29 



reasonably profitable ; the larger the number in the herd yielding^ 

 abo\e 7000 pounds each year, the more profitable would be the herd.* 



The herd was not composed of large cows, the average cow weigh- 

 ing substantially 900 pounds. So far as it is possible, however, to 

 draw conclusions concerning the relation of size to production, 

 note that the cows producing an average yield of 7S09 pounds 

 averaged 926 pounds in weight, and those producing an average 

 of 4635 pounds of milk averaged 893 pounds. 



The above figures bear out the observations of Woll and others- 

 that the largest cows are as a rule the most economical producers. 



Concludiiij^ Thoughts. 



The writer has hesitated in putting out this bulletin for several 

 reasons and particularly because so many of the items entering intO' 

 the cost of a quart of milk necessarily have been estimated. 



The records of the amount of the various foods consumed were all 

 carefully kept, and the cost of the grain was based upon market 

 prices. The figures used, however, for the cost of silage and green 

 food consumed were based upon estimates, while what may be termed 

 market prices were used in computing the value of the hay and corn 

 stover. The expenses other than food cost ( fixed charges ) are also 

 estimated. 



In order to get at the average cost of all items entering into the 

 problem, a more satisfactory way, probably, would be for a person 

 having a good understanding of practical agriculture and particularly 

 of farm acconufiiig to co-operate with a number of dairy farmers in a 

 careful study of the problem. In some cases present methods of 

 production may be studied and the cost tabulated, while in other 

 cases, the producer might be induced to follow more modern methods 

 and their results upon the cost of production noted. It is hoped that 

 some such method of studying the problem can be undertaken. 



The object of the present bulletin w'ill have been attained, however, 

 if it stirs the thought of the dairyman and encourages him to give 

 more attention to the business side of the industry. He can apply 

 his own available data to the numerous items mentioned in this 



* The writer fully realizes the difficulty of securing and maintaining a herd of 7000- 

 pound cows. Nevertheless, there are many such herds in the state and the dairyman should 

 have such an ideal ever before him. 



