The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-04-25
FOR BETTER FARMING,
Sec. Cooper's Report on North Da.
kota Movement Shows Progress.

Fargo.-A summary of the work
done by the Better Farming associa-
ton of North Dakota since Secretary
Thomas Cooper took charge of the
work is contained in report made
by Mr.. Cooper to the board of direc-
tors, covering practically a period of
five months, though active develop
ment work was not started until De-
cember IA, last. In that time the
work has had to do principally with
organization and plans along that
line; also with the procuring of field
men to assist Mr.. Cooper, seventeen
OF whom now are employed.
Eleven Districts Organized.
Mr.. Cooper reports in part as fol-
lows:
"Up to the present time eleven So
called districts have been organized in
which to carry on the work of the Bet
ter Farming association. These dis.
tricts comprise all or part of thirteen
counties, namely: Ransom, Barnes,
stutsman, Wells, Eddy, Ward, Bot
tineau, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Bow
man, Adams and parts of Hettinger
and Morton counties thus organized,
definite applications have been re-
ceived from six other counties. These
applications for cooperation have
necessarily been refused on account
OF lateness of the season and difficulty
in securing men.
"a large and increasing correspond
ence has been carried on from the
general office. Numerous articles
have been given to the press and
five bulletins and circulars on agri-
cultural topics issued with a circula-
tion of 2S,O00
500 Co-operators Listed.
"lncomplete reports at the present
time show that there are 277 agree.
ments executed for cooperation,
covering an area of approximately
5000 acres. If all agreements could be
closed, covering cases where work
has been definitely started, l assume
that we would have over 500 co-opera-
tors at the present time, averaging
nearly 1000 acres of land Co.opera-
ton consists not only of the work in
rotation and tillage methods but also
in demonstrations with live stock,
seeds, etc.
During the late winter the cam
paign was made especially to awaken
Interest in the use of good seed grain.
Reports from outside interests would
tend to show that large part of the
state has become thoroughly awaken
ed to the fact that good seed is an
essential to the production of normal
crops. Independent observers tell me
that there is greater interest in
good seed, that more careful tests
have been made by the farmers gen
orally than ever before. The men in
the field have made over 700 germinar
tion tests of the various small grains.
Such tests showed very serious
situation existing in this state A
great many Of the samples of flax,
barley, oats, and wheat showed a
termination very much below normal.
A circular issued on this subject re-
ceived wide publicity and has gen.
orally brought about closer scrutiny
of the seed to be sown this year.
Field Men Grow Popular.
ut is evident that our field men are
getting closely in touch with the agri-
cultural situation in their respective
counties and districts. Numerous
statements by private parties, as we'll
| as farmers, indicate that the farmers
generally feel that the men are of de-
cided advantage to their communities.
The field men are receiving all man
ner of requests, from giving specific
help in securing livestock to- advice
on the manner of handling the land.
Work in Every Township.
"The men who have been located in
counties for month or more have
! practically covered the entire area
and have started definite lines of
work in at least every township. Dur.
ing the past two months, with less
than half dozen men constantly
in the field, eighty-nine farmers
| meetings have been held, at which
$500 people were present. These
| meetings were all held throughout the
country districts, in school houses,
| churches, etc. In addition to these
meetings, twenty-three District Farm
ers' clubs have been organized within
| the state.
Bankers, business men and grain
| dealers all state that they have MOTTO
ed the effect of the campaign for bet
ter seed grain, that there has never
been such widespread interest in Sc.
curing good seed, and that the effects
of the work have been reflected in
numerous instances
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