Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1917 — THE POULTRY FEED SITUATION [ARTICLE]

THE POULTRY FEED SITUATION

'High prices of poultry deed for the past few months have brought scores of letters to the U. S. food administration stating that the cost of egg production exceeds current market quotations. Commenting on this situation, W. F. Priebe, poultry expert of the administration, says relief is now in sight. The enormous 1917 corn crop, which will be the basis of most feeds, is just coming on the market and will reach the dealers in a few weeks. “This corn,” states Mr. Priebe, “is quoted at just' about half the latest prevailing prices for last year’s corn crop, which was short. While it is difficult to predict the future accurately, dealers have known for several months that a large corn crop is coming and are now carrying extremely low stocks of poultry feeds to avoid loss when the price slumps. Consequently, flock owners will in a short time receive the benefit of reduced prices.” Persons keeping poultry on farms or under free range conditions have profited most during 1917. Their hens have acted as scavengers in picking up waste feed in the barn yards and fields to say nothing of the insects and weed seeds they consume. Flock owners obliged to buy feed have faced a discouraging problem. But in view of prospects for cheaper feed, it would be unwise to dispose of pullets or laying hens.