The Mena weekly star., 1917-04-19
SAFETY


 For nearly three years 1 have done my best to warn you to prepare for the present emergency. For years we have tried to encourage diversi- flcation in the South as basis for greater safety, both agricultural and economic. Since the war began in Europe we have urged Safe Farming. When prices were low you did well and made great progress. When cotton went to eighteen cents and over you made large profits because of your progress in Safe Farming, but some were tempted to go back to cotton. In common with many other men, I have tried to warn you of that danger. Cotton has not been high but has only increased in somewhat less proportion than food and feed.
 Now the crisis is here! This great Nation must arouse herself for mighty struggle for liberty. People without food and armies without rations are conquered before they can begin to fight. Our greatest safety now lies in food production and in saving the waste products.
 If the South is to be strong she must have food. If this country IS i to be strong she must be well fed and have an abundance to sustain those friendly people who are even now fighting for liberty and democ- racy.
 Transportation may be disturbed. Your own defenses require you to produce and conserve your food supply. Don't fail now! 1t is Ma tional problem of defense as impor- tant as men and guns, ships and cannon.
 Business men, if seed is short can vass the situation like patriots and get the seed for farmers. Arrange i the credits. Furnish farmers seed corn, soy beans, cowpeas, velvet beans, peanuts, sorghum, etc. at cost. See that all things necessary to help farmers are done. Of course, we must produce cotton, but with a moderate acreage and a good season there will be enough. Do not sacri- ! flee acres of food to increase your acreage of cotton. Look ahead. Get the warehouses, the feed mills, shelters, cleaning stations, cream cries, packing plants, etc. ready. 1 You must do your share and coop crate with farmers. They must do their share and tend the crops faith fully.
 Farmers, in your unions. clubs and other organizations, resolve to use the best methods now When the Nation. faces a crisis we must Ihaye the best farming in its history. Labor is short, hence the best tools and all labor saving devices must be used to make it possible for every Harm aborer to cover as much ground as possible and do the m lst efficient work. Farm women and siel> have import. nt work tc dc III ltle garden, tn. orchards, in raising Ipoultry, and especially in canning, preserving and conserving our food supply.
 Your County Agent and Home De- Imonstration Agent become more im- Iportant officers now than ever be- lfore. Your State Extension Division at the Agricultural College will have Istill more important duties Lock to these for counsel and advice in this new burden of extra work. The County Agent will, without doubt. have rev duties and responsibilities iI the near futurn.
 Farmers and Business Men, save the breeding stock. Don't sell cows, heifers, mares, cows, gilts, ewes or hens. Keep them for breeding. If the breeding stock is sold where will you get the means to supply the Imeat of this country?
 Let us forget all past difficulties and join in a mighty effort to feed the South. What can you do in the next sixty days?
 Respectfully yours,
 Bradford Knapp Chief
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