Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 November 1905 — HINTS FOR FARMERS [ARTICLE]

HINTS FOR FARMERS

The Ideal Market Hob. While it is difficult to describe the ideal barrow, the following points cover the chief desirable features: In a general way, the barrow should have a smooth, finished appearance and should possess a symmetrical outline, with well balanced development in all parts. He should stand squarely on sound, strong feet, with well shaped limbs showing plenty of bone to carry him to the desirable weight without breaking down. The head and neck should be of medium weight, shoulder and ham smooth and laid evenly with the side, the former free from a shield and the hams firm and compact. There should be no deposits of surplus fat behind the shoulders. over the loins, around the tail, head or along the bottom lines. Fortunately we find the ideal type of packer’s hog in also the most profitable type for the farmer to produce. The characteristics _ described stand for economy in production, early maturity and highest market value, so that in the production of medium weight butcher hogs of high grade the interests of both the packer and the producer are conserved.—Address of J. J. Ferguson Before the Nebraska Swine Growers’ Association. Fattening Lamb*. In order to make good gains for the early winter market lambs must be brought to the barns at night by Nov. 1 and fed some hay in racks and small grain In yards, says a Michigan sheep raiser In Chicago Inter Ocean. About Nov. 20 I begin to keep them in yards and Increase the feed of grain and hay and gradually decrease their ration of grass. By this method I have made them weigh twenty-five pounds more by Jan. 1 than they did in November. Corn, oats and clover hay are all that I ever feed. The Ist of November I feed corn and oats, half and half, by weight, giving them all they will eat, and by Dec. 1 I feed a quart of oats by measure and try to have them eating a pound per head. By Jan. 1 I feed all corn and from one to one and one-fourth pounds per head, or as much grain as I am able to have them eat in a day. They are kept In the bams all the time except when they are fed grain in the morning, at 7 o’clock at night and 4 in the afternoon, when they are allowed to go into the yards. The hay is put into racks indoors, and water is kept before them constantly.