Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1917 — FARMERS URGED TO BOOM CROPS [ARTICLE]

FARMERS URGED TO BOOM CROPS

Government Asks Farmers to Join In Agricultural Preparedness Meas---4——r- ures to Prepare For War. Washington, March 27.—-The farmers of America were appealed to by Secretary Houston today to join in agricultural preparedness measures so that the country may not be handicapped by food shortage in its efforts to meet the international crisis. Elimination of .waste, eonseravtion of surplus and attainment of maximum crop returns were outlined as imperative steps for strengthening agricultural resources. Both for economic and patriotic reasons the secretary said in a formal statement the American farmer should strive this year for the highest standard of efficiency in the production and conservation of food. —“Under the conditions in which this country now finds itself it is important that everything practicable be done to increase thf efficiency of agricultural activities during the com’’ season. It is desirable that mrougnout the country farmers confer among themselves on matters affecting the production of needed crops, and that they consult freely with county agents and the department of agriculture.” The secretary’s appeal was part of the campaign undertaken by the department of agriculture to mobilize the nation’s agricultural resources. Mr. Houston urged particularly that as a means of preventing “conspicuous production wastes of important staple cereals proper attention be given to the selection and safeguarding of seed for planting, thepreparation of the land and the care of the crop. ( “Under exi sting condi ti ons,” he said, “every precaution should be taken: (1) To reduce production wastes by testing seed sufficiently in advance to insure against-the planting of dead seed; (2) To.treat with disinfecting dips all seed subject to diseases that can be prevented such as the smuts of wheat, barley, oats and rye, the losses from which are estimated conservatively at $50,000,000 to $60,000,000 in the average year; (3) To prepare especially thoroughly for planting these vitally important cereal crops and to care forbhem as may be necessary during the season,”