FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1920, Page 11

FARM AND DAIRY.

STRATFORD MODEL DAIRY FARM, j REPORT FOR MAY The variety and manurial trials of swedes and niangols, also a few odd crops, were weighed during the month. The outstanding feature of the manurial trials is the poor showing of "P.adio Manure". Although applied at the same rate as the other manures, the result and crop is approx. 50 per cent, less, and in the second test just equal to the no manure plot. The results from the other manures are very similar to previous years, except that Ephog has shown up better; the very moist season was probably -favorable to this manure. Photos have been procured of some, of the tests, including radio, and they are very striking. Thirty one varieties of swedes were tested for dry rot, an' 1 the affected roots ranged from one to fifty per cent. Of the varieties tested, superlative, best of all, magnificent, magnum bonum, champion, white early, strap leaf, and purple top pave the best weights. The last two, white early, strap leaf and purple top are wiiite fleshed swedes and Were obtained from Vilmorans, of Paris. The former is a very sound swede but grows deep in the ground and is hard to, pull, while the, latter is standard shape and worth further trials. Both these swedes are fairly disease resistant. It will be noted that the mangolds' crop is just about the average of previous years, and the carrots not quite so good. 'The mangolds may be stacked at" the end of the month. Field 10. —The oats and tares in this field are making good growth. Field 11.—Portion of the swedes in this field have been stocked with springing heifers recently purchased. Field 13. —Tho swedes in this area have been subdivided and are ready for stocking with the dairy cows so soon as they are properly dried off. All varieties of swedes are showing a fair amount of dry rot. Pastures.—Feed is still plentiful in all the paddocks. Herd.—-The held was milked twice a day up till the middle of May, they were then put on once a day, and by the end of the month most hi them were dry; they have been well fed during the year and are going out in good condition. Pigs.—Both breeding sows and young pigs are doing well.