4 BULLETIN 665, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



It appears that farms of less than 40 acres are not large enough 

 in general for any type of farm. Tn fact the larger the size of farm, 

 the greater is the amount of profit under average conditions, at least, 

 to the point where the operator can properly supervise the farm 

 operations. 



INVESTMENT PER FARM. 



The average farm of 59 acres of crop land when developed repre- 

 sents a total investment of approximately $14,000. Land represents 

 slightly more than $10,000; dwelling. $800: barns and other build- 

 ings. $400: stock (including work stock.) $1,400 and cash on hand 

 for running expenses, $350. 



The investment in real estate is somewhat greater acre for acre on 

 farms that are developed for truck raising. The average acre value 

 of truck farms is $184, of stock farms $145, and of staple crop farms 

 $130. 



The value of work stock per head increases when the size of farm 

 increases, indicating that a better quality of work animals is uti- 

 lized on the larger farms. Approximately the same investment in 

 machinery and tools is found on all types of farm, of the same size. 

 but the investment is greater on the larger farms than on the small 

 ones, and this machinery is more efficiently utilized on the larger 

 farms. 



LAND CLEARING. 



The greater number of investors in farms at present buy uncleared 

 land. The removal of the vegetation (see fig. 2) is the first step 

 toward the development of the farm. This clearing is usually done 

 by Mexicans under contract, which is cheaper than by day labor. 

 The cost of clearing varies widely, depending upon the character and 

 quantity of vegetation, the range on 52 farms being from $5 to $25 

 per acre with an average of $11.65. 



After the land is cleared it generally requires some labor for level- 

 ing. The tendenc}' up to the present has been to give little attention 

 to this matter. In order that land may be properly irrigated it must 

 be level or have an even slope. The leveling is generally done in 

 connection with the first breaking of the land, the average cost of the 

 combined operations on 51 farms being $4.75, ranging from $2 to $18 

 per acre. Even a greater expense for leveling at this stage of devel- 

 opment is justified, since it represents a saving in labor and an in- 

 crease in production during the following crop seasons. 



DITCH CONSTRUCTION. 



The companies usually conduct the irrigation water to the farms 

 through their main canals and laterals (see fig. 2). The farmer must 

 construct the laterals (see fig. 4) for his own farm. A small farm 

 level is an excellent investment for the purpose of laying out these 



