12 N. H. AGE. EXPERIMENT STATION. [Bulletin 182 



barn floor level, was used for hay only. The two lower boards 

 of the wall in front of the manger were hinged so that the hay 

 could be shoved into the manger from the barn floor. In order 

 to save time in feeding and at the same time to keep an abundant 

 supply before them, the hay was weighed out twice a week and 

 piled up on the barn floor and up against the opening to the 

 manger. It was simply necessary, therefore, to shove the hay 

 up against this opening once or twice a day so as to keep it con- 

 tinuously within reach of the animals. This occupied only a few 

 minutes daily as the operation resembled somewhat the principle 

 of the self-feeder. 



The meal mixture was fed in troughs attached to the wall 

 opposite the manger. This was mixed about once a month and 

 the amount given daily was supplied in a pail which was marked 

 inside to the desired capacity. Running water also was avail- 

 able. Bedding was supplied by the left-over stemmy portion of 

 the hay, and manure was allowed to pile up for the whole season. 



The amount of time spent in chore work, with a httle system 

 in its performance, amounted to about fifteen minutes per day 

 to which should be added one hour a week for weighing hay. 



This arrangement for winter management of beef cattle of 

 this age and description is the common practice on beef cattle 

 farms of the West. Except for such labor economy even western 

 farmers could not handle such a large number of beef cattle as 

 they do with the labor available. The same rule applies here. 

 Economy of labor is the greatest single inducement to bring beef 

 cattle back to some of our farms. 



Cattle Prices and Market Fluctuations. 



A possible drop in the cattle market is the factor of greatest 

 uncertainty that troubles the farmer. If he knew in advance 

 what the price would be in the future everything would be very 

 clear sailing. In this connection it is well worth while to keep 

 in mind the effect of supply and demand. Although the price of 

 steak may remain the same the year around the market for grow- 

 ing stock will show distinct fluctuations especially in sections of 

 the country adapted primarily for grazing. Here the fall will 

 show a surplus and in spring there is a shortage. Hence the 

 same kind of beef animal is worth a cent or two more a pound in 



