The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1920-03-04
FEEDING CATTLE IN SOUTH
IDAHO
(By E. F. Rinehart, Field Animal
Husbandman, Extension Division
University of Idaho.)

The statement that the most sur
prising thing in southern Idaho is
that stock raising and farming are
looked upon as two distinct and sep
arate industries was recently made.
The most striking example of this is
rhe fact that many train loads of
feeder cattle and sheep are moved to
the eastern markets and soon great
train loads of baled hay are billed TO
the same points. When once the live
stock leaves the country, the demand
for hay is lessened so that it is nee
essary to ship out. The marketing
of both hay and stock has been a diff
ficult problem and. various methods
have been tried to secure price that
would enable both to be raised at
profit. The fact remains, however,
that the paying of freight on both
commodities is an expensive PROPOSE
ton.
During the winter of 1918-1919,
considerable stock was finished for
market. Inquiries for suitable feed
ing methods for this winter have been
more numerous than ever before,
hence, it is believed that the solution
of the marketing problem is in sight.
Last winter, cooperative records
were kept with II southern Idaho
feeders who fed total of 984 head of
steers. Three different systems were
used, one in which alfalfa alone was
fed, one in which the ration was alfal-
ia hay and corn silage, and the third,
alfalfa hay and the by-products of the
sugar-beet industry. The results Sc
cured last year showed that under
proper conditions, any one of these
methods is profitable.
So many factors enter into the
feeding problems that it is difficult to
outline a system that works in all
cases. The elements that enter into
the question of profit and loss are
The man who will profit
is the one who likes the work and
takes a pleasure in seeing the cattle
and in thriving condi-
ton. Muddy yards and exposure to
cold winds, failure to provide good
water and irregular feeding are not
conducive of success.
In the first place, perhaps it is not |
as important to secure cattle of a |
certain type or that the feeders reach
a certain standard, as that they be
we'll bought The greatest losses oc-
,ur not in feeding poor types of cat
lie but in purchasing these at the
price of good ones. There is money
o be made in feeding any kind of
,attle, providing they are bought
light; however, any error at this time
will be unsurmountable. In a period
# drouth, the cattle may be so thin
hat after long feeding period they
lave reached the stage where they
would be classified as good feeders
III tlC OtuCI LHC
ange has been good and the cattle in
air shape when they went into the
eeding lot, they will be ready for
market in comparatively short time.
'ype is also important.
For putting gain on cattle there is
choice of variety of feeds, but
he basis for southern Idaho feeding
aust be alfalfa hay. In many cases,
his forms the entire ration yet there
re certain principles which should
OF be overlooked. If there is to be
o waste, the ration must be balanc-
d-that is, have the proper amount
t the different elements that are es-
entail to the welfare Of the cattle,
therwise there will be some waste.