A Poultry-farm Conversion Aided by Tractor
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AANY are the war-time instances in alwhich farmers, by reason of the circumstances of the times, have been forced to extend their range of activities or, alternatively, to enter new spheres of agriculture in order that production in the best interests of the Nation can be developed and maintamed. An example is to be found in the case of Mr. W. Bradley, of Lightfoot Green, Broughton, Lancashire.
Prior to the war, Mr. Bradley was well known as probably the biggest duck farmer in the British Isles, about 36,000 ducks being housed on his farm of about 200 acres. Labour problems and difficulties regarding foodstuffs have necessitated the reduction of the stock to under 3,000 ducks, 1,000 geese and 500 turkeys, and, accordingly, Mr. Bradley has turned his attention to other phases of agriculture, arid since September, 1939, about 50 per cent. of his land has been put under the plough.
This change-over has called for the introduction of mechanized plant for cultivation purposes, and after due consideration of the problems involved a David Brown tractor, together with unit-principle implements, was purchased, in .addition to the normal range of equipment required on a farm of this type. Mr. Bradley is a strong advocate of the unit principle, particularly where small enclosures and awkward-shaped fields have ' to be cultivated.
Some idea of the success of the venture can be gained from the fact that over 25 tons of marrows have been harvested, and the crop from over 40,000 tomato plants is expected to yield more than 100,009 lb. of frUit. A variety of other crops has been successfully grown, but on much of the land ploughed up the soil is in almost too good a heart for cereal crops (a minimum of which has been grown). because it has been fairly heavily stocked with ducks.
The successful results . obtained in many directions have led Mr. Bradley to prepare for a substantial increase in 1943, when further land will be brought under the plough. The majority of this land will be intensively cultivated, and an additional David Brown tractor, together with power lift and unit-principle implements, is being acquired.