21st January 1927 - The Rearing and Fattening of Farm Stock

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Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

The Rearing and Fattening of Farm Stock

The rearing and fattening of farm stock was the subject of the second of a series of lectures and debates organised by the above Society.

The meeting was held at the Assembly Room, "The George" Hotel, on Tuesday 11th, Capt. E.T. Morris presiding.

The Chairman introduced the principal speaker - Mr J.W. Reid, and Mr H.W. Gardener, both of Oaklands.

Mr Reid gave a very interesting and comprehensive talk on the fattening of beasts, laying great stress on the importance of feeding regularly. Cleanliness of utensils and a dry warm bed, were other points strongly urged. Calves required for dairy work should not be forcibly fed, but kept growing.

The speaker then dealt with the various methods of feeding and fattening, and said that monotony of feeding should, in all cases be avoided. One of the greatest dangers in pig feeding was leaving unconsumed food in the troughs; the food was liable to ferment, and in addition it was very wasteful.

Mr H.W. Gardener then addressed the meeting, and illustrated his remarks by tabulated forms. He specially emphasised that during the early life of a beast the carcass contained mostly water, therefore during this period less expensive foods were needed. He then dealt with the various foodstuffs and their relative values, and supplied the meeting some most interesting data. One of his points was that when a beast reached from 7 to 8 cwt., the water in it decreases and the fat makes a jump.

A discussion followed in which Messrs Kittow, H. May, E. Pigg, W. Morris, S. Pigg and G. Scarborough Taylor took part. Many useful questions were asked and points thrashed out, especially as to the best kind of floor for animals of all kinds. Concrete was urged providing there was sufficient bedding; rammed chalk was also commended.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman and the speakers, and it was announced that the next meeting would be held on 1st February.

The Committee also made arrangements for a debate in March, the subject of which is "The inter-relationship between Producer, Distributor and Consumer."

25th March 1927 - Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

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Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

The last meeting of the 1926-27 season of the above Society took place at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Tuesday evening.

The chair was taken by Mr A. Macarthur, who introduced the principal speaker (Mr J.W. Reid, of Oaklands).

The subject down for discussion was "The business side of Farming," and, as the speaker said, it was one for wide consideration.

In farming it was often necessary to lose on one branch in order to gain on another. Sheep farming, he said, often failed as a business proposition, but its value in manuring the land could not be reckoned in £ s d.

In many cases economies could be effected in labour, it had been proved that the average proportion of labour to the expenditure of a farm was 28 per cent, and while to try and effect economy in labour would mean disaster in many cases, it had been found that quite a number of farms were under-staffed.

Economy in horse labour could often be effected. There was also the question of economy in manures by purchasing the right kind. It had been found that 12,000 acres in Hertfordshire were deficient in lime. Economy in feeding stuffs should also be practised.

The speaker then dealt with the question of increased receipts, and dealt with such matters as dairy farming, poultry and store cattle.

Mr Macarthur, Mr Scarborough Taylor and Mr S. Pigg took part in the discussion which followed, and at the close Mr Macarthur, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Reid, said he wished, on behalf of the Society, to thanks Mr Hunter-Smith for the help he had given them. He regretted that some of the meetings had been poorly attended, and he hoped that if the Society carried on next year they would have an increased membership.

Mr S. Pigg seconded the vote of thanks, and Mr J. Laird, in supporting the vote, said he thought there were many who did not realise what Oaklands was doing for them.

The vote was carried with acclamation.

Mr J.W. Reid and Mr J. Hunter-Smith replied, and said that if it was decided to carry on next year they would be pleased to help.