The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1916-10-23
HELPED BY THE
AGRICULTURAL
COLLIE GES
sMITH-lEVER ACT HAS FocUS'D
ATTENTION TO AGRICULTURAL
PROBLEMS OF PROFIT ANR
COMFORTABLE LIVING.

Indianapolis, Ind, Oct. 20.-How the
farmer has been helped by the agri
cultural colleges was described by
Prof. G. /. Christie, agricultural ex
pert Of Purdue University. in a paper
entitled Taking the College to the
Farm" which he delivered before the
National Farmers Congress here to-
day. Prof Christie's address included
a survey of agricultural extension
work from the time when President
George Washington, who was also a
farmer, tried in vain TO induce con-
gress to establish a department of
agriculture for the betterment of
farm conditions, down to 1914 when
the Smith-Lever agricultural appro.
priation act was passed by congress.
"The Smith-Lever act has focused
the attention OF the educational in
terests on the great agricultural
problems and has provided for a
large and active organization in ev-
cry state for agricultural extension
work." said Prof. Christie. 1t may be
of interest to consider a few of the
mediums and methods employed in
extension work." Rrof. Christie then
detailed work being done, as follows:
"The farmers institute is one of the
Oldest extension agencies. For years
the meetings have been held in the
various states. The institute offers
not only an opportunity to impart
technical information on farming,
home making, road building etc, but
II serves as medium for the
strengthening of social relationships. |
"By means of education trains |
which have been operated over al |
most every railroad in the United |
States, it has been possible to reach |
in an effective way large numbers
of people in a short space of time
This medium has been most valuable |
in arousing communities and focusing
attention upon definite important
"Short courses in agricultural in
struction lasting one, two or more
weeks and located at various points
in the state have served as a most
valuable medium through which to
assist farmers and their families. The
were given opportunity to
do laboratory work in judging corn,
live stock, fruit or potatoes, pruning
rees, making spray mixtures, etc.
rhe women had practical demonstra-
ions on the phases of home econom-
cs and allied subjects.
"One Of the most far reaching steps
aiken throughout the entire country
$ that providing for the appointment
# county agricultural agents or farm ,
dyisors. Practically every state has
made provision for appointment of
hese workers. At present more than
100 agents are at work.
"In one county in Indian the last
ear the county agent noted that the
pple crop was unusually large. The
1cal demand was very small. The
ounty agent sought a commission z
rm, enlisted their cooperation and a
nally had them locate a branch Of d
ce in the county with a corps of a,
ickers and a packing outfit This tc
rm took from the county more than v
5000 bushels of apples for which c.
as paid approximately $4,000. In n,
0 previous year was there ever sold fu
ore than 5000 bushels of apples r
ON this county, and 1t is conserva-
yely estimated that $4,000 bushels
apples were fed to hogs or allowed
rot on the ground because they u
ere unfit for market.