14 OREGON FARMER 



will come the farms. The average size of an Oregon farm is 514 

 acres, but the average size of a farm in Western Oregon is only 112 

 acres. The general tendency in the humid and irrigated sections 

 is toward smaller farms. In a number of sections, under intensive 

 methods of crop production, farmers are making a good living 

 from ten acres of ground. 



Much of Oregon is a timbered country and a considerable area is 

 used for pasture, thus while the average sized farm is 514 acres the 

 average amount of cultivated land on each farm is 149 acres. 



Another attractive feature of the average Oregon farm is the 

 great abundance of good water. The greater portion of the state 

 is well supplied with water from running streams. In addition to 

 this, excellent water is within easy reach over a very large portion 

 of the state. From the data secured from over 1600 farms, rep- 

 resenting all sections of the state, the average depth of wells is 

 shown to be 34 feet. 



The farmers of Oregon are progressive, as shown by investments 

 in farmstead improvements and the very general use of the telephone. 

 Out of 1637 farmers interviewed 1260 reported having 'phones, or 

 77 per cent. 



Farmers of Oregon are not only progressive but are also prosperous, 

 judging from the amount of capital invested in farms, ranging from 

 $7,150 to $59,955. The farmers also reside in good substantial 

 homes, as indicated by the reported cost of dwellings, which range 

 from $533 to $2,096. 



Oregon is famous for its high class live stock, which is an important 

 factor in farm revenues. Statistics show that the value of live 

 stock upon Oregon farms ranges from $271 to $13,423. 



The progressiyeness of the Oregon farmer is shown in his farm 

 equipment. It is shown by data of the agricultural survey that the 

 value of implements and machinery maintained upon the farms of 

 this state range from $100 to $1,641. Statistics also show that the 

 annual gross receipts of individual farms are good, ranging from 

 $786 to $7,800. The average income per family upon the farm is 

 a good index as to the general prosperity of the farmer. This income 

 ranges from $358 to $4,307. While the average income is good the 

 standard of living is also good, but not in any way extravagant. 

 The tables show that the average family expenses range from $267 

 to $841. These amounts should afford good wholesome living and 

 at the same time it does not indicate that it is unreasonably expensive 

 to live on a farm. 



Farming is not a get-rich-quick occupation, but under intelligent 

 systems of husbandry a good wholesome prosperity is assured. 

 Under good systems of farm management the risk from loss upon 

 capital invested is small, thus the percentage of profit on invested 

 capital is not so great as in some other fields of industry. However, 

 the data collected indicate that the percentage of profit, including 

 the family labor, upon the capital invested ranges from 4.37 per cent 

 to 14.28 per cent. 



