_By W. F. Blackman, Ph. D., LL. D._
_President of the Florida State Live Stock Association,
Member of the Florida State Live Stock Sanitary Board._
Requests for authentic information as to the advantages and
possibilities of Florida for the growing of live stock, and in
particular of beef cattle, have been coming of late, and in constantly
increasing numbers, from all parts of the country.
This booklet has been compiled for the purpose of providing this
information.
The gentlemen who have contributed to the volume are men of ability,
long and successful experience in the live stock and kindred industries,
and the most trustworthy character. Several of them have been engaged
for many years in the growing and marketing of cattle on a very large
scale in Texas, and have recently made a prolonged and close study of
Florida conditions. The report of their findings is of the utmost
interest.
Prof. C. V. Piper, agrostologist of the Bureau of Plant Industry,
Department of Agriculture, Washington, is recognized as the foremost
authority on Southern grasses and forage crops. We are indebted to him
for permission to make use of the valuable address on this important
subject which was made by him at the recent annual meeting of the
Florida State Live Stock Association.
A study of these papers will make it evident, I believe, that Florida
possesses a number of advantages for the profitable growing of live
stock greater than those to be found elsewhere; among these are a mild,
equable and healthful climate, comparative freedom from animal diseases,
a long grazing season, vast areas of cheap lands, a soil adapted to the
growing of numerous improved grasses and forage crops (especially such
legumes as the velvet bean, the cow pea, the soy bean, the vetches, the
indigenous beggar-weed, the peanut, and certain clovers), a copious and
well-distributed rainfall, and countless springs, streams and lakes,
providing almost everywhere an abundant and unfailing supply of pure
water.
There can be no doubt, I believe, that Florida will take a leading place
in the near future among the important live stock states of the Union.
What she needs is additional thousands of intelligent, energetic,
thrifty and experienced farmers, who will take advantage of the
opportunities she offers and develop to the full her immense and latent
resources.
Lake Monroe, February, 1918.