408 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. 



(E. G. Bennett, State Dairy Commissioner.) 



Through realizing the necessity of putting back on the soil 

 that which is taken from it is, no doubt, the reason why many 

 farmers went to dairying in most of our dairy sections. Seeing 

 profitable results obtained by a neighbor had much to do with 

 the development of this industry. As more farmers in a com- 

 munity became interested in the cow, organizations were estab- 

 lished for the purpose of gaining practical information. Through 

 these organizations the interest in the cow increases until the 

 successful and persevering dairyman, through the splendid bul- 

 letins issued by our agricultural colleges and State Board of 

 Agriculture, and the reading of good dairy and farm literature, 

 becomes enthusiastic. We fmd him attending county and state 

 fairs and all the institute meetings available, seeking informa- 

 tion that will help increase the output of his herd and studying 

 closely the economic questions connected with his work. 



The department I represent for the State of Missouri is 

 particularly interested in the development of this industry 

 within its boundaries. We know of the many, many acres of 

 unimproved land lying south of the Missouri river and extend- 

 ing to the border of the State. Nature has especially fitted this 

 land for dairying. Blue grass and forage crops grow in abun- 

 dance, while the pure spring water and splendid climate make a 

 paradise for the cow. This land can be bought reasonably, in 

 most cases cheap, and a state-wide move should be made to 

 place people on these idle acres who will become interested in 

 dairying, the business for which the country is best adapted. 



The bankers and merchants in all the smaller towns through 

 the State should familiarize themselves, not only with the oppor- 

 tunities offered in this particular work in their communities, but 

 for the financial benefits to be derived, for while the question of 

 education is being agitated, we must not overlook the apparently 

 neglected question of educating the banker and the merchant in 

 all matters that will add to the betterment and upbuilding of 

 the community in which he lives. 



In dairy sections bankers loan money to farmers with 

 which to buy cows, taking a mortgage on the cows and allowing 

 him to pay for the cows on installments, taking 25 per cent of 

 her proceeds until the debt is liquidated. They are also offering 

 to loan money to a stipulated number of farmers for a year 



