298 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



type of farming. One answer is that they do not know how 

 to farm differently. This is hardly a fair answer although it 

 no doubt applies in some cases. The real explanation is that 

 less capital is required for crop farming than for stock farm- 

 ing. Here is an advantage, the only advantage perhaps, 

 that may be suggested. 



Stock farming. When engaged in live-stock farming the 

 farmer markets his crops largely through farm animals such 

 as hogs, sheep, and beef cattle. This type of farming has at 

 least three advantages: It affords a means of maintaining 

 soil fertility; gives a higher labor income; and provides for 

 a good distribution of labor. The chief disadvantages are 

 risk of losses due to diseases of animals, and the need of a 

 large investment. 



There is always a possibility of losing animals by disease, 

 as, for example, the loss of hogs by cholera. But the risks 

 may be lessened by observing proper measures for safe- 

 guarding the health of animals, or by securing protection 

 through insurance. 



The difficulty of obtaining capital is not so great as formerly, 

 since the operation of the Rural Credit Act, a national 

 banking law which became effective in 1916. It is now 

 possible for a farmer to borrow money for the purchase of 

 such things as live-stock. In many places it is customary for 

 rural banks to give accommodation to farmers for the purchase 

 of live-stock, the loan being repaid when the stock is sold. 



Special farming. Special farming refers to the kinds of 

 farming not included in the other two types: Orcharding, 

 gardening, dairying, poultry raising, are examples. Many 

 kinds of special farming are profitable, but generally require 

 especially favorable conditions, such as soil and climate, or 

 market advantages. The chief drawback to special farming 



