lo jMay, 191 1] Traralgon Dairy Farm Com petition. 



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consequence, e\'ery herd is carrying too' large a percentage of inferior stock 

 for best results. 



With the one exception previously mentioned, the dairy work is con- 

 tinued throughout the year on these farms ; and many of the cows on each 

 had been in milk for some months prior to the commencement of the com- 

 petition, which, in some measure, accounts for the comparatively low average 

 returns obtained. It will be noted that the averages are estimated as from, 

 the total cows in the herds during the competition. If only the number of 

 cows actually in milk each month were considered in this estimate, the 

 returns would have been much larger all round, though the result of the 

 competition would not be affected. 



It will be seen that the milking standard of these herds leaves room 

 for much impro\ement ; and it would prove very profitable work to the 

 owners to institute systematic culling on individual yields. Each owner 

 has enough good cows to enable him to build up a first-class herd in a very 

 few years. On the whole, the l)ulls kept were of a better dairy class than 

 is generally met with ; and if thev are bred from as good dairy stock as 

 their appearance indicates, there is no fault to be found on their side. 



Reviewing the conditions of each place in regard to the final result of 

 the competition : — 



Mr. Pentland's strong points are his stock, construction of milking shed 

 and barn, shelter and water supplv. 



Mr. Moller is best in fodder cultivation, shelter, dairv. young stock, 

 and records. 



Mr. Drane wins his points mainly on returns, uniformitv of breed, and 

 milking shed construction. 



Mr. Dunbar keeps fairly forward in all sections, but his young stock 

 was the best item. 



As mentioned, Mr. Cross is practically a beginner He is carrying 

 more stock per acre than the rest, and is doing well in fodder cultivation. 

 With good water supply, fair shelter, and neat buildings, his progress to 

 date is very creditable. 



The respective positions in the competition are: — 



1. Mr. Pentland; 



2. Mr. Moller; 



3. Messrs. Drane and Dunbar ( equal) ; and 



4. Mr. Cross. 



The points awarded are as follows: — 



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