Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1913-08-08
LAUDs COUNTY WORK.
J. c. Mcdowell Says Minnesota
Leads in Better Farming.

The success of the camera in spread
ing the gospel of better agriculture
among the farmers in the West Cen
trail Minnesota Development associa-
ton, was demonstrated so convincing
ly Tuesday at the meeting at the
Morris school of agriculture of county
agents and officers of the association
that pictures are to be universally
used in all the counties hereafter.
Such at least was the opinion of
every one attending when A. L. Nor
ling, agent in Grant county, showed a
remarkable series of lantern slides of
agricultural scenes taken in his
county.
The pictures included children test
ing seed corn in the country schools,
farmers studying weeds with the
county agents, charts distinguishing
between the superior and inferior
types of corn, and many others. The
pictures have been extremely helpful
in arousing interest in better farming
among Grant county farmers.
Among those present was ]. C. Nc
Dowell of the United States Depart
ment of Agriculture. in charge of
county agents in twelve states in the
middle and northern part of the coun-
try. Of the lao county agents in
the United States, he has supervision
of 100.
Mr.. Mcdowell said that Minnesota
and North Dakota led all the states
in the Union in the number of cuun-
ties organized to promote better
farming. Missouri and Michigan
follow closely.
Other men present were A. D.
Wilson, superintendent of Minnesota
farmers institutes: Frank e. Balmer,
district supervisor of the West Cen.
trail association. and E. G. Higbie,
secretary of the association.
Ten counties have agents and FIVE
others have organized. The FIVE are
| looking for agents. The two appoint
ments announced by Prof. Wilson Tues
day were. William Underwood, grad.
gIate of the Minnesota Agricultural
college. to Lac Qui Parle county. and
benjamin A. Gray. prominent potato
farmer from 0sseo, Mimi, to Nor
man county.
In closing address Mr.. Mcdowell
complimented the men associated with
the work in West Central Minnesota
on the results obtained and the great
progress made.
''The county agent. said Prof.
Mcdowell, "takes the college to the
farmer instead of waiting for the
farmer to come to the college. Every.
where in the United States the work
has been exceptionally successful.
Yet farmers and business men must
mot expect too much from the county
agent. The county agent should moi
be expected to be an authority or
everything pertaining to agriculture.
At best he can be expected to dc
little more than compile the vast
amount of information available iI
books, bulletins, circulars and the
agricultural press and take it to the
farmer that needs it.
Minnesota has followed a wise
course in passing legislation assisting
the movement instead of waiting fol
Federal aid exclusively.
In one county in Iowa an agen
saved the farmers $11, 600 in thre,
weeks by giving them assistance il
. checking hog cholera epidemic. >
The afternoon program was takel
up with addresses by different count,
agents. A. B. Lathrop of Big Ston,
county told of some of the work whicI
had been done in his county. Th
creameries, he said, were helping t,
test the milk. brought by patrons ant
assisting in the importation of sup
erior dairy stock.
G. R. Billings of Wilkin county
spoke on the professional improve
ment of the county agents.
F. D. Hawk, of Stevens county
spoke on securing more live stock
He explained the good that coul
come from the Importation Of bloode
stock into community where ther
was stock of inferior grade.
A general discussion on seed cor
work. agitation for the forming 0
farmers clubs. winter meetings anon
farmers and other subjects closed th
program. It is expected that anothe
meeting of agents will be held befor
the close of the year.