Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1876 [PAGE 202]

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202

I make the following estimate for the balance of the year, to be sold a n d collected : Two cars cattle now ready $2,000 00* Hogs, ($100now received) 150 00 Hay 200 00> Corn 200 00 Note for short-horn bull 150 0O Other sales and receipts 200 00 Total estimated receipts Ordinary expenses 3 months, $400 per month For purchase of stock cattle Estimated balance, 3 months There was a balance due the farm Dec. 1, of Accumulated balance in 9 months Estimated balance for next 3 months Total estimated and found balance $2,900 00 $1,200 00 500 00 1,200 00 $2,900 00 $317 76 1,050 45 1,200 V0 $2,568 21

I think the profits of the year will be something near this amount, perhaps less. This is something less than has been made for the past two years. While crops are equally as good, the depreciation in prices since one year ago will make the difference. By the system of taking inventories at the close of the year, that has been practiced on the farms, any rise or fall in prices of farm products, will show doubly in the returns of the year. Thus, there has been a large falling off in the price of cattle, hay, wheat, etc., and having a stock on hand at the beginning of the year, we lose on that as well as the present crop. I ask leave to invest the $500, mentioned above in stock cattle, and also that measures be taken to procure a young short-horn bull to take the place of the one recently sold, as well as a shorthorn cow or heifer, that I think was promised a year or so ago. In my estimation, at no distant day measures?should be taken to establish a dairy and make butter on the farm as a means of revenue, as well as to set off the farm to advantage. We can raise good hogs, cattle and corn, but no better than our neighbors. I believe with a good milk house and other accommodations, we could demonsttate what I believe to be a fact: that this country cannot be excelled anywhere as a dairy country, and would be willing to go still further and attempt to show that short-horn cows or short-horn grades, when reared for the purpose, make the best general-purpose dairy cows in the world. While I am not prepared to recommend such a course more unqualifiedly, I make the suggestion for your consideration. E. L. LAWRENCE, Head Farmer.