The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-10

George c. Bowman, president of Sey-
mour Packing company of Topeka,
who spoke to the agricultural con-
yention today.
| A producer of cattle and hogs re-
ported a short time ago that farmers
were selling off their flocks of poultry
closer than in years past, the high
prices of feed making poultry raising
improbable.
No Account of Poultry
| 1t would appear that the farmers
generally keep no accurate account
of the poultry and eggs produced each
year, the amount of feed consumed
and the actual return thru the market
ing of these products, including the
quantity consumed by the family. If
| actual record were kept and they
prove that three to four hundred hens
| on each farm showed a loss at 1917
market prices, these products will
have to advance in price or the pro-
/ duction of poultry will continue to de-
crease.
1 am inclined to believe the farmer
/ spends proportionately more of his
time and energy in connection with his
crops, cattle and hog raising for the
reason that when he sells a load of
| hcgS or a number of cattle at present
| market prices, he has a large check
to deposit in the bank, whereas when
he takes a basket of eggs or a coop of
poultry to town, it goes for groceries
or other commodities used by the fam
lily. 1t is generally understood the
chickens belong to the housewife: if
this is true, she is doing large share
toward supporting the family, consid-
| ering she takes care of the chickens
in addition to her household duties
Four-Month Ban on Hen Sale
From reliable information obtained not
only from Kansas but turnout the entire
country as well, deduction is certain.
/. e., that of a present shortage of hens
and with this fact in view, what is going
to be the outcome? 1t goes without saying
needed but how TO accomplish it is anothpr
question. A few suggestions along this line
1q qn OF the press, some government off
Gals have recommended that no hens be
marketed 1ari5 during the months of March and
January and February and also since MANY
birds are sold at this time due to the fact
that they are not producing but consuming
The farmer, thru the telephone and rural
mail service: is kept well posted as to
market condition: During last spring and
Information that the stocks of poultry in
storage were heavier than usual, partially
brought about through no export business
on account of submarine warfare causing
low prices to prevail relative to cost of pro-
him. he probably considered it was better
to sell his eggs at the then prevailing high
prices, than to produce more poultry.
! Cost of Feed and Labor
Another reason the farmer advances for
the disposal of his poultry is that he is
short of labor to produce crops and feede
| to purchase. During the period of hard
/ times in Kansas twenty to thirty years
ago., crops were, small and prices were
smaller: 1t was the Kansas hen which kept
starvation from the farmers door If a
survey is made today showing the ratio
/ of the present cost of feed with reference
to the price he is able to demand for poul-
try and eggs as compared with the same
figures during the hard times just men,
in fav-n Of fI1n
present situation. 1t chen behooves every
producer of poultry to hold fast to all the
necessary, sacrifice along some other line
rather than diminish his flock
i Take Care of the Hen.
The condition confronting US now sim
hens produce greater output. If this
added duty is placed upon the generally
both as to feed and housing conditions in
order that she may be physically fit to line
up to her share of the agreement.
Now, unless the producer can be con-
WINGED that he must follow better methods
as to care, Improvement in breeding, etc.
then the outlook for a recuperation of
stocks is far from encouraging.
The Matching of poultry in Kansas after
July 1, was very limited. compared with
the previous year. Records of poultry
packers turnout the state without question
October and November than in 1916.
Fertile and Tnfertile Eggs.
; Is it possible this condition is partly ac-
counted for thru the production, of infertile
eggs? The campaign in '.Swatting the
Rooster and the production of infertile
eggs for market during the summer
months, is a step in the right direction so
far as the quality of eggs alone is con-
cerned, out the question is what effect is
it having on poultry production? When it
, is possible, why not recommend to the
farmer that he be so equipped that he
may produce both fertile and infertile eggs
the fertile eggs for pro 1uction and the in
fertile egg for market
Census of Poultry.
A well regulated and organized business
| endeavors, as far as IS possible and consist
emit, to keep posted thru proper channels
as to the volume of business transacted
, each year or at intervals thereof. Also
| the amount of stocks on hand at certain
definite periods In this manner, it is
| possible to determine whether stocks are
increasing decreasing. The state of Kan
sas thru its department of agriculture has
figures which show the number of bushels
, of grain produced, also the ntHnber Of
: head of cattle. horses. hogs. etc. ths