Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1921-04-08
Farmers Forum
Purebred Cattle in Minority

Data gathered to date by the Agri-
cultural Extension Service OF the Uni
versty of Vermont and State Agricul-
tural College in the course of a survey
of the dairy cattle of the State under
the direction of the Extension Special
list in Darying show that OF a total
of ll7045 cattle on the farms survey
ed only per cent are registered pure
breds. 33 per cent are grades, while go
per cent are common or scrub stock.
Some indication of what may be ex-
pected in the future is given by the
proportion of pure-bred, grade and
common ANIMALS among the bulls that
are being kept for breeding purposes,
the percentage being 81 per cent pure
bred, % per cent grade and as per cent
common stock.
In these figures there lies challenge
of Vermont agriculture. Apparently
only one-third OF Vermont's farmers
have realized the opportunity for herd
improvement which a pure bred sire
represents and are making a real at
tempt to increase the efficiency of their
herds. Nearly one half do not even
put grade sire at the head OF their
herds.
Those who are giving the matter in
telligent attention are building their
herds up to a more profitable level
Those who will not are being slowly
but surely forced from the field.
The breeding of better cattle is
very important problem now facing the
dairymen of Vermont says John A.
Hitchcock, Dairy Specialist of the Agri-
cultural Extension Service Of the Uni
versity of Vermont A decrease in the
cost of making milk is of as much val
lie to the farmer as is an increase in
price There is a wide difference in the
ability of different COWS to produce
milk economically, and experience has
shown that the high producing COW is
invariably the one that is the most
economical Thus the culling out Of
poor COWS and the careful selection of
the sire at the head of the herd in
order to improve the quality of the
stock he is raising has a very important
bearing on the financial success or
failure of the farm business. To own
the best bull that it is possible to
secure should be the aim OF every
dairyman in the state.
Educational Butter Scoring
The first of the scorings for this year
will be held at the Lamoille Valley
Creamery, East Hardw.ck, Vermont, !
on April A.
All entries should be sent by prepaid |
parcel post or express to arrive at East
Hardwick not later than Wednesday, |
April H. Those who will attend the
personally may bring their en-
tries with them if they prefer Address |
all entries of butter and all entry /
blanks to Educational Butter Scoring,
Valley Creamery, East Hard
wick Vermont
1t is expected that a Boston dealer
will be present and act as one OF the
Judges.
Ration for Dairy Cows for April
Based on current quotations March
% the following ration for dairy cows
is suggested by Professor Ellenberger
of the State College of Agriculture at
Burlington, Vermont. The approx
mate cost, sacks included, in mixed
carloads f. o. b. Boston freight rate
points is also given. 300 lbs. hominy
feed or corn meal $685. 200 lbs. ground
oats 1884; 300 lbs. cottonseed meal
$3.50; 100 lbs. linseed oil meal S24l
POO lbs. wheat mddlings S3.4l and 100
lbs. gluten feed S23S
The composition of this ration is
PIG per cent protein, &C per cent fat
and rs per cent crude fiber 1900 lbs.
cost S2293, 100 lbs. Sl9l or one ton
S3S2n