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This newspaper page contains 24 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Muscatine Journal
Location
Muscatine, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Sep 15, 1908
Page
8
A West Virginia farmer argues against native blood theory for hogs. He details breeding from Poland China and Chester White lines to seven eighths and full bloods, noting hardiness, rapid fattening, and no disease losses over eight years. The piece recalls past hog cholera losses from native blood stock.
The picture shows a perfect Shetland pony owned by Simpson and Sons near Chicago Illinois valued at 1600 dollars. Farmers are urged to raise Shetlands with breeding mares available from 100 to 200 dollars and selling prices of 75 to 150 dollars at three years old. Shetlands require little upkeep and need only an open dry shed in winter.
Advice urges early feed buying and secure machinery before winter. It recommends contracting supplies, under-shed storage plus painting, pushing last pigs to early market, feeding wormy apples to stock with no leftovers next year, and keeping calves for baby beef if desired.
The article notes October through December bring egg shortages and rising prices due to hen molting and few early hatched pullets. It advocates careful use of condition powders and poultry foods, emphasizes feeding good grain, and recommends hatching pullets in March and April to start laying by fall. It also suggests molting hens resume laying in January, with February showing price declines as pullets and hens boost supply.
A Wisconsin guidance article explains avoiding bitter rancid milk by timely churning and cooling. It stresses sun drying pans, fine quality salt, thorough mixing, daily stirring of the cream pot, Skimming care to prevent white specks, and complete washing to remove buttermilk for butter that keeps well.
In Burt County Nebraska a stone jar buried near a spring yielded a four pound roll of butter after forty two years. The Decater family had stored it in a springhouse, the jar later breaking to reveal the butter still yellow and fairly sweet inside. The discovery confirms a long held local tale linking the butter to the original family and a quicksand bottom kept the jar intact.
Farmers face busy seasons with horses but winter brings inactivity. Lack of daily work weakens general vitality and muscles. Regular winter work keeps horses strong, even if only a few harness hours, or otherwise let them browse in a field to stay fit.
L W Page of the USDA Good Roads division argues earth roads will dominate for years. He notes they must be properly cared for to remain usable in nine months and urges rural districts to study best maintenance methods. An earth road should be exposed to sun and air to dry and strengthen soils.
The article advises mixing light feed with concentrated grain to aid digestion in hard-working horses and dampening dusty hay. It stresses the neglected importance of using a good broodmare, notes that diet should shift to bulkier foods with confinement, and says moderate exercise benefits mares in foal over stabling or freedom with others.
Prof D A Grumnitz of the Minnesota Experiment Station explains hogging off corn where hogs harvest standing corn by pulling stalks and eating the grain. He notes this method faded in older times due to perception of idleness and doubts about gains versus yard fed methods.
A historic guide explains drainage, shading, and soil layering for earth roads. It covers crown design, ditch management, tile drains, culvert slope, and material swaps like sand on clay to reduce mud. It emphasizes keeping water out of the center and using road machines for maintenance.
The corn and hog crop go hand in hand and hogs can derive much feed from grass. Avoid overfeeding grain though it is efficient. Healthy swine start with vigorous breeding stock and rely on pure air food and water. Disinfectants like sunbeams crude carbolic acid and lime help cleanliness in waterers. Regular cleaning and lime keep hog drinkers sanitary. Health and drugs do not replace good herd management.
A government drawing explains how a four horse evener can be used by only three horses. The evener construction is simple and can be made by any skilled blacksmith.
A reflective essay contrasts the idle man with public-spirited citizens and notes farm nuisances. It derides the scandal loving type as related to a tumble-bug, and argues home is more than meals and chores for the youth.
The article notes a shift to hogging corn in Illinois Iowa Kansas Nebraska and Oklahoma as a cheap feed. It reports lower cost per bushel with land rental and harvest timing plus experiments at Minnesota 1905 1906 showing field hogs learn quickly and gain faster than yard fed hogs while wasting less corn.
Breeding should focus on pure bred dairy or beef stock with sound constitutions. Do not breed vicious animals or those with inherited diseases. Use mature animals and avoid inbreeding except to fix desirable traits. Seek harmony in crosses and provide good care, food, and quiet conditions for all pregnant animals.
Conrad Miller warns against old hand corn planters and worn tools preferring seed testing, age mature pigs, and strong stock. He cautions against pasture alfalfa for cattle and stresses safe bull handling, plus replacing worn equipment even at higher current prices.
The author describes dairy farming habits and neighborly observations emphasizing patience with calves and livestock, bees as valuable workers, and the value of good manners over lawsuits. The piece reflects on humane treatment of animals, efficiency in farming, and the importance of understanding neighbors.
A moralizing piece extols smart farming over sheer strength, urging use of fertility, fair labor shares for women, neighborly cooperation, and honest parenting. It links practical farming practices with social responsibility and daily courtesy.
The piece argues that farm workers who study books and modern farming methods gain a better grip on their jobs and can justify higher standards. Reading books and attending institutes raises labor quality and motivates workers to learn, ensuring job security despite rising wages.
Professor J H Stewart of West Virginia Experiment Station argues high grade concentrated fertilizers save freight and handling costs from mine to soil. He urges calculating pounds of plant food per ton to compare prices and notes concentrated materials are more suitable for plant needs.
A new barn frame uses an all steel structure with heavy planks bolted on as a surface for roofing and siding, creating a sturdy alternative to traditional timber frames.
Advice on selecting bulbs from florists catalogs and ordering early. The Roman hyacinth offers holiday bloom for potting and outdoor use, while mixed hyacinths suit outdoor plantings and separate colors are affordable. Tulips are inexpensive, should be ordered in hundred, planted six inches apart and four inches deep with light manure, and indoor tulips need cool temps to avoid blast.
A diagram illustrates a nest arrangement that opens from the outside of the hen house. The design allows entry to the laying shed without entering the main building and includes a tight lid to keep nests dry in all weather conditions.
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