Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1905 — THE FARMER’S INSTITUTE. [ARTICLE]

THE FARMER’S INSTITUTE.

Report of Secretary. '• ' - ‘ v■ s v^x: '(Continued from first page.) Saturday session ’of the Jasper Co. Farmers Institute was called order at 10.30 a m. Mr. Hart spoke on“Principle3 of Feeding.’/ . A balance ration is necessary to the growth of an animal. Feedcontaining carbohydrate and pro tein in the proper proportion constitute a balanced ration. If a farmer feed a ration containing a superabundance of either of the above food elements the amount of either element in excess of enough for a balanced ration is thrown off by the animals as waste. Therefore economy in feeding means a study of the ration. Oats and clover hay contains a large amount of protein. Corn for carbohydrate or fat is fed too much by farmers in a corn growing section. Change of feed stimulates the ap petite. For cattle, clover hay 'with change to corn fodder and oat Straw is recommended. Corn and blue grass are an ideal balanced ration for summer cattle ieed.

It is advisable to feed only what fctock will clean up and not leave feed in the troughs or racks from one feed to another. Shelter from Storms and bad weather pays for itself over and over in saving of feed, no matter what kind of stock you handle. The usual interest and discussion was manifested. Mr. Martindale then took up his (subject “The Boy.” Mr. Martindale thought that the boy or girl were the best crop a farmer could raise. It is a crop that the farmer should take special cate to cultivate and keep free from weeds or any enemy that will retard its growth and developement in the right direction. To begin with the “Boy” should have Christain parentage, or at least parents who are strictly honest ®nd good morally.

Physical, mental and moral training are the factors in the development of a boy or girl. On a farm the physical training takes care of itself. The mental education is obtained at school. After the common school, it is recommended to send the boy to an agricultural, school, if farming is the choice for an occupation. The education thus obtained should be put in practice on the farm. It might be well to go to school a year then put in practice on the farm, then go to school and so on. Be honest if you expect to raise honest children. Be careful of the example set. Instances were cited where many different boys taken from orphans homes with uuknowu parentage who through influence ot a home and education became noted men. So home influence was emphasized by the speaker. Every boy should be taught a trade or occupation and also be taught to live within his income and lay aside something. To learn the value of a dollar one must earn.

No excellence can be reached without effort. Therefor do not be afraid to expend effort. Learn to work and not be afraid of sweat. A boy or girl should not be raised a useless house plant. Work and recreation should be mixed however. Mast farmers do not go around enough. They get carrow by staying too close at home. It pays to visit the neighboring county, town, state aud city and Study their way of doing things. The state fair is a good educator and all farmers are urged to attend and take their families. The boy should select his own occupation. If he does not want to be a farmer do not compel him to be one. Teach the boy to do •omething well. Aim for the top. Saturday P. M. session of Jasper Co. Farmer’s institute began 1:30 After music by the quartette Mr. 1 art spoke on “Care and management of the hog for profit.” | Farmers should have good brood •ows to begin with, typical of breed raised, but with a short nose aud wide bead denoting a kind disposi-

tion good sense. Feed a balanced ration, are a matter Of feed. The brood sow should have good size and be kept till past usefulness. A brood”sow is at her best at six or seven years old. The sow should be in good flesh at farrowing time. Two or three hundred pounds extra flesh is transferable to the pigs without the loss of a pound. Have the sow on the same ration j ust before farrowing as you expect to feed for a short time afterwards; She will be more quiet and not so apt to trample or lay on her young. Feed sow in a separate pen from the young, fastening her out till done eating. Feed at a stated time, twice a , day, so sow will not become uneasy till feeding time. Good, warm housing makes cold weather as favorable as warm to growth of pigs. Cement floor is too cold for a hog house unless it is covered with a board floor movable to insure cleanliness, avoid all dust and dampness for pens.

The size aud number of the litter depends on the feed of the dam, So a correct ration is emphasized. Grass in summer takes tne place of slop. Cut clover is the best feed for brood sows in the winter, with a small ration of grain. Corn for summer is better soaked, using the water which is drained off lor a slop. It does not need to be shelled. Cooking feed does not pay, but the drinking water should be warmed. Thumps are cured by exercises. Mr. Hart was evidently speaking

on his favorite subject when he spoke on the hog. He seemed to know what be was talking about. After music by the mixed quartette the committee on nominations reported. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected. President ...Joe Pullins Treasurer Peter Hordeman Secretary Everett Halstead Vice pres, Marion tp. Henry Farmer “ Jordan tp Jay Lamson # “ Newton tp T. F. Dunlap “ Union tp J. E. Alter “ H. Grove tp John Gwin The committee reported the following resolutions which were adopted. Resolved: That we extend our thanks and congratulations to the speakers and all others assisting in making this a good institute. Resolved- That we congratulate ourselves on the progress the Iro-„ quois ditch is making. Resolved that we as members of Jasper Co. Farmer’s Institute use every honorable means to induce our neighbor farmers to unite with ns next year in attending the institute assisting to make it a success and make a practical use of the advice given by the instructors. Resolved that we hold our next institute in January. Last but not least Mr. Comer talked on butter making and the cream separator. He was cut so short on time, that he could only give a few figures, which were backed up by the experience of Wm. Augsburger and others. After a few remarks on the unprofitableness of feeding cattle for the market of today he stated that from ten cows he had sold Butter $500.50 Calves 70.00 Total $570.50

Cost of feeding ten cows one year $250.00 leaving a balance of $320.50 as profit in excess of all the cream and butter needed for home use. The separated milk helped to grow and fatten two bunches of hogs. The manure from the ten cows greatly increased the yield on ten acres of corn. Mr. Ducharme increased the amount ot butter made 50 per cent by using a separator. We hoped for a larger attendance to hear Mr. Martindale’sgood talk. Attendance 50. Adjourned for’dinner.

With a separator in presence of the audience Mr. Comer separated 3 gallons of milk in 4 minutes. Many came forward and turned the separator. A great deal of enthusiasm seemed to bo stirred up by the talk and work done by the sep arator. Attendance 110. Adourjr.ed.

IRA F. MEADER,

Sec.

The Presbyterian Ladies Bazaar will open nt 10 o’clock sharp Friday morning Dec. 8.