FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1919, Page 7

FARM AND DAIRY.

FIELD DAY AT STRATFORIX When it was first suggested that the Stratford branch of the Jersey Breeders' Association should hold a field day during, which members could visit sonic farm and then discuss the various points of a dairy cow there appeared to be certain obstacles in the way. The idea was dropped for a time, but the question was subsequently revived, and last Thursday the wishes of the promoters wore realised and in a manner that mast have exceeded their expectations. If there was any disappointment it might have been that thc'se present were all interested in the Jersey type ,of dairy cow, whereas the Association would gladly welcome the Friesian, Ayrshire, or any other breeder that cared to come along. Mr. J. S. Jones' property on the Opunake road was an ideal spot for the outing, the "demonstration paddock" being enclosed on the four sides with a belt of trees that gave every shelter. With a hollow in the centre the spectators stood on the outside of the basin and thus each individual had an uninterrupted view of all the animals paraded. Prior to adjourning to the paddock the visitors were hospitably entertained to luncheon by the ladies and association on the lawn outside Mr. Jones' fine house. Thirteen dairy cows and heifers were paraded, and then the president of the branch (Mr. F. Ranford), in introducing Mr. Lancaster, voiced the pleasure it gave him and other members at such a hearty response to the invitation, particularly by the boys of the Stratford D.H. School, the farmers of the future. It should ever be the aim of all those engaged in farming pursuits to keep the cultivation of the land up to the highest standard. They all heard of the ambition to make two blades of grass grow where one previously grew, but the Association hoped to do better than that by having the pastures improved so much that one blade would be of equal value to three as fodder. The branch wag extremely fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Lancaster to deliver an address. Their visitor was a great breeder of the Jersey cow, and, when approached, gladly acceded to the request, and he felt sure that as a result of this visit they would all gain valuable information respecting the evolving of the typical Jersey cow. ' Mr. Lancaster said he hoped they did not expect an address from him. He never claimed to be a speaker, and would prefer to pick out what he thought were the best types paraded and then explain the various points that actuated his decision. The boys then paraded the animals, after which Mr. Lancaster narrowed his selection down to Ranford Bros.' Duchess, Rimu—Lassie, D. O'Sullivan's Peggy, Duchess Magnet—Magnet's Waif and A. J. Smith's Ruth's Fairy, Molinda's General—Fair Ruth. This cow was reserve champion at Stratford and New Plymouth. Confining his remarks chiefly to Duchess and Peggy, he demonstrated his reasons for preferring Duchess, although he admitted that Peggy, which was a much older cow, had been, and was still, a fine type of cow. Starting from the head, he drew comparisons between the two cows from horn to hoof, and at the close of his examination was bombarded with questions from all sides of the field. Concerning milk veins he preferred they should be prominent and of fair length. He could not explain the reason, but a short milk-vein cow did not milk as long as the cow with an average length vein. He did not place as much value on the escutcheon as others might. Regarding constitution, he did not place any value on strong horns as a guide. As a matter of fact, the beast that gave the most trouble to lead carried the largest hornß, and yet in his opinion was the weakest constituted beast in the parade. Regarding the ears some judges preferred to see a rich orange colour inside, but, like the switch tail, these were details that were taken in by the judges where the points between the competing cows were very close, and appearance was the deciding factor. Concerning the ? eyee he preferred a "wild" to a "mild," as the latter generally indicated age. The udder was most important and the spacing of the teats, the way the udder hung, etc., were the features necessary to remember when judging the dairy cow. Regarding the skin he preferred a "greasy" skin to a "dry" one, and for that reason believed that Peggy, although an older animal, beat his first choice, Duchess, having a "greasy" skin. Ruth's Fairy was then brought into the ring and Mr. Lancaster again showed alterations that were only apparent to the uninitiated when notice was particularly drawn to them. Throughout the demonstration and questioning the school lads evinced a lively interest, and with pencil and note book many madf notes that should come in useful for future work at judging. Mr. J. B. Richards said the Association deserved the thanks of all for the innovation introduced that afternoon. Anything that tended to improve or increase the productivity of the land also tended to improve the prosperity of the province, and he was pleased to notice such a live interest being taken in these pursuits by the farmers and the school boys. Mr. J. W. Boon, president of the A. and P. Association, in seconding a vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Ranford, also expressed appreciation of the association in securing the services of Mr. S. R. Lancaster to give them such a practical demonstration. A. and P. Shows gave farmers and others an opportunity of seeing the very best of the province's stock, and for that reason shows were to be. commended. To those particularly engaged in farming pursuits he believed the demonstraton by Mr. Lancaster must prove cf immense value to those present. He hoped other breeders would be induced to attend further demonstrations.