FARM MANAGEMENT IN THE OZARKS. 35 



Farmers in this area are vitally interested in the economic problem 

 of pasture production. Since the introduction of dairying as an im- 

 portant enterprise it has become necessary to keep the cows closer at 

 hand than was possible when they were turned free on the unre- 

 stricted range. The net result of this situation is that those farmers 

 who formerly depended upon the range to support the live-stock 

 business now find it necessary to provide supplementary pasture 

 on their own land, and such reorganization had been effected off a 

 number of farms at the time this study was made. 



The farms have two sources of possible pasture — one, that part 

 of the tillable area of the farm devoted to pasture in the regular farm 

 rotation; the other, adjoining woodland, properly fenced, on which 

 the growth of grasses is encouraged. On the average farm in this 

 territory feed can be grown to support during the winter more cattle 

 than the tillable area in pasture will support during the summer, and 

 the making of improved pastures out of adjoining woods has become 

 an important undertaking. Undoubtedly the greatest possibilities 

 for expansion of pasture lie within those areas which, because of 

 topographical features and rock obstructions, are suitable for pasture 

 but not suitable for cultivation of crops. 



The keeping down of underbrush is the greatest problem involved 

 in this conversion of rough land into improved pastures. It is very 

 difficult for one who has not been in this territory to realize how 

 rapidly and densely underbrush grows with the slightest opportunity, 

 and this growth when not controlled shades the ground so com- 

 pletely that grasses are crowded out. If this growth is kept back, 

 the native grass comes voluntarily and furnishes a fairly good grade 

 of pasture. (See fig. 13.) 



Lespedeza (Japan clover), having become naturalized, grows 

 freely, and while it makes a rather late start in the spring, contributes 

 materially during the season to the grazing. White clover grows 

 freely everywhere. These crops in good seasons on fair soil can be 

 made to furnish excellent grazing. Bluegrass and orchard grass 

 thrive, and when planted make a pasture which comes in earlier in 

 the spring, lasts longer in the fall, and has a greater carrying capacity 

 throughout the season than any other. 



Much attention has been given the fencing of pasture land in this 

 area during the last few years. From the data submitted by the 

 farmers interviewed, putting up 1 mile of woven-wire fence requires 

 approximately 33 to 38 days of man labor, and 3 to 4 days of horse 

 labor. In addition to this the horses may be used in conveying the 

 men to and from the place of work. The post material ordinarily 

 in use will last about 10 years, if properly seasoned before using. 

 Some farmers clear their fence rows each winter, either by dragging 

 or otherwise, for protection against forest fires. Much land is now 



