The Washburn leader., 1912-09-20
Corn An Important IN
Crop In This State
Increase Of Fifty Per Cent IN Acre
age In two YearS-HOme Grown
Seed a Necessity

coming one of the most important crops
in North Dakota, and that one Of the
important factors in securing increased
corn Yields and increased production, is
proper selected, we'll stored and tested
seed corn, the Better Farming Associa-
tion this week commenced campaign
for the selection of the best possible
seed corn.
In view of the fact that corn selected
early from the field and properly stored
is reasonably sure to grow and give a,
perfect stand when planted next spring,
and that the best seed can only be
selected from standing stalks, Secre-
tary Thomas Cooper is urging his as
sistants throughout the state to exert
every effort toward getting the cam
paign for careful selection of seed corn
started at this time.
To assist the farmers of the state in
selecting good seed corn, Secretary
Cooper has had bulletin prepared by
Mr.. O. D. Center, the associations
supervisor in the Grand Forks district,
who is an agriculturist of national rep
utation. The bulletin was issued on
Monday of this week, approved by Mr..
Cooper. The bulletin may be had free
upon request from the Better Farming
Association at Fargo.
Among the incentives that are bring
ing the corn crop into greater promi-
nence is the realization of a need of
greater diversity of crops. It is also
recognized that the introduction of a
greater number of cultivated crops and
the adoption of we'll planned, system
atically conducted rotations, is not
only advisable, but essential to con-
tinued or increased prosperity. Then,
too, the production of more live stock
and the building of silos, that the whole
crop may be used to better advantage
each year has its influence in increas-
ing the acreage each year, and in Civ
ing great value to grain produced.
The total amount Of corn planted in
North Dakota in 1909 was 1876, 900 acres.
The acreage of corn in 1910 was IA per
cent greater than that of 1909, and the
acreage of this crop in the state in
1911 increased 38a per cent over that of
1910. 1t is conservative estimate to
place the 1912 acreage not less than SO
per cent greater than that of two years
ago.
Increased corn yields and increased
production are dependent upon three
factors. l. A fertile soil and we'll
prepared seed bed. 2. Thorough cult
walton that produces and maintains
shallow layer of well pulverized soil and
at the same time removes or covers all
the weeds or grasses. 3. Properly
selected, we'll stored tested seed corn.
When the three factors upon which
good corn crops are dependent are TAX
en- into consideration, the question of
seed is found to be an important one.
The soil of the state is generally fertile
and proper preparation of the seed bed
and cultivation which is So necessary
is frequently given to this crop if for
no other reason than to clean the land
from foul weeds. Climatic conditions
are such that a type or kind of corn
must be produced especially suited to
these conditions in order to realize the
greatest yield and largest profit.
North Dakota has depended on the
neighboring states for seed corn. This
corn has been produced under different
conditions, on different soils, and in
areas where there has been a longer
growing season. Naturally it has not
done well when brought under
new conditions and a short
growing season. For this rea-
son we have failed to realize the great
est possibilities in the corn crop.
Whether corn in this state shall become
an important factor as farm crop
product depends upon the one word
seed. All other factors are present.
4 The difficulty in obtaining good live
seed last spring from the neighboring
states should convince everyone Of the
necessity Of saving 9 supply for them
selves. Wherever homegrown, selected
seed was planted the past spring q
superior stand and growth of corn is
found.
"A good ear Of corn is Of size suited
to conditions. Il must mature. In the
third place II must he sof cylindrical
shape the Zip and end nearly g large
. the butt II should stand in straight
rows with narrow furrows with the
rows carried well over the butt and tip
1t should be free from crosses and con-
tain we'll formed kexnels.
a psrf fscts stSnd 81 corn l u y Nth i six
o1ncs ~ on Y every stallk will yield
MT y-livs sbuSl,sls y q q tl,s IN. q n can