Smyrna times., 1955-12-29

4
ter usage of operator and hired
labor, and a well-plannned crop
ping program are some of the
ways farmers can reduce costs
and increase sales in 1856.
Some dairymen may be able to
improve their incomes by chang
ing to a better market. Milk pro-
duced for manufacture again this
year will sell at very low prices.
Farmers producing for manufac-
ture may find it to their advant-
age to make the changes neces-
sary to sell to fluid milk mar
ket. Other farmers already SELL
ing to a fluid market may be able
to change to a market where a
larger part of their production is
used as Glass 1, bottled milk.
In recent years the dairy indus
try has embarked on an all-out
campaign to increase the use of
dairy products. Although it is too
early to evaluate the effects of
these efforts, some data are avail
able. With lowering of price sup
port levels and the relaxation of
some market restrictions, the
price of some dairy products to
consumers has been lowered
slightly. In 1855 retail prices of
milk were about 5 percent lower
and were accompanied by about
one-pound per capita increase in
use of milk. Retail prices of but
ter were about 10 percent below
that of 1858 and butter consump-
tion is UP about Z percent. Cheese
consumption has not changed
much in the last 2 years. The
use of cream, ice cream, and
milk fat in total is down and this
trend is likely to continue. Total
use of milk in all farms increased
from 674 pounds per person in
1858 to 6S2 pounds in 1855. Fur
ther increases in the consumption
of fluid milk are likely to be off
set by declines in use of milk fat.
1t would appear that the demand
for dairy products can be met ad-
equately for several years through
expected increases in production
per cow without any sizable in
crease in COW numbers
Poultry
Broiler production in Delaware
and for the nation will increase
again in 1856. Prices for broilers
are likely to average somewhat
below the favorable prices receiv-
ed during much of 1855. From the
present rate of placements it
would appear that the low prices
will be in the first half of 1856
with prices to broiler growers
working upward in the second
half of the year. Production costs
of both feed and chicks will be
lower but not enough to offset the
lower farm price. Profit margins
will be narrow.
Growers that have demonstrat-
ed their superior ability as effic-
lent operators and low cost pro-
ducers will continue to find broil-
ers good use of their labor, tai
ents, and capital in the year
ahead. Producers that usually ex-
perience production costs above
those of their neighbors may find
broiler growing to be disap-
pointing adventure in 1856.
With the possibility of smaller
profits from broiIers in the year
ahead, it is a good idea to invest
igate opportunities to improve
your flock management and fprth-
er reduce production costs. Some
growers may find it to their ad-
vantage to change their financing
arrangement as profit margin mar
rows. Others may find the op-
portunities in other farm enter
prises or in non-farm employment
to be as attractive as broiler
growing.
Egg production over the years
has established itself into a rather
definite 2-year cycle. In 1855
about Is percent fewer flock re-
placements were started due to
the unfavorable egg price of 1854
and early IS. AS result, egg
prices this winter and spring will
be favorable particularly with
feed prices down. In response to
this good egg price, poultrymen
that had the housing space have
held onto their old hens. These
hens will gradually move out as
they go out of production, but it
appears that enough summer and
fall Matched pullets are available
to keep production at or slightly
above present levels. Spring