The Ward County independent., 1922-12-28

more years, and the very best bulls
can be secured. Bulls of outstanding
merit are preserved for their full per-
iod Of usefulness.
In 1908 there were three bull as
sociations in the United States, now
there are 100. The average number
of farmers to an association is 40,
owning bulls and 235 COWS. A small
but increasing percent Of the cows are
pure bred. Thus far bull associations
! have been most popular among farm
ers with small herds. But exacting
breeders of means who search the
continent for the most desirable bulls
are seeing the practica bility Of such
| organizations and are forming and
joining them. When the value of bulls
of real merit, as demonstrated by the
proc quction of their daughters, be-
comes more generally appreciated,
bull associations will increase in num-
bers rapidly.
In the bull association small serv-
ice fee is charged at the time Of scrv-
ice. This provides funds to compen-
safe the bull keeper for the feed and
care of the bull, and for keeping a
record Of breeding.
Breeding Circuit Associations
Now let us see how the breeding
circuit association combines the good
features of calf club, cow-testing
association and bull association in Il
real man-sized dairy hcrd-improve-
ment organization.
In the breeding circuit association
each member must own at least one
registered female of the chosen dairy
brood N Col
number was placed at two. In a few
feature is similar to that of a calf
club.
Every member of a breeding circuit
agrees to keep Il record of the produc-
ton and feeding of each cow regard
less Of breed. This is similar to the
cow-testing rules.
Each member agrees to use regis
tered bull, and not to sell pure bred
females (eNcepting culls) until his en-
tire herd is pure bred and registered
The New Salem circuit does not pro-
vide for cooperative ownership of
bulls. 1t is easy to understand how
ever, chat with the advancement of the
percentage Of pure-bred females there
was growing demand for bulls from
ancestors with large producing rec
ords. These being higher in price,
there was naturally joining in own
ership. There was also demand for
service from such bulls and therefore
an exchange Of sircs, as in the bull as
sociation
The Superintendent
The salary of the New Salem cir
cult superintendent was originally
paid by the N. d. Agricultural College
and the U. S. Department of Agricul-
ture cooperating. In 1917 the U. S.
Department withdrew it's financial
support, since which time the circuit
members have borne that portion.
Eventually they will and should bear
the entire expense since the circuit
has demonstrated it's commercial prac-
ticability. For some years they have
levied a sales tax which fund has been
used for advertising.
No feature Of any livestock inn
provement organization is of greater
Importance than the employment of a
competent and energetic superintend-
ent. 1t is also important that they
have some supervision from reliable
livestock extension workers. Data of
production should be reliable regard
less Of breed, feed or breeder. All
dairy herd improvement finds its base
on records of production. Unless
properly supervised and conducted,
records are soon discrcdited, interest
sparks indifferently and the organiza-
tion ceases to function