394 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



It is, of course, generally understood that the surplus sea- 

 son occurs in May and June, Avhilo August and September 

 are the dry months. The great problem in dairy feeding 

 and management, it seems to me, is to transfer the June sur- 

 plus to the September deficit. 



Winter feeding, so serious a problem a half-century ago, 

 carried on in the most primitive manner by the early settlers, 

 has been solved in a very satisfactory manner by combined 

 experience and scientific research. It has been so thoroughly 

 systemized that pasturage, the main dependence of former 

 generations, is by comparison a difiioult method. It is need- 

 less, therefore, to dwell u})on Avinter feeding and management 

 at this time, but rather discuss the more uncertain summer 

 conditions. 



When severe drought overtakes us at the commencement 

 of summer, as during the })resent season (1903), it finds 

 stockmen unprepared, and their only way to overcome its 

 effect is by drawing on reserve supplies, or the liberal ex- 

 penditure of money for purchase of feeds. Such an unusual 

 occurrence cannot be anticipated, and any preparations to 

 meet the contingency inaugurated after its effects are ap- 

 parent cannot bear fruit until too late, usually long after 

 the drought is broken. 



It emphasizes the need of reserve supplies at all times, and 

 of not running too near the shore. It also brings out the 

 advantage of " floating capital," which may be used in tiding 

 over times of emergency. Farmers generally will appreciate 

 the situation of one of the fraternity, who, in comment upon 

 the desirability of floating capital, said, "I can't make the 

 dum stuff float." 



In recent years the winter feeding season has been length- 

 ened out at both ends. Cows are brought in from the pas- 

 tures earlier than formerly, and it is no longer the practice 

 of the best dairymen to turn them out while late snows are 

 still on the o-round. Provision for feeding in the barn for a 

 considerable time after cows go to pasture is now the rule. 

 Hay and grain are fed after the cows come in from the pas- 

 ture at night. Silage remaining from the winter supi)ly 

 may be used, and early spring forage, to be fed green, all 



