Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-28
SECRETARY HOUSTON APPEALS
FOR ASSISTANCE IN PRE-.
PAIRING FOR WAR.
WANTS STEPS TAKEN TO
AVOID FOOD SHORTAGE
Points Out Methods Of Conserving
Surplus and Securing Maximum
Crop Rsturns-Means Of Securing
Better Seed and Of Preventing Waste
Sugsested-Would Save Fruits.

Washington, March 2S.--The farmers
Of America were appealed to by Secre-
tary Houston today to join in agricul-
tural preparedness measures so that
the country may not be handicapped
by food shortage in meeting the inter-
national crisis. Elimination of waste
| conservation of surplus and attainment
of maximum crop returns were out
lined as imperative steps for strength
ening agricultural resources.
Both for economic and patriotic
reasons" the secretary said in formal
should strive this year for the highest
standard of efficiency in the production
and conservation of food.
Urges Cooperation.
Under the conditions in which this
country now finds itself, il is impor-
tant that everything practicable be
done to increase the efficiency of ag-
ricultural activities during the coming
season. 1t is desirable that farmers
confer among themselves on produc-
ton Of needed crops and that they con-
suit freely with county agents. state
agricultural colleges and the depart
ment of agriculture
The secretary's appeal was nar. Of
the campaign to mobilize the nations
agricultural resources. Assistant Nroo-
man previously pointed out that much
food Inight be supplied by cultivation
OF vacant city lots and yards.
Asks Care in Seeding.
Mr.. Houston urged particularly that
as n means of preventing Conspicuous
production of wastes" of important
staple cereals. proper attention be
given to the selection and safeguard
ing OF seed for planting, preparation
of the land and the care of the crop.
Under existing conditions" he said.
every precaution should be taken "a
to reduce production wastes by testing
sufficiently in advance to insure against
the planting of dead seed: Co to treat
with disinfecting dips all seed subject
to disease that can be prevented, such
as smuts of wheat. barley, oats and
rye, the losses from which are esti-
mated conservatively at s5o.oo0,000 to
$50. 100000 in the average year; CD to
prepare especially thoroughly for
planting these vitality important cereal
crops and to care for them as may be
necessary during the season"
Treat Potatoes for Scab.
Pointing out that seed stocks are
low, Secretary Houston suggested that
all seed potatoes should be treated for
scab before planting and that equip
ment for plant spraying should be on
hand.
Preventable potato diseases, the sec
rotary said. frequently reduce the crop
from 100000 to 100.000.ooo bushels
Would Save Fruits.
Some Of the most conspicuous crop
wastes" the statement continued, "oc-
cur with fruits and vegetables. of
which larger quantities usually are
grown than the producers can market
probably. Frequently these losses
are due TO disease and insect injury.
which lower their market value with
out reducing their food value if they
can be utilized promptly by drying,
canning and other preventative meth
DDS. Every practicable step should be
taken to protect these crops and to
utilize and preserve them as fully as
possible"
The statement declared that fruits
and vegetables which ordinarily it is
inadvisable to attempt to conserve
should be systematically saved now.