Australia : The Dairy Country, 



As one crop becomes fit to use, the land can be replanted irrespec- 

 tive of weather conditions. For instance, in spring (September) 

 maize or sorghum can be sown, either over the whole area at once 

 or at intervals of a week or a month up to January. In three to 

 three and a-half months, during which time the pastures are at 

 their best, and there is no need for supplementary fodder, the first 

 of the areas will be ready for use as green fodder, or for conversion 

 into silage to serve as a cheap and juicy winter fodder. In many 

 districts as soon as the earliest-sown maize crop is harvested a 

 second maize or sorghum crop is planted, and by the time that is 

 ready to cut, barley and vetches or field peas can be planted to 

 come in to supplement the stores of winter fodder. 



A fine growth of Sorghum Victoria. An excellent fodder crop. 



Maize is harvested for silage when the cabs are well filled, and 

 the grain is beginning to glaze ; at this stage a normal crop will 

 yield about 20 tons greenstuff per acre. Sorghum will produce 

 about 15 tons, and barley and vetches or peas about 1 6 tons per 

 acre. Wheat and oats are often grown in order to be cut for hay, 

 and make an excellent fodder. 



Another most valuable crop to the dairyman is lucerne, which 

 will keep in a well-built stack for an indefinite time. 



(4) The Farmer's inexperience and ignorance of Scientific 

 Dairying. To this last point the Scottish Commissioners furnish 

 a reply in their report. 



