-4-

     The maintenance of a qmall flock of sheep as a means of

diversified livestock income is being encouraged on many farms.

In many instances, there is a surplus of good roughage and

pasture which can be utilized by sheep and add to the farm income.

Help has been given in the selection of breeding stock, rations,

and prevention cf infestation. In this connection, three di--,ping

and drenching demonstrations were held, at which a total of three

hundred seventy-five head were dipped for ticks and drenched for

stomach worms. Healthy flocks produce a good quality wool and

make rapid gains in weight, both of which mean an added incrnme

for the owner. ';Jmbh this. start on a health program, it may be

possible to interest a sufficient number of sheep owners so as to

maintain a portable tank which will reduce the cost of this

operation.


                         LAND CLEARING

     Since the first land clearing tractor was purchased in 1938,

the demand became so great for this cheap method of clearing land,

that in the spring of 1939, the Agricultural Committee purchased

a second tractor for this purpose. Starting in June and up to

October 15, 1,037 acres have been cleared on one hundred-eighty

farms in the county. On dead stump land the cost has averaged

between $3400 and $4.00 per acre. In addition to stumping, in

many instances, pot-holes have been filled, drainage ditches dug

and field roads made.

      Since the average farm in the county has only twenty-two

acres under cultivation, which is too small for economic security,

the committee feels that at the present time, land clearing is

the most important project under our agricultural development