Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 229, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1918 — COUNTY SHEEP CLUB FORMED TO INCREASE THE FLOCKS [ARTICLE]

COUNTY SHEEP CLUB FORMED TO INCREASE THE FLOCKS

A sheep chib, having for its purpose the establishment of . more flocks of sheep in this locality and interesting the boys and girls in this extremely profitable side line, is being organized in Jasper county, according to plans recently announced by County Agent Stewart Learning. The County Better Farming association has secured the services of some of the best stock men in the country, who will serve on a committee to purchase yearling or two-year-old breeding ewes in carload lots. The quality of the sheep selected will be left to the judgment of these men, who will be instructed to purchase the sheep which will make the most money for the boys and girls who receive them. It is thought that good ewes can be bought from sls to S2O each. The sheep will be divided into lots of five each and these will be distributed among the boys and girls of the county between the ages of 10 and 17 years inclusive, at their actual cost, and the boys and girls to whom they are assigned will become members of the County Sheep club. Members may pay for thedr sheep in cash, -or give their notes for them at the current rate of interest and payable in one year. This feature enables the boy or girl without capital to engage in the business upon the same basis as the more fortunate neighbor. The club offers the beginner in sheep raising several distinct advantages. It gives him the benefit of the experience of the best stock men that the country affords in the buying of the sheep. It enables him to secure a few head at carload prices and saves the inconvenience of looking all over the country for a few animals. The club also offers the privilege of credit if desired. Boys and girls who desire to become members of the new club should send in their applications to the county agent at once. It is expected that the organizations may be completed in time to distribute the sheep at the Livestock Show at Rensselaer October 17th to 19th. The present prices of mutton and wool make the keeping of a small flock of sheep one of the most profitable side lines on the farm. Many farmers 'state that their flocks are paying for themselves each year. A sheep club which was organized in Tippecanoe county last fall returned to its members this season an average of S2O for each sheep in the club. Should the local club be equally successful, members will be able to pay for their flocks in one year.