South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-03-28
FARMERS URGED
TO HELP NATION
SeC'y Houston Says Country
Must Not be Hindered
nv Food Shortage.

WASHINGTON. March 2S-The
farmers Of America yere appealed
10 by Sec'y Houston Tuesday 10 join
IN agricultural preparedness meas
ures so that the country may not be
handicapped By food shortage in its
eTrots 70 meet the international
crisis. Elimination OF waste, con-
servation Of surplus and attainment
Of maximum crop returns were out
lined AZ imperative steps for
strengthening agricultural resources.
Both for economic and patriotic
reasons. the secretary said in a for
NAL statement, the American farmer
should strive this year for the hign-
est standard Of efficiency in the pro-
duction and conservation of food.
Under the conditions in which
this country now finds itself, IL is
important that everything practical
BILE be done TO increase the efficien-
cy Of agricultural activities during
the coming season. 1t is desirable
that throughout the country farm
ers confer among themselves on
matters affecting the production of
needed crops, and that they consult
freely with county agents, state az
ricultural colleges and the depart
ment of agriculture"
Part of Campaign.
The secretary's appeal was part Of
the campaign undertaken by the de-
partment Of agriculture to mobilize
the nations agricultural resources.
Assistant Sec'y Vrooman, in a state
ment several days ago. outlined
why the various sections Of the
country should become self-sup-
porting through crop diversificatiOn
and pointed out also that much
food might he supplied by cultiva-
ton of vacant city lots and yards.
Mr. Houston urged particularly
that as a means of preventing con
spicuous production wastes" of i'm
portant staple cereals, proper atten-
ton be given to the selection and
safeguarding of seed for planting.
the preparation of the land and the
care Of the crop.
Under existing conditions" he
said. every precaution should be
taken: % to reduce production
wastes by testing seed sufficiently in
advance TO insure against the plant
ing Of dead seed; CD TO treat with
disinfecting dips all seed subject to
disease that can be prevented, such
as the smuts OF wheat, barley, oats
and rye. the losses from which are
estimated conservatively at $4,000 |
600 TO $6O,000,000 in the average |
year; CD to prepare especially |
thoroughly for planting these vital |
~ important cereal crops and to
care for them as may be necessary |
during the season
Urges Disease Prevention.
After discussing certain methods
of planting cereals, the statement
declared it was especially important
to reduce the risk of wastes through |
the action of disease or insects In
staple vegetables, sucn as
potatoes, cabbage and onions. !
Pointing out that seed stocks are
low. Sec'y Houston suggested that !
all seed potatoes should be treated |
for scab before planting. and that !
for plant spraying should |
be on hand, il being added that |
wide spread outbreak of blight |
the important producing |
states (Which fortunately rarely oc-
ours except in restricted areas), |
might diminish production 3.O00,G 600 |
bushels a day during August and !
if prolonged rainy |
weather should occur. Preventable |
potato diseases. the secretary said, |
frequently reduce the crop from /
5O,OOO,OOO TO 100000, 600 bushels.