The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-23
MOVE FOR CLEAN
SEED WHEAT.
ELEVATOR MEN EMPHASIZE WIS
DOM OF AVOIDING SMUT.
Van Dusen-H Harrington Company Is
sue Circular on the Selection of
Seed and Methods of Cleaning
What Grain Men Say Of Losses
Caused by Careless Selection of
Seed.

b s = e + .
Minneapolis elevator companies are
interested in a movement to encour-
age the use Of clean seed by north
western wheat producers. It is be-
lieved that more general precautions
against smut thru the use of clean
seed would not only increase the
wheat output, but would also relieve
the annoying conditions which al
ways attend when the market is flood
ed with quantities of low-grade grain.
While the farmers have not always
responded cordially to clean seed agi-
tations by elevator companies, the lat
ter are by no means discouraged, as
they are in position to see and feel
the evil effects Of smutty seed, both
on: the producer and the handler.
This is the time when the plans Of
wheat growers are being laid out
and when the arguments against
smut must be. effective, if at ALL
Among the. most active Minneapolis
firms is the Van Dusen-H arring tor
company, which is sending out cir
culars emphasizing the need and ad-
vantages Of clean seed wheat.
Shun Bin Burned Wheat.
The circular at the outset cautions
farmers against sowing soft or bin
burned wheat and against dark col
ored or scaly flax. Farmers are ad-
vised that If they cannot make tests
themselves, they may have tests OF
their seed made free of charge at the
agricultural college, by sending, sam
pies. Light, shrunken or weak seed
should be Stunned, no matter what
the cause of the injury. The best va
rieties are those which experience has
shown are adapted to the locality in
which it Is proposed to use them, and
which have been produced under IA
vorable conditions.
Methods 2of testing wheat to free it
from smut are described. The most
common Is the use of bluestone, lime,
hot water and formaldehyde. The
circular says the firm will describe
any of the methods in detail upon re-
quest.
What the Grain Men Say.
Grain handlers in the northwest are
unanimous in their condemnation OF
the use of smutty or diseased wheat
Here is what some of them say:
Woodward Elevator Company
very large proportion of the wheat
raised in the northwest last year was
infected with smut. It cost the farm
ers great deal Of money because the
grade was lowered on much Of the
wheat from No. northern to reject.
ed. It is greatly to be hoped that 9
determined effort will be made dur.
ing this winter and spring to induce
| the farmers of the northwest tc
treat their seed wheat thoroly for the
prevention of smut before putting ir
| the next. cropnt5sa5. 100 - -
H Poehler',' Con1pany-The SEED
wheat ,questidi1 in the northwest il
serious. we do not know where there
| is much acceptable seed wheat
| Southern Minnesota and Iowa rabso
Iutely need new. and healthy seed. I
| is, hoped that every farmer. will be
come sufficiently alarmed on thu
| question to treat thoroly his whea
before sowing the coming spring. :.
r. H. Peavey & Cove are GER
tainly interested in any movement
| that has to do with the improvement
Of seed in the northwest. A little
money spent for good seed or for thu
treatment Of seed will bring large re
turn in yield. The northwest is no
raising as much. wheat as ought to b.
raised from the acreage sown. TIL
use Of poor seed explains in part VIII!
the result that is possible is not re
| aiiZHd.