DRY-FARMING CONGRESS, WICHITA, 1914 



65 



into mutton and wool. In the Plains country the same system may be fol- 

 lowed with profit. The grains produced in the Plains region are suitable 

 for fattening sheep, and since these lands lie on the direct route between 

 the range and the central markets, range sheep can be fed to advantage. 

 In much of this region the valleys are the great sources of alfalfa hay, and 

 this furnishes an additional reason for a study of the feeding problem. 



The Great Plains region has long been known as the home of the sheep, 

 where large bands have run at a profit, but is equally profitable to keep 

 smaller flocks where the land is under a system of cropping and the 

 residues are to be gleaned by the flock. Throughout the Dakotas and to 

 a limited extent in Nebraska, rape is sown as a secondary crop with small 

 grain and the aftermath is pastured, following the harvest of the grain,. 

 By this means crop residues are utilized which would otherwise be wasted; 

 and grass is gathered at a profit. 



Let no man think that the price of livestock will materially decrease 

 through our efforts to increase production. We will be fortunate indeed if 

 we are able to increase production so that it will keep pace with the de- 

 mands of our increasing population. 



There is no necessity for the price of meat becoming excessive if we 

 will utilize the residues which are now wasted on our farms and convert 

 them into meat products; and at the same time develop a careful system 

 of farm management in which animal production is given its proper place. 



The prosperity of the Plains region will depend upon the adaptation 

 of the agriculture practiced to the natural limitations of the region. Some 

 of this agriculture will be intensive, with irrigation and valuable money 

 crops, like the sugar beet. Wherever possible, alfalfa will be a standard 

 crop because of its drought-resistance, its high money value, and its en- 

 richment of the soil. 



Throughout the entire region, livestock should fill an important place 

 in the system of management. 



CHAIRMAN BURNETT: 



We do not have with us, George W. Rommel of the United States Bu- 

 reau of Animal Industry, but he has sent as his able substitute Mr. T. P. 

 Metcalfe of Texas, who will now address the Congress on the subject, 

 "Beef Production on the Great Plains." 



Address of Mr. Metcalfe 

 BEEF PRODUCTION IN THE GREAT PLAINS REGION. 



I assure you it is indeed a great pleasure to appear before you this 

 morning talk to you on this subject. I am sorry Mr. Rommel could not 

 be here, as he would have given you a good talk and many of his valuable 

 experiences. 



For ease of discussion the subject of "Beef Production" may be di- 

 vided into four parts: First, the maintenance of stock cows from which 

 calves are raised; second, maintaining and growing of stocker steers; third, 

 finishing or fattening out of aged or mature steers — in this class are to 



