Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 19, Number 6, DeMotte, Jasper County, 7 January 1949 — ON THE FARM FRONT.. [ARTICLE]

ON THE FARM FRONT..

The “eye” of the good hogman not only feeds bis hogs, but -looks at their winter quarters. Sleeping quarters, that are free from drafts, dry and well bedded are essential for the herd. E. C. Miller, Purdue University extension hogman, says that it is difficult to prevent flu in fattening hogs when they are sleeping in tight quarters. He suggests that many farmers will use the next few weeks to build or improve present quarters so consequently offers some recommendations for the approved house. As hogs reach a weight around 100 founds, a fairly durable house is needed. An open front shed type house has been developed at Purdue which has proved quite successful for housing hogs both in summer and winter. The house is 10x12 feet and is six feet high in the front and four feet high in the rear. An opening four foot high and extending six feet across the front of the house provides proper ventilation, but there are no drafts, as the house is absolutely tight on three sides. In front, the space between the rafters i# let open so that air can flow freel'yJno the large opening at the bottom and out between the rafters. This provides good circulation of air, which helps to keep the house dry and comfortable. This house seems to help solve the flu situation. Furthermore, the house is set on runners so that it can be moved easily to various parts of the farm. A two inch rough sawed floor is recommended. However, the floor can be eliminated on rolling ground. If floor is used, cracks should be left between planks to allow liquids to drain through. Banking the house in front rear during cold weather with straw or sod will prevent air blowing up through the floor. Building plan No. 59, “Hog Sleeping Shed,” is available from the department of agricultural engineering, Purdue University, for a charge of 15 cents. Good business begins at home. Friendly and profitable farm business relations are more lrkely to exist if “put in writing” at the beginning of father and son working agreements, rental contracts and ownership transfers of equipment and land. A careful thinking through of the relationships establishes a more complete understanding of each party’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities, Prof. O. G. Floyd, farm tenure Purdue University advises. Most agreements in Indiana between employer and employee, landlord and renter, and between father and son in the transfer of ownership of equipment or land, involve the use of a SSOO to $50,000 investment. A rental contract will influence each party to consider carefully all details of the farm business. It will relieve either party of depending upon his memory, and will aid him in determining whether a man is or is not keeping his word. It will help to restrain the individual who may be inclined to sharp practices from taking advantage of the' other party and will furnish a basis for making such adjustments as may be necessary from time to time throughout the year and from year to year. It will aid in avoiding many irritations and misunderstandings.