SHEEP DISEASES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 September 1938, Page 3

SHEEP DISEASES

RESEARCH IN CANTERBURY. FARMERS TO CO-OPERATE. Co-operation in a scheme of farm observation to assist with the investigation of diseases in sheep is being sought among farmers of the Ashburton County by Mr T. K. Ewer, veterinary research officer to the Department of Agriculture, who waited on the Mid-Canterbury provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and outlined proposals which he thought would assist in his work. Explaining the scheme, Mr Ewer said a sheep diseases a'nd investigation committee had been formed to assist with the trouble of diseases in sheep in Canterbury. As part -of a survey of the trouble in the Ashburton County, farms on which a detailed survey would be made, had been selected. “I have elaborated a scheme of farm observation which will be supplementary to the work now being carried out,” said the speaker. He added that it was desired to get the help of representative farmers throughout the county. 'He was sure the proposal would bring in a great deal of information which could not be obtained in any other way. The farmers who were willing to 'co-oper-ate in the scheme would be supplied with a schedule on which to record particulars of grazing mobs of ewes, hoggets, and lambs, and also the weather from day to day. The work would not occupy much time each week. He would collect the papers each month and would have an opportunity to make other observations as well.

The president, Mr C. C. Winn, said the work was very necessary, and the information collected would be valuable.

It was decided to send copies of the schedule to each branch asking that arrangements be made for farmers to co-operate in the work and stating that Mr Ewer would be available to address meetings of farmers on the problem of diseases in sheep.