Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1911-11-22
AGRIcULTURE in MAINE.
Business Principles Must be Applied
to Farming.


Business Principles Must be Applied
to Farming.
70. 9. stetson, Master Of State Grange. in Port
land Board Of Tyade Joxswot.I
BY comparing the agricultural con-
ditions Of twenty-five years ago, with
those Of to-day we find that Maine has
made great strides in the march Of sgri-
cultural progress. This is evidenced by
improved conditions everyw here. Modern,
neat, attractive farm homes in which are
contained all Of those things which make
life attractive and worth the living. Bet
ter educational privileges for the boys and
girls, modern farm machinery, and an in
telligent conception OF its use.
A knowledge Of soils and soil condi-
tions, the ability to produce more, and At
less cost, and general air OF thrift and
prosperity are sure indications OF Names
agricultural progress. With our great
area yet undeveloped, by making the
most Of conditions, by eliminating the
factors which do not pay, and simplifying
and developing those which do pay We
may be sure that the earnings will keep
pace with the development. With the
best markets OF the world within twenty
four hours' haul Of any part Of the State.
it would seem that in the future, full de-
velopment OF our agriculture might be as
sured.
Ten years ago Maine produced but 5000
600 bushels of potatoes; in 1910 5000, 900,
bushels. A few years ago we shipped
only 100000 brrrels of apples; now we
produce 100000. A decade ago 10, 900, 600
cans OF sweet corn was our limit; to- day
q, 100000 cans are produced, and the end
velopment and progress in ten years, and
encouraging is the outlook for the future.
Still there are few fundamental princi-
pies that must be observed and worked
out.
Farming is business and in its devel-
opment business principles must be ap-
Piled. A bap-hazard policy will no more
win in farming than in any other business
or occupation. There are two factors
which help agricultural prosperity more
than any others. First, is business. like
system OF building and maintaining our
roads. Second, is a sound cooperative
method OF disposing of the farm products,
which at all times shall make the supply
only equal the demand, and eliminating,
SO far as possible, the middleman. Agri-
culture is the basic industry OF our State !;
seventy-five per cent. Of the Transports
ton question begins at the farmers gate.
Every pound OF the tremendous tonnage
shipped out Of Maine from the farm, and
every ton used upon the farm, must be
hauled over some kind OF an earth road,
and by team propelled conveyance.
Any observing man must admit that our
roads are q menace to future development.
To the large amount of farm products al
ready mentioned, add the amount Of lum-
Der shipped and fertilizer used and we
have an amazing total. 1t has been esti-
mated that $3.50, 0O0, 900 is the useless trib-
ute annually levied upon the people Of the
United States by it's bad roads. 1t has
also been estimated that fifty per cent. Of
the cost OF transportation on our country
roads might be saved by business methods
in maintenance and building.
1t would seem that we have had a wrong
theory OF road building; commerce and
not pleasure should be the true theory,
and the right theory in road improvement
is to connect the farmer with the final
markets by the cheapest and most direct
40 ;v~t 10 fpu Loo NC
built for this purpose, and that alone
should be the determining factor. In road
improvement, we should recognize that
the railroads and canals are the main com.
mercial highways and that, commercially
considered, roads for vehicular traffic arr
either post-roads for transporting thu
mails or to convey produce to and from
the farm aud the nearest railroad shipping
point or market.
A study of the present road situation
will show that we have been drifting
away from this sound theory, but it il
time that the farmers were alive to tn,
necessity OF enforcing road construction
! from. the commerce standpoint. A chair
Is no stronger than its weakest link.
road for transporting purposes is no bettel
than its poorest part.
II there are any two words that NEAR
more than any others they are the words
Get together. In developing Maine agricul
ture, the farmer, the man who lives in thu
city and buys farm products, the railroads
and the steamboat lines should get to
gether for better understanding OF con
| ditions in which all are mutually AMI
equally interested. There is no phase o
| life, social, moral or economic that is no
affected by the agriculture Of our State
There is direct relation between tn
agricultural prosperity and the value o
land, the attendance of children at school
the people at church. the health OF tn
community, and everything else whicl
makes life efficient.
This problem Of developing agricultur
in Maine is one in which every person
| - aa~xo In inforankcd M matter " here n