1928] THE AGRICULTURAL SITUATION IN CALIFORNIA 25 
position to select suitable erop combinations that will supply con- 
tinuous profitable employment and give maximum returns without 
undue drudgery. The farmer should expect to keep at work if he 
expects continuous pay or returns. 
By use of.a variety of fruits (in place of the one-crop plan shown 
in the table) by introduction of truck crops, and by the use of field 
erops, there are combinations which will produce the same results as 
are here shown with animals. * 
Increasing yields is not desirable from the marketing standpoint, 
but if the increased yield can be obtained at a lowered cost per unit, 
it can be defended against any objector. Careful seed selection, well 
considered fertilization, better tillage or more consistent irrigation 
may result in lowered cost of production, as well as in increased 
yields. Lower prices can be endured if the net returns are increased. 
Better farming practices will give higher quality, and better 
quality usually means better prices or lower cost of selling, with 
larger net returns. At this time an endeavor for quality of produe- 
tion seems much more promising than for mere quantity. Higher 
prices may be not only due to quality but also to care and skill in 
picking, packing and handling the erop on its way to the markets. 
These efforts increase the gross return, and, indirectly, the net return. 
Conscientious effort can well be directed to the reduction of 
expenses of operation with a direct increase in the net income. We 
have already indicated means of reducing the per unit cost of pro- 
duction, by making the cow, or tree, or hen, more effective, and by 
eliminating the lazy or idle units. There are so many ways in which 
waste and losses can occur on any farm that a material increase in net 
income may be secured by a study aimed at eliminating readily 
preventable wastes. A further suggestion is that more of the vege- 
tables, meats, milk, eggs consumed by the farm family may be 
produced on the farm. 
We desire to reiterate our belief that farming must be considered 
as a business, subjeet to the same tests as any business, namely, profits 
stated in terms of dollars and cents. Farming is a business and as 
such ought to pay as any other business is expected to pay. 
There is no simple way to bring about this desirable condition 
and to solve the farm problem of today. It must be worked out by 
painstaking effort. We have endeavored to indicate certain ways in 
which community effort may aid and other ways that must be applied 
individually by each farmer.