Graham guardian., 1917-11-23
FOOD PRODUCTION
OF Arizona Discussed at a
Banquet Given by Dwight
B. Heard

At a notable gathering of Ari-
zona agricultural scientists, main
ly county agents and members of
the State seed committee, gath
cred at supper as guests of Chair
man Dwight B. Heard, of the
Council of Defense, in Phoenix
last Thursday night.
Even more important than the
discussion of an excellent spread,
was that concerning means
whereby Arizona's food produc-
ton might be increased for war
time needs. 1t tappears that Ari-
zona today is producing only half
the wheat she consumes and that
about n, 900 more acres of the
grain must be added this winter
if the State does her full duty
toward the breadstuffs supply.
1t was agreed that some de-
finite understanding must be
reached between committees
representing the millerS and the
farmers to assure the prospective
grower OF a return not materially
lower than that received from
other crops that do not need to
be turned over to manufactures.
Arizona wheat is claimed to
be as good as any, even though
there be prejudice in favor of
hard wheat for bread making.
1t was urged also that other
grains be substituted in the
household and there was praise
of the flavor and food qualities
of milo maize and feterita, when
used according to recipes that
have been compiled by the agri-
cultural section of the University
and that will be published thru
the Council of Defense. By
added acreage, or by substitu-
ton, must be covered the States
present deficit of $50, 900 bushels.
1t was urged that farmers be
not too hasty in disposing of
their dairy stock, even though
feed be high, for Holland is be-
ing eliminated as a dairy center
by war conditions and there will
be even greater dependence up
on western America for butter
and cheese when the war closes.
In the Salt River valley, though
many cows have been beefed,
the first nine months of 1917
show a butter-fat yield. at the
creameries of 1881, 1892 pounds,
something above last years.
From Coconino county was re-
ported an unprecedented yield of
the finest grades of Irish po-
tatoes, with some apprehension
that they may be spoiled in tran
sit this winter. 1t was urged
that Arizona planters to the
southward buy Flagstaff potatoes,
even though there be competition
by similar grades from Colorado
and Oregon. There was men,
ton also that California potatoes
of inferior quality had been sold
at some places as coming from
northern Arizona. Phoenix alone
consumes five carloads a week.
l.. A. Parks gave remarkable
data concerning the development
of agricultural efficiency among
The youth of the State. D. A.
Gilchrist told how the Agricul-
tural Department is fighting ro-
dent pests and rabbits with a
large degree of success. and M.
E. Kinsey advised how insect
pests can be handled on alfalfa
field at little expense. The host
himself contributed a ringing
address, urging the patriotic
necessity of united action by the
farmers and stock raisers of Ari-
zona, who may profit we'll while
serving their country.
Beside Food Administrator
Timothy A. Riordan and Secre-
tary Geo. H. Smalley, the especial
guests of the evening included:
l.. M. Harrison, of the Extension
Service for the Agricultural De.
partment; Jas. Fl. Collins, U. S.
marketing expert at Phoenix; w.
A., Bailey, agricultural agent for
Yuma county; Nels Lind, Yuma;
A. l.. Paschall, of Wilcox; De.
lore Nichols, agricultural agent
for Coconino countv; J. w. Roth
ersberger, of Springerville; L.
A. Parks, of the boys and girls
club extension work; D. A. Gill
christ, expert of the biological
survey of the Department of
Agriculture; M. E. Kinsey, ento-
and A. S. Reid, of