 heifer calves were registered during the year ended 31st October, the third highest figure for 14 years, and 1281 heifers have been qualified (i.e. inspected after first calving and allotted a number), again the third highest number in the same period. Bulls, both under registrations and qualifications, show diminishing figures. Nowadays a bull must be of considerable promise to be worth registering, and if he is alive 12 months later, when qualification should take place, he must really have something in him. Only 8 animals were entered as Foundation Stock, compared with 23 in 1923, and 130 in 1913. It certainly appears that breeders do not neglect Herd Book formalities in these times, for neglected registrations and general indifference were the contributory factors to many Foundation Stock qualifications up to 15 years ago. An index to the export trade is found in the number of exportation cert : fieates isfued, 992 being the figure, of which more than half were for Canada and the U.S.A. This is the largest total number since 1921. The Milk Records branch of the Jersey Herd book has been very active this year. The officials in charge have not given up hope that the Jersey farmer will one day test his cows just the same as to-day he enters them in the Herd Book, as a matter of course and breeding practice. Lists of the highest yields of milk and fat per day are now published fortnightly in the local new. papers, both as advertisement aiid encouragement, and judging by some cf these i lere ought to be some high figures when tie 1927 Award List comes out. The lart list published is topped by a cow whose fat production : i a day is 3.291 lbs. These tests are carried out with the strictest supervision, the utmost care being taken to ensure trustworthy results. The Island of Jersey did. not fare much better Uian more important parts of the world as legards the quality of the 1927 summer. It was of exceedingly poor vintage—the rainfall ! for the summer months exceeding the average by 8 inches. However, the potato season which is the determining factor for making the wheels of business revolve, has proved a fairly successful one after four or five failures. Those who benefited most, were those who usually come out worst, that is, the cultivators of rather late* land. Tomatoes, which are grown out of doors, either as second or main crops, did badly, too much rain, and too little sun meant a great loss of marketable fruit. Ths r cold weather continues, and the problem of keeping cattle in anything condition until the spring grass comes will be weighty.