684 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



sheep industry. By this way he becomes well acquainted with other 

 sheepmen, thereby opening the doors to better shepherding whenever such 

 a chance comes his way. But before the flock is founded, as a rule, the 

 beginner often questions himself and probably many of his neighbors as 

 to which breed he would like best. Before a decision can be made, careful 

 study should be made of the many involving factors. One of the greatest 

 questions is, "Which breed would be the most profitable to me?" It 

 certainly is well to choose a breed that you would enjoy raising, yet it 

 vould hardly be advisable to commence with a breed for which there is 

 little or no demand. Right here is where the Shropshire leads all other 

 breeds. It is the most universal breed almost the world over and there 

 is always strong demand for good representatives of the Shropshire 

 breed. But the best way for the novice to find out which breed sells best 

 is to go to the fairs and to read the leading journals pertaining to sheep 

 husbandry and it will soon be quite easily determined what breed does 

 best and what breed sells best in the locality in which the flock is to be 

 founded. Of course, if the breeder intends to build up a wide reputation 

 he must, in order to receive the largest possible profits, choose a breed for 

 which there is universal demand, because the increase from a large flock 

 could not all be sold in hardly any immediate vicinity. Now that the 

 breed has been chosen, comes another important factor — that of proper 

 selection. The beginner, before he commences to purchase, should have 

 a correct idea of just what his desires are. Constitution, natural cover- 

 ings of flesh and breed type are three of the most essential points to keep 

 in view at all times. 



To have the greatest success in the sheep industry the beginner must 

 choose only those sheep which have strong constitutions, for it is this that 

 insures thrift and vigorous production. 



Much emphasis must be placed upon breed types, because no breeder 

 can derive the greatest benefits either in the sale or show ring unless his 

 sheep show strength of character and true breed type. 



If Shropshires have been chosen study the Shropshire standard and 

 adhere closely to it. Be sure that each individual has good mutton form 

 and a dense fleece of good length all over and under the body, and then 

 get as many fancy points as possible, such as exceptional wool covering 

 on head, the color of nose and legs, etc. 



But whatever the chosen breed may be, learn the breed characteristics 

 and then go ahead accordingly. In buying the foundation flock it is 

 never best to be in a hurry. Take your time and find out what several 

 different good breeders have to offer and then you can much oftener find 

 sheep which come close to your chosen ideal. 



Never buy inferior sheep simply because they are cheaper than the 

 good ones. When you begin with the inferior ones it takes many, many 

 years to get rid of this undesirable blood, while on the other hand, if the 

 foundation flock has been good, it would always be more pleasure to care 

 for them and also to receive the profits derived from the flock. 



After the ewes and ram have been selected and the flock is founded, 

 there are many things that will have to be considered, such as feeding, the 

 shelter and the selling, all of which count a great deal in the profits to be 

 derived from the flock. 



