Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-11-06
Milk Producers.


Judgment does not usually appeal to
the sanitary commenter or milk con-
sumner, says Prof. c. f. Marshall, bac-
teriologist at the Wisconsin sta
ton. If one were to make a close IN
vestigation with the idea Of determine
ing how many farmers are capable
of producing milk profitably and in
a pure form, am certain it would be
found that less than per cent, could
fulfill requirements. A man capable Of
producing milk that will answer the
requirements of the sanitarian is an
unusual agricultural man and one fit
fer success In almost any profession.
He must be thoroughly capable man.
and, being Z capable man, of course
demands a fitting remuneration. His
profession and himself are too little
apprcciat ted by society and scientific
men. It is necessary that he know
how to breed animals successfully
and by so doing develop their capacity
for milk production, at the same time
keeping his animals sound. He must
know how to feed animals econom-
ically and in such a manner as not to-
create any physiological disturbancew
thus giving rise to an abnormal flavor
or aroma in the milk. and still mairt-
tain the yield and richness of tile
milk. 1t is necessary that he not only
have this as theoretical and scienti fic
knowledge but he must also be al Ne
to aurly his notions in practft 3al
manner, reaching every individ, ial
animal and every detailed operation
under his care, for every animal has
it's idiosyncrasies, and these idiosy M
crasies, to a large extent. determine
profit or less, and every operat ion
must oe adjusted to circumstances;
i'll other words, he must be man. of
great resources. He should recogn ize
and diagnose Immediately any ills
turbance in an animal or any fA ctor
which may cause bad milk or deer ease
its flow. The relationship bet ween
milk production and physiolO gical
processes he knows in practical way,
better than a scientist knows from
analysis. and can usually give more
satisfactory answers. The producer
Of milk must be acquainted with milk
and its handling, he must appreciate
that the feeding of ragweed, chick
weed, silage, turnips, and manly other
substances well known to HIM will
give rise to an undesirable quality of
milk, must also know that certain
diseases alter the milk, that others
are dangerous, and must understand
that many physiological and emo
tional disturbances may change the
character or nature of the milk. These
things he has learned from science
and experience. and one by one he
has mastered them to the extent that
he is able to meet at a moments no
tice any of the usual emergencies
which arise.
This side of the production of milk is
seldom brought forward. and people
too little realize what it means to pro-
duce pure milk or what it costs If the
consumer in the city finds that his
milkman is raising the price OF milk
one cent per quart. he imm ediately
concludes that there is so much clear
gain going to the producer, according
ly, when once the price and st andards
are established. it is very difficult to
change. If hardware merchant
raises the price of some article as
nails, that merchant at once conveys
to his customer that it is due to an
advance in steel. A few years ago
bran could be secured for few pennies
per hundred, hay was cheap. and all
the foods which are necessary for the
feeding of cows had low market
value rs compared with present prices.
The cost of the food of one COW. which
a few years ago would not amount to
more than $40 per year, at the present
time. as has been stated. has gone to
$50. The price of milk. however. has
oh
SEEM therefore, to arrive at salts
factory conclusion in the matter of
pure milk production, all controlling
factors and circumstances should be
carefully weighed by inspectors and
consumers. what it costs to produce
milk, the ability required in the milk
producer. as well as stringent regula-
tons in handling.
Competition is no mean influencing
agent. 1t is a well-known fact that in
our smaller places. reliable farmers
have attempted to produce good
quality of milk for their customers and
to sell it at a fair price. Their charges
estimated from cost of production
have been very reasonable. say six
cents per quart. After starting. some
irresponsible man would undertake to
sell milk at three. four, or five cents
per quart; consequently the good milk
was soon crowded out and there was
left upon the market only this poor
quality of milk. This irresponsible
man could then raise the price Of his
milk.
Another feature which is very inn
portant may be considered. 1t is safe
to estimate that at least 80 per cent or
more of the people of any town or city
are unwilling to pay extra prices to
secure product which is guaranteed
to be clean and free from disease
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