EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 



537 



Fig. 26. Many fine herds of dairy cattle are to be found in fhe Upper iPeninsula. Dairying 

 is now. and will continue to be, the leading livestock industry of this section. 



grass was cropped the previous season. Two-thirds of the yearly rain- 

 tall comes during the pasture season and this abundance of rainfall, to- 

 gether with the long days of summer, favors a luxuriant growth of 

 nutritious vegetation through the spring, summer and fall. There are, 

 in addition, cool nights and plenty of fresh cold water. These create a 

 condition approaching the ideal for livestock development during the 

 grazing season. The winters are usually cold with plenty of snow. A 

 comparatively dry atmosphere maintains good health and appetites, 

 where the housing conditions are right. 



The three factors that influence the adaptability of different parts 

 of the Upper Peninsula to livestock are, (1) soil types, (2) distance from 

 shipping point, (3) size of farm. 



The muck lands, swamp lands and all low, wet, swampy or poorly 

 drained lands, are not adapted to sheep raising. The light sands or 

 sand plains can be used to a limited extent for sheep, but the best results 

 cannot be secured on these soils. The light sand and the extremely 

 rocky, rugged areas are not adapted to cattle raising. The limestone 

 loam, clay loam, and clay areas produce the best results with all classes 

 of livestock. 



The distance from shipping point or market will influence, quite 

 largely, the class of stock produced on the farms. The distance depends 

 not only on the mileage but also upon condition of roads and method 

 of conveyance. 



The class of livestock best adapted will often depend on the .>ize of 

 the farm. Dairy cows and poultry take the first place on the small 

 farm. A small flock of sheep and a few hogs add additional iucome. 

 This development takes place as the farm is cleared and sufficient winter 

 feed can be produced to carry them through to pasture the following 

 spring. 



