The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1915-07-06
KENTS MONTHLY REPORT
SAYS CORN CROP Is GOOD AND
CHEAPEST EVER MADE.
Warns Farmers From Going to Other
Extreme of Using Too Little
Commercial Fertilizers.

w arms FARMERS from GOlnS 10 OtIlef
Extreme of Using Too Little
Commercial Fertilizers.
Following is the report of Farm
Demonstration Kent for the month of
June submitted to the board of coun-
ty commissioners:
During the month l have visited
101 demonstrators, IS club members,
have written % letters in the inter
est of the work, inoculated 159 hogs
as preventative of cholera and trav-
eled COZ miles.
This has, indeed, been a favorable
month for the farmers of Terrell
county in view of the fact that the
abundant rain fall necessary to make
corn on our soils has been forthcom-
ing. This corn crop, too, is one OF
the cheapest ever made in the coun-
ty, as but little fertilizer has been
used. We are compelled to believe
that we have a good grain soil if we
will just add the necessary humus
or vegetable matter to hold the moist
ure and practice rapid shallow cul-
tivation. This is being done on near
ly all the demonstration fields this
year. From the acreage planted to
velvet beans and peas this year we
would judge that the soils of the
county will have more humus next
year than has ever been seen. 1t be-
hooves US to keep this good work go
ing on so that We can get the most
cut of our rich soils. The plant food
is in them, and we should take steps
to get it out instead of depending on
so much commercial fertilizers. When
we get this vegetable matter and
proper cultivation on these soils the
commercial fertilizers are going to
give better results. No fertilizers are
going to come up to our expectations
if we depend on them to do all. We
have got to get the soil in fix to util-
ize them to the best advantage by let
ting in water, sunshine and air. The
writer has heard a number of farm
ers remark that they don't believe
commercial fertilizers are any good in
view of the fact that their crops show
up just as good this year without fer
tilizer as they did last and previous
years with it. They are mistaken
here, because commercial fertilizers
are of great benefit to us when used
in reason and put in well prepared
soils. However, it is fact that some
of our farmers have been using more
than there was any need of, the soils
being in the physical condition that
they were. We regret to know that
a large number of farmers have
jumped from one extreme to anoth-
er-from using more than was need
ed to none at alias we believe it
more economical to use some than
none at all. The fact that the corn
crop this year has received better
cultivation than it has in many years
will tend to mislead many farmers
as to the benefits of fertilizers.
The work took an active interest
in the shorthorn sale held at Albany
On June %, when six purebred ami
mails were brought into the county.
This brings the number of these ami
mails in the county up to twenty in
addition to about thirty-fve half
breeds. The first shorthorns were
brought into the county in April of
last year, and the rapid increase
speaks well for the merits of the
breed as being the one for our condi-
lions as well as the important and
progressive move made by our farm
ers. This will mean more meat, more
fertile soils, and a better county to
live in. Respectfully submitted,
R. H. KENT, Demonstration Agent.