Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1917 — HEAVY INCREASE IN FOODSTUFFS IS THE AIM OF OFFICIAL BOARDS [ARTICLE]

HEAVY INCREASE IN FOODSTUFFS IS THE AIM OF OFFICIAL BOARDS

Secretary of Agriculture Houston Gives the Result of Conference With Sixty-Two Representatives of Thirty-Two States —Farm Labor Problem Is to Be Solved by Putting 2,000,000 , < Boys to Work

Washington, D. C,- —A comprehensive program for increased production and conservation of foodstuffs as an essential part of the scheme for the general mobilization of industry in the United States as a result of the world war is outlined in a report just issued by David F» Houston, secretary of agriculture, of the conference of 62 officials representing 32 states, which has just closed In Washington. The report Indicates that the various commissioners of agriculture and representatives of agricultural schools and colleges who took part in the conference are fully alive to the necessity for agricultural preparedness If the United States and her allies are to emerge triumphant from the great war. Steps already taken by these various officials indicate that no stone will be left unturned in the effort to mobilize the farmers of America to the highest degree of agricultural efficiency. The conference decided to deal with the whole subject under the following four heads: (1) Production and labor, (2) .distribution and prices, (3) economy and utilization and (4) effective organization.

To Ask for $25,000,000.

In order that the secretary of agriculture may take immediate steps to meet the extraordinary needs of the nation it is recommended that congress- forthwith pass a law placing $25,000,000 at the disposal of that official. The report says in part: “Upon the fanner rests in large measure the final responsibility of winning the war in which we are now involved. The importance to the nation of an adequate food supply, especially for the present year, cannot be overemphasized. The world’s food reserve is very low. „ Therefore, the man who tills the soil and supports the sower in the field and the family at home is rendering as noble and patriotic a service as is the man who bears the brunt of battle. “Within the next 60 days the final measure of crop acreage and food production for this year will have been established. We urge the importance of the Immediate mobilization of all available service in performing the patriotic duty of providing and conserving food. “Because of the world shortage of food it Is scarcely possible that the production of staple crops By the farmers .of ,the United States can be too great this year. There is every reason to believe that a generous price will be paid for the harvest of their fields. -

National and State Organizations. “To meet the extraordinary needs of agriculture in this emergency we recommend that an appropriation of $25,000,000, or so much thereof as may be needed, to be available immediately for the use of the secretary of agriculture in such manner as he may deem best. “The situation which now confronts our country is a great emergency—the greatest perhaps in its history. It is strongly urged that congress and state legislatures, In passing laws or in making appropriations intended to carry out these or other plans for assuring an adequate food and clothing supply, should, so far as possible, be governed by the principle that when the emergency ceases much permanent reconstruction in agricultural policies and plans may be necessary. “The recommendations in the main call for federal action, but state governments can and should co-operate to the fullest degree in considering and executing plans of co-operation and of supplemental legislation and appropriation for the great common pur-’ pose herein enunciated. New Organization Suggested.

“The Council of National Defense Is changed with the duty of mobilizing the resources of the nation, having as one of its (members the secretary of agriculture. We recommend additional machinery as follows: ' *’ “A relatively small central agricultural body, whose services and presence might be required in Washington constantly, to be composed of men who have wide knowledge of agricultural matters and executive experience. In selecting these men attention should be paid to geographical distribution. “A large national advisory body composed of representatives of the leading agricultural agehefes and associations concerned hot only in production but in distributing and handling commodities. “A small central agricultural body tn each state, representing various agricultural interests, inducting agricultural officials, representatives of agricultural colleges, bankers’, business farmers’ and women’s organizations, etc., concerned in the production, distribution and utilization of food supplies and agricultural raw materials. This body should be designated by the governor, and, if the state has a central council of safety or defense, should be co-ordinated with it. “Such county, urban and other local bodies as the state authorities’ indudlug this state central agency, may see fit to suggest. “The national Central body and the state central bodies will be expected

to keep in intimate contact and to work in close co-operation. —-—: Increasing the Food Supply. “Increase - the acreage in spring wheat In the northern states. “Increase the corn area of the 100th meridian. “In districts where wheat has been winterkilled replant with oats, corn or sorghum as climatic conditions may determine. “Plant barley and oats, wherever they are proved and reliable crops, to the maximum that can be handled. “Buckwheat acreage in the Northern and Eastern states, where the season Is too short for the great staple crops, may well be increased. “The area planted to navy beans In the North and West and to Mexican and Tepary beans in the Southwest should be enlarged. “The planting of potatoes, especially for local use, should be stimulated in every reasonable way. “Sweet potatoes in the South should be produced in larger quantity than usual for use in their fresh state and for storing, canning or desiccating for winter use. “Production of peanuts should be enlarged. “Care should be taken to avoid undue encroachment on areas used for pasturage and hay required for live stock production. “Authority should be granted to the secretary of agriculture to advance to farmers under proper safeguards seed required to insure the production of crops necessary for the welfare of the nation.

“An early increase in the animal products of the country should be made, as live stock holdings already are too low and should not be diminished further. Increase must come through enlarging the supply of feed, by more efficient methods of feeding and through more complete control of contagious diseases. These diseases take a toll of more than one-quarter billion dollars annually, more than half of which is due to controllable diseases, such as cow cholera, black leg and tick fever. The federal government, co-operating with the states, could profitably expand its intensive regulatory services so as to embrace every Important live stock district. “Pork production could be increased substantially enough the more extensive use of fall litters, better care and feeding. “Milk production could be Increased fully one-fourth by more liberal and intelligent feeding. “The poultry products of the United -States can and should be doubled within a year.’’ The Labor Problem. In reference to the labor problem the report recommends efficient co-opera-tion between the state and federal governments. It says: “One of the principal limiting elements of food production is the labor supply on the farm. Indiscriminate enlistment from the farms with no plan for labor replacement will reduce food production below its preStent low level. “The plan for public defense should Include as definite a provision for enlistment for food supply as for service at the front.