THE CROPPING SYSTEM 143 



forage and grain, the benefit to be derived from 

 the maintenance of soil fertility, but also the 

 economic features of crop production bearing 

 upon the labor supply. The labor problem on 

 the farm involves the economical distribution of 

 labor and as such becomes a vital factor in the 

 crop rotation. Crop rotations assume a new 

 aspect when labor distribution is added to crop 

 returns and the maintenance of production. 

 The ideal farm system is one which permits 

 the economic use of a constant labor supply and 

 until such a system is worked out the labor 

 problem of the farm will continue to exist. 



The Distribution Problem. So far factors 

 of crop production have been the only ones 

 Considered. It is, however fully realized that 

 problems of distribution are of equal rank 

 with those of production and our immediate 

 advances, it is believed, lie in this direction. 

 Economies in field practices and increased 

 yields through the use of fertilizers cannot 

 be made effective against increased transporta- 

 tion and distribution charges. Freight rates 

 may not actually be increased or commis- 

 sion charges changed to effect a very im- 

 portant result in net return with a declining 

 market or an increasing cost of production. 

 To illustrate : The rates charged for transport- 



