A GOOD FODDER FOR STOCK.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 1 July 1913, Page 3

A GOOD FODDER FOR STOCK.

(By W. C.; Berridge, in Agricultural ' ' . Journal.) \ ■ ! To provide green feed quickly during tlje middle of summer, when pas tures are failing, is a vexed probioni for th a farmer, especially in dairying districts. Those who have a good lucerne patch are largely independent of ad vers? weathor* as tlu lucerne, beiirig av;&eep-rootra[ plant, makes-/its best growth.; dairing that season. Farmere * who lfoe forethought enough to-, wgreer maize for their cows- tule-*ws6■<%&■ a better position to face a dry seasoft.. Those who for -various reasons mas? not have green feed provided for, thf middle of summer should try a plot of Hungarian millet. This makes a rapid growth during the hottest weather, independent of rain. Hungarian millet shduld - be cut before the seed-heads shoot as it is then in its, most succulent stage. All live s.tock seemed fond of th. millet, both horses and cows eatinp it readily when. first offered. Being succulent, there was little or (no •waste* with it. . / i Aii the. , Taurahga Experimental Farm a piece of lftlid, frdm which oats\were cut last' January, was ploughed, harrowed, and scarified t as it was very foul with, sorrel and othe# weeds. Superphosphate) at the rate of 3cwt to the acre, was then broadcasted and harrowed in. - The. Hungarian millet was sown broadcast; on the 28th January, 'at the rate of 12 lb to the acre, and was covered with a chain harrow. Though no rain fell for six weeks, the millet grew rapidly, and in ten weeks' time was ready to cut. It yielded at the rate of 17 tons to the acre. During the whole period of growth there wef - e only two days on which rain fell.

. A part of the plot was manured with half the quantity of superphosphate (Hcwt to the acre being* applied), and this part yielded 40 per cent less by weight. Now that the millet is removed the land presents a vei-y cleaaii appearance, most of the weeds having beer; smothered by the dense growth. After the millet was cut, the land, was ploughed and sown with oats and vetches for spring feed.