Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-29

Waking Up to the Farmers Needs.
At last. when the season for planting
Is becoming dangerously short, move
ment which we have been advocating
for a month. is slowly assuming form
In the minds Of those who seemed de-
tremined to dump all the burden on
George. the farmer
When 1t is almost too late big indus
tries and interests have decided that
the quickest and surest way to DRIVE
the farmer is to give him fair deal.
In New York state and in Massachu-
setts actual moves have been made
toward encouraging the farmer by adj
vance contracts for produce at prices
that will enable him to see his way out
after buying seed. fertilizer and farm
machinery at the outrageous prices
nov exacted.
In the Bay State, farmers who plant
increased acreage ere to be assured a
feir price for their produce through
contract orders from consumers made
possible by the endeavors of the "Asso
ciated Industries" a large organization
OF Industrial interests Of the State act
ing In conjunction with the public safe
" committee
That. with the movement in New
York and a few scattered sections, is
the first common sense plan set in mo-
ton. Farmers were afraid of the eff
feet OF the number Of home gardens on
the market this fall when they would
have TO market the pershable product
Of their increased acreage, for lack of
storage. They were afraid of the spec
ulltors. and they were afraid of the
sentiment Of "let the farmer do il: he
Is used TO being made the goat"
Farmers also have been forced to pay
unusual prices for the ordinary seeds
they buy. by the rush of inexperienced
agriculturists to carry out the propos-
ais OF the government and the plant
a-garden" whooptedo. Here is a speci-
men of the way patriotic farmers" in
Maine have been held up for the seed
for increased acreage:
In recent weeks would-be planters of
potatoes in the central part of Maine
nave had to pay SO to $3.50 for
Maine seed; while agricultural papers
out OF the State are advertising Maine
seed Potatoes for New York Planters
NJ s2.55 per bu. T. o. b."
In New York State they were read
ing kennebec Journal editorials in omen
strange TWO weeks ago and adopting
resolutions which were sent to the press
% the state and to state officials.
Now they are ENCOURAGING THE
FARMER, as we urged, out there, in
spite OF the spirit Of barter" to which
some OF our critics objected. Later
v" may publish some very significant
letters which we are receiving from
other states.
In massachusetts the Associated In
dustries organization has sent a circu.
lar letter TO employers, in part as fol.
lows
The farmers Of Massachusetts lost
money last year. This wear the cost ~
tertuizer, seed and labor has so greatly
increased that he will not take a cnance
Oh increased production unless insured a
market which will guarantee at least a
return on his cash outlay. our only hone
~ preventing tremendous food short
"se 10 encourage the farmer to in
rease ms operations by guaranteeing
h'fn "a market and reasonable profit
The plan is this Order now a ouan
uty OF potatoes and beans sufficient to
,nee. ,he requirements of your employees
,or she coming year Potatoes at a mini
MINIMUM price of 81 IL bushel If the
whole sale price of either commodity Is
above this minimum price at time of ship
ment, your contract can be accepted or
rejected at your option.
we ask the farmer to increase his
planted acreage. He wants "A market es
tabhshed before he takes a chance In
creased production means lower prices
ana the farmer is scared. While he
doubts the entire success of the back
yard garden. he hesitates to plant even
ms usual or normal acreage this year.
unless ne Is assured a reasonable protit
Tor his risk and labor At a time when
Increased production is vitality necessary
W we are TO win the war, we must build
up his courage by ordering in advance
The prices of foodstuffs must be kent
down for the benefit of our employees
Win you join with other large employ
srs and help reduce his living costs and
help the farmer win the war;
Inc appeal aOus tnat THESE contract
orders must be placed before June l or
they will be too late, for the planting
season will be over. Formal contract
blanks are sent out with each circular
letter.
Many employers have already signed
contracts. To relieve transportation
Dimes, 1t is arranged to place the orders
Tor potatoes and beans with the farm
ers In the same vicinity as the orders
come from. this saving freight charges
also.
One large manufacturing concern in