FINE DAIRY STOCK

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 248, 18 September 1929, Page 8

FINE DAIRY STOCK

INSPECTIONS MADE ABROAD.

MILK TRADE METHODS

An insight into the dairying moth* ods followed in Canada and the United States and the efficiency of the milk trade was gained by Mr D. Buchanan, of Tiakitahuna. during his recent trip abroad, and he had some interesting comment to make to a “Standard” reporter. Describing them as some of tlie finest in the world, Mr Buchanan stated that ho saw some wonderful Friesian cattle at Colorado Springs, in the United States, and they were infinitely superior to any animals of their type which he had seen in New Zealand. They were all stall-fed, but nevertheless were in great condition. However, he found that in the United States, disease made just as many ravages among the dairy herds as anywhere clso. and they were no nearer a solution of the troubles. Mr Buchanan added that one Holstein cow at the centre mentioned weighed 18101bs and was expected to create a butterfat record of 12001bs this year.. The dairy cattle in the district surrounding Montreal were, stated Mr Buchanan, of a superior type, and agricultural methods differed, under the conditions, from those of New Zealand, but the land of this Dominion was far bettor. "While there, Mr Buchanan inspected many herds and selected some 6tock for shipment to New Zealand for breeding purposes. He informed the “Standard” representative that the animals had landed in good condition and will probably be released from quarantine in another week, when they will be forwarded to Palmerston North. The Ayrshire breeders in Canada had extended a warm welcome to Mr Buchanan, who said that ho had had a wonderfully g;ood time. In addition to the cattle, he inspected some pigs which were the finest he had ever seen of their kind. At Vancouver, Mr Buchanan visited the Victoria exhibition, which was the only show he saw in Canada. The stock were good, but he never 6aw such bungled management. All breeds of pigs were in the one pen, and the same remark applied to sheep, while no catalogue was published, and no one knew who Had secured the awards. So clean and so elaborate were the milking sheds in the United States and Canada that to enter one was almost like walking into a shop, and it was difficult to realise that one was nctually in a cowshed. All the cattle supplying nnlk for human consumption were tested for tuberculosis each year. All milk for the town trade had to lie certified, and most of it was pasteurised and cooled on the farms, being delivered off ice in bottles. All dairy utensils were placed in electrical sterilising ovens until required at the next milking. In Montreal Mr Buchanan had the opportunity of inspecting one of the latest and'most efficient milk factories in the world. The vestibules had marble walls, and there was a balcony round the building from which people could watch the factory workers. Everything was under glass to eliminate the slightest element of contamination. There was a luxurious lounge, and in spifco of the magnificent appointments the business was a paying proposition on account of the extensive scale of operations. After witnessing the methods employed it made one wonder how New Zealand managed.