Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1914-02-13
REGENTS FORM PLANS FOR
ASSISTING BIG BEND FARMERS
Conference Held at State College to Discuss
Problems Confronting Present and Future
Wheat Growers of Dry Belt

belt that has been seriously affected
yet one might we'll view with appre-
hension the extension of the same
difficulties to regions that have
hitherto suffered in a less degree.
1t is but fair to say that the col
ioge has hitherto realized the i'm
portance of the problems of dry land
farming, and has to the extent of it's
ability under the circumstances con
Quoted experimental and extension
work, an account of which it is not
necessary to give. Realizing the
pressing need of more extensive in
vestigations and demonstrations, the
board of regents has urged upon re-
cent legislatures the need of special
appropriations for this purpose, but
without success, with the exception
Of one small appropriation. To ade-
quately deal with this problem, it
will be therefore necessary for the
state to provide additional funds for
the purpose.
Meanwhile, the board is willing
and anxious to use its present staff
and resources for the betterment of
conditions as far as possible.
1t therefore submits the following
suggestions in reply to those of your
committee.
l. The board desires to extend to
the committee having in charge the
demonstration farm located in
Adams County, such assistance as
may be rendered by our experiment
station, the bureau of farm develop
ment, our extension department, and
our department of agriculture. 1t
also wishes TO use the experimental
ton and demonstrations of the said
farm in promoting better agriculture
in the dry belt, as far as possible.
2. The board proposes at once to
select and employ a special agent for
the dry belt. 1t hopes to secure a
man trained in scientific agriculture,
and at the same time one who has
had practical experience and skill in
handling agricultural problems
under similar conditions. Such a
man will be employed at an ade-
quate salary and allowance for ex.
penses. This agent, acting under
the auspices of the director of the
experiment station, and in harmony
with the bureau of farm develop
ment, would devote his entire time
to the problems of dry farming in
the dry belt; he would visit all parts
of the said territory; he would ad-
wise and assist such farmers as are
willing to accept such assistance in
methods of tillage; in the selection
and production of crops adapted to
the region; in the conservation of
sou moisture; in preventing or re-
ducing the damage from soil drift
ing; in the determination or use of
weeds; in the adding of humus to
the soil; in the general problems of
farm management, and in such
other problems as may be conducive
TO the development and betterment
OF the region. He would especially
extend information relative to crops
and methods which had proved sue
cessful among the farmers of the
region.
3. The board proposes further to
continue the important investiga.
lions of the fundamental problems
OF dry farming now being conducted
by the experiment station, and upon
which more than $4,000 will be ex-
pended during the current year.
4. The board proposes further to
conduct, under the auspices of the
agricultural department, such CO.
operative experiments with farmers
OF the region, of promising crops and
crop systems as may seem wise and
opportune. 1t would be impossible
at the present time to give even an
approximate estimate of the cost OF
these cooperative experiments.
.. The board proposes to use the
bureau of farm development as fan
as possible in the solution of these
problems. This cost win fall largely
upon the counties. The board urges
your committee and the Chamber OF
commerce to further the adoption OF
this system in the dry belt to the
end that every county may profit
thereby and that there may be a sol.
idarity of effort throughout the en-.
tire region.
=. The board proposes to institute
cooperative experiments in the
propagation and adaptation of trees
and shrubs for windbreaks in tho
dry belt, with a view to making thi.
region of permanent homes, add