MODEL DAIRY FARM.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1917, Page 3

MODEL DAIRY FARM.

THE COMMITTEE'S EFFORTS.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. For many months the Stratford A. and P. Association has hee-.i engaged in working up interest amongst farmers, nnd the executive lias made trips to Wellington gathering information about setting up a model dairy farm. A report of the work accomplished has been handed to the press for publication, and is as follows: The committee consists of Messrs E. Jackson (president of the Stratford A. and P. Association), W. H. Were (CouuI'- Councillor find Toko Settlers' Association), R. Masters (chairman of the Taranaki Education Board); J. W. Boon (Mayor of Stratford), W. Rkedgwell (chairman of directors of Midhirst Dairy Factory), F. Ranford (director of Stratford Dairy Company), J. B. Richards (president Chamber of Commerce). It was appointed by a meeting of delegates of the bodies named, and V"iii're, Lnwgnrth, and Cardiff Dairy Factory Companies, and its duties were to formulate a practicable scheme to establish a model dairy farm and experimental area. The objects were—(a) to demonstrate to farmers by praetial working methods how to increase the productivity of the soil, and to thus enable farmers to conveniently obtain such practical advice and knowledge as would enable them to follow improved farming methods. (!)) To provide an area of land which could bo utilised by the Board of Education for experimental and educational purposes.

It is proposed that the committee of management number five, to he elected by the bodies named, together with a chairman to be appoint id "by the. Minister of Agriculture.

In selecting an area of land, the committee is of opinion that the situation must enable inspection by farmers with a minimum of trouble and expense, that the price must be reasonable, and that it must bo sufficiently convenient to meet the requirements of the Board of Education. Moreover, while excessive capital expenditure is to be avoided in purchasing a freehold, and consequently a leasehold was sought, the advisability of having the option of ultimately securing the land was kept in mind, 'it is considered that the value of the scheme will-increaso as operations and experiments extend, and as careful records should be kept of all the work done, it would be futile if the land should pass from the committee's control at some future date.

All these requirements have been provided for. The committee has secured an option for three months to purchase the interest, in lease of sub-section 3 section 13, block 11, Ngaere Survey District.

The. title to the land is a lease under "The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1881" and Amendments. The term is ten years from July 1, 1916. The lent is £l9O per annum". Improvements are fully protected, there is a right of purchase subject to consent of native owners, who are probably willing to sell. °

The present improvements have be°n valued at £7OO, and the price arranged is £560, with possession on the Ist" of July, 1917.

The land adjoins the borough of Stratford, one mile from the railway station and less from the State school. It is all level, well watered, and practically free from weeds; except for felling and grassing, it is practically in a virgin* state, and therefore offers a clean sheet* for operations and experiments. The area is 143 acres, and it is proposed to work 100 acres as a model dairy farmland lease the remaining 43 acre's to the Board of Education for technical instruction and experimental purposes. The buildings on the land are quite inadequate.

Capital expenditure first year is estimated as follows:—Purchase monev £ooo, house. £6OO, cowshed and implement shed £l5O, milking plant. £IBO, fencing £IOO, harness £3O, cart plough £lO, disc harrows £l4, chain harrows £6; tyne harrows £5, seed drill £52, cultivator £23, roller £l9 mower £2O, manure distributor £23 sundries £14—£2500. '

Working account first year is estimated as follows:

Expenditure.—lnterest '£lfio, rent £196, rates £34, insurance £5, depreciation £IOO, wages (2 men) £3OO (manures and seeds to be supplied by the Department, of Agriculture free').—£7Bs Income, £SOO. '

It should be noted that whereas the committee bears the expense of 143 acres, only 100 acres will be profit-bear-ing, and it is quite certain "that operations after the first year will be much more profitable. Further, if arrangements can be made whereby the cro;», on .the 43- acres can be utilised by the farm, additional profits will be secured.

A deputation waited on the Hon. Minister for Agriculture for the purpose oi obtaining Government support, and after due consideration the Minister undertook to grant a subsidy of £3OO per annum for five years, provided the capital expenditure was provided locally. With the aid of the guarantees of sonie publicspirited gentlemen, the necessary financial credit has been arranged, and the scheme is now safely launched, The necessity of maintaining and increasing production cannot be doubted, and the establishment of a model dairy farm in such a convenient situation niiist prove of great benefit to enquiring farmers. Practical farming by practical farmers will prevail, and careful records will be kept. The information and demonstrations thus made available, to farmers must have a beneficial infiuent-e on production.

The area to he controlled by the Board of Education will enable a' wider and more practical system of agricultural instruction to be followed, ajinl ijt/is beyond question that the boys whofliave these advantages in their youth "must become botlcr farmer? than'would be the ease if such instruction were not available.

The efforts of those who have been active, in promoting the scheme have been exercised purely for the public good! and deserve every commendation"and support.