Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1918 — A VALUABLE TEAM [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A VALUABLE TEAM

Fertilizers, like a strong, vigorous, well-bred team of horses, are most profitable to the farmer when conditions are nearest perfect for their work; when they’are suited to their task, and when they are properly handled. Study the picture closely. Is the importance of -organic matter, proper tillage, sufficient drainage, the use of lime, the proper handling of the seed, or the control of disease and insect pests exaggerated? The stronger the running gear, the bigger the load of wheat the wagon will carry. , The better attentlofi paid to the preparation of the soil, the handling of the seed, and the control of diseases, the bigger the yield of two-dollar-a-bushel wheat commercial fertilizers will produce, if they are applied In sufficient quantity and are of suitable analysis. When you take up the lines the next time and drive what you consider the best team of horses In your county, remember that you keep that team because it is profitable. Remember, also, that It would not be profitable If it got beyond your control. Still further, remember the fact that’ the larger amount of work you can get the team to do, the more profitable it Is to you. At the same time, think of the close analogy that fertilizers for your wheat crop, corn, potatoes and other crops bear to your team of horses. The better you feed the crops, the larger the yield. Recall, furthermore, the fact that your good team could not do its valuable work if any of the important parts of the wagon were broken. Fertilizers, in the same way, will attain their highest results and be most profitable when you have done everything within your power to make conditions most perfect for crop production. High priced crops are worth help. _• Make conditions best for the fertilizer “team” and It will return largest profits to you this year.- Top-dress your winter wheat with fertilizer. ' •