P.D. 123 17 



REPORT OF DIVISION OF DAIRYING AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



The Division of Dairying and Animal Husbandry continues to stress the 

 importance of quality milk production, not only in Massachusetts but in the 

 entire milk shed that is supplying our Massachusetts markets. 



However, during the past year the work of the Division in connection with 

 other animals has received the personal attention of the director. Meetings 

 were attended in all parts of the State where breeders or growers of cattle, 

 sheep, goats or horses gathered to discuss the matter of increased production 

 of farm animals. Talks were given to those groups. Counsel was given 

 wherever such was sought or needed for the advancement, protection and 

 extension of improved marketing. Persons inquiring about the management 

 of livestock farms were urged to visit one of our progressive farms where 

 livestock was raised and where the topography and soil were similar to the 

 inquirer's farm, and make a study of the methods employed on a successful 

 farm that could be used to advantage on other farms. 



During the year the division has been able to help a great many farmers 

 who carry sheep as part of their livestock interests, through the fine work of 

 the Massachusetts Sheep Demonstration Farm located at North Hatfield. 

 The following is a summary of distinctive features connected with the opera- 

 tion of this privately-owned. State-contracted farm. (As provided by the 

 statutes, for the establishment of Sheep Demonstration Farms.) 



81 Crossbred ewes imported from other sheep growing states and sold to 

 eight new sheep growers; one a former grower buying for replace- 

 ment. 

 29 Purebreds were sold from the flock maintained by the owners of the 

 farm to eight sheep growers. Seven of the twenty-nine were 

 rams to head flocks, thus fixing or improving the conformation, 

 matured market size, etc., of the flocks where used. 

 123 Persons from within the State, who were interested specifically in 

 stock, or information on the care, feeding, breeding or general in- 

 formation visited the farm during the past year. 

 70 Persons attended a sheep demonstration program on April 8, 1939. 

 The said program arranged to bring to them, through practical 

 demonstrations information on pertinent flock management subjects. 

 4 Times during the year stock judging teams from the Massachusetts 

 State College spent several hours studying and judging sheep at the 

 farm. 

 1 Group from Smith Agricultural School spent an afternoon studying 

 the sheep and their management. 

 Several persons including one farm manager spent from one day to a week 

 working on the farm for practical experience with sheep farm management 

 methods. The manager mentioned was from a farm that had imported 110 

 ewes to start a new flock. 



Purebred sheep from the demonstration farm were exhibited at the Inter- 

 national Livestock Show against the world's best and came home with many 

 fine prizes. 



Incidentally a Massachusetts Dorset breeder carried his sheep from coast 

 to coast, and in Canada, winning many firsts and grand championships wher- 

 ever shown. Massachusetts sheep are becoming sought for their quality. We 

 hope for great strides in this field within the next few years. 



Poultry Inspection 



The division has continued its activity with the poultry industry of our 

 State and has enjoyed the fine cooperation of the flock owners who have come 

 under our supervision. 



In view of the fact that Massachusetts has a national reputation for breed- 

 ing stock, baby chicks and hatching eggs as well as being the possessor of 

 many disease-free flocks, our department is doing everything possible to 

 maintain that reputation and possibly improve upon it. There are four 



