The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-12
SEED WHEAT WANTED.
Mr.. Coburn Would Send to Russia for
a Cargo.

F. D. Coburn, secretary of the state
board of agriculture, has started a
movement for the importation of aneth-
ed cargo of seed wheat from Russia. He
urges the wheat raisers of Kansas to
Immediately make arrangements for
such shipment, so that it will be here
in time for the fall planting.
In 1901 such an importation of wheat
was made, and Mr. Coburn thinks the
time has come for another, in order to
protect the reputation of Kansas wheat
He says:
1T. is clearly the opinion of those who
have given the subject most attention
that the tendency of this wheat when
soWn continuously in Kansas is grad
ually to deteriOrate and assume a soft
ness not possessed when at its best.
This is accounted for, at least in part,
by the greater humidity in the wheat
belt of Kansas than is common in those
parts of Southern Russia from whence
the best seed has always come.
Recognizing this situation the KAN
sas niIlers' organization in 1901 assun1-
ed responsibility for the purchase and
/ importation of a cargo of seed direct
from Russia for distribution at cost to
growers, who made use of it. In spite
of the fact that the seed upon its ar
rival was found not to be of as good a
grade as had been represented and was
more or less foul with weed seeds, the
good accomplished was worth many
times the cost which was not great to
any Individual Some mistakes made
in this initial undertaking would OF
course not be repeated.
1T is time another importation was
made, on a larger scale, for next fairs
seeding, and with the details for secur-
ing prime seed more carefully worked
out. Mr.. B. Warkentin, president CT the
Newton Milling company, of Newton,
Kansas, a native of the country from
which the wheat comes and who has
business connections there, supervised
the importation and distribution in 1901
in a manner that entitled him to the
thanks of all Kansas 1t would be fine
thing if the millers and grain dealers
/ of Kansas and Oklahoma could arrange
through him or some other competent
man or committee to undertake such a
work this year. Possibly the Kansas
Milling and Export company, whose rep
resentative at Kansas City is Mr.. Chas.
L. Roos, might manage the undertaking
to advantage. and the doing SO would
be a guarantee of competent service.
81 think it would be advantageous for
everyone interested in maintaining the
yield and outstanding quality of our
wheat to use for his next sowing at
least a portion Of imported seed. and in
order that it may be obtainable [ sug-
gest that all such persons correspond
with Mr.. NflrkentirD or Mr.. Roos, max
ing helpful suggestions and stating the
quantity of seed likely to be needed by
them or in their localities.
1.-The pulse of the business world is
and has been for a decade more or less
affected by the output of the Kansas
wheat fields constituting as it does
such a notable factor in the breadstuf
! trade, and our people, every one of
whom is interested either directly or in
! directly. cannot afford to neglect any
reasonable effort for making secure the
prestige already attained. or enhancing
! it still further as a valuable asset.
1.-THE National Federation Of Millers
will be in annual meeting at Kansas
! City June TO. and as many southwest
ern mfllers will doubtless be there #
/ should afford an excellent opportunity
/ for them to get together, comDare notes
I and devise plans for cooperative action
/ to secure the needed saed from abroad,
/ and I am hoping there viii be no de-
fault"