THE YOUNG FARMER 



more is invested in buildings. In a self- 

 contained farm that is, one which raises 

 sufficient food for the requirements of the 

 live stock ten dollars an acre may be con- 

 sidered a moderate investment for animals. 

 If, however, the plan is to raise o'nly the 

 coarse feed, while the necessary grain as 

 well as other concentrates is largely pur- 

 chased, a farm may easily carry from $25 

 to $35 worth of live stock per acre. Lack 

 of capital is one of the most potent influ- 

 ences in preventing a larger production of 

 animals and animal products. Cattle paper, 

 or notes given to secure money for the pur- 

 chase of fattening animals, is a common 

 bank asset in the feeding districts of the cen- 

 tral West. 



(2) The very perishable nature of ani- 

 mals entails a great risk in the investment 

 of capital in live stock. Not only the 

 products of a single year, but the growth of 

 a number of years, may be suddenly swept 

 away by disease. This may include the 

 crops of several years, thus destroying cap- 

 ital invested in the production of the crops 

 182 



