The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-09-17
HISTORY IN THE MAKING.


1t is not often that we can witness his
tory in the making. But those OF US VINO
attended the great Get-Together at Mag
noia Farm Thursday, saw the birth OF a
new era for West Florida, when upwards OF
a hundred business men, bankers, farmers,
and developers, representing nine counties
Of West Florida and two OF Alabama and
owners or representatives OF over million
acres Of land, with an enthusiasm that we
usually associate with soldiers about to
charge the enemys last redoubt, formed the
West Florida Stockgrowers Association.
But there is more than mere enthusiasm
behind this organization. There is intell-
gence behind it. There is money behind it.
It is not the haphazard talk of some we'll
meaning and optimistic people without
money or experience-rhetor1cally lovely,
but economically a waste of wind Repre-
senting the acreage they do, the business
future of the men depends upon the success
of stock raising in West Florida Initial
expense is nothing to them: they have the
capital, now that they recognize its impor-
lance, to get fine stock, hire an expert IN
stock raising and marketing, and prove the
best methods Of this country.
OF equal significance was the meeting at
McDavid Wednesday night to form live
stock OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES one of the many
local organizations being formed all over
the country Membership is composed ofthe
farmers of the region who, if they are lack
ing in capital, are strong in initiative and
practical knowledge. who have revolted
from the tyranny of tick and razor-back;
who have signed namestoa declaration
of independence from the ways OF the Long
Ago. McDavid farmers heretofore have
been raising hog or SO and occasionally
getting a dollar or so for it according to
what the local market chose to give. No
one thought that there was very much live
stock in the McDavid neighborhood; but
this year spirit of cooperation descended
like mamma upon the land and the McDavid
people find they will be able to ship three,
if not four, carloads of hogs 1t isn't Al
stock, but it will bring between three and
four thousand dollars from out of the north
into McDavid
These people will be among the first to
profit by the example of the West Florida
Stockgrowers Association. "Raise better
stock-get more money for the same work
will appeal strongly to men whose first
venture with poor grades has been so sue
cessful
Thus will the Stockgrowers Association
fulfilfits mission-to perpetuate and spread
the knowledge gained upon the recent Cat
tleman's Trip through the prosperity belt
OF Kentucky and Tennessee. Our land is
BETTER the men who took the trip said the
one to the other, "our climate is better; our
bermuda pasture is as good as anything
they have, and our velvet beans are great
deal better-it is only our methods that are
at fault-we think we know where tht
trouble lies, but to make sure. we will hire
an expert to guide us day and night; anc
what we learn we want our people to know
as we'll"
To join our march of progress will com,
ceaseless army from the north farmer
and investors fleeing the dreary winters
men with capital and skill, questing land
lntil our millions upon millions of acres, nov
given over to the lordly stump, and tn
modest blackjack, are won away from tn
wildernessl
Jacksonville is to have stockyards.