116 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



measure depends upon the demand that exists for the finished 

 product — milk, butter, and cheese. 



Farm Is the Place To Begin 



To maintain a high standard of quahty in our dairy pro- 

 ducts, we must begin at the farm. If the original flavor im- 

 parted to milk by a well-fed healthy cow is changed or lowered 

 before it reaches the consumer, the dairy industry has suffered, 

 in accordance with the extent of the modification that has taken 

 place. At this point factors influencing the quality of butter will 

 be considered, but what is said with reference to butter is equal- 

 ly applicable to other dairy products. The high standard now 

 followed by the leading dairymen shotild represent the lowest 

 possible standard that is permissible. They hold that all cr.ws 

 shall be in a healthy condition, and at all times be fed on good 

 wholesome feed. This is not an unreasonable demand, even if 

 the product of the dairy was not intended as food for man. Ai? 

 cows, in order that they may give to the owner fair returns for 

 the feed consumed, money invested and labor, should be housed 

 in a barn that is reasonably well-lighted and well-ventilated, and 

 of such construction that it offers protection against the chang- 

 ing weather. Barn floors should be so constructed and planned 

 that it is possible for the cow to keep herself clean, providing 

 the owner does his part well. These same remarks were made 

 before a gathering of farmers, and it brought forth the state -<. 

 ment : "If the farmers are to do what the dairy laws require, 

 they must be millionaires." Not so, — to operate a clean dairy 

 does not require an outlay of additional funds. The man •ho 

 made the above statement had a sense of pride in the appearance 

 of the place where his cows were housed and milked. Later he 

 agreed that the consumer demanded that the barns be clean, well- 

 ventilated, well-lighted, and free from dust. That the barns 

 should be whitewashed at least once a year, because it will add 

 to its appearance, increase its value, lighten the dark corners and 

 make it more sanitary. That it is desirable to have the dairy 

 cattle in a barn by themselves. The odor from the horse stalls, 

 filthy calf pens, or hog pens, is objectionable, because they will 

 taint the milk when it is drawn. 



