740 



SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



oil and labor .in- caring for machinery, together with the proper housing 

 of it. When these costs are figured on the acre basis the rate varies 

 inversely in proportion to the acres covered. Low cost, therefore, is asso- 

 ciated with the fullest possible utilization of the machines. It is signifi- 

 cant that the high-priced machines are usually those used for the shortest 

 period. 



The method of computing the cost of farm machinery is well illus- 

 trated in the accompanying table taken from the Tribune Farmer: 



Numerous records of the cost of farm machinery show that the 

 annual cost per farm is about one-quarter of the actual value of the 

 machinery for the year involved. 



Farm surveys in Wisconsin indicate that too many farmers economize 

 on their farm equipment to such an extent that efficiency is sacrificed and 

 profits are below what they would be with a more modern and efficient 

 equipment. 



Duty of Farm Machinery pertains to the amount of work each 

 machine will do daily or for the season. Manufacturing concerns stand- 

 ardize different operations in their shops as much as possible. This enables 

 them to estimate very closely the amount of work that can be turned out 

 in a given time, and makes it possible for them to state to customers when 

 a stated task can be completed. It is just as essential for the farmer to 



* Miscellaneous minor equipment charges are distributed on the basis of the total productive area of 

 the farm, 78 acres. In this group all machinery and small tools not specifically mentioned are included. 



