Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 82, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1919 — Farmers of Country Asked to Increase Acreage to Be Planted to Wheat [ARTICLE]

Farmers of Country Asked to Increase Acreage to Be Planted to Wheat

By R. A. PEARSON.

A «■'*«»»* Secretary of U. S. Department of Agriculture

The department of agriculture at Washington endeavors to keep in close touch with the agricultural situation throughout our entire country and with the agricultural and food situations in the countries of the allies. On the basis of the information we have of foreign affairs, food and agriculture it seems necessary to ask the farmers of this country to increase the acreage to be planted to wheat this fall at least 7 per cent over the acreage planted last fall. The situation in each state has been studied and an effort made to distribute the burden of extra wheat production as equitably as possible. Besides the increase of aertage it is earnestly hoped— it is confidently expected—that the best possible seed and cultural methods will be used to insure as great a yield as will be possible under conditions to be confronted. In some sections of our country farmers have been unfortunately handicapped by weather conditions over which they have no control, but, to the praise of most of them, it can be said that they have started again with new courage to secure a better crop the following year. Such men may fairly be compared with the young American soldier, who, only a few days ago after several difficult and dangerous setbacks, brought his wounded comrade’to friends and safety. Such farmers can be compared with whole companies of American soldiers who recently have been advancing steadily over ground held by the obstinate enemy and hia deadly guns. It is this spirit that actuates those who believe that “food will win the war,” and who serve accordingly. It was stated in the foregoing that the burden of producing wheat is being distributed. It would be better to say the privilege, because everyone who raises wheat at this time is contributing directly to the great task of feeding the world which Y%have undertaken. When peace comes, there should be no lessening of effort. The world will be short of food for several years, and upon America will rest largely the responsibility for feeding many of the peoples of earth.