FARMERS SHOULD KEEP ACCOUNTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1717, 25 January 1905, Page 64

FARMERS SHOULD KEEP ACCOUNTS.

"One of the most universal wastes on the farm” (says a well known authority) "arises from the practice of keeping scrub stock, which is likely to occasion lpss rather than profit. Coincident with this is the common waste resulting from careless feeding and lack of proper shelter for and attention to farm stock Ihe neglect of probably the majority of farmers to keep close account of the various details of farm expense and production results in farmers continuing to raise this scrub stock, whereas they would otherwise weed it out without delay.

"TSTo business man could expect to succeed if he neglected to keep accounts, and the farmer should not expect to fare better than the business man. We are getting to the points in farming where every part of the machine must do its work. If the farmer is to make a success of his life business, he must systematise that business in detail. For instance, no subsequent cultivation will cure or overcome a lack of thoroughness in the preparation of soils for any crop. No subsequent attention will overcome the result of carelessness in selecting eeed. or in planting it. "The farmer should have a .definite plan worked out to keep up or improve his farm fertility, and to make the most of home-made fertilisers. Improper exposure of manure to the weather results in the loss of hundreds of pounds |n farm fertility in this country. Allowing valuable farm machinery, when hot in use, to remain in the field, exposed to the elements, is a source of constant loss to many farmers. A good System of farming and close attention to details may bring better results than a greater investment or a more favourable locality.