THE SHEEP INDUSTRY ON THE MINIDOKA PROJECT: A 
so that his farm will not become overstocked on the one hand or his 
sheep receive too little attention on the other. The proper relation- 
ship of sheep production to other industries on the farm can be 
developed only with practical experience, and this is best gained 
through the patient practice of conservative methods. It is impor- 
tant, also, that the sheep grower keep in mind his relationship to the 
more extensive sheep producer who makes use of the range lands. 
Possibilities of mutually profitable cooperation between these two 
classes of producers already have been pointed out. 
COMMUNITY COOPERATION. 
During the last few years the demand for sheep and wool has been 
so strong as to make it appear that community cooperation in the 
various enterprises of sheep production is not necessary. Perhaps 
this explains the absence of extensive cooperative activities in sheep 
production on the Minidoka project. It has been noted in other 
sections of Idaho, however, that sheep growers are cooperating in 
both production and marketing and that the results are more satis- 
factory than those secured by farmers on the Minidoka project. 
There are good opportunities for community cooperation in such 
matters as securing breeding stock, purchasing supplies, marketing 
wool and mutton, and the general dissemination of useful information. 
The importance of cooperation in these matters will be increasingly 
apparent as farm sheep production in the western United States 
increases, and it would be advantageous for communities already 
engaged in the industry to begin early to develop cooperative relation- 
ships. 
STABILIZING THE INDUSTRY. 
It has been pointed out repeatedly that the development of satis- 
factory methods of management requires experience. The successful 
establishment of farm sheep production is possible only through the 
persistent application of the best methods of management. The 
experience of the farmers on the Minidoka project during the last 
five years has shown clearly the undesirability of getting into or out 
of the sheep business suddenly because of market fluctuations. 
The men who have remained in the business are demonstrating that 
the industry will be permanent on most farms. On almost half the 
farms the care, attention, and general methods of management are 
far above the average for other sections of southern Idaho and are of 
a character which insures success. The natural advantages of the 
high altitude, the dry climate, the many clear days, the abundance of 
irigated pasture with other cheap feeds, and the short winter feeding 
period are all favorable to the development of the industry. Good 
care, a Study of the habits of the flock, and an earnest effort to satisty 
