10 



The replies to this question indicate that reports were made by the 

 most progressive farmers of the state, as these crops are being 

 produced only by those who are thoroughly informed in regard to 

 the best agricultural practice. The answers to question 9 in- 

 dicate that the cattle feeder is endeavoring to make a larger use, 

 than is generally supposed, of leguminous crops, such as clover, 

 alfalfa and cow peas, and of supplements to pasture, such as 

 sorghum. 



SHELTER FOR FATTENING STEERS. 







Under question 10 there was a great variety of answers given. 

 A number reported the use of two or more kinds of shelter such as 

 barn and straw stack, or barn and open shed. Taking a summary 

 of all answers, it was found that 609 are using barns; 302 open sheds; 

 357 straw stacks; 177 timber lands and 268 are using open lots for 

 feeding cattle. In most instances where timber or open lots were 

 reported it was found that they were usually used in connection 

 with either a barn or open shed. That is, there are very few feed- 

 ers who do not favor some form of shelter for cattle. The import- 

 ance of a dry shed and a windbreak is thoroughly appreciated. 

 Seven per cent of the men are making some provisions against flies 

 in summer and 93 per cent are paying no attention to this matter, 

 whatever. This is in accordance with the generally accepted view 

 that, to date there is no cheap, economical method of effectually 

 combating the nuisance of flies. Those who do report some 

 provision for this purpose are in the main depending upon a 

 darkened barn to which the cattle have access during the heat of 

 the day. This is usually secured by hanging burlap curtains over 

 the doors and windows and letting just as little light in the barn as 

 possible. 



FAVORABLE CONDITIONS IN FEED LOTS ADVANTAGEOUS. 



Muddy feed lots are the source of much inconvenience in the 

 state. Seventy-seven per cent make no provision whatever against 

 mud; 23 per cent use various sorts of paving materials, bedding the 

 whole lot very deeply with straw, or feeding in some place, such as 

 a sand ridge, where lots never become muddy. Where cattle are 

 confined to a small lot, it has been found that the mud nuisance can 

 be avoided very readily. This however, necessitates the use of a 

 large amount of straw which is not always available to the pro- 

 fessional feeder. The cattle which are in barns or covered lots are 

 not at so great a disadvantage and the amount of straw necessary 

 to keep them out of the mud is not nearly so great. The answers 

 to question 12, " Do your cattle get lousy in winter? " show that 



