Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

AGRICULTURE AND DAIRYING 469
of the market, and specific considerations are very many
with respect to the purchase and sale of dairy cattle, to which
I
shall direct my attention.
Demand for more economical production of dairy cattle
and dair>^ produce is emphatic. As farmers come to realize
the small margin upon which they have been running,
representing the value of product above cost of production,
they become eager for better stock. Whatever specific
method they pursue to acquire such stock, the element of
purchase is inevitably important.
To any individual the question therefore, is. How can I
buy the thing which I need to reinforce my herd ? The question
is not simple. His neighbor does not as a rule offer for
sale his best cattle. The time and effort involved in hunting
for stock are almost prohibitive. The opportunity for
careful estim.ate as to the value and adaptability to his particular
needs is meager and inadequate. The result is that
it is more difficult to-day to purchase stock safely than it is
to market it.
For the farmer who is patiently undertaking to build up
a herd, the proposition is hot so difficult. The careful purchase
of a sire,
is
coupled with intelligent selection of produce,
probably an adequate process.
For those, however, who are anxious to branch out into
more rapid or more aggressive breeding operations there is
a necessity for broader operations. As a result, there has
grown up in the dairy world the institution of public sales,
which will furnish a market for those who wish to buy and
those who wish to sell. On the face of it this appears to be
a simple and effective process, whereby the needs of all can
be accommodated. Deeper analysis, however, would teach,
and experience has clearly demonstrated, that the public
sale is good or bad according to its character.
If it is true that the public sale is a sound business idea,
as I believe it is true, the problem is then simplified, even
if not made easy, by concentrating attention upon the