247 



knowing these few figures. This is the final proof that these are the 

 most important factors of profits. This applies to other types of farming 

 equally well. In about five cases out of one hundred, some other factor 

 affects the results so decidedly as to make one guess wrong. But on most 

 farms, a good sized area of crops and good yields have so strong an influence 

 as to overshadow other factors and almost insure good returns if the crops 

 are sold or are fed to animals that bring good returns. 



There are some city men in the audience. I may say that all this 

 discussion is from results by practical farmers. City persons are most 

 likely to fail by putting too much money in buildings and by keeping too 

 many men and by doing too many fancy things that are called scientific 

 farming but that are really ''folly farming." Experienced farmers do not 

 often make serious mistakes on these things. 



A Farmers' Catechism. 



Each farmer will do well to compare his farm with successful farms to 

 see where it is weak and then see if it can be improved. 



Are there 80 to 200 acres of crops harvested? If not, can I buy or 

 rent more land? 



Are my crop yields 10 to 20 per cent better than my neighbors' who 

 have the same soil? If not, will it not pay to improve them? 



Are my cows at least 50 per cent better than my neighbors'? If not, 

 how much am I losing on them per year? Had I best stop keeping cows or 

 get better ones? 



Am I getting at least 20 per cent of my receipts from the sale of cash 

 crops? If not, could I make more by raising cash crops? 



Am I getting at least 20 per cent of my money from animal products? 

 If not, am I making good use of low grade farm products and am I and my 

 horses kept well employed most of the year? 



[Conference finally adjourned.] 



