Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1916 — Cattle in Corn Belt. [ARTICLE]

Cattle in Corn Belt.

The department of agriculture is endeavoring to impress farmers in the corn belt with the benefits of j keeping cattle. Much of the decline jin the cattle industry is attributed to j the failure Aif farmers in Ohio, InI diana, Illinois and lowa to increase or even maintain their herds. This is explained by a prevalent belief that cattle cost more than their “keep.” While the uet profits art apparently small, says the department, cattle in most cases add to the income. There are certain advantages which seem obscure, but which he,lp to build up the place. “Among these advantages,” reads a special report, “are that live stock on the farm provide a home market . and a means of utilization of farm roughage, some of which might be Wasted if not fed, and the use of pastures which could not b’e employi ed profitably in any other way. Live stock also affords a ready home market for certain other crops which at tynes would have to be hauled considerable distances to be sold. Finally, the presence of live stock on the farm gives productive employment throughout the year to labor which at certain seasons might otherwise be idle. Live stock also gives some interest on capital invested in equipment which would produce nothing if not utilized at all seasons. The fertilizing value of manure also must be considered.’’

“When these factors are taken into consideration, even though there appears to be, little or no profit as shown by cost figures, it is believed that in most instances the farm income is greater because of cattle having been kept on the farm. The keeping of live stock, therefore, Is to be recommended on farms having large quantities of cheap roughage available or having land which can; be best utilized as pasture.”—lndianapolis News.

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