11 Aug., 1919.] Fm-m Notes for Jul ij. ^^•'^ 



Rape Sown on Early Fallow. 



The advantage of early fallowing is now generally admitted on the 

 clay soils of this district. Besides improving the fertility of the soil 

 and aiding in the destruction of weeds such as wild oats, it offers oppor 

 tunities for the sowing of catch crops for winter and early spring 

 feeding. 



A field of 60 acres which was foul with wild oats following a crop 

 of Carrawa wheat last season was ploughed to a depth of 4i inches in 

 April this year, and seeded with 4 Ib^. of Dwarf Essex rape, and 30 lbs. 

 of super per acre. The seeding operations consisted of drilling immedi- 

 ately after the plough without any extra cultivation except the cover 

 line attachment to the drill. This system of catch crop seeding cost, 

 approximately, 6s. 6d. per acre above fallowing cost, and if the season 

 is a favora.ble one good winter and spring picking for stock is available. 

 Already the first grazing of this field resulted in carrying 600 ewes and 

 596 twelve to fourteen weeks old lambs for a period of six days. Further 

 grazing will be available in Augvist, Septeniber, and October, after 

 which the field will be disc cultivated before harvest. Fallows seeded 

 to rape in this way during July and early August last season were fed 

 off during October and November. The land was then worked up with 

 a disc cultivator, and now carries a good crop of wheat and oats for 

 hay. Sown in May of this year. 



Systematic sow.ng of rape on early fallows in this district 

 undoubtedly shows a profit in average seasons when fed to sheep, and 

 if the subsequent cultivation is carried out, the crop which follows will 

 be benefited by the practice. 



Rape sown as the main crop for fodder would give greater yields 

 than the system above explained, but the uncertainty of the result in 

 the district, after the necessarily high cost of production, forces this 

 catch crop system into practice. 



Farm Tractor and Horse-drawn Implements Trials. 



These trials are to be held on a field near the Geelong railway line 

 this season during the week ending 20th September, under the auspices 

 of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. 



Full particulars of interest to farmers who intend to visit the farm 

 during the tractor trial week may be obtained from the secretary of 

 the society. 



Last year very interesting comparisons were drawn from these trials 

 This season they will cover a greater range of cultural activities, as 

 many horse-drawn implements are to be included. 



Farmers that take this opportunity of seeing these tractors and 

 implements at work should be able to judge for themselves the merits of 

 the work done. 



Returned Soldier Trainees. 



Early in October of 1917 quarters to accommodate twenty returned 

 soldiers were completed. Systematic practical training of these men has 

 been undertaken by the fann staff since that date. The duration of the 

 course has been fixed at six months, but if a trainee proves to be apt 

 at his work he may be given a qualifying certificate before the expira- 

 tion of this term. 



