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meal and 100 pounds of wheat bran, would cost $70.40 a ton. In other words, 

 based on average prices, the farmer could have saved from $10 to $12 a ton 

 by home-mixing. Of course, a ration could be mixed which would vary 

 from these prices. They are presented merely to illustrate the possibilities 

 for economy which may be practiced by those who are willing to gi^•e the 

 matter attention. 



Before purchasing ready-mixed feeds for either cattle, horses, swine or 

 poultry, the feeder should consider the following points: — 



The manufacturer, through his more intimate knowledge of market con- 

 ditions, and the fact that he buys in large quantities, usually obtains the 

 ingredients for mixing somewhat cheaper than can the small dealer or farmer. 



On the other hand, in addition to a legitimate profit to the miller, the con- 

 sumer must pay extra freightage, charges for mill operation, extensive ad- 

 vertising, the cost of selling, new sacks, etc., all of which are figured in the 

 price of the feed. 



Conditions may arise where prepared feeds sell for less than straight by- 

 products, but not for long periods. 



In home-mixed rations the feeder has the advantage of knowing exactly 

 what he is feeding, and can vary the proportions of ingredients at will. 



The mixed feed business is a legitimate one, and has increased greatly of 

 late years. Because of the large variety of all kinds of by-products, it is 

 probably a necessity. On the other hand, its tremendous growth has been 

 greatly aided by the feeder, who evidently prefers to pay the extra cost of 

 prepared feeds rather than to give the matter a little study and mix his own 

 rations. 



