Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 115, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 May 1913 — INDIANA AGRICULTURE [ARTICLE]

INDIANA AGRICULTURE

By G. I. Christie,

Superintendent* De-

partment of Agricultural Extension, Purdue University.

( Indiana agriculture is making rapid advancement. A study of present conditions causes one to feel that the demand of rapid and ever increasing population for a food supply at a reasonable price will be met by a greater and more economical production on Indiana farms. Farmers throughout the state are following improved practices and are getting results. In a corn growing contest the past season in Tipton county, thirteen' farmers each grew more than 100 bushels per acre. This work Is demonstrating the possibilities of corn growing. It is es* tablishing a higher standard and no longer wttt the farmers be satisfied with a yield of 40 to 60 bushels. Of course, these farmers gave this ground extra cultivation and in some cases fertilized and manured it heavily, but in a statement following the contest the farmers stated that they had done nothing to secure these high yields that they could not afford to do on every acre of their corn land. While Indiana has had in 1912 one of the largest crops of corn in its history and while the average yield per acre has Increased more than five bushels in the past eight years, may we not hope that the work just started may bring returns In the immediate future. During the past seven years a campaign for a better agriculture has been waged In Indiana by the press, the state agricultural associations, Purdue university and the United States department of agriculture. Much has been accomplished. Not only have the soils been improved and the crops Increased but the industry has been surrounded by a more desirable atmosphere. The problem has not only been that of demonstrating how more money could be made on the farm, but also that of dignifying the profession, an<f developing a spirit and a life in the country that would enlist more of the young people In the agricultural work.

The nation as well as the state is awake to the need of agriculture and an attempt will be made this winter to secure needed assistance for the furtherance of movements now under way. On August 23, 1912, the house of representatives at Washington, D. C. passed unanimously the Lever bill, which provides for an appropriation for agricultural extension In each state and territory. The work provided for in this act would consist of practical demonstrations in agriculture and domestic science among the people of the state. The above bill was referred to the senate and was reported on favorably by the agricultural committee and now awaits the vote, which it is hoped, will be taken soon. In line with this measure In congress, the agricultural and industrial commission of Indiana has recommended to the legislature the passage of a bill which will provide for an agricultural expert in each county of the state.

Already Mr. L. B. Clore is serving as county agent in Porte county. He has an office in the courthouse, where farmers gather to consult relative to various farm problems. The county furnishes an automobile, and Mr. Clore spends four to five days each week visiting the farmers and the schools and giving such help as he can. Montgomery, Parke and Steuben countjes are organized and will start county agents within a weeks. Indiana has more than 220,- t 000 farmers. These men are in actlvd service and cannot go to college. The proposition is to take the best information to them and assist them In mak, ing a direct application of the principles in their every day farm work. An increase of five bushels per acre iu the corn crop of the state at fifty cents per bushel would mean an increased annual Income of 112,500,000. Indiana has 600,000 dairy cows. If the net Income of this herd could be increased 110.00 per cow, it would amount to $6,000,000. During 1912, Indiana lost from cholera alone more than 500,000 hogs, valued at $4(000,000. This loss could have been largely avoided by care and attention on the' part of the firmers. Similar facts and figures could be shown in animal husbandry, horticulture and other lines of agriculture. '