B. P. I.— 649. 



A STUDY OF FARM EOUIPMENT IN OHIO. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Successful farm management presupposes a proper relation between 

 the various factors of production. The process of adjusting land, 

 labor, and capital into harmonious relationship is consciously or 

 unconsciously followed by all farmers. In the course of time the 

 successful farmer reaches the point where productive area, live stock, 

 cropping system, labor, equipment, and working capital are properly 

 balanced and a profitable routine may be followed. Before that 

 point is reached, however, many expensive mistakes are usually made, 

 and perhaps none are more keenly felt than those arismg from 

 improper distribution of capital. 



The study of farm equipment was undertaken for the purpose 

 of determining from the study of successful farms the proper rela- 

 tionships that should exist between investments in land, improve- 

 ments, live stock, machinery, and tools. 



This report presents the results of a study of equipment on a 

 number of Ohio farms where conditions were unusually favorable for 

 obtainmg the desired information. The data and observations would 

 undoubtedly have been more complete and satisfactory had a thor- 

 ough analysis of the situation been possible in the light of later 

 knowledge. They are here presented in order to illustrate by concrete 

 example numerous problems that arise in this field of investigation. 

 A portion of the data obtained in these investigations has already 

 been published.^ 



METHODS OF PROCEDURE. 



The work was done under the joint auspices of the OfRce of Farm 

 Management and the Department of Cooperation of the Ohio Agri- 

 cultural Experiment Station. During February and March, 1909, in 

 connection with the annual inventories on the farms of about 35 

 statistical cooperators, a detailed study of the equipment was made 

 in so far as it was possible to obtain information from the proprietor 



•Circular 44, Bureau of Plant Industiy, "Minor Articles of Farm Equipment." This circular will 

 be sent free on application to the Secretary of Agriculture. 



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