THE YOUNG FARMERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1932, Page 8

THE YOUNG FARMERS.

Those gentlemen who were responsible for the inauguration of the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club movement in the Alanawatu must have derived a considerable feeling of satisfaction as they viewed the results of their enterprise during the past week, when the judging' of the Calf CluO section took place at the various schools and groups, culminating in the championship exhibition in Palmerston North on Wednesday. The miniature show of young dairy cattle called forth the highest praise even from those whose calling' takes them into touch with the foremost animals of the dairy breeds. Inaugurated three years ago, the Calf Clubs have made tremendous strides. From a small beginning, more schools were interested in it until judging day at numerous schools has come to be regarded as one of the most important in the year. Pupils, with the aid of their parents and teachers, and under the guidance in the initial stages of prudent supervisors for each group of schools, are encouraged to adopt calves as a hobby and show them for care and condition and for type. In addition they are taught how to record the progress of their animals, so that their efforts are conducted in no haphazard manner. A further step has been taken this year in creatingl a judging class for the children, and in this respect, particularly, some of the pupils have shown remarkable knowledge. The inculcation of a desire for knowledge of dairy farming, or at least the rearing of dairy animals, among rural children must have immense benefit, for this part of their young lives may be just as important to their later welfare as are the three It’s. The rer spouse to the calf-rearing classes has been magnificent; but the committee who control the movement have wisely carried it further by extending the scope to include yearling animals. Thus we find that those pupils who failed to gain awards for their entries last year have benefited by their experience and have this year shown with success in the yearling class. No more proof is needed of the value of the movement than this, if proof is needed. The clubs are worthy of the full support of agricultural and educational authorities, as well as a more generous measure of patronage by parents on judging day. In addition, there is room for a spreading of interest among those qualified to guide the movement. At present this valuable work is left to a few enthusiasts of unbounded zeal who would appreciate it, no doubt, if their activities in establishing the movement were strengthened by a greater backing of interest by farmers so that the scheme could be extended to other schools.