The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-02-12
By z. r. Stephens

~ e r. SUepnene
At the recent meeting at Spokane
discussion qtsrowing potatoes lead
b. John U. Mcpherson. Of Pocatello,
Idaho, was very interesting and de-
veloped many points Of interest It
is now generally agreed that idaho
is already surpassing Colorado in the
ability to grow potatoes Of superior
quality, in large quantity and with
substantial profit. The discussion
developed many interesting points
regarding the selection Of suitable
soil, rotation Of crop, methods Of cul:
tivation, and not least in importance,
marketing. In tho year 1912 the
potato market was overcrowded with
the result that under 1912 methods
Of marketing prices ruled low.
This lead to the formation Of an
association as branch Of the North
Pacific Distributing Association. Mr..
Mcpherson is actively engaged in the
organization Of this association, and
in the development Of better methods
of marketing. In the opinion Of
Eugene Grub, noted potato author
ity, Southern Idaho is one of the
most favored potato raising sections
in the world. The possibility OF
growing very large crops in this dis
trict is indicated by the fact that
with suitable culture and rotation OF
crop, 400 sacks of potatoes have been
grown on one acre, and crops of 200
to 800 sacks are quite frequently
secured where rotation Of crop, Sc
lection Of seed, and methods of cul
ture have been such as skilled ex
perience advises. In southeastern
Idaho some parties cultivate large
acreage. Beasley Brothers, of Idaho
Falls, annually cultivate 800 acres
Other parties grow potatoes by the
hundreds of acres, but perhaps the
majority of the growers cultivate ten
to fifty acres.
The cost of growing, where
methods Of rotation are such as tc
grow very large yields per acre, with
seed in selected plots and with up.to
date machinery; Beasley Brothers
have by carefully kept accounts
demonstrated that it is possible tt
grow potatoes and haul them nin<
miles to a station at total cost o.
thirty-five cents per hundred pounds
This on a yield of 800 bushels o.
more per acre
Rotation Of Crop
To guard against disease rotation
of crop is essential. Grain, on,
year; alfalfa, two years; potatoes, on
sear; beets, one year, has proved l
successful rotation in regions abou
Idaho Falls.
1t is not considered wise to grow
potatoes two years in succession il
the same field, lest fungus diseases
should creep in. The fertility of thu
soil must be maintained. The larg>
amount of vegetable matter secures
by turning under alfalfa has provet
to be an essential factor in securin,
profitable crops.
| Selection Of Seed
| The most skilful potato grower
send men with forks through thei
potato fields selecting by appearance
the most promising hills. judging b!
the vines. II the hills develop to,
to fifteen potatoes and most o
them are Of good average size will
shallow eyes, and no evidence of dis
ease, the better potatoes from tina
hill are saved for seed: but If thu
yield turns up a dozen potatoes O
which a considerable portion ar,
small or otherwise defective, no seet
is selected from that hill. Each up
odate grower has seed plot Of
which he grows the finest possibl,
potatoes for seed purposes. Eacl
year he selects the very best from
this plot for his general field and hi,