The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1916-12-20
INCREASE CROP YIELDS.
States Relations Service Shows Pro
gress and Accomplishments of
Extension Work in South.

Fields farmed as demonstrations
in agriculture under the supervision
of county agents of the Office of Ex-
tension Work, South, returned in
1915 as q rule yields 100 per cent in
excess of the average for the seclon,
according to the annual report OF
the States Relations Service issued
by the department, The demorstra-
ton work, it is stated, resulted in the
widespread adoption of better me-
thods, particularly in the preparation
of land, selection of seed, and culti-
vation of crops. ',@i
During the year 1915, 7s1 regular
county agents, 407 women county
agents, and 26 special boys club
agents were engaged in the southern
extension work. They carried on
work with 10000 adult farmers,
approximately $4,000 boys, nearly
1000 women, and about $4,000 girls.
In 1916 these figures have been in
creased to- 10000, farmers, $4,000
boys, $4,000 girls, and 10000 women
During the year the Office: perfect
ed it's organization through the State
colleges Of agriculture for demon
stration work among negroes, and
on July 1 had 81 men and B women
negro agents at work in IL States.
While the white agents have from
the beginning assisted the negro far
mers and tenants, it was found ad-
yisable in some counties where there
is a large negro population to ap-
point q negro agent to work entirely
with negroes. Frequently the Fed
eraI funds allotted for negro agent
work are supplemented by local funds
subscribed by the negro population,
In some States negro district agent
supervises the work Of the local ne
gro agent. There is close cooper.
alton between the negro agents and
the negro schools, negro agricultural
colleges, and other institutions OF the
State working along the same lines
These agents are instructlng ano
|helping thousands of negro land.
owners and tenants, the plan OF
work, being very similar to that OF
the white agents. Special stress Is
placed upon the production of home
supplies for the family and stock,
and upon the improvement OF ssnl'
tary and home conditions. Negro
children are also receiving instruc-
tions, as is partially evidenced by the
enrolment of $500 members IN
what are called farm-makers' clubs,
the members of which are taught to
crop crops, can and preserve fruits
and vegetables, and perform other
services intended to- be helpful to
them and to the community.
In addition to its regular activities
the Office of Extension Work, South,
carried on during the year several
special campaigns, wherever it has
seemed advisable, in hog-cholera con-
troll, tick eradication, and boll-Wee-
vii coutrol work. The office made
progress in it's work seeking to make
permanent the changes Of the past
few years for greater diversiticatlon::
AS evidence of this progress in dl.
versification, it might be stated that
in the eleven Southern States usually
known as the "Cotton belt" from
1909 to 1916, inclusive, the acreage
in cotton cotton increased 1917 pei
cent, the acreage in corn 22.2 pc.
cent, the acreage in wheat 1924 pei
cent, the acreage in oats S4.2 pei
cent, and the acreage in hay 39.s
per cent.
Some of the specific accomplish