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The Animal Industry of the
South--Past, Present, Future

fe ie t Aw ce C
By Dr. W, H: Dalrymple
Professor of Veterinary Science, Louisiana State
University and A. & M: College

An Address Presented at the
Cut-Over Land Conference of the
April 11, 12, 13, 1917, New Orleans, La.
e Nee O pris “a

‘ The Animal Industry of the

South—Past, Present and

Future
By Dr. W.-H. Dalrymple

Professor of Veterinary Science, Louisiana State
University and A. & M. College

As regards the past of animal industry in the South, I do
not believe it would aid us much at this time to dwell to any
extent on the conditions that are behind us, unless it should be
to utilize our remembrance of them, along with what we know
of the present, to help us build more solidly for the future.

There is one thought, however, which appeals to me very
strongly, viz., that if we expect to make the most out of our
ereat agricultural and live stock possibilities in the future we
will have to consider and treat them in a much more serious
manner than has been the case in the past, or as some seem to
view them even at the present time.

Or, to quote a recent remark made by a prominent British
agriculturist, as he views matters at the present time in that
country, and which, in some degree at least, may apply to us,
viz., “We can play with politics, with industry, with law, and
even with the consuming fires of civilized (?) warfare, but if we
value the future of our country, and of our race, we cannot any
longer afford to play with agriculture.”

The great cattle ranges of the West are rapidly being placed
under cultivation to meet the demands of an ever-increasing pop-
ulation, both natural and through immigration, and which may
be largely added to after the world is again at peace, who have
to be provided with occupations, and whose stomachs have to be
filled. In fact, one of the greatest economic problems confront-

Stop Playing
With Agricul-
ture

World De-
mands More
Food

The South as
the Nation’s
Hope

ing us at the present moment is, how to increase the producing
capacity of our soils, and extend our cultivable areas to the ut-
most, even to our home gardens and backyards, not only to keep
pace with our present-day requirements under normal conditions,
but to meet a most abnormal state occasioned by our participa-
tion in a world’s conflict. The call for the highest standard of
efficiency in the production and conservation of food does not
come only to the American farmer, but the cry today comes
from everywhere, for the mobilization of the world’s agricultural
resources, so that the people of different continents may not
suffer for lack of the necessities of life.

For some time, however, we have been brought face to face
with the problem of the high cost of living, even before the pres-
ent international crisis became so acute, and we have heard of
many attempts, theoretical and otherwise, to reach an intelligent
solution. Might we not, with appropriateness, ask ourselves the
question: If agricultural conditions in the South had, all of
these years, been in keeping with her possibilities, in the pro-
duction of the daily necessities of our people, in the matter of
food supplies, both animal and vegetable, would conditions, as
we find them today, have been likely, even with the world in a
state of war? Iam inclined to think not!

I believe, however, that the South will, before many decades
have passed, be the great stock-raising section of the country,
more particularly the meat-producing animals, and will, after we
stop “playing with agriculture,” be able to furnish both food for
our people and enough, and to spare, of the feed crops necessary
to develop and maintain a largely increased animal population.
In short, it is our belief that, ultimately, the South will have to
come to the rescue in preventing the risk of any serious break
in the equilibrium of our food supply, should that ever occur;
and I also believe that she will be fully equal to the occasion.

Up to the present, however, and in a general way, our
Southern country has not even approached the point of maximum
production, either in food crops, or in the number or quality of
our live stock, to be able to successfully compete with other
more advanced sections in the great metropolitan markets. And
even if she had, especially in her cattle production, there are
considerable areas from which her animals would be excluded
from such markets because of Federal restrictions imposed on

4

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account of the presence of that most expensive pest, the cattle
tick.

It is gratifying to know, however, that total extermination
of this parasite is a question of only a few more years of co-
operative effort; and its accomplishment lies at the very foun-
dation of our general agricultural prosperity in the future.

True, the cattle tick has militated very seriously against our
progress in the production of improved cattle; but our chief ob-
struction, which I believe is now generally conceded, has been
our almost universal system of single-cropping.

Doubtless, and on account of the world-wide need for cot-
ton, this system has, temporarily if you will, brought large re-
turns to our people.

But, under such a system, in which every other necessity of
the farm and home has had to be purchased and paid for out of
those returns, has the fertility of our soils been increased; has
it increased their power to produce, or otherwise enhanced their
value? I think not!

On the other hand, had our general farming system been
more along the lines of diversification and crop rotation, includ-
ing cotton, necessarily, and, of course, live stock, and with in-
telligent fertilization, with increased yields of both cash crops
and those for consumption by our farm animals, and with a suf-
ficiency of the latter crops to bring to prime market condition
the meat-producing animals, such as cattle, sheep and hogs, and
through them to market the farm feeds and forages at enhanced
values, conditions might have assumed a very different aspect.
In short, had such conditions prevailed, these many years, and
with the South on equal footing with other sections of the coun-
try, with reference to our great markets, is it reasonable to pre-
sume, even under present abnormal conditions, that the cry
about high-priced necessities would have had to be so vigorously
proclaimed all over the land?

But up to the present time it may be said that the South has
scarcely been reckoned as among the purveyors of the nation’s
food supply.

This condition, however, has got to change; in fact, is doing
so gradually, if not as rapidly as perhaps one could wish. At
the same time, it is our humble, but candid, Opinion that by
taking full and immediate advantage of present opportunities,

5

The Tick a
Disappearing
Menace

Now is Time
for South to
Act

South a Land
of Infinite
Possibilities.

The Necessity
for Live Stock

and with the further possibilities incident to the utilization of
our extensive areas of unused and uncultivated land, the South,
in a reasonably short period of time, should not only be able to
clothe our people with her cotton and wool products, but should
have a large share in the feeding of them with the cereals and
their by-products, and with toothsome meat from her well-bred,
well-fed, and high-grade cattle, hogs and sheep.

We occasionally hear the remark that the South is a splen-

did “poor man’s country,” on account of the ease with which a
living may be made.

Such a statement might be construed into a reflection upon
our past, or, in some cases, our present, farming methods. And
yet it is a most eloquent indorsement of the fertility of our soils
that they have been able to even support such methods. But
what would be the result did our lands receive the treatment
which would be bestowed upon them by a more intelligent sys-
tem of husbandry; where the farmer made a more thorough
study of his profession or calling; made a business of farming
rather than a means to eke out a mere existence; who built up
his soils; aimed at maximum production; varied his products,
both in field crops and in live stock; kept up with the markets;
rotated his crops, and strived to produce nothing but the very
best his land would yield, and that the market demanded? To —
try to even picture to ourselves the prosperity of our Southern
country under such conditions would be practically impossible.

And, yet, it is just such conditions that we must aim to real-
ize, if we may hope to obtain to the full the results which our
opportunities and possibilities have placed within our reach.

Live stock is an absolute necessity on every well-regulated
farm, not merely out of sentiment, as some still seem to think,
but as a necessary adjunct to the business, that can be employed
as local factories, 1f you will, through which the cheaper raw
materials grown may be converted into high-priced finished
products, in the form of high-class beef, mutton, pork, etc., which
can be marketed “on the hoof.”

In fact, one could scarcely imagine a more inharmonious en-
terprise, or a more discordant undertaking, than an otherwise
modern farm holding without its due quota of improved live
stock of different varieties.

And yet, even today, it is not an uncommon sight to see
nondescript animals occupying valuable space, on many of our
farming properties, that are forced to eke out a precarious ex-
istence, as best they can, or die in the effort.

We all must admit, however, that the climate of the South
is ideal for live stock husbandry, in all of its departments, from
the growing of the food crops to the finishing of the product for
market.

Forage crops, in great variety, grow with a luxuriance that
would “tickle the palate” and “whet the appetite” of the most
fastidious and epicurean of our herbivorous animals.

Among the legumes, it is only necessary to mention alfalfa,
which may be used for grazing, for soiling, or for hay. Les-
pedeza, our great Southern clover, which makes a most valuable
hay, and enhances the value of our pasture when mixed with our
native grasses. The cow pea, the soy bean, the velvet bean, the
clovers and some of the vetches, etc., all furnish abundant and
nutritious food for live stock.

In short, the South has, or can have, a superabundance, both
as to quantity and variety, of these most valuable nitrogen-
gathering, soil-improving, and protein-producing forages, so im-
portant for the upbuilding and maintenance of soil fertility, as
well as the nutrition of animal life on the farm.

In some sections of the South pasturage may be secured
practically the year round by sowing almost any of the small
cereals as catch crops, after the staple crops have been harvested,
which yield abundantly during the fall and winter months, and
furnish succulent food at a season of the year when such is in
greatest need.

Silage crops, also, in addition to corn, such as sorghum, etc.,
and root crops of different varieties, produce with great abun-
dance, and may be used to supply excellent succulent feed for
cattle, hogs and sheep, after ordinary pasturage has been de-
pleted by the summer’s grazing.

But while that which we have enumerated might appear as
more than sufficient to meet all practical needs in the matter of
live stock feed production, it is by no means all. In addition,
there are the important by-products from our cotton fields; and
in some parts of the South, those from our rice industry, and
from our sugar cane fields and factories.

7

Forage Crops
Abundant

Many Useful
By-Products

Legislation
Fosters Live
Stock Raising

Providing
Markets for
Live Stock

With such possibilities, then, in our feed production, our
abundance in cereal crops, our many nutritious hays, and other
roughage supplies, our winter pasture crops and natural grazing,
although much of the latter is yet to be availed of, and in the
rich concentrates in the by-products of our cotton, rice and sugar,
if the future of stock raising in the South should not appear
bright, even to the most casual observer, one is inclined to won-
der where else he would go to satisfy his desires in that branch
of husbandry.

That all varieties of farm animals do well in the South, it is
only necessary to state that all of the principal breeds, and kinds,
are already represented, including horses and mules, beef and
dairy cattle, hogs and sheep. And not only so, but each has its
organizations, in the different states, specially devoted to im-
provement and greater development of the breeds.

In addition to the increasing interest being displayed in our
live stock production, most, if not all, of the Southern states
have taken steps to protect, from the ravages of fatal animal
diseases, this important industry. I refer to the enactment, by
the different states, of suitable live stock sanitary legislation,
and the creation or appointment of boards or commissions to see
that it is carried into effect.

Such legislation not only affords protection to the live stock
interests of a state, but it gives encouragement to prospective
immigrants who expect to make the production of live stock a
feature of their farm practice.

There is one very important project, ae. connected with
the live stock business, which should not be overlooked in these
remarks.

Hitherto, one of the chief drawbacks to the live stock in-
dustry, especially in the more southerly states, has been the
inaccessibility of the best markets, which has militated consider-
ably against the more profitable disposal of stock, and, neces-
sarily, has discouraged many producers.

This unfortunate state of affairs will very shortly be cor-
rected, however, by the erection and establishment of a large
packing plant in the city of New Orleans, which will be oper-
ated by the enterprising firm of Morris & Company.

Such a plant will not only care for a large amount of our
surplus stock, but will afford an immense stimulus to greater

8

and better production on the part of our people; and we trust
will prove entirely profitable to those responsible for the estab-
lishment of the new and important enterprise.

I believe all of us must be convinced of the South’s unex-
celled possibilities in live stock production, of which many of

‘our people have already taken advantage, with profit to them-

Selves.

We already have an abundance of food materials for animals
that would surprise even a Northern or Western stockman, and
these are capable of large increase.

' We have broad acres of unoccupied fertile lands which
simply await the touch of the intelligent husbandman in order
to spring into full fruition, and add more wealth and prosperity
to our Southern country.

We have representatives of almost every breed and variety
of live stock, and an increasing interest constantly being mani-
fested in their greater development.

We have adequate legislation, in practically all of the South-
ern states, to afford protection against the fatal diseases to which
farm animals are susceptible, and which gives encouragement to
those engaged in the industry..

We have our State Boards of Agriculture to look after and
foster the industry from the standpoint of the state.

We have our State Colleges of Agriculture and our Experi-
ment Stations, and our various branches of Agricultural Exten-
sion Service, all bending their efforts to educate and inform our
citizens, and encourage and increase interest in this great work.

In short, we not only have the materials to work with, but,
in addition, various and important agencies laboring, in an edu-
cational way, for the good of the cause; and which are being
more and more taken advantage of by our people, and through
which advancement is being made.

And we now have one of the most valuable aids to the stock
grower in the development of his industry, viz., the privilege of
the use of money, which he may obtain on reasonable terms,
through the medium of the recently established Federal Farm
Loan Banks.

One would naturally imagine, therefore, that all of the needs
of the South had already been amply provided, and that nothing
more was necessary but to go ahead and prosper; and in a meas-

9

Every Facil-
ity Available

Cheap Money
a Help

Present
Encouraging
and Future
Bright

ure that is quite true. However, while possession of the raw
material is of the first importance, we cannot expect to make
the most out of it unless we intelligently employ the appropriate
tools or machinery through which to bring it to a state of per-
fection in the finished product. And so it is with our possibili-
ties; they are not going to benefit us as they should unless we
use every effort, and take advantage of every opportunity, to
develop them to their highest state of perfection.

In emphasizing one or two of our most important needs, as
I see them, I will say, in the first place, that we must double our
efforts to wipe the cattle tick from off the map of the Southern
states. This is a fundamental necessity in connection with the
future success of our cattle industry at least, and that is perhaps
the most important.

In the second place, we need more and better live stock
through which to market our food crops, and help increase and
maintain the fertility of our lands; and we need our own people
to devote more time and study to the rational and business sides
of animal husbandry and general farming.

In the third place, we need an open market, anywhere and
everywhere, and at all times, especially for our cattle, which will
depend solely, however, upon the total extermination of the cattle
tick from the Southern states, and upon which, likewise, depends
the improvement of our cattle, through the influence of improved
animals, particularly males, that can then be imported from the
best herds of the country; and

In the fourth place, we need more immigration of the de-
sirable, intelligent and industrious farmer-stockman class, whose
life and business experience have hitherto been devoted to the
branches of stock raising and general agriculture, which we be-
lieve the South stands in greatest need of, at the present time,
for her general agricultural upbuilding. |

Good object lessons are, in great measure, what we require;
and this is, I believe, the kind of help we need, and want, to
assist us develop our great natural resources, and, as we all be-
lieve, our unparalleled possibilities.

In summing up, therefore, I believe we can pass over the
past of the live stock industry of the South; but we can say that
the present is encouraging, and that the future seems bright.

10

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