Helpful Hints for Our Modern Farmers A regular department of THE REVIEW that will provide much valuable information to the dairymen, stock raisers and agriculturists of Vilas County and vicinity Great Importance of Good Breeding Statistical Studies of Meat Yields of Food Animals Show Wide Variations. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Statistical studies just completed by the United States Department of Agriculture, showing meat yields of various classes of animals in proportion to live weight, bring out clearly the importance of good breeding. In the work conducted, all the principal kinds of market live stock were included, the grades varying from common stock to animals slaughtered in the carcass competition of the International live stock exposition. Figures were obtained from a number of government sources and from the packing industry. Good Breeding Shows Its Value. The difference in dressing yield for various grades of cattle ranged from 48 to 66 percent, meaning that that proportion of the animal was the dressed carcass. For sheep and lambs, the dressing yield varied from 42 percent for common market ewes to 58.3 percent for International show wethers. The figures for swine show dressing percentages ranging from 75 to 85.3 percent. The relatively high figures for swine are due in part to the fact that the skin and head commonly remain on the carcass. The International show animals in each case are chiefly purebreds, fed specially to produce an ideal carcass. The results, in the judgment of specialists in the bureau of animal industry, are clear-cut evidence that the types of animals shown and recognized as best by judges of live stock are much superior to poorly bred stock from a meat standpoint. The practical side of the study just completed is shown by the following statement by John Roberts of the bureau of animal industry, who made the compilation: Steer Carcasses Compared. “The difference in dressing yield between a ‘good’ and a ‘common’ steer, according to the figures collected, is 8 percent. For a 1,000-pound steer, this would mean 60 pounds more of marketable meat. Nor is this all, since the meat of the higher-class animal is superior in quality throughout, as well as being better distributed among the choicest cuts. In other words, the well-bred steer makes a more profitable use of his feed than the inferior one. These things are taken strictly into account by the experts who price the animals in the stockyards; they are, indeed, the factors that determine the market value of one class as compared with another. “What happens when two such steers are sold in the open market is of interest. Consider a ‘good’ and a ‘common’ steer raised on the same farm and fattened together in the same feed lot. Assume that each steer weighs 1,000 pounds and they are marketed at Chicago during the first week of July, 1923. The result of the sale would have been as follows: “Good” mon” Steer Steer Weight at market (Ibs.).. 1,000 1,000 Selling price per 100 lbs..s 10.01 7.12 Sale value of steer....... 100.10 71.20 Inoreased value of “good” steer..s2B,90 Per cent of increase.........%. 40.6 Market prices from “Weather, Crops, and Markets,” July 14, 1923, page 39. “Considering the early-maturing qualities of better-bred beef cattle, it may well be assumed in the above cases that the common steer was a year older than the other, and so would have to be charged with an additional year’s keep.” Carefully Remove Even Sprouts of Barberries Removal of the original bushes of the common barberry is not by any means all of the warfare planned against this ally of black stem rust. Those in charge of the anti-barberry campaign are sending word to every property owner who has had the bushes on his land removed to check up the former location of the pest for any sprouts which may be coming up. “This work should be done before the leaves appear,” says L. W. Melander of Minnesota University Farm, who is representing the government in the anti-barberry campaign, “as the sprouts are very susceptible to rust and cause an early infection. Destruction of common barberry bushes is of no avail unless their former sites are checked thoroughly several times each year for sprouts. Indeed, it may be necessary to watch for sprouts for several years. “The United States Department of Agriculture and the state university authorities ask the cooperation of everyone in the eradication of a pest which causes millions of dollars of damage every year.” Adopt Improved Methods to Raise Better Wheat Improved methods of growing wheat, to produce better grain and grow it more economically, advocated by agricultural extension workers, were adopted or over 90,000 farms in 1922, according to reports to the United States Department of Agriculture. One and a quarter million bushels of seed wheat were treated by farmers for grain in this connection. Bulletin on Arsenicals Has Just Been Issued Caleium Arsenate and Acid Lead Arsenate Compared. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) A study of chemical, physical and insecticidal products of arsenicals on the market was undertaken by the United States Department of Agriculture in order to gain a better understanding of them, to be able, if possible, to improve them, and to produce new arsenicals for insecticidal purposes. The results of this investigation are set forth in a new bulletin just issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. Department of Agriculture as Department Bulletin 1147. Paris green and lead arsenate, which have been standardized and found reliable for many years, have constituted the principal insecticides used against external chewing insects. However, during the past few years, the use of calcium arsenate has steadily increased, owing in part to the discovery that it is effective in combating the boll weevil. The manufacture of calcium arsenate, although well beyond the experimental stage in most factories, probably will not be completely standardized for several years. Because of the importance and recent large-scale production of calcium arsenate, many of the results in this bulletin deal with comparisons of calcium arsenate and acid lead arsenate. A copy of the bulletin may be secured, as long as the supply lasts, from the United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. Practical Suggestions on Filling Silo in Fall In cutting corn and filling the silo there are many things that can be done before the actual operation starts. Here are a few suggestions worked out by the farm department at Iowa State college: See that the corn binder is in good working order. Have plenty of good twine. It takes about six pounds to the acre. Clean out the silo. If there is stagnant water in the pit, remove it. See that silo doors are fitted properly. If any are out of shape, have them ready when the filling starts. Keep hoops tightened, but do not turn them up so tight that the silo starts to dish in. Get the cutter in shape. See that all bolts are tight and plenty of Oil has been used. Have a good supply of sharp knives. Improper cutting slows up the filling and makes poor silage. If silage is party-filled with old silage, scrape off the top part until any spoiled silage is gone and then put the new silage on top. It will not hurt either the new or the old. If corn is too dry, put water in it. If corn is green, water is not needed unless it is used to pack the silage. Government Establishing Experimental Fur Farm An experimental fur farm is being established in the northwestern part of New York state by the bureau of biological survey of the United States Department of Agriculture, in order that observations and studies may be made of the habits of fur-bearing animals and of the possibilities of growing them in captivity and producing fur of good quality. A similar farm which has been operated by the bureau at Keeseville, N.Y., will be discontinued as soon as the new one is ready. The new farm is located three and one-half miles from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on the state highway to Corinth and is more easily accessible than the old, both by automobile and by bus line. The tract comprises 20 acres, of which approximately 15 are covered by an excellent growth of timber, and will furnish an ideal situation for the desired purpose. “Government Whitewash” Best for Outside Work Whitewash whiter than some, that lasts well on outside jobs, and that spreads so well that a pint covers nearly a square yard is being recommended for farm application by the New York state college at Ithaca under the name of “Government whitewash,” The standard recipe given is: Slake one-half bushel of fresh lime with boiling water, covering the receptacle to keep in the steam. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve, and add seven pounds of fine salt, previously dissolved in warm water; three pounds of ground rice, boiled to a thin paste and stirred in; one pound of white glue, soaked first in cold water until swollen, then carefully melted over fire. To this mixture add five gallons of hot water and let it stand covered for a few days before using. Clean Packing Houses Will Prevent Diseases Before starting the heavy pack of apples and pears, it is always desirable to give the packing house a good cleaning out. A grower should never keep decayed fruit of any kind in his packing house. Plums and peaches so left will often decay and brown rot will develop and the mummies will carry over the spores of brown rot, which will later attack the fruit brought into the packing house. Decayed apples and pears often carry over scab, which is a menace to the fruit. Feed Has Much Influence on Development of Heifers Into Good Dairy Animals. As the heifer is fed so is the cow inclined. One of the most satisfying experiments has been made by Mr. ences of the successful dairy farmer is that of developing his young stock. Into healthy animals that are of good size for their breed. He may well feel a sense of pride in his achievements and is asually well rewarded financially for his efforts. During the period of the World War when milk sold for a high price and other feeds in proportion, some of the dairy stock grown to maturity were of good quality. oS : X 3 oo ‘. P o i A e A s ; .’.::’:':: gB gi D 200 e RDR R, o C R e SRR . 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Two hundred and seventy-five mature cows were under observation and the large cows outstripped their smaller sisters. What limits good growth. Hulce lists a number of other things which contribute to the development of the dairy animal. Some individuals, he points out, are naturally dainty feeders and must be pampered or they will not make a good growth. Sickness sets some animals back, while lack of shade in summer, poorly ventilated, damp, and otherwise uncomfortable winter quarters will react in retarding the animal's growth. In raising the heifer feed is usually considered the largest item of agricultural education. Edges of the silver lining are beginning to appear in the dark cloud which has engulfed agriculture for the past several years. Those who are wont to sing the “swan song” for the farming industry and advise the younger generation to “hitch their wagons to a city star” will find little solace in the words of H. L. Russell, director of the Wisconsin experiment station. In answer to the question, “Shall a boy seek an agricultural education today?” he recently answered: “If he is looking ahead 10 or 20 years—yes. If he is thinking that far ahead, now is the time to get ready. Ten years from now it will be too late. But he says to himself—why an agricultural education? He may think that farming is now so out of line from the standpoint of profit when compared with the returns from other vocations that even though he is farm-bred and knows how to gain a mastery over the forces of nature in this field easier than in any other direction, he hesitates. To prepare for a life activity that he now looks upon as relatively depressed. Million leaving the land. “The last two years have seen more than 1,140,000 people leave American farms to go to the city in response to the economic situation that has existed. For the past three years, the prices of farm products have been relatively low when compared with the products of manufacturing and industry. The slump on all sides during 1920-1922 resulted in widespread unemployment in the cities. Hundreds of thousands of workmen were idle and therefore like the farmer had a greatly reduced purchasing power; however, the past winter and spring have seen a great expansion in manufacturing industry. Factories are now running full speed. Labor is fully employed; indeed, a shortage exists and wages are rising, with the consequence that the drain from the country to the city is more pronounced that it has been for several years. Added to this is the marked restriction in immigration, due to the much more drastic laws that limit a free movement from war-scarred Europe to this long of greater opportunity. Where a calf is left with its dam varies with different caretakers. Some remove the calf after it has been allowed to suck once; others leave it with the cow until her milk is fit to save. The tendency in high-producing herds is to remove the calf early so that the amount it receives is not only harmful but also detrimental to the health of the calf.” As well as the completeness of milking, the cow can be regulated. How Much to Feed. “It is better slightly to underfeed a calf than it is to overfeed. A rough guide to the amount of milk to feed a calf after it has been taught to drink is to feed one pound of milk daily to each ten pounds of live weight. A calf weighing eighty pounds would, therefore, receive from eight to ten pounds of milk daily, but the feeder must exercise judgment as to the amount of milk that any individual calf can consume to advantage. “Continue feeding whole milk for three or four days before attempting to switch to skim milk, whey or calf meal. A change from whole milk to any of these feeds should be made gradually. In the case of skim milk about a week is sufficient, but with other supplements a longer period is necessary. “After the whole milk has been discontinued and skim milk or whey substituted, these feeds can be gradually increased so that about 15 pounds are fed daily and more can be used if the supply permits. It is very important that these feeds be offered warm and that they have not been contaminated by being allowed to stand in an insanitary tank or can. The rotten conditions under which whey was formerly kept at cheese factories had a bad effect on the calves which received it. It is understood that a good grain mixture will be kept accessible to the calves at all times until the animals are three or four-months of age, after which it is better to weigh or measure out the grain to each individual. A million and a quarter immigrants a year came to our shores before the great war, the net gain in immigration last year was less than 90,000. The effect of this is to keep up the price of labor, and so inevitably advance the cost of the finished commodity. What Do These Changes Spell? “If everybody is employed in the city, the increased purchasing power of labor will inevitably result in greater consumption and an enhancement in prices of food products. The farm is sure to share in this improvement.” Therefore, now is the time to get ready for such a movement. “Remember, the United States consumes seven-eighths of all the food she grows. Normally she exports less than one-eighth. The condition of the home market means much more to the commercial prosperity of the American farmer than the amount of our surplus production. Aside from wheat, cotton, and meat, the world markets affect but little the price of our food products. For the Wisconsin farmer, it is worth noting that wheat and cotton do not enter into consideration of our condition. Condensed milk is the only product that we produce in any large measure for export. “The shrewd young man, in deciding what business or profession he wants to follow, will be wise not to go with the crowd. Competition is always the keenest and the possibility of over-supply greatest when everybody wants to rush into the same line. Just now, the recent unpopularity of farming makes this a more attractive field than normal. Especially so to the young man who trains himself to do better than the average. There is no favorable outlook for the inefficient man anywhere and especially will that be true in agriculture. But lowered costs of production will be made by the man who utilizes the findings of scientific and practical methods, who mixes brains with his brawn, who forestalls many of the things that happen to the other fellow by seeing that such accidents do not happen to him. He must also be trained to carry his product through those necessary marketing stages required to reap the adequate reward of his endeavor. To the boy who loves the out-of-doors, who prefers to be master of his own destiny rather than be the hired employee of a corporation, who prefers his own independence rather than become a cog in the industrial wheel of the city, an agricultural education offers a field that is likely to grow better in the next decade.” Improvement Seen in Sheep Industry Recovery From Depression Which Struck It Three Years Ago Is Noted. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Rapid recovery from the depression which struck it three years ago is being made by the American sheep industry under the stimulus of fairly good prices, and improved credit facilities, say reports to the Department of Agriculture. Sheepmen generally are optimistic and in good financial shape, and mutton and wool production, though still below normal, is increasing. Proof that the industry is getting back on its feet is seen in the fact that the number of sheep in this country according to an estimate as of January 1, has increased by 882,000 over the total on the corresponding date in 1922. It is still 243,000 below the 1921 total of 37,452,000, but the rate of increase suggests that the losses of the liquidation period will soon be made up. Officials of the Department of Agriculture do not, however, think that the high figures of the war years will be reached for some time. The peak of the war period was touched at 49,956,000 head in 1915. Effect of Open Ranges. Section of grazing lands for farming purposes has proceeded so rapidly in the last few decades that it is improbable the United States will ever again be as big a sheep producer as it was in the days of the free open ranges. Countries of sparse population and low-priced lands are best suited to sheep raising, and the United States has emerged from that category. The number of sheep dropped from 63,965,000 in 1903 to 51,482,000 in 1913 largely owing to the diversion of grazing lands to farming. There is room for considerable expansion of the sheep industry from its present position, however, if only as a natural swing back from the extreme depletion it underwent in 1920 and 1921. The liquidation in that period was the greatest ever known. Flocks were reduced by approximately 12,000,000 head. Income from wool was wiped out, returns from mutton and lamb were greatly reduced, and hundreds of flockmasters were ruined. From 80 drastic a shake-up, which diminished wool and mutton production far below current needs, some recovery was inevitable. When congress placed a duty of 21½ cents a pound on fresh mutton, 4 cents a pound on lamb, and 31 cents a pound on wool of clean content, sheepmen were encouraged to build up their flocks again, and a foundation was laid for re-establishment of the industry on a normal footing. Wool and Lamb Prices Good. Wool today has a higher relative purchasing power in this country than any other commodity, and lambs are one of the few agricultural commodities that are ruling substantially above the 1912 level. In attempting to guess what the immediate future holds in store for the American sheep industry, it is necessary to bear in mind, say officials of the Department of Agriculture, that the enterprise has a dual character. Sheep raising involves the production of both wool and mutton, and market conditions for each must be favorable to ensure stability and progress. The wool outlook seems favorable. Americans use more wool than any other people. Per capita consumption has risen from about three pounds in our early history to about 6½ pounds. Although a heavy producer of wool, the country is nevertheless obliged to import two thirds of its supply. Home producers are therefore assured of a broad domestic market. Less certainty exists in regard to the market for mutton and lamb. Lamb and mutton are high-priced, and are considered as luxuries by most people. In consequence, sheep and lamb prices show greater sensitivity to variations in general economic conditions than any other important commodities, and in recessions, as well as in advance, have usually preceded other meat products by substantial periods. How to assure a stable and broadening market for mutton and lamb is therefore one of the most difficult problems of the sheep industry. Officials of the department are making studies to see what can be done toward preventing seasonal gluts and shortages, and toward increasing the popularity of mutton and lamb. Number of hogs killed in July breaks record. Nearly 4,000,000 hogs were slaughtered during July of this year in establishments operating under federal meat inspection, breaking all previous records for hog slaughter during that month. The exact number by the records of the bureau of animal industry, United States Department of Agriculture, was 3,983,435. This number breaks the best previous July record, which occurred last year, by 879,113 pigs. Bright Soy Bean Straw Is Most Valuable Feed Soy bean straw, if it is bright and free from mold, is worth more than most straws. At the Ohio station, when the soy bean straw was fed in connection with shelled corn and oil meal, it was found that it was worth about one-third as much per ton as clover or alfalfa hay. Information Given on American Sumac Crop Domestic Source of Tanning Never Been Developed. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Detailed information concerning the kinds of sumae desired by the extract makers, the proper methods of gathering, harvesting and curing the leaves, and suggestions for improving the quality of the article are given in the United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin 706, American Sumac, A Valuable Tanning Material and Dye stuff. This bulletin may be obtained upon application to the department. Our domestic source of tanning, the American sumac, has never been properly developed, say officials of the department, although American sumac contains practically as much tanning as the Sicilian variety. However, owing to lack of care in gathering and curing the leaves of this wild plant, which grows in vast quantities on uncultivated land in the eastern and middle western states, the domestic article now on the market is inferior in quality and brings a lower price than the imported article. Sumac is used in tanning light-colored and special leathers but unless the leaves are gathered at the proper time and properly prepared for market, a darker color than that desired will be given the leathers treated with it. Lime Spreader is Most Useful Farm Implement When farmers begin to use lime for sweetening sour soil in order to grow clover, they can well afford to purchase a good lime spreader. A lime spreader will pay for itself in spreading a few carloads of limestone because it will enable the farmer to apply the lime much more evenly and to gauge its application more accurately. Only by so doing will he get the maximum return for the money spent in liming. In addition to this, a lime spreader will save a great deal of heavy work that would be encountered in spreading limestone with a shovel or by other makeshift means. Not every farmer needs a lime spreader because this implement is only used for a short period each year. The plan followed in a number of communities is to purchase a lime spreader. er co-operatively. A half-dozen farmers can purchase a spreader together and it will involve only a small investment on the part of each. There will be but little difficulty in all of the men using the spreader satisfactorily because limestone can be spread at almost any time. Chinch Bugs in Silage Render Feed Worthless Silage corn, when heavily infested with chinch bugs, should not be put into the silo, as cattle will eat little of it. This was the experience of silage own in chinch bugs areas of the state last year. The pungent odor given off by masses of crushed bugs renders the feed unpalatable, resulting in complete loss. Those silage owners who live in the chinch bug infested portions of the state should bear this in mind, as it may save considerable time and work. In case the bugs are not numerous in the silage corn, no harm will result, but where the bugs can be found in masses between the sheath and the stalk it is useless to put the corn up for silage.—A. L. Ford, South Dakota. Station. States Furnishing Big Portion of Potato Crop The main or late-crop potato region extends from Maine westward to Washington and southward to northern New Jersey in the East and to northern California in the West. Only 15 states are prominent in late car-lot shipments, however. These, arranged according to the average yearly number of car-lot shipments, are Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota and Montana. These states furnish all but a few thousand cars of The main crop shipments. They move from 110,000 to 200,000 carloads and average about 90,000,000 bushels of potato shipments each season. Time to Cut Sudan Grass When First Heads Show Crops authorities at the Nebraska Agricultural college say that according to tests the best time to cut Sudan grass for hay is when the first heads are showing. When cut at this stage, the greatest amount of forage of high feeding value is obtained. There is, however, no great difference in the yield and quality of Sudan hay cut earlier or later than this stage as it makes good hay when ent ever a considerable period of time. Sudan hay is a little difficult to cure and some care is needed to cure it so it will keep in good condition. Alfalfa Reduces Need for High Protein Feed Alfalfa will reduce the need for high protein grain supplements for cows, but it will not entirely do away with it. If you have good silage, you can reduce the high protein grain feeds in the ration to about one-third. Bulky feed such as bran or ground oats may constitute about a third of the grain ration and corn chop, hominy feed, or similar concentrates may constitute the balance. Convert Old Buildings Into Houses for Fowls (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Many farms have old-style closed-up poultry houses, with poor light and ventilation, or old sheds and other buildings of little use for other purposes, that can be remodeled or built over with little difficulty into satisfactory poultry houses for the flocks this winter. The size and the shape of the buildings makes little difference, says the United States Department of Agriculture, but the essential factors are dryness, good ventilation, freedom from drafts, plenty of sunshine, and room enough to allow the birds to move about with freedom and comfort. If new houses are to be built or old buildings converted into poultry houses, locate them on high or sloping ground if possible, but always on dry and well-drained soil. The amount of floor space to be allowed each fowl varies somewhat with conditions, but on a farm or where the birds can be out of doors nearly every day, the department has found that about 24 square feet of floor space per bird in flocks of 20 is enough. In a village or city or in a climate where there is a good deal of snow, making it necessary to confine the birds closely, or 5 square feet per bird is needed. The interior of the house should be simple, convenient, and easy to clean. The converted poultry house may or may not have a floor. If the house is on dry, sandy soil, a dirt floor is usually quite satisfactory although often more damp than board or cement floors. Fresh gavel and sand must be added from time to time to keep them sanitary. If board floors are used, make them tight and smooth as to make them dry and easy to clean. If possible, build board floors 8 or 10 inches from the ground to allow a circulation of air and to prevent rats from harboring under them. Cement floors, especially for large houses, are quite satisfactory, as they keep rats out and last much longer than board floors. They must be kept well covered with litter, however, department workers say, to make them warm and comfortable for the flock. Comfortable Houses for Ducks Quite Important In cold weather ducks should be kept in the house because their feet are so tender that when they come in contact with the cold ground they suffer greatly and hobble along as if their backs were broken. However, they should not be kept housed more than is really necessary. If the roof is good the rest is easy. If the weatherboarding is not sufficiently close to keep out draughts in cold weather, cover the outside with tarred paper or strip with lath. A board floor is better than an earth floor because the ducks will often stir up the ground in a very disagreeable manner when there is the least sign of moisture. Provide suitable houses if you wish to be successful. The houses need not be very expensive, but they should be substantial so that they may be used for the same purpose several years in succession. Ducks, both old and young, should have a dry, comfortable place to stay in at night. If forced to sit on the damp ground they are liable to be taken with cramps and colds in the head. The latter are almost certain to turn to croup. There is usually some shed or building that can be converted into a duck house at small expense. Where only a small flock is kept this plan is advisable. Corn Fodder as Litter Is Excellent for Hens Litter is almost indispensable in every henhouse where eggs are desired, as well as healthy and contented fowls. Some farmers complain about using good wheat or oats straw for the hens to scratch in. In this event, cut corn fodder makes an excellent and lasting litter for the poultry house—and even if one must pay to have the fodder cut, it is cheaper than other litter. When cut up, ten bundles of corn fodder makes enough litter to cover 400 square feet of floor space. For the same space, when straw is used, at least two bales would be required, and this would cost several times as much as the corn fodder. Fodder is good not only because of its cheapness, but also because the hens like to eat the pieces of leaves, thus obtaining some bulky food, which is often lacking in poultry rations. Pure Air Is Essential to Health of Laying Hen It has been estimated that the hen consumes twice as much air as a horse does, pound for pound of weight, and three times as much as a cow, and yet we see hen houses with no means of getting any pure air into them except through cracks, which may give a direct draft over some bird. With other conditions favorable to the development of germs, there soon are colds,roup, and bronchial disorders of many kinds. 