26 STUDIES OF OCCUPATIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



demand for meat food products; the large profits of successful 

 stock raising; the fact that the industry can most profitably 

 be combined with general farming, thus lessening the risk 

 involved in a single kind of production. 



4. Disadvantages: The arduous labor necessary in the occupa- 

 tion; the isolation of life in the regions usually given over to 

 stock production; the special knowledge and care called for in 

 raising young animals; the long period of time necessary to 

 establish the industry on a profitable scale; the considerable 

 capital necessary to own or hire land and to make a good be- 

 ginning in the industry; the need of a wide knowledge always 

 of market and financial conditions; the fact that in well popu- 

 lated communities sufficient land cannot often be secured for 

 stock farming; the danger of contracting diseases from animals. 



5. Preparation : Courses in agricultural schools, high schools, and 

 college; attendance upon special lectures and agricultural fairs, 

 institutes, demonstrations and farm bureau field trips; and ex- 

 perience under men who have had scientific training in agri- 

 culture. 



6. Other requirements: A decided interest in animals; good 

 health and strength for the work of the stock farm or range; 

 good judgment for the selection, care, and feeding of animals; 

 patience to wait for the growth of animals to a certain age or 

 maturity before profits or even an income can be assured; 

 mental ability for the scientific study and conduct of the in- 

 dustry; mechanical ability for work on buildings, fences, and 

 equipment; executive and business ability. 



7. Income : The employee on the stock farm or ranch usually has 

 fair monthly wages, like other agricultural workers, and board 

 and lodging. Some employees save sufficient earnings to be- 

 come stockmen themselves. The profits of the stock raiser are 

 in proportion to the number of animals he may raise and care 

 for and by his managing and business ability. 



8. Effect on the Worker: The stockman is likely to maintain 

 vigor and good health until late in life; he has, however, little 

 time for recreation or social pleasures away from his employ- 

 ment; some of the work and associations of the occupation are 

 coarsening in their nature, as in the case of slaughtering ani- 



