436 FARM ANIMALS 
and trouble. In some sections milk is separated on the 
farm and the cream delivered to some central point by 
the producer. This is not usually the most economical 
practice, especially if dairying is the chief business of 
the farm. 
11. Summer or winter dairying.— Whether cows shall 
be bred to freshen in the fall, spring, or more or less 
evenly throughout the year, is a point to be decided by 
each individual farmer in accordance with local con- 
ditions and preferences. The man who has an even 
butter trade the year round will want an even produc- 
tion of milk to meet the demands of his steady customers. 
The prudent dairyman will seek to understand the gen- 
eral trend of the market and plan to have his cows 
freshen when milk is in greatest demand. 
As a rule, prices are highest during winter. Cows that freshen 
in fall or winter maintain a steady flow for several months. Their 
daily milk flow will be stimulated when turned on pasture in the 
spring, and thus their annual production will tend to be larger than 
otherwise if they were to freshen in the spring and be subjected to 
dry winter rations during the late fall and winter. Taken from the 
pasture, they naturally quickly shrink in milk yield. 
12. Silos are helpful.—Silage is a superior feed for 
dairy cows. It is an appetizing and nutritious feeding 
stuff and supplies the very necessary succulence that 
other winter foods lack. In successful dairying the silo 
is well nigh indispensable. It is only a matter of time 
when silos will be a part of the equipment of every dairy 
farm. Silage is a cheap and economical food, and when 
made the basis of the rations, dairying products are se- 
cured at the lowest cost a pound. By means of the silo, 
spring and summer conditions are made possible for 
the entire year. 
13. Soiling crops.—In case the pastures are insufficient, 
either because of small area available in proportion to the 
