CHAPTER XXXVII 



ESSENTIAL FACTORS OF SUCCESS IN FARMING 



THERE are three factors which govern success in such an 

 enterprise as farming: (i) knowledge, (2) executive ability, and 

 (3) business ability. 



First, we must have the necessary knowledge to make definite 

 plans under which permanent success will be possible. Merely 

 because one has considered that he was making money while he 

 has been wearing out a rich soil, which may have cost him but 

 little to begin with, is no assurance that he will be able to succeed 

 when he has to deal with high-priced, partially exhausted land. 



Second, one may have sufficient knowledge to plan well, but, 

 if he lacks the executive ability to properly carry out his 

 plans, he will surely fail. It is at this point that landowners 

 frequently misjudge the young graduate from the agricultural 

 college. They fail to distinguish between the knowledge of im- 

 portant fundamental facts, which the young man possesses, and 

 the necessary executive ability to handle men and to get work 

 done, which, as a rule, the young man does not possess. 



Third, one must have judgment and ability in financial matters, 

 for purchases must be made with economy and the farm products 

 must be disposed of to advantage, if profit is to result. Business 

 dealing is an essential part of the farm enterprise; and it matters 

 not how well the farm system is planned or how well the plans are 

 executed in the production of crops, the poor business man, who 

 pays too much for the things he buys, buys things which he need 

 not buy, or fails to buy the things he needs, who sells his produce 

 in poor condition, holds produce when he ought to sell it, or sells 

 when he ought to hold it, will certainly not attain a high degree 

 of success in farming. 



The manufacturer employs an expert for a definite purpose and 

 the expert renders the required service to the great advantage of 

 his employer; but what manufacturer would think of turning over 



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