The Tupelo journal., 1908-03-13
By H. \. BLAKEsLEE. JACKSON.


A great deal has been said in this de-
partment during the past three, or four
years concerning the advantages pos
sessed by Mississippi in the production
Of pork, but it is a question of sufficient
Importance to never grow old to those
interested in the betterment of condi-
tions in our State. A series OF expert
ments conducted by Prof. j. w. Fox of
the Delta Experiment Station are of
especial interest just at this time, show
ing, as they do, what is possible in the
way of producing pork in Mississippi
in general and the delta section. of the
State in particular.
The statement has been made that it
was possible to produce pork here at
at a cost of two and one-half cents per
pound, and the result of the experiments
conducted by Prof. Fox bear out the
assertion. One hundred and twenty
two pigs were used for the test. They
were killed at a uniform age OF ten
months and averaged in the neighbor-
hood of l35 pounds dressed. The price
received was eight cents per pound.
The total expense of caring for them is
itemized by Prof. Fox as follows:
265 bushels of corr at 10 cents. .S185. so
260 Dushels of corn (estimated) at
% 1884, 90
Three tons of shorts at S25..... 1900
Rent on 49, acres of land at So. $500
Seed used on pasture lots. 80. 20. so
Preparing and seeding pasture
lots....... .......... ,.... $3.50
Total expense ...---.....S570.5 so
The total weight OF the pigs on foot
was approximately Ii, 900 pounds, which
would make them cost 2.8 cents per
pound to produce when they readily
sold for six cen per pound. The net
profit shown on this herd was S736. 80,
estimating them at pork rates,
although five gifts were sold for breed
ing purposes and brought more. In the
cost OF production everything possible
has been taken into consideration ex-
cept the labor necessary to tend them,
even to the cost of maintaining the pa
rent herd of ten sow and a boar. The
corn is given at the market price in
stead Of the cost of production, which
was considerably less.
Prof. Fox issues a bulletin on the
subject which is well worth reading and
and can be had by applying to the A.
& NJ. College. A pasture rotation was
provided, furnishing grazing every
month in the year. Up to the time the
pigs were turned into the pea field in
September to be fattened, they had
eaten an average of 122 pounds of corn
each and fifty pounds of chops. The
peas were planted with the corr and the
pigs allowed to gather both.
This experiment is a strong argument
in favor of Mississippi raising her W
meat, and it is to be hoped hat large
numbers of u people will send for this
bulletin and post themselves on the
subject and profit by the information
contained therein.
President Hightower Of the State
Union spent a portion of last week in
Jackson looking after legislation to
benefit the members and visiting the
State headquarters. He is actively en-.
gagged in the discharge of the duties in
cumbent upon him as president of this
great organization, and the member
ship can feel assured that its interests
will be guarded at all times. He is
closely identified with his people, be-
ing a practical and progressive farmer.
one of the largest in Lafayette county.
Served his people in the capacity of
State senator four years, winning the
title during that time and as chairman
of the finance committee of the senate,
of watchdog of the treasury" Was
reelected and resigned to accept the
responsible position he now holds, also
giving up the ambition to represent his
district in congress when the chances
for election were undoubtedly good.
The Union has a ''big" man as execu-
tive officer and the Union brethren can
rest assured that their interests are in
safe n aOlo hands.
Mississippi is getting to be a hog
killing" State, as is shown each week
by the reports in county newspapers.
More than $4,000, 900 pounds of pork
was butchered last year, and the
amount is increasing fast. 1t has been
demonstrated that meat can be made
here for as low as p cents per pound.
and in the face of that fact there is no
earthly use for our people to make
their s~mokehouses with Cudahy, Ar
mou ct al. If one county kills nearly
1000, 900 pounds of meat there is every
reason why another similarly situated
should do the same. Several of them
have done this and others nearly as
we'll. When we quit sending such
enormous sums away for these necessi-
ties of life that "a be raised at home,
then our country will be self sustaining
and prepared to hold cotton for any old
price that may be determined upon.
The project for draining the Black
bayou district, in Washington county,
is assuming definite shape. A bill to
that effect is before the legislature and
will be considered before adjournment.
The district contains something about
$780, 900 acres and the estimated cost is
$50 900, or a little more than one dol
lar nor AGRA Tha land IN ha thus No.