OCR Text |
Show Farm News-Notes By LEW MAR PRICE County Agent Supplement the Pastures Owners of dairy cows in CalifoT-nia CalifoT-nia are said to have added $64,297,-061 $64,297,-061 to their income in the past seven sev-en years by raising the average but-terfat but-terfat production during that time from 183 pounds to 239.2 pounds per cow. This was accomplished largely through increasing the number num-ber of cows in herd improvement associations as-sociations from 30,000 to 70,000 head, thereby locating the boarder cows, and improving feeding, breeding breed-ing and care with the better producers. produc-ers. Figures have not been compiled to give accurate information on this subject in Beaver County, but indications in-dications are that we have made an even greater improvement than that. However, we are a long way from perfection. A goodly number of boarder cows are still present in our herds, and a much greater number num-ber are not fed to the economic limit throughout the year. It is not recommended that cows be fed a heavy grain ration; hut a suplemental ration while on pasture is ns necessary to maintain production produc-tion as is the pasture itself. Extra feed today m.ay not be noticed materially mat-erially in tomarrow's production, but it will be noticed as the season goes on. The highly nitrogenous grasses have a very stimulating effect on the dairy cow, and tend to burn off the energy stored in the body from the stronger winter feeds. Either hay or grain, preferably the former, fed during pasture seasoi will marnr tain that energy, and the result is a more uniform production throughout through-out the year. The individual cow carries a much higher production throughout the lactation period instead in-stead of the low yield during the last five to seven months. Good dairying will not be over done for many years to come. One of the big factors in holding the price of butterfat down is said to be several million pounds of poor butter now in storage. This butter is said to be unfit for human consumption, con-sumption, yet It is being offered at i a very low price in an attempt to j move it. There Is comparatively little 92 to 94 score in butter in storage. By helping our creameries produce a good product we help our own market an equal amount. The heavier the pullets are at tho time they lay the first egg, the less likely thy are to go into a molt and take a winter vacation. They have enough reserve to stand up under continued heavy production. One of the most common causes of a low test during warm weather is warm milk. Milk properly cooled very often churns ou the way to the 'creamery, and hence a correct tesl cannot be made. Cooling the mill; benefits everyone from the producer to the consumer. |