The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-27
GETTING AT PRACTICAL
 SIDE OF THE FARM WORK
By WALTER HARPER.

Hackleburg, April 26.-Capt. R. P. Hop- son and party of agricultural department experts held farmers institutes at Bear Creek and HaclSleburg today The meet ing at Bear Creek was at 9:S0 o'clock this morning and at Hackleburg this afternoon at o'clock. The attendance was large at both places Interest in the work seems to be grow ing as the tour progresses over the dis trict. Though it is a busy season with the farmers and they are compelled to put in every day possible on the farm, this being the planting season, and work has been delayed on account of much rain, they are taking time to hear these practical men on improved methods.
 They seem to realize that the benefits of the advice and experience of these men will make up for the time lost in the field and the result is large audi ences of interested farmers and others at every meeting.
 H. E. SaVely's Work.
 One of the most important features of the Hobson meetings is the work of II. E. savely, in charge of the farmers cooperative demonstration work for the gulf states. This is, indeed, one of the most important undertakings of the agri- cultural department.
 The object of the farm demonstration work is practical. It aims to show the farmer how to increase his earning ca pacity and thereby improve conditions on
 the farm. It is shown that the earn
 ing capacity of the individual laborer on the farm must be materially increased I before the exodus of boys from the farm to the city is checked. Good roads, schools, rural delivery of mails. telephone ! and improved social conditions are of no | avail so long as the earning capacity js small.
 The only way to get the desired result is through increased production per acre. | This can only be done by intensive and | intelligent work and a thorough knowl- edge of soils, seed selection and proper 1 cultivation This bureau of the agricul- tural department Is trying to accomplish these desired results by sending practical men into the field to cooperate with the | farmers.
 The present organization of the bureau consists of one director with assistants, ten state agents, and nearly 200 district and local agents. Local agents must be practical farmers and thoroughly in structed in their duties by the state and district agents Semi-annually state meet ] ings of agents are called for instruc- tion, at which the director or an assist ant from Washington Is present. Week. ly reports showing work accomplished each day are made by all agents to the director. The agents in each district are axneptad fO call on every farmer that has agreed to cooperate with the de- partment once each month for the pur- pose of explaining points that he may not understand and direct in the man. ner of preparing the soil, selecting seed and in the method of cultivation.
 The Farm Schools.
 Previous notice by letter Is given to all the cooperating farmers (such as are in structed in the work and agree to follow instructions) in a nefghborhood to meet the agent on a certain date at a given demonstration farm, where the crop and plans are thoroughly discussed. This is called field school" and has been mar velousy effective in arousing local inter est. At such meetings and on all oeca- isons where the agents meet farmers, the following fundamental requirements for good farming are discussed by the aid of notes sent out from the central office: u verized seed bed, well drained; break in the fall to the depth of 8, 10 or 12 inches, according to the sail, with implements that will not bring too much of the sub soil to the surface. The foregoing depths should be reached gradually
 (2) Use seed of the best variety, intelli- gently selected and carefully stored.
 (3) In cultivated crops give the rows and the plants in the rows space suited to the Dlant the soil and tha climate
 (D Use intensive tilage during the grow ing period of the crops
 O) Secure high content of humus in the soil by the use of legumes, barnyard manure, farm refuse, and commercial fer tilizers.
 | (6) Carry out a systematic crop rotation with winter cover crop.
 @ Accomplish more work in a day by using more horsepower and better imple- ments.
 8) Increase the farm stock to the extent of utilizing all the waste products and idle lands of the farm.
 C9) Produce all the food required for the men and animals on the farm. QO Keep an account of each farm prod uct, In order to know from which the gain or loss arises.
 One Mans Experience.
 In the course of these discussions it has often developed that the majority Of small farmers had never fully complied with any of these rules. They thought they knew all about farming and charged their small product and failures to the seasons or the land. One farmer at a public meet ing in Alabama this year expressed his views as folows 'I was born in a cotton field and have worked cotton on my farm for more than forty years. I thought no one could tell me anything about raising cotton. l had usually raised one-half a bale on my thin soil and l thought that was all the cotton there was in it in one season. The demonstration agent came alon gand wanted me to try his plan on two acres. Not to be contrary, agreed, but I did not believe what he told me. However, tried my best to do as he said, and at the end of the year l had a bale worked his way and little over third of a bale on the land worked my way. You could have knocked me down with feather. This year 1 have a bale and half to the acre on my whole farm. If down and see. Yes, sir; as good cotton planter l am just one year old"
 These field schools are bringing about revolution. A meeting of the farmers of township called at home to discuss field crop and to inspect and compare home conditions cannot fail to place local public opinion upon a higher level, and that is the principal opinion to be consid- cred in influencing the farmer.
 Instead of expending time and force in holding state, city, and county influences