208 FARM AND SCHOOL PROBLEMS. 



Taking statistics of the last half century, and it appears that 

 the U. S. has shown a greater increase of cattle per capita than 

 any other country in the world. The number of cattle per capita 

 in 1867 was .51, and in 1910 it was .77. But since 1910 there has 

 been a great decrease in beef production. 



Facts about Feeding. 



Feeding steers is one of the arts by which we may reduce 

 farm crops into a concentrated market product. 



Feeding steers is one of the most profitable methods of 

 maintaining soil fertility by saving the waste products of the 

 farm. 



Manure is one of the chief sources of profit to be obtained 

 from feeding beef cattle. 



It is cheaper to transport animals fed for market, than to 

 ship the crop products of the farm. 



The gradual rise in market price of beef cattle has en- 

 couraged the feeding of steers, .and for many years it has been 

 one of our most profitable industries for those who understand 

 the philosophy of buying, feeding and selling. 



The following are some of the chief reasons for the advan^ 

 tages of feeding cattle for beef : 



1. There is less labor in feeding beef cattle than in caring for dairy 

 cattle. 



2. They are well adapted to the utilization of roughage. 



3. They require a small outlay in buildings. 



4. They return to the soil a large percentage of the plant food 

 consumed. 



5. They graze on rough land not well adapted to other purposes. 



Facts about Feeders and Profits. 



1. In producing beef cattle the profit depends upon type, breeding, 

 quality, cost of feed, gain in weight and the market price. 



2. A high grade calf from a pure bred sire is worth on an average 

 a hundred per cent more than a "scrub." 



3. The two chief factors which determine the value of a steer are 

 breeding and feeding. 



4. Breeding determines type and quality,, and feeding determines 

 condition, form and nutritive value of meat. 



