872 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



skilled laborers, it is often advantageous to discuss the work with them. 

 The average farmer works with his men. He thus becomes the leader in 

 the work and sets the pace. More is generally accomplished in this way 

 than by assigning men to work, each at a different task. This is not appli- 

 cable to chores and the care of livestock to the extent that it is in field opera- 

 tions, where men work advantageously in groups. 



Where a number of men are employed on the farm, the business is 

 sufficiently large to require much of the operator's time in directing the 

 work. It may even call for his being absent quite frequently. Under such 

 conditions he should employ one of his men as a foreman and make him 

 responsible for the direction of the work in his absence. Such a man should 

 have a wage correspondingly larger than those with less responsibility. 

 The wage of such a man, however, need be very little larger than that of 

 other workmen. 



Successful management calls for a. definite plan of work with ciders or 

 instructions given either the evening before or promptly on the morning 

 of the day's work. Directions must be concise and definite. Much should 

 not be merely understood. 



Productive and Unproductive Work. — No matter what the price of 

 labor, it is essential to employ it in productive enterprises to the greatest 

 possible extent. There will always be some unproductive work on farms, 

 such as cutting weeds, cleaning ditches, repairing fences, caring for work 

 stock, and household items. These are necessary in the long run for the 

 upkeep and the good appearance of the farm and home. Labor employed 

 in this way should not interfere with the productive enterprises any more 

 than possible. Many farmers have a weakness for tinkering around with 

 old machinery and patching up old fences and buildings, thus materially 

 reducing productive operations and failing to make the farm pay. We may' 

 go still further, and by knowing what crops and animals give the best returns 

 per hour of labor, select those that are most profitable. 



Many farmers postpone necessary repairs and adjustments to impor- 

 tant machinery, such for example as a self-binder, until the day that it is 

 to be used. It often requires a full day of time to put the machine in working- 

 order. A day or two in the winter, or during a rainy period, may have had 

 little value, but in the heat of harvest it is worth much. The delay of one 

 day may mean serious loss in connection with the harvesting of the crop. 



Doing Work on Time. — It is important in farming to do the right thing 

 at the right time. This never increases the amount of work to be dene, 

 whereas a delay often means added labor. Seeds not planted on time result 

 in a late crop, the yields of which may be reduced. Crops not harvested 

 on time result in loss or depreciation in quality. Weeds not destroyed in 

 time are destroyed when larger only by added labor, and in the meantime 

 reduce the yield. Best results are secured and the minimum amount of 

 labor is required by doing work on time. This is one item in the solution 

 of the labor problem of farms. 



