No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 519 



5. The improvement of the grade of livestock kept renders pos- 

 sible the further increase of capital upon a given area, and is one 

 more factor in increasing the possible profits from the farm. 



Thus far in Michigan, with two exceptions, the work has been con- 

 fined to cattle and the first steps were taken among the dairymen, 

 as it was possible to reach this class easiest through the creamery, 

 condensary and cheese factory organizations and patron lists. The 

 attention of the stockman and farmer was directed to the plan 

 through the co-operation of the State Press and the Field Agent has 

 been working in those districts only, in which his services were re- 

 quested by the people. Before taking up the work in person in a 

 given field, copies of the following introductory letter were sent to 

 the patrons of the creamery, condensary, cheese factory or stockmen 

 and farmers of the localitv, viz : 



"Dear Sir: The Agriculture Department of the Michigan Agricul- 

 tural College has been^ authorized by the State Board of Agriculture 

 to undertake special work in this State, endeavoring to stimulate the 

 improvement of horses, cattle, sheep and swine. The proposed plan 

 embodies a vigorous effort to induce farmers and stockmen to procure 

 and use pedigreed sires rather than grades and scrubs. This plan 

 is not only to advocate the individual ownership of good sires, as far 

 as possible, but also to promote the establishment of associations for 

 the joint ownership of males. It will be the duty of the Field Agent 

 in charge to present a practical method of livestock improvement to 

 individuals and gatherings of farmers and breeders. 



As far as possible he will furnish information relative to the de- 

 scription, characteristics and adaptability of the various breeds. He 

 will also lend assistance personally in the organization of associa- 

 tions for the joint ownership of sires and the promotion of improved 

 breeding. Through the agency of the State Livestock Breeders' As- 

 sociation, lists of breeders with pure bred bulls for sale can also bo 

 furnished. If you are personally interested in livestock improvement 

 and are willing to assist in interesting the people of your community, 

 the services of the field agent can be secured without cost to you or 

 the people you may succeed in interesting. Details of work will be 

 given on request. 



Yours very truly, 



Field Agent in Charge." 



When requests are received, the Field Agent calls upon the in- 

 dividual stock owner, looks over his animals, presents the co-operative 

 plan of breeding to each man personally and secures data relative to 

 the following direct question, viz: (1) How many cows do you own? 

 (2) What breed or combination of breeds are they? (3) What were 

 they bred to last year? (4) If you were to conclude to breed them 

 to pure-bred sires continuously, which breed would you prefer? 

 Where the owners of eighty or more cows have signified a preference 

 for some one breed, the Field Agent then endeavors to induce the 

 owners of forty or more cows to adopt the same breed, thus securing 

 sufficient for an association of three groups. The individuals are then 

 invited to meet at some suitable place to discuss the proposition from 

 every view point. 



