H.—29

10

A review of live-stock production in New Zealand over the past twenty-six seasons published in the " New Zealand Official Year-book," 1929, and later in the Journal of Agriculture, represents the best index of production yet compiled, and serves as an admirable guide in observing the trend of production and in forecasting movement in the future. Two other publications were also completed by the section during the year. Ruakura State Farm. This farm has made further good progress, and substantial improvements have been carried out, thus increasing the intrinsic value of the property. For the year the total expenditure, excluding permanent salaries but including all expenditure upon the farm training college and other educational work, was £8,410, while the total receipts were £11,074. Permanent salaries, including instructional services, amounted to £3,149. A period of short rainfall in December, January, and February had the effect of reducing the production per cow over that period, but for the year ending 31st March, the receipts for butterfat exceeded those of the preceding year by £166. The quick response of the pastures later in the season was expected to bring about a longer period of production than usual. A number of cows were under certificate-of-record test, and some very good results were obtained. Sheep did well. The sales of fat lambs totalled up to a value of £1,606. Surplus Southdown sheep brought in £693, while the gross returns for wool amounted to £632. Southdown rams sold topped the local market. Pigs failed to return a profit owing to low prices and a poor demand. A line of thirty bacon pigs of the Large White-Berkshire cross was prepared for the purposes of a special experimental shipment to London. Generally the farm is in very good order, and the Manager is to be commended for a good year's work. A series of special pasture experiments have been laid down on the farm by the Fields Division, and these should in due course produce results of value to farmers in the district. Ruakura Farm Training College. The Training College at Ruakura had forty-five students in residence last year, this being the maximum number which can be comfortably accommodated in the quarters devoted to that purpose. A portion of the homestead building is now in use for lecture-room purposes, and more space is available in the building for a further later development of this educational work. Mr. P. W. Smallfield, who had charge of this work from its inception, and did much to place it upon a good footing, was promoted to a position elsewhere, and his place at Ruakura was satisfactorily filled by Mr. G. K. McPherson, who had previously acted as his assistant. Students entering for the course at Ruakura need to be not less than sixteen years of age, and the" fee charged is £36 per annum. The time occupied by the course is equally divided between indoor instruction and practical outdoor work on the farm, the aim being to turn out lads who in due course will become good progressive farmers. Weraroa State Farm. A good season was experienced by this farm, so much so that the stock carried proved unable to cope with the luxuriant pasture-growth, and a greater quantity of hay than usual was saved. The dairy herds of Friesian and Red Poll cattle did well, and ended the season in good condition. The sheep flocks gave a satisfactory return, fat lambs selling well. Pigs were unprofitable owing to lack of demand, coupled with low market values. The farm cattle exhibited at the Royal Show were successful in winning the Wilbur Cup, also one second and three first prizes for Friesians, while the Red Polls secured two championships, two reserve championships, eight first and two third prizes, the cup for the best female, the Woodhouse Cup, and the Osmond Trophy for best points. The financial results of the year's operations were good, the total payments, excluding permanent salaries, being £4,549, while the total receipts were £7,822. Permanent salaries amounted to £1,870. In comparing this with previous years it must be borne in mind that had it been necessary to carry the farm on, some expenditure in the purchase of grazing-stock would have been incurred, and the balance between payments and receipts altered accordingly. The Manager has done good work at the farm since taking charge in 1923. During the year it was decided to cut up the farm for close-settlement purposes, reserving 140 acres for the purposes of the Education Department. This operation is in hand, and the sections will be balloted for in July, the stock being auctioned at an earlier date. Rabbits. As will be gathered from the Live-stock Division report, the rabbit pest has continued to be kept well under control, but at the same time vigilant inspection has been maintained. A considerable number of tame Angora and Chinchilla rabbits have been imported for the purpose of enabling private persons to keep these animals in captivity and produce rabbit wool