Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-11-22


ure 10 study the situation carefully i'm
posins upon themselves.
That the dairy business in this state
has been greatly neglected is evidenced
by the following statistics worked out
by Prof. J.~William Hart, in charge of
the college dairy extension work
Wisconsin has long been celebrated for
the output Of her dairy products. This
state is not so large or so populOus as
Georgia. yet Wisconsin has one COW
on every twenty-four acres OF land,
while Georgia has only one COW on
every ninety-three acres of land. For
each 100 persons I'm Wisconsin there
are GA COWS; for each 100 persons in
Georgia. 1876 cows. Wisconsin's COW in
vestment per individual is $26.14; Geor-
gia's investment per individual is S4.36
IL would require 1,299.342 cows to bring
Georgia up TO the standard OF wiscon-
sin in dairy production, and the value
OF these cows would be about 1914
S6f. Wisconsin enjoys no advantage fol-
the production of dairy products which
is not found in Georgia. In fact, the
climate is much milder here. the coun-
try is equally well watered. and pro-
duces a variety of forage and grazing
crops which are unexcelled elsewhere in
the civilized world. Bermuda grass
furnishes a rich and choice grazing
crop for several months of the year
and may easily be supplemented by the
use Of cereals and winter growing
legumes. The silo will preserve such
crops as sorghum and corn in the
choicest condition, and thus enable the
dairyman TO have succulent feed all the
year around at a moderate cost. Hay
may be produced from a great variety
OF crops. particularly the legumes. II
t. a.
which the dairy COW needs in large
quantities in her daily ration. The
state produces large quantities of cot
ton seed meal. which is one of the best
concentrates known for use with the
dairy COW. and in proportion TO the
food constituents contained is cheaper
than any other foodstuf which the
dairyman can purchase.
A mild climate. a large consuming
market and high prices for dairy prod
ucts throughout the length and breadth
OF Georgia. Why should our farmers
continue to neglect a business Of such
promise, and which, properly directed.
will enable them to restore their worm
out lands to a higher state OF produc-
tiveness than when they were first
brought under cultivation by our fore
fathers more than 200 years ago. 1t
must be that the facts relative to this
business art not known and appreciated
as they should be. Let us forget about
cotton for a little while and devote our
energies to lines of animal industry,
which offers larger and more substan-
tial results. BY so doing, the price
Of cotton will take care of itself. The
acreage of this crop can be greatly re-
duced and still larger output Of fiber
obtained than at the present time, for
- IL.
devoted to cotton and utilize the land
for the maintenance of dairy cows,
enough surplus manure will be obtained
tn 50 enrich the land devoted to cotton
that the yield will be materially in
creased.
Georgia should double her dairy In
terests within two years. This can cas-
lily be done. Opportunities are now af-
forded to the young men Of the state TO
secure the necessary training and infor-
nation through the agency Of the State
College of Agriculture. No fees are
charged for courses of this character
Every encouragement is being afforded
by the state and the institution to young
men who desire to specialize along this
line Now that a campaign for the
eradication Of the cattle tick is being
successfully waged in a number Of coun-
ties, the time is at hand when pure-bred
sires may be brought in and maintained
with safety on many fans This will
enable the farmer to take the native
cows and grade them up rapidly, and
so develop highly profitable strains of
dairy animals. The outlook for the fu-
ture is most encouraging. What is
needed now is a revival along this line
and If proportion of the young men who
expect to specialize along agricultural
lines viii equip themselves by education
and, training for this line OF work, the
state viii soon be in a position not only
to produce the supplies of butter and
other dairy products needed for home
consumption. but 70 ship a considerable
proportion to people of less fortunately
situated commemorative.