receiving encouragement and their market is increased, not only directly but indirectly, 

 through the emphasis given throughout the country to the value of pure-bred sires. At 

 the same time, as already stated, no animals are placed in districts where privately 

 owned pure-bred sires of the same class are already standing for service and interference 

 with private enterprise is thus avoided. 



Up to December 31st, 1915, 146 stallions, 1014 bulls, 1069 rams and 416 boars 

 had been placed in the hands of associations. 



The results attained by the introduction of sires of superior type into districts which 

 formerly had to depend on scrub sires have been very gratifying. Reports received 

 from inspectors and secretaries of associations during the past three seasons indicate 

 that a marked improvement in the stock of the districts affected is becoming apparent and 

 that the efforts of the Department are appreciated. 



Purchasing Breeding Stock in Car-load Lots 



In order to assist in effecting a more equal distribution of our live stock population 

 the Minister of Agriculture, through the Live Stock Branch, has decided to grant assist- 

 ance to farmers wishing to secure good breeding stock. Under this policy the Branch 

 pays reasonable travelling expenses of the representative or individuals or associations 

 from any section of Canada desiring to purchase one or more carloads of breeding stock 

 in any part of the country. 



The expenses allowed cover railroad transportation and living expenses from the 

 home of the purchaser to the point at which it is expected that the purchase will be made, 

 also hotel expenses and livery expenses for the time which should be sufficient to pur- 

 chase the consignment. 



No assistance in the payment of freight is rendered nor is any responsibility assumed 

 by the Branch in connection with the purchase price of the consignment. It should 

 also be definitely understood that no assistance under this policy is rendered if stock is 

 purchased for speculative purposes. Should it be desired, a suitable person will be 

 nominated by the Live Stock Commissioner to accompany the purchasing agent and 

 assist him, as far as possible, in buying and shipping the consignment. 



It is expected that during the present season this plan will have an important 

 influence in conserving the breeding stock of the country and in increasing our live stock 

 production. 



Federal Grants to Fair Associations 



At the time of the outbreak of the war, it became apparent that with the resultant 

 upsetting of normal economic conditions the holding of the annual Winter Fairs and the 

 larger Exhibitions throughout the country would become a somewhat precarious 

 enterprise. To allow such important institutions to suspend operations even tempor- 

 arily would have meant the loss of one of the most important stimulating influences 

 affecting the live stock industry. To offset the possibility of such a contingency the 

 Minister at once authorized, through the Live Stock Branch, the offer of a federal grant 

 annually to such fairs as have their prize lists open to the whole Dominion and to those 

 that had paid out the previous year prize money amounting to at least five thousand 

 dollars in the utility classes of horses, cattle, sheep, swine -and poultry. 



To fairs qualifying under the above two requirements, a grant equal to fifty per 

 cent, of the total amount paid in prizes in the above mentioned classes is made, the 

 maximum grant in any case not to exceed five thousand dollars. The amount of the 

 grant allowed is determined by the audited statement of the sum actually paid in prizes. 

 In applying for the grant, fair associations are required to submit their prize lists to the 

 Live Stock Commissioner for approval. 



During the fiscal year of 1915-16, the total amount paid out by the Live Stock 

 Branch in grants to fairs under this policy will be approximately $125,000. 



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