Weekly journal-miner., 1915-03-10
MORE HOGS ARE
 NEEDED FOR ARIZONA

TUCSON, March A. - Arizona is short on hogs. Only one state in the Union has a smaller number. The last census gave us a total of l7,2uS in the state. Since then the numbers have increased to about 25,000 ani- mals, but this Is entirely out of pro- portion Of the place hogs merit in the agriculture of the state, states Dr. K. H. Williams, Animal Husband man of the University of Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station. Hogs are especially adapted to many systems of farming througout Ari- zona They thrive especially well and are profitable on irrigated farms where alfalfa. barley, milo maize, skinned milk and other foods are abundant. Large numbers of pigs may be grown on a small acreage. On one particular farm the owner main tains as many as 700 on 40 acres of alfalfa. They are easily cared for and no other kind of livestock may be turned into money in as short time and make as large returns.
 It is hard to find a reason why more hogs are not grown in Arizona, for we have abundant proof that the conditions of climate, soil, crops and markets obtaining here are especial ly favorable for their production. Diseases are not as bad here as in Al, 1o1+ oil fhaf 5c ed is that the farmers get interested in hog production. In some parts of the state hogs do well on range alone. The sows are farrowed some time in June and July when the rainy sea son commences. By the time the acorns fall in July and August, the small pigs are large enough to secure considerable feed from this source. | Farmers have told me that their pigs will take care of themselves entirely without any feed, and dress about 75 pounds when seven to 10 months old. Such semi-wild pigs scent dead cat tie as far as a coyote and make i splendid gains on the carcass. This is not a good way of managing pigs, but it is interesting to hear such re- ports.
 Those interested in beginning with a small number of pigs should exercise great care to select only the largest smoothest sows that make the best mothers. Farmers who have no pigs and wish to stock up should select a few females and gradually increase the number of the herd by keeping the best sows. It would be wise in making purchases to select animals I from a first class herd that has been carefully managed for many years. These old breeders have better stock than can be found by going to a neighbor and buying SOW" It will also be possible to look over the an cestors of the animals selected and make care that they are of the cor rect type and quality.
 Farmers who undertake to increase their hog supplies need have no fear of finding a market. Recently cer- tain man i'll the state advertised a number of bred sows for sale. He was immediately besieged with peo- pie anxious to buy, and in a few days over 30 prospective buyers ap- peared at his place and offered ex- traordinary prices. Another man said: T am an old man now, but ii I were ten years younger l would start in the hog business for there is more money to be made out of hogs than any other way of farming in the Salt River Valley" This indicates that the Arizona farmers are begin ming to realize that the future for hog production is assured and want to take part in the profitable busi- ness.