MORE WEALTH FROM THE LAND

New Zealand Listener, Volume 30, Issue 769, 15 April 1954, Page 20

MORE WEALTH FROM THE LAND

LTHOUGH dairying and beef production on the North Island plains has increased tenfold in the past 50 years, very large increases are still possible. This is one of the themes discussed by Dr. W. M. Hamilton (below), Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, in a series of three talks on The Future of Animal Production in New Zealand

being heard from 2YA. Surprisingly small areas of our grasslands have been sown with the new high-producing strains of grasses and clovers, he says, and less than ten per cent is sown with certified seed. Although the Grasslands Division has shown that 400 pounds of butterfat per acre is well within possibility on North Island pastures. the averavce for a resign ench

as Waipa ‘County is only 160 to 180 pounds per acre. Dr. Hamilton" speaks authoritatively of what can be done, and what is already being done, on all types of country in New Zealand, to increase animal production. The achievement at Ribbonwood in doubling the yield from South Island tussgck country, and the slow conquest of Waikato peat and the sand podsols of North Auckland are’ further subjects about which he has much of value to. say. In general, his theme is that we must try to increase production from animal industries by 50 per cent in the next 20 years if we are to keep up with New Zealand’s rapidly- expanding population. There is much sound, practical sense in his approach to the special problems of animal husbandry and _ grassland farming in this country. His talks are now being broadcast in 2YA’s Farm Session at 7.15 p.m. on Mon- | days.