Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-09

turning loss into profit. eliminating
to a large degree the unsatisfactory
labor question, also the big question
| of where the cash is coming from to
purchase the necessary foods, tools
and other supplies.
| s"Sheep should replace thousands OF
1 low-producing, money losing, board
err cows" continues Mr.. Crawford.
"This would relieve high producers
and get for their owners much near
er the cost of production than at
present. Sheep, because their re-
| quirements for grain and all other
farms, will make those located long
distance from the market more pro-
fitable by eliminating the heavy
| overhead in transporting products
and supplies to and from the market.
leaving farmers free to do much
work now being done by hired help.
| present economic conditions are
not the result of rapid overnight
changes, but have been coming grad
some of the leading agriculturists
have repeatedly given sufficient
:. warnings, most farmers have con-
tented themselves with the idea that
| the present conditions would adjust
/ themselves as in the past, and have
made no attempt to prepare for con-
ditions now existing.
TN this period Of adjustment. 1t
Is neither desirable nor advisable to
completely eliminate any one branch
of farming unless such is found to
be necessary because of location or
of soil or climatic condition-fea-
lures which in many instances have
not received much consideration in
the past and which have caused
| many disappointments and money
| losses.
Balancing the farm program. ac-
cording to the present conditions,
together with location in regard to
markets and the actual needs of con-
sumers, is the only safe and sound
solution of the present difficulty.
knowledge of sheep husbandry
should begin with from ten to TWEEN
ty-five sheep, being especially care
ful, in selecting good, healthy ewes,
of q breed that is pleasing to the eye
and possible of high production in
both wool and lambs. While sheep
require relatively small amount of
care, yet the old idea that they will
thrive on weeds and waste that no
other animal will eat, is filled with
danger and is sure Of loss when prac-
tiSed
1.-THE present low production Of
both lambs ara wool is entirely need
less and anyone who is satisfied with
the present average production of 6R
pounds of wool and Is per cent. of
lambs grown to maturity can never
succeed. Production Of both wool
and lambs can be increased subs
stantially by more careful selection
of breeding ewes and rams which
possess the desired qualities.
Farmers who use purebred rams
are getting more satisfactory results
in both wool and lambs, and consid-
cradle time is used in encouraging
sheep men to purchase more of them.
Each year lists of those having
blooded rams to sell and those wish
ing to buy are kept and have proven
OF great assistance to those who are
unable to leave their farms to pur-
chase. Complete details are obtain
ed so that a satisfactory description
can be furnished purchasers, result
ing in many satisfactory sales. This
line of work is being enlarged and
is worthy of all the labor and eX-
pense necessary.
"As secretary of the Maine Sheep
and Wool Growers Association it
gives me much pleasure to report a
steady, healthy growth in member
ship, as we'll as in the volume of bus
mess which is satisfactory to the
management and members.
During the seasons of 1922 and
1923 we received from the members
128,404 pounds of wool, a part of
which was sold as grease wool, and
the balance manufactured into suit
ings, bed blankets, shirts, pants
yarns, sweaters, etc, which were sold
| TINS
possible for them to purchase pure,
native, virgin wool garments at low
prices, and at the same time return
ing to the producer an increased
price for his wool.
ut is interesting to report that
large per cent. of the finished goods
is shipped to customers out of the
State and this is creating a growing
demand.
1.-THE net gain in price to the mem
bers, over the price paid by the local
buyers for the years 1922 and 1923
was $15,393.74.
1.-The amount Of wool received. and
on hand, for this season of 1924, is
60,922 pounds. Due to an unSatiS
factory wool market, none of this
seasons wool has been sold, but
plans are being made to have manu-
featured a sufficient amount to fill
the needs of our customers. At pres
ent the wool market Is more steady
and with better demand for wool
Prices will doubtless find a more sat
isfactory level in a few weeks when
all surplus wool will be sold.
'In view of the fact that the Maine
Sheep & Wool Growers Association
has grown in membership as we'll as
financially each year, while hundreds
of other cooperative marketing Or
CARNATIONS have been forced to quit,
I feel that the work merits the sup
port, both morally and financially, of
everyone interested in one of Names
profitable industries.
More and better sheep will make
more profits and more contented.
prosperous families on Maine FARMS"