The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1916-12-22
EXCERPT FROM ANNUAL
REPORT

Farmers growing corn Under
demonstration methods make an
.Tcragc yield OF 81 bushels to the
ere, an increase Of Il bushels
over the general average made by
Inc county. Ten per cent Of OH
farmers are beginning the prac-
ice cf seed selection Under com
y agents instructions. Is per
ent OF our farmers are deeply
'oncern2d about improving their
methods OF farming and about Is
Ter cent are beginning to show
'one interest in one way or an
other.
Several farmers have been in
duccd to grow velvet beans. pea
nuts, and peas in their corn who
ave never grown these before.
Farmers are being encouraged to
grow these legume crops for the
purpose OF increasing live stock
iced and as means OF building
sol fertility, thereby increasing
crops yields generally.
The average yield of cotton pro-
duced by those carrying out dem
Ionstration methods is 1860 pounds
to the acre OF seed cotton; show
ing an increase over the common
practice of 700 pounds to the
acre. Only very few of the
farmers seem to have any idea
OF increasing their cotton acre
age for 1917. 90 per cent of our
farmers express their intention of
taking the wise step of reduced
cotton acreage and diversified
farming. 25 per cent of the farm
ers are ready for the boil weevi1
and also express a desire to en-
courage others. A strong fight
will be made on the boil weevii.
Leading farmers have express
ed their intention of putting in
about 400 acres to tobacco for a
money crop to take the place of
decreased acreage in cotton. We
hope to be able to increase this
number to 500 or 1900 acres for
Ben Hill. | feel confident that we
will
Farmers have been induced to
sow a larger acreage to oats.
wheat, and other winter cover
"roTs. In spite Of the fact that
we had adverse climatic condi-
tons in the fall for sowing these
crops, you will notice an incrcas-
cd acreage and some improve
ments made in the preparation
and sowing of these .rops. Scv-
cral farmers were influenced to
treat thcir seed before sowing
with iormalin to kill smut. This
IS the beginning of practice that
will mean the saving of thousands
OF bushels of grain and it will al
SO prevent sickness and death of
the live stock that frequently oc-
cuts.
a large number of farmers have
been induced to-rnake start on
permanent pastures for grazing
purposes, Bermuda grass, bur
clover, and lespeda are recon-
mended for these permanent pas
lures. In connection with the
permanent pastures forage crops
for grazing purposes are en-
couragcd and it is gratifying to
notice the number Of farmers
taking an interest in this most i'm
portant work.
The old razor back hog and the
scrub cow are leaving, our coun-
ty and better stock is moving in
to their places. Go out in any
direction and you will see some
sign OF better stock-the change
IS coming very fast, even if we do
not notice it.
Home orchards and gardening
have been encouraged and in
structlons given on this line.
Farmers are waking up to the
Importance of having fruit and
vegetables for home use.
| | have inoculated 3,471 hogs,
travelled 1890 miles, answered
80 personal calls, 1248 phone
calls, held 2l4 meetings reaching
| 12S40 Deon1a bald c1J