CROP PRODUCTION 65 



to illustrate how the problem may be solved in different 

 sections of the country under varying conditions of soil and 

 climate. In each section there are several kinds of crops 

 which are adapted to the particular climatic and soil con- 

 ditions, and which are valuable also for feeding animals. 



How competing crops of other regions affect the choice of 

 crops. Crops of one region are often grown in competition 

 with crops of other regions. All seek the same market. When 

 the cost of production makes it unprofitable to compete with 

 crops produced elsewhere at less expense, another choice 

 should be made. Usually a change has been forced by experi- 

 ence, and the custom of the community may be followed 

 safely. For example, farmers of the New England States 

 and of New York cannot profitably compete with farmers of 

 the Corn Belt in producing corn. Consequently, the New 

 England and New York farmers have found it more profitable 

 to produce hay rather than corn. 



How labor may affect the choice of crops. Labor is 

 another factor which must be considered in arranging a 

 system of farming. It is important to distribute the work of 

 crop production and other farm work throughout the year. 

 Especially is it necessary to plan crops in such way that 

 work needed on one crop will not interfere with that needed 

 on another crop, and also that as little outside help as possible 

 will be required. The matter of securing farm labor is a 

 serious one, so serious that it must be considered carefully 

 in any farm planning. If farm labor must be employed, 

 experience seems to show that a farm system which will 

 provide work for hired help during the entire year is the 

 best plan. Since the labor in crop production is limited 

 largely to the growing season and harvest, such a plan is 

 difficult to operate successfully unless farm animals are kept. 



