2 BULLETIN 1101, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE. 



at low temperatures Cost of production thus varies soraewhat, ac- 

 cording to the grade of milk produced, and in view of that fact no 

 farms producing either very high or very low grades were included 

 in the work. 



The herds and farms were typical of dairy farms in the section, 

 studied. The figures reported show the relation of the various factors 

 involved in producing milk in this section and probably approximate 

 the requirements of similar districts, but they do not apply to dairy- 

 ing in localities where other conditions and methods of management 

 prevail. Here dairying is not the chief industry, for grain growing 

 is the most common type of farming. A typical farm of 400 acres 

 would have from 100 to 130 acres of wheat, from 60 to 100 acres of 

 field corn, and possibly 3 to 8 acres of potatoes. This acreage with 

 the wood lot and some waste land leaves only a limited space devoted 

 to pasture and to the growing of crops for livestock. 



METHODS USED IN OBTAINING DATA. 



The figures are actual records obtained by regular monthly 24-hour 

 visits to 15 farms during the first year, and 16 farms the second year. 

 The Avork was continued for the second year on 13 of the 15 farms 

 visited the first year. 



On his regular monthly inspection tour the field agent arrived at 

 the first farm of a group in time to observe the first labor operations 

 connected with the evening chores. With watch in hand he noted 

 and recorded the exact time each operation about the dairy was begun 

 and ended. He verified the records of feeds that were being fed on 

 the inspection day, recording the kind, quantity, cost, and descrip- 

 tion of each. The quantity of milk sold each month and the receipts 

 therefrom were noted. In addition, the whole milk used by the pro- 

 prietor and his help and fed to calves which were being raised was 

 measured or weighed and used as a basis for determining the quantity 

 kept on the farm during the month. Accurate data on the calves and 

 first-hand information on methods of handling manure were also 

 collected. 



Each dairyman kept an itemized account of expenses which were 

 incurred between the monthly visits, such as the purchase or sale of 

 cows and hides, outside bull service, and other miscellaneous infor- 

 mation relative to the herd. These items were recorded by the field 

 agent. 



When the work about the dairy had been completed for the day 

 at the first farm and all information relative to the dairy business 

 recorded, the field agent drove to the next farm in time to observe 

 the labor operations connected with the evening chores. This pro- 

 gram was followed each week, so that each farm under observation 



