PRODUCTION OF BEEF CATTLE 



221 



Capital. Beef production requires a considerable invest- 

 ment of capital. Not only is the initial investment relatively 

 large, but it is some time before a return may be expected 

 not until the cattle are sold. This time may cover a period 

 of from one to two 

 years if the cattle 

 are to be raised on 

 the farm, or from six 

 to ten months if 

 feeders are used. In 

 many places farmers 

 are able to secure 



financial assistance Diagram of beef animal showing position of 

 from local banks. various cuts of beef . 



The Federal Loan Act already referred to is intended to 



aid farmers in financing such enterprises as beef production. 



Farm conditions favorable to beef production. When beef 





Diagram of side of beef showing wholesale cuts. 

 (Illinois Agricultural Experimental Station.) 



cattle are raised on the farm the animals must be kept for a 

 long period. For this reason low-priced land and low-priced 

 feed are important factors in securing the greatest profit. 

 The wide use of the western ranges for raising cattle is an 

 application of this principle, and much of the broken land of 



