The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-01-07
I'd TEXAS FARMER TO
1SE PRACTICAL Me- HODS
Texas Industrial Congress TO Take Up
One-Crop ldea-To Urge Safe
and Sane Methods.

That every farmer in Texas should
practice sEfe and sane farming by
growing first his food and feed ami
next his cash crop as surplus VIII De
the theme Of the Texas Industrial Con
gress al its annual convention. to be
held in Dallas on Jan. is, 1915. The
program will emphasize the idea that
the prosperity Of the people OF Texas
during 1916 must not be gambed upon
the doubtful issue OF a single crop, and
that every business is a loser |aich
Is based upon a general farm practice
that does not produce q cash crop as
q surplus above the living expense.
The fundamental error In Texas
farming, by which the business vel
fare of the state Is chiefly hazaTded
is indicated in these statements;
Texas has actually been buying
$500 600, 900 worth Of food products
every year from other states in this
union. And yet there is land in Texas
In Texas there are $4,000 farms
which have no cows. There are 1884,
600 farms which have no pigs. There
are 10000 farms which have no chick
ems. There are 100000 farms which
raise no hay or other forage for cat
tie. And there are 100000 farms which
raise no sweet potatoes
Into certain Texas village there
came 100 bushels Of sweet potatoes.
To buy them took the cotton raised on
fifteen acres OF land. The potatoes
could have been grown on any single
acre of land in the neighborhood,"
The congress has already given
much consideration to the outlook for
1916 as affected by one-sided crop
ping system, from the viewpoint Of
the welfare Of the farmers and other
business men. A request for informa-
ton about local conditions and the
outlook sent out by it to 5000 persons
over Texas received responses which
indicate very clearly the necessity Of
continuing the campaign to let Texas
feed itself" by producing a home
grown living and diversIfying during
1916 If what was gained in this direc-
ton during last year is not 10 be lost.
They also indicate that if the thrift
which was made necessary by the
business depression of the past year
can be made permanent farm practice
in this state, Texas Will enter upon
period of general prosperity hitherto
unknown in its experience.
The congrC in its annual Conyen-
ton will put into final shape its plan
for carrying on local campaigns in CO.
operation with chambers Of commerce,
publiC-Spirited business men, county
officials and others over the state for
the home grown food and feed on the
Texas farms, and invites correspond,
ence from those who wish to avail
themselves of its services. Specifical,
ly, the campaigns will urge that every
! farm shall produce:
/. The family food, including a gar
den, meat, milk, butter and eggs.
q More live stock and years sup
ply of feed for it.
8. Enough grain and other field
crops so that the years income shall
not depend wholly on cotton.
The attendance at the convention Of
every person who is interested in put
ting a firm foundation under his bust
ness for 1916, whether it be banking
merchandising or farming, is urged
and a program is being arranged thai
will discuss comprehensively the pur
poses to be served.