linS.] CONNECTICUT. 23 



SWIM-.. 



For many years the swine industry in Connecticut has had 

 to "root" for existence, a fact wliich holds true f(jr much of 

 New England. Present conditions, thougii, indicate a place 

 here for swine and that the limits of the industry have not 

 been reached. 



Statistics for the last two years show new and increas- 

 ing interest in p(jrk production. In January, 101^, the num- 

 ber of swine on farms in this state was .j8,UU0, in January, 

 Jyi8, (14, 000, and the indications are that the number to be 

 reported in January, 191U. will show a much greater increase. 



Only a small portion of the pork consumed by Connecti- 

 cut's population is produced within the state. This may be 

 clue to the erroneous idea that ]:>rofitable swine raising be- 

 longs only to the corn belt. It is true that grain production 

 here is not equal to that of some states, but we have on hand 

 and can produce feeds suitable for swine and should make 

 use of them to such an extent as is profitable. Persons not 

 adapted to swine raising or whose conditions are unsuitable 

 for such should not undertake it, especially on a large scale. 

 Nevertheless, a few hogs might be grown on farms where 

 none are kept at present. 



Growing and fattening pigs on the different farms by b;>ys 

 and girls makes it possible to use refuse or inexpensive feeds, 

 and at the same time, make use of labor which otherwise 

 might not be utilized for any good purpose. The progress 

 of pig club work with boys and girls since its introduction 

 into this state indicates the importance and popularity of this 

 kind of work. It was begun in 1917 with an enrollment of 

 .540 members Avho grew and fattened six hundred pigs. In 

 1918 the enrollment was increased to 2,506 members who 

 grew and fattened more than three thousand pigs. From a 

 financial standpoint this work has been of considerable value, 

 v/hile from an educational standpoint the value is inestimaljle. 



The utilization of s^arbasre as a feed for swine offers an 

 economical means of producing pork in this state. Three 

 cities have already taken action in disposing of garbage in 

 tbiis wav and the results obtained are favorable. Other cities 

 might do well to investigate the matter. 



The improvement of herds and the practice of modern 



