The Waxahachie daily light. [volume] (Waxahachie, Tex.) 1894-current, 1917-03-30
FARMERS URGED To
RAISE MAXIMUM CROP

WASHINGTON. March 80. The
farmers OF America were appealed TO
by Secretary Houston to Join in ag-
ricultural preparedness measures 50
that the country may not be hanai-
capped BY food shortage In its eff.
forts to meet the international crisis.
elimination of waste, conservation OF
surplus and attainment of maximum
crop returns we're Outlined an in-
perativo steps for strengthening ag-
ricnItural resources.
Both for economic and patriotic
motives. the secretary said in a for
NAL statement, the American farm
er should strive this year for the
highest standard of efficiency In the
production and conservation Of food.
Under the conditions in which
this country now finds itself it is inn
portant that everything practicable
be done to increase the efficiency OF
agricultural activities during the COM
ing season. 1t is desirable that
throughout the country farmers con-
fer among themselves on matters af-
fecting the production of needed
crops, and that they consult freely
with county agents, state agricultur-
al colleges and the department Of
agriculture. .
The secretary's appeal was part OF
the campaign undertaken by the
department of agriculture to mobi-
lize the nations agricultural resour-
ces. Assistant Secretary vrooman
in a statement several days ago
outlined Why the various sections of
the country should become self-sup-
porting through crop diyersification
and pointed out also that much food
might be supplied by cultivation of
vacant city lots and back yards.
Mr. Houston urged particularly
that as Il means Of preventing con
spicuous production wastes" Of i'm.
portant staple cereals, proper atten
ton should be given TO the selection
and safeguarding of seed for plant
ing, the preparation Of the land and
the care of the crop.
some OF the most conspicuous
crop wastes the statement contin-
we'd, occur with fruits and vege-
tables, of which in normal years lar
ger quantities. usually are grown
than the producers can market prof
itabIy. frequently these losses are
due indirectly to disease and insect
injury which lower the market value
without reducing their food value
materially II they can be utilized
promptly by drying, canning and
other preseryatiee methods Under
existing conditions. every practicable
step should be taken TO protect these
crops throughout the season and uti-
tie and preserve them as fully as
possible when they have matured. !"
The statement declared the fruits
and vegetables which ordinarily it
is inadyisable to attempt to conserve,
should be Systematically saved now :
Canning. drying and preserving OPP
erations, 1t added. should not be de-
layed until late summer or autumn,
and family garden should be planted
ito supply ample quantities Of early
maturing fruits and vegetables for
preservation as we'll as fresh pro-
duets.
because OF the scarcity of tin
plate and the high prices of tin
cans Secretary Houston continued.
"it may be necessary in household
preservation of food more extensive
ly to pack fruit and vegetables in
other containers"
The secretary's statement will be
distributed through the country by
the department in order to reach as
many farmers as possible. 1t con-
talns detailed suggestions which de-
partment officials believe will be of
great value to many who heretofore
have given little thought to the sci
entific side of farming.