WINTER FEED FOR STOCK.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1917, Page 6

WINTER FEED FOR STOCK.

LUCERNE CULTIVATION. At tlio Farmers' Conference yesterday, under the auspices of the Taranaki Metropolitan Agricultural Society, Mr. R. H. Browne, director of agricultural instruction, gave an interesting address on the cultivation of lucerne as winter feed for stock. Mr. J. Connett occupied the chair and there was a good attendance. Mr. Browne stated at the outset that his object was to give some information as to the growing of the lucerne, the nature of the soil most suitable, shelter, climate, manures, and generally the methods of cultivation. The soil in this district was sandy and light, not held together by clay, but hjcld together by humus, and humus was absolutely necessary to the successful growing* of lucerne. It would be found by those who tried that there was no great trouble in growing lucerne. The plough should be used sparingly, if at all, in such soil as they had here, as grazing and the growing of lucerne would, with top dressing and light cultivation, constitute a form of intensive farming more' suitable to this district 'than a system of alternate cropping. The growth of lucerne did not involve a great amount of work after the first year, if the work was done in the right way and at the right time One important matter wj\s correct shelter for the young plant from the prevailing winds, and this shelter should be provided by hedges close to the ground, not trees that sheltered above and created a forced draught close to the ground. He gave full details as to the site that should be selected,' the preparation of the ground for seed, the use of manures,'and the destruction of, weeds. lie recommended the use of crushed lime after sowing, but added that, if necessary, burnt lime could be used after the plant had been established. Another point Mr. Brown emphasised was that the seed should not be planted too deeply. With regard to (he quantity to.be sown, he advised Gib to the acre as sullieient to give an ample ciop. The best time for sowing was in November, December, and January, but he would not recommend February. At the close of his address Mr. Browne answered a number of questions, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.