FARMERS' CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1918, Page 7

FARMERS' CONFERENCE.

SOME INTERESTING AIDDIIESSES. There was a good attendance of farmers and those interested in the dairying industry at the conference held iu the Good Templar Hall yesterday, in connection with the Winter fthowMr. J. S. Connefct, president of the Taranaki A. and P. Socioty, in opening the conference, stated that it had originated some two years ago, with the idea of giving the members full value for the money they liad invested in joining the society. He expressed pleasure at seeing such a fair attendance, but regretted thait the hall was not crowded. He then introduced Mr. A. Morton, president of the National Dairy Association, who gave an address on THE OBJECTS AND WORK OF THE NATIONAL DAIRY ASSOCIATION. Mr- Morton congratulated the society on the very fine show, the hest yet held in the town, and he regretted that the society did not have room for all the displays offering. At present it would be difficult for them to provide the! room, as they were devoting all their energies to providing show-grounds at Waiwakaiho. They should look forward to the time when they could provido accommodation for machinery in motion, as until_that was done they would not come into line with shows such as Palmerston, W&ikato, and ilawera. He, considered that the work of the National Dairy Association was of such great importance to all dairy companies and dairy farmers that it could not be too widely known. The association was now in the 25th year of its existence. In the early days of the industry there was no united effort for organisation, and this appealed to the leading men of the industry, with the result that the association sprang into existence. Among those associated with its establishment were Messrs J. W. Foreman, of Tikorangi, for many years president; E- W. Foreman, Manaia; J. J. Campbell, ICaupokonui; Newton King, New Plymouth, and the lateiT. L. Joll, Okaiawa, and P. F. Halfe, Cardiff. The founders were keen men of considerable foresight, and there was very little that was not covered by tie articles of association. Indeed, so widely Were they defined at the time that it had never been found necessary to alter them. He then briefly outlined the objects as laid down in the articles of association, which were (1) to provide an organisation for conducting the business of those engaged in dairying or in the manufacture of products from farm produce; (2) to improve the plans of buildings, machinery, and appliances used on farms for dairying' purposes or in the manufacture of marketable produce from farm products. It would thus be seen that the practical part was not neglected. There was now no need for this, because they had a live Department of Agriculture and a lire 'Dairy Division. He paid a high tribute to the work of Mr. Cuddie and his .officers. Another object provided for the holding of conferences for the dissemination of information, and the association still 'held these annual conferences, at which practical papers from the best men were put before them. One of the leading objects of the association was to promote the cheaper and better transit and manufacture of dairy produce. From the first it had been their endeavor to lessen the cost from the time of manufacture until the produce was placed befoTe the consumer. They had made contracts with shipping companies, which he looked upon as the keystone of the association's work, and considered that these contracts more than justified its existence. During the iast 15 years the purchase of stock-in-trade had -been an important part o-E their business- The association had also promoted exhibitions of dairy produce, having held the first winter show 16 years ago at Palmerston North, which was afterwards handed over to the A. and P. Association, which had made a great success of it. From that had sprung all the fine shows they had today. The association was also empowered to act as agent for the purchase or sale of goods, and up to the intervention of the Imperial Government the association carried on that work. Ten years ago the association had appointed a representative in London to look after the interests of the New Zealand dairy factories, and bis work had -proved most valuable, though for the past four years his salary had been subscribed Iby a few of the dairy factories. It was unanimously decided 6 or 7 years ago to increase the subscription to the asssooiation, and to pay bis salary out of the association's funds, the subscription increasing from £7OO or £BOO to £IOSO. The association had endeavored to carry out its objects as fully as possible and to make itself useful to those engaged in the industry. One of its principal works had been the watching from time to time of any legislation which might affect the industry, and,. if found necessary, representations were made to the Ministers. The results in the past had been highly 1-enefloial. It was often necessary to ■ eprescnt to the authorities the neces--itv for making amendments in laws which were not wide enough in their -rope or likely to prejudice or embarrass 1 'ie industry, and he instanced the passing of the 00-operative Co-mpanie-s Act, also the steps that had been taken resulting in the abolition of income-tax on dairy companies, save on money paid nq dividends on share capital. "Reverting to the shipping contracts, he stated that he had taiken part in the renewal of three shipping contracts, and tie felt that in October, 1910, at the expiry of the present contract, which was suspended during the war, and which, desnite criticism, lie felt had worked well, tliey would be faced with extreme difficulty in its renewal, and could not expect to get one so satisfactory, because, apart from war conditions, there had Ibeen a tremendous increase in the running expenses of steamers and the freight rate had gone up. However, they would fight for the best, terms they could possibly obtain. The association likd nrsed'iipon the Government the need for despatching someone to London to act in tins interests of the Department and of the producers. .As a result the Government bad despatched Mr. Wright, of the Patea grading work's, who remained there four years and had done excellent work. He had not yet been replaced, but the speaker hoped when the open market was again available the Government would make another appointment. , Mr. Morton referred to tie good work the association had done in regard to factory lalbor, particularly in Wellington and Bawke'g acted as

the employers' union. Taranaki had its own employers' union.' The association had endeavored to foster an amicable feeling as far as wages were concerned between managers and tho employers, and in its annual report the association recommended some further increase, so as to do away with the need for forming a factory managers' union. Regarding the shortage of lalbor in the present .iireat crisis, the association had rendered valuable work to the National Mieiency Board by supplying a tabulatfid statement regarding the number of employees, etc. Regarding the financial position of tho association he showed the great strides that had been made. In 1904 its membership was 81, its annual subscriptions £424, and its net profits £3lO 12s Id. Tn 1910 the membership was 115, subscriptions £678, and net profits £I2OG 17s Sd; whereas this year its membership was 275, subscriptions £2937, and net profits £18,1*17 0s lOd. there were thus very few factories in the Jiorth Island outside the association, and the amount of profit made on a low margin showed the huge volume of business. In reply to a question, Mr. Morton stateci that the question of electing directors by post would be discussed at the annual meeting next week. Mr. Morton was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his address. ROOT OROPIS AND THEIR DISEASES. Mr. J. W. Deem, of the Agricultural Department, in dealing with tho question of the cultivation of root crops, said it must- 'be recognised that the subject >vas of vital _ interest to the Taranaki district, as without good root crops successful farming was scarcely possible. The requirements of the district were a soft turnip for use in summer feeding, the swede for autumn and winter, and the mangel for spring. The growing of these essential crops had become increasingly difficult of late years on account of the many pests which attacked t'liem. In the summer they were specially smb. ject to the fly; in autumn the aphus and diamond black moth affected them; and in winter, dry rot, soft rot, and club root. In consequence of these pests the fanners had to pay more attention to the question of manuring. The speaker referred briefly to the question of the rotation of crops. He said that in virgin soil almost any crop would succeed, but after the first year a different crop should be put in. Soft roots should not be grown on the same land more often than once in five years. He advocated liming after a turnip crop was taken off the land, holding that it required a number of years to allow the ground to assimilate the good of the process. Sometimes it was possible to get a good crop of swedes in a second year, provided no disease had appeared in the first year's crop. He proceeded to state that proper cultivation was the first essential towards a good crop. Ploughing should be done at least two or tfliree months before sowing, in order to allow the grass turned over to become thoroughly rotted. Early ploughing also allowed the land to sweeten, and, what was of the greats est importance, helped to conserve the moisture. Tho next step was the preparation of the seed bed. On the light lands of Taranaki lie advocated a liberal use of the roller, as all seeds liked a firm bed. Rolling also gave a level surface for drilling, and helped against the too deep sowing of seeds, which was a common mistake. A good practice in breaking up new land was to put the roller over it first, as it assisted the union between the top soil and the subsoil. In finishing off, a light harrowing should be given. The best time for sowing turnips in Taranaki was the last week in October, with a second sowing a week or two later. Swedes should be sown about the middle of December. Latterly the cows 'had been coming in earlier and it had been necessary to'have root feed for them about May, and in consequence earlier sowing had been adopted. If sown later than the middle of December the crop would be smaller, but it would probably keep ibetter. The quantity of seed for turnip crops should be from 9 to 10 ounces, and ther should be sown through alternate coulters, to give room for their full development. Swedes, on good land, should be sown thicker. Mangels should be sown at least 28 inches apart, as if sown closer, while there might be a heavier crop its cost in. the hand laibor was high, compared with horse labor between the wide drills. Dealing with varieties, the speaker said what was wanted in soft turnip was one that would pull easily, and lio recommended the Red Paragon or Lancashire Red Olobe. Taranaki appeared now to be the home of the Superlative swede, chiefly because it was a quick grower. Tn mangels. Jersey Queen and prize-winner were reliable kinds. The question of manures was an important one. Troubles had arisen through a too free use of superphosphates, which created an acidity in the land. He advocated for general purposes t)he use of basic-superphosphate. He deprecated the use of blood manures, except in cases where land was old and getting worked out. Blood had a great attraction for all the pests. Mr. Deem then detailed experiments, and their results, that had been made by the Agricultural Department as to the use of manures. He urged the spreading of ashes after burning, for I'lieir yield of potash. He also mentioned the properties of saline manure, which, while not so necessary along the coast, was very beneficial oil inland country. Dealing with the subject, of diseases, Mr. Deem said he practically knew no sure cure for tho fly pest.. The aphus and black diamond moth could be combatted by putting young lambs in to eat ofT tho crop quickly, as soon as the trouble was apparent. Dry rot was a bacterial disease, and germinated and spread very rapidly. Soft rot was closely allied to the former, and was even more active in its effect on crops. It was more difficult to discover, as the outside of the root might appear unaffected while the inside might be wholly rotten. The spread of club root had been very rapid in Taranaki in recent years, which he thought was due to the use of phosphates. One single root would contaminate a whole crop. It was spread by cultivating after a crop had been fed off. Also if s'heep were fed into other paddocks off affected crops they caried soil on their feet, which contaminated the land on to which they were put. The dust of dry weather was also a means of spreading the trouble. It Was a good plan to grow mangels on land that had been affected in thtit way, as they were not affected by tho disease, and in that way the land could be cleaned. There was another disease, lenown at present as tap-root disease, which appeared in Taranaki about the end of January or in Ternary, and the cause nf which was not yet understood. If it was discovered, the proper thing to do was to turn the ground over and sow

something else.. The Department wasi investigating the matter, and would be pleased to have specimen roots sent- to it from farmers whose crops were affected, only the roots must be sent in immediately the discovery was made. In conclusion, Mr. Deem referred to the turnip competitions which were being conducted in some parts of Taranaki, and said that from them more knowledge and information could bo gained than from many lectures. After replying to several questions .on various aspects of the subject under discussion, the speaker was accorded a very hearty voto of thanks. IMPROVING DAIRY HBRIDS. An interesting paper on "Some Methods of Increasing the Production tof Our Dairy Herds" was given by Mr. James Burgess, who said:— « The first step towards economically increasing the output froin o-ur dairy herds is to keep only such cows as will make the best use of the food grc>wn for them. It is worse than useless keeping such as leave no margin of profit after expenses are paid, and folly to keep those that return less than they cost to keep. Having secured cows that make profitable use of the food they consume, the next step is to see that they are well supplied with it for the whole season- Fortunately, in Taranaki we do not require to house and feed the cowis on purchased foods, for several months in the year, as is the case in many countries where dairying is carried on. If a moderate amount of cultivating is done, a regular supply of succulent food, well adapted for milk production, can be kept up for the whole season at a, fraction of the cost incurred by dairymen where climatic conditions are less favorable- With nothing but permanent grass, it is impossible, in ordinary seasons, to keep the cows (producing freely for more than a few months in the year. Through the scarcity and -poor quality of the grass during the winter, they calve in poor condition, take a long time to recover, and, whilst recovering, give nothing like the quantity or quality of milk yielded by cows that have been well wintered. Whilst .putting flesh on, they cannot at the same time produce a large amount of ibutter-fat. Permanent grass does not produce much feed until the middle of September or October (according to season and locality), and it is no use ■bringing iu the cows early where it alone is relied upon. (By growing other crops to supplement the grass when required, good returns can be obtained for double the time that they can on grass onlj. H the farm has on it a good paddock of lucerne or paspalum, Very little else need be provided for the autumn, but if anything more is required white turnips will fill the ga-p -Mangles or carrots may bo grown for spring feed, but as both involve rather a large amount of lalbor to iproduce, they can hardly be thought of by the majority of farmers a.t the present time/ Western wolths sown early in the autumn on fairly good land produces a very large quantity of feed during winter and spring up till the time hot, dry weather sets in- After that, the general experience is that it is best ploughed up and the land put . into some other crop. Prairie grass sown early in the autumn proibaibly produces more feed during the winter and early, spring than any other grass generally grown, and continues its growth well through the sewon. Although generally considered only a temporary grass, it has been known to hold its own. for more than 20 years in paddocks that have been constantly and closely grazed. About paspalum, a great diversity of opinion prevails. Whilst some regard it ag almost indispensable,- others regard it as a pest. Lucerne is probaJMy the most valuable crop that can be grown, and Will succeed in a much greater variety of soils than was at ous time thought possible. Trie cost of starting it is higher than with most other crops, but its permanency, productiveness, and high feeding value make it well worth growing wherever it can be established. A3 the agricultural instructors are taking a great interest in its growth, and are ready t 0 nive everv information about the best means of establishing it, it is not necessary now to enter into details of the cultivation it requires. Having mentioned two of the most important items (good cows and a regular supply of succulent food), there still remain many others that largely influence the output- A good supply of water easily accessible at all times is as essential as food. For seven or eight months of the year few farmers m Taranaki have any trouble about providing this; but in the autumn (when it is most needed) very often all but the larger streams are dried up and the cows in many cases, have to travel from one end of the farm to the other to get it or even to be driven to some outside source of supply. Under these conditions, the cows go off milk rapidly. As water is as essential as food for milk production, it is worth going to. considerable expense to obtain a permanent supply; well distributed over the ,farm. In the spring, cold winds are very prevalent, and have the. effect or greatly retarding the growth of vegetation and largely reducing the flow of milk. Snelter°plantations do much to reduce these results. Grass will start earlier and cows milk 'better where shelters are planted. The use of r-ngs when the cows come in is. a practice that well repays the outlay, and considerably increases the quantitv of milk produced. At, tha present price for butter-fat, about laft would .pav the cost of a rug taat with care, would last three seasons, anyone month's boisterous weather, without rugs, might depreciate the output- to more than that extent, because, "lotion to the loss incurred whilst the Ibad weather lasts, the effects continue a considerable time after the weather changes.. Plenty of subdivision results m more milk and in keeping the grass in better condition. Allowed to roam all over the farm, some parts are eaten bare and some allowed to grow too coarse, resultin" in a loss of feed and a loss 1 ormilK, too Frequent ■ changes are beneficial to the' cows, and allow of the grass being fed down more evenly, and so keeping it in the best condition for producing milk.. Gentle treatment, thorough _ stripping out, and regular hours for milking, all have much to do with the best results. In most cases, the best cows are of a nervous temperament, and if excited or ill-used will give but little milk, and that of poor quality. Only those who have .regularly tested can have any idea of the loss occasioned iby rough treatment, for, by it the test is sent down in even a greater proportion than the quaitity. i Regular hours for milking also eonildarably lafluenee the length of tk» sea-

son and the returns obtained. If, from any cause, the time between railkings has been considerably increased, a da- [ creased amount of milk will be obtained | at several subsequent milkings, whilst, I if the irregular times often oo COT, the I cows drop permanently in milk, and the season is greatly shortened. Another most important joint is to rear the heifer calves, saved for filling gaps in the herd, in such a way as will en aura a robust constitution; .Plenty of farmers do not hesitate to 'pay high prices for specially good cows, but grudge giving the calves that are to be their dairy cows in the future enough to ensure the constitution that is essentially for heavy productionTho idea oiice largely held, and still held (by some,' that the ability to milk cows was alone sufficient to moke a successful dairy fanner, is almost as sensible as saying that the ability to measure faibrics constitutes » draper, or the ability to weigh goods a grocer. In I dairy fanning there is room for the full, exercise of all the mental faculties, and it requires the closest attention to attain the best results for money and labor. The "farmers of Tarannifci have shown commendable enterprise in building new factories ito deal witfi their output and accommodation for storing it. If each farmer will display the same amount of enterprise in the management of his dairy herd," the result will be an output that : will completely outdistance any in the past, and put hiip in a position to meet the heavy taxation tha/fc for vearg to cotae seems .inevitable. . An interesting discu93iion followed. In reply to questions, Mr. BurgdSS stated that he would advise paapalum being grown to a limited extent. Wfth a dressing of phosphate manure, it. would be possible, to keep, the clover in and ro make 3 more balanced food.. Paspalum certainly had a tendency to't spread, but if kept closely fed or mowed, he did not think it would get so overrooted as to be unproductive. During the cpUrse of farther discusBioo on - ttbotttay. J4s t «t«tod :