The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1913-05-15

COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA
the country and under conditions which
warrant their application to the local
ity.
Forms OF Work.
The forms of work taken up by the
Association are simple and are for the
purpose of illustrating the agricultural
truths which may Immediately be put
into practice. They may be classified
under three very general heads:- first,
the work with the soil and crops; Sec
ond, work with livestock; third, advis-
ory work on specific farm problems.
Demonstrations with the soil and
crops is divided into two classiications,
demonstration plats. and demonstration
fields. These demonstrations are plan
ned to show definitely the results of
certain rotations or of tilage, seeding,
and cropping methods. The work is
cooperative. 1t is expected that the
farmer who co-operates will furnish the
use of the land free, and will perform
the work upon it as determined by the
Agent.
Demonstration Plats.
Demonstration plats are located on
the various soil types of the district
and are for the purpose of demonstrat-
ing the form of rotation which is most
advisable under those particular con-
ditions. These plats may range in
area from 20 to l6O acres, depending
upon the ability of the farmer to pro-
perly care for and operate the acreage.
A definite system of crop rotation is
laid out on each area. The expense of
operation per acre will vary from one
dollar to one dollar and half per acre
over the average cost of operating
land. The tillage and cultural meth
DDS, the use of manures. grass crops,
and possibly in some sections fertil-
izers, will be illustrated upon each
plat. The crops grown are such as are
adapted to the conditions which pre-
vail in the community and that may be
marketed and handled to advantage.
Through crop rotation larger yields
will be secured, the fertility of the soil
more easily maintained and labor dis
tributed to better advantage. This is
most important matter, for sooner or
later some definite system of rotation
of crops must be adopted in all Sec
tions of the state.
Demonstration Fields.
The demonstration fields consist of a
smaller acreage than the demonstra-
ton plats, preferably from half acre
to not to exceed ten acres, upon which
specific instructions are given as to the
production of certain crops which at
the present time may not be generally
grown, but which in the future will be
of Importance to the locality. Especial
attention is paid to the production of
alfalfa, clovers, corn, winter wheat,
winter rye, and other products, and
the dissemination of superior varieties
of the common grains. The crops that
are grown on the demonstration fields
in any locality will depend upon the
soil, climatic and economic conditions
which prevail. The primary purpose
of the demonstration field is to effec-
lively demonstrate on many farms in
the community the possibilities of and
the method of producing these crops.
Requirements.
Farmers who cooperate on the dem
onstratlon plats will be expected to fol-
low instructions for period varying
from 8 to years. These plats to be
of value must be carried on for suf-
ficient period of time to show the re-
suits that accrue from agricultural
methods which build up or maintain
the soil.
Demonstration fields are established
in cooperation with any farmer in the
district who will follow the instructions
given him. This work extends over a
period of one year only, but may be
taken up the following year. Farmers
accepting such work are visited as Of
ten as necessary and a report made at
the close of the year Of the results Sc.
cured.
Demonstration Farms.
A few farms will be accepted for use
as demonstration farms. This work is
cooperative with the entire farm anc
its operations as unit. The farm
owner agrees to follow instructions al
to the operation of the entire farm ane
as to the feeding, care, and manage
ment of the livestock. The genera
operation of the farm is to be super
vised by the Agent of the Association
while the details of the work are to b,
carried on by the farmer. This is tn,
highest and most complete form O.
demonstration work and will be at