Imperial Valley press., 1913-09-17

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rotation is becoming more pronounced
and corn fits into this scheme better
than most other crops.
Some improvement is needed in our
methods, in order to meet the market
requirements, but the great problem
with hogs, as well as with other
branches of livestock rasiing, is based
almost entirely upon the raising Of
better stock, for that means more
money to the grower, and as con-
sequence, more growers.
The packing-house requirements
would also be met with better bred
stock, and instead of consuming twice
the amount of pork we consume, our
production would be built up to the
states demand. Oregon needed more
hogs and so does California.
With the vast development of If
rigable lands, dairying has grown
faster in recent years than any other
branch Of the livestock industry. No
where are natural conditions so fay
orable for the mich cow as in tie
state, and in face of adverse pub
licity it seems remarkable that so
much has been accomplished.
1t is due to the enlargement of this
enterprise that $32,0O0,000 was dis
bursed to California farmers last year
and that there were $1,5OO,OOO mich
cows with total valuation of over
$42,000,00O, at the beginning of the
year 1913. These figures denote that
dairying is one Of our most promis
ing resources, especially since neither
our markets nor available lands have
as yet been anywhere near developed.
Our butter and cheese production
are still insufficient to supply the de-
mand. the latter shortage being more
pronounced. While we import some
butter, the export business is annually
increasing and new markets are being
opened. -
AS a breeding center for pure-bred
dairy cattle, every indication now
points to this state as being leader,
and no other country offers better
facilities for that branch Of the in
dustry.
At present the average butter-far
production per COW is figured about
$50 pounds per year, due largely to
the poor grade of mich cows used.
By having the greatest of cheap
foods, alfalfa, and through the use of
we'll bred sires, the future dairyman
will very likely increase this average
production considerably and will also
hold out inducements for the above
mentioned multitudes who can by
dairying realize speedy and substan-
tial returns.
In the above several factors have
been pointed out, with the object Of
showing that our problem, like Ore
CONS is large one, and that an or
ganized effort is needed, not only for
the future welfare of the stock in
terest, but for the entire state rs
well.
Our immigration methods no doubt
need adjusting, for the need of more
farmers who will raise more livestock
is evident at this time At present
steps should be taken by every stock
man in the state to start an educa
tional campaign showing if necessary
bankers, politicians, promotion soc:c-
ties, newspapers, and others what the
livestock condition is today and should
be in the future.
AS the stockyards manager found
that those most vitally interested
mbst be aroused before any wide
spread interest could be hoped for, It
would seem that breeders themselves
must be awakened to the opportuni-
ties presented,
No other class of stockmen are
more interested in developing the in
dustry than pure-bred stockmen, and
during the coming week the state far
will be headquarters for most of them
A general discussion at this time Of
what is most needed and how best to
obtain it might be satisfactorily
worked out, and is surely worth the
effort.
California's livestock growth is too
far advanced to stop where it is at
present: resting simply for the want
Of organization and publicity Speak
ing of publicity, which means recog-
milton, the fact that each year thou
sands of dollars worth of pure-bred
stock passes through California from
the east for foreign shipments indi-
Gates that as a. state California is not
recognized along stock lines.
1t is to be hoped that stockmen here
will see the railroad presidents logic
when he said: "You are on the wrong