STRATFORD MODEL FARM.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 January 1920, Page 5

STRATFORD MODEL FARM.

The committee of the Stratford Model Farm Society, in our advertising columns, cordially invites the public, and farmers particularly, to meet them on the farm on Thursday next, at 1.30 p.m., to inspect the farm.

The establishment of the Stratford Model Farm is well recognised as a publie benefit to the whole- district. The efforts of the committee and the progress they have made meet with general approval. The results of the management have been very satisfactory. The permanent improvements are substantial and suitable, without being too elaborate for the average dairy farm. During the three seasons of the Society's existence the crops have been uniformly successful. This year they are perhaps better than previously. The root crops are particularly good. In mangels there are four varieties, and each variety promises a good crop. In swedes about thirty varieties are being tested under ordinary iield conditions, and, in addition to the variety tests, there are extensive mamtrial trials being carried out. Soft turnips and carrots are doing well, and field cabbages are thriving. A paddock of about twelve acres carries a crop of various fodders for ensilage purposes. This comprises wheats of different sorts, and oats sown with vetches and peas. . The exceptional growth of vetches with wheat, as compared with vetches and oats, is remarkable. The cropping methods of the committee produce good results, and farmers should be able to acquire some useful hints in this connection. The laying down of pastures has been successfully carried out, and the result is evident in the paddocks dealt with. Top-dressing of old unploughed pasture with various mixtures shows varying results, but the contrast between the undressed pasture and old dressed pasture is convincing evidence of the advantage of treating even old pastures. The question of shelter has not been neglected. Barberry hedges have been planted, and, on' the creek bank, pines and eucalyptus are doing well. There should be a large attendance of the public on Thursday next.