The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1911-01-16
Moorhead Department
Big Meeting OF
SPUD GROWERS
CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
POTATO GROWER AND SHIPPER
AND OTHER IMPORTANT MAT
TIERS DISCUSSED AT IMPoR-
TANT GATHERING HELD TODAY

Potato growing and shipping, a uni
form standard of grading, better
method of packing potatoes for ship
ment and closer relation between
the growers and the shippers. were the
subjects which were paramount before
the convention of Clay county potato
growers which met in the Masonic hall,
Moorhead, this afternoon. The meet
Ing was in response to the invitation
of the commercial club of Moorhead
which took the initiative of calling the
potato men of Clay county together
that the subjects mentioned might be
discussed for mutual benefit.
Nearly 200 potato growers and ship
pers responded to the call of the COM
mercial club, and of that number there
were about $50 actual growers and
farmers who signed the register of
those in attendance.
At 1890 the visitors and members
of the commercial club were served
with a bountiful luncheon and of
course this feature was greatly enjoy
ed. There was plenty for everyone
and the varied menu was all that could
be desired. President Huntoon, Secre-
tary Wright, with members of the re-
ception committee, acted as hosts and
were assiduous in their attention to
all of the visitors, and late Corners
were by no means neglected. The
luncheon afforded the best of oppor-
tunities for the potato men to rub
shoulders and talk 'taters just as the
ri
was anxious for information which
should prove useful in the business.
After the luncheon cigars were pass
ed and a social hour was spent pend
ing the formal calling of the conven-
ton to order. The buzz of converse
ton among the farmers and others as
they assembled in the convention hall
demonstrated very emphatically the
interest which was being taken in the
momentous questions which were COM
ing up for discussion. The harmonious
spirit of good fellowship which was
so prominently displayed was very
gratifying to the officers and members
of the commercial club and it was felt
that the proper chord had been struck.
The farmers were most profuse in their
thanks for the hospitality extended by
the business men of Moorhead.
Huntoon Calls to Order.
It devolved upon L. A. Huntoon. as
president of the commercial club, to
call the convention to order and he
did it most happily, so much so that
there was a unanimous call for him to
be the presiding officer of the conven-
ton. On motion and it was seconded
in score of places, Leslie Welter was
made secretary of the convention.
Mr.. Huntoon explained the reasons
and objects of the calling of the po-
tato men of Clay county together. The
time had come for a more rubbing of
shoulders together and exchanging of
views. There were many things to do
If the potato industry is to be kept
within their grasp. He called atten-
ton to the advertising of the Irish
Cobbler potato, which was gradually
supplanting the superior northern
grown seed potatoes, the Early Ohio.
He read advertising circulars which
were being sent broadcast over the
south and southwest He hoped a po-
tato growers association would be one
Of the results of the convention. He
invited free exchange of views on
all the points which were paramount.
Leslie WeIter Talks.
The opening address was made by
Leslie Welter, who interestingly spoke
from the standpoint OF shipper. He
was glad to be able to say that the
convention was a decided success from
the standpoint of the commercial club.
The later men had responded and
they would do things before they went
home. A question which he wanted to
send home was ,"do we want to con-
tinue as a seed producing section %
Today potatoes in Chicago for domes-
tic use are worth is cents, but in the
seed sections good seed is worth so
cents. He told in plain language his
experiences last year when he visited
big potato sections III the south and
southwest. He butted up against some
slipshod packing methods pursued in
the north, he saw 1t plainly demon
strated in Topeka, Kas. Here in Clay
county there must be adopted a uni
form system of grading. There must
be closer relation between the grow
er and the shipper. That the latter
is a necessity to the business is beyond
any bubble. With a uniform system
of grading and packing of seed po-
tatoes will come the necessity of a
trademark