The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1915-08-06

prepared by the United States Depart
ment OF Agriculture,)
Fifty head of Shorthorn bulls to be
used in improving native stock we're
recently sold at public auction at Ashe.
vile, N. c., bringing an average of
SIPS each. The sale was held by the
American Shorthorn Breeders asso-
citation, as q result of the effort Of
the bureau of animal industry of the
United States department of agricul-
ture in cooperation with the Office Of
farmers cooperative demonstration
work and the North Carolina expert
ment station. The prices received
for the bulls were satisfactory both
to those holding the sale and to the
farmers purchasing the animals. About
one-half of the bulls were purchased
comparatively.
representative of the Shorthorn
association selected the bulls in Mis-
souri,, the animals ranging in age
from ten months to two years. Each
bull was guaranteed by the associa-
ton to be breeder and as represent
ed. The entire lot of animals was
on exhibition to the public two
days previous to the sale. Hun
dreds of farmers at this time looked
the animals over. and discussed
them with the representatives Of the
federal department of agriculture and
demonstration agents.
In one case six farmers purchased
one bull for their joint use. Each of
them was farmer who did not feel
he could afford to purchase a high or
even moderate priced bull for the
few cows he owned; hut securing the
use Of a good bull for one-sixth Of
the purchase price appealed as an
excellent investment. In other cases
fewer farmers dubbed together to
purchase a bull which suited them.
Other bulls were purchased by indi-
vidual farmers who intend standing
them at public service.
In most cases where communities
purchased sire comparatively the
bull is to be cared for and managed
by one Of the purchasers. The cost Of
keeping the bull will, be prorated
among the Joint owners. In other In
stances the ;:eeper of the sire Is to
retain q part of all OF the service fee,
depending upon the amount of service
rendered. Where bulls are owned by
an individual and stood at public sery.
Ice in the community a straight serv-
ice fee will be charged.
Since January 1. 1915. several Of
the counties of the state have organ
lied beef cattle breeders associations.
In other counties local clubs and as
sociations have been formed, advocat-
ing the exclusive use OF purebred bulls
of one o. the beef breeds. Where the
capital was lacking to purchase the
necessary sires for community. by
advancing the necessary money the 10
cal banks rendered Invaluable service
TO their people.
The adoption of one breed Of cattle
by county or section OF a state and
the cooperative purchasing and own
ership OF bulls are two OF the principal
factors which are being urged upon
the people by the United States de-
partment Of agriculture In the beef
cattle extension work which is being
conducted in cooperation with the va
rious state agricultural colleges. This
sale was a result of such work and
proved to be realization Of the plan
which was outlined.
Everything considered. the sale was
successful It enabled the farmers
to inspect and purchase the cattle at
their own price without the additional
expense OF travelling to the breeders
herd. The sale had tendency to
standardize and advertise the breeds
in the section where II was held. and
three times as many purebred bulls
are now owned as there would have
been II the farmers had been forced to
70 to the breeders herds to purchase
the animals. Other public sales are
contemplated In the near future.
Grasses for Permanent Southern Pas
lures.
The best summer gross for pastures
In the South il unQuestionably Bermu-
de- grass, and this should be made the
basis for pasture mixtures on all soils
except the very light sands. On rich
loans the yield Of four tons to the
acre is sometimes obtained, and al
though In the uplands the yield is not
so high, II is nevertheless sufficient
for grazing purposes. Bermuda grass
Il, however, better suited than any
pther known plant for remedying the
effects Of erosion.
Lands may be set with Bermuda
grass either By seeding or BY planting