Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-28
HOUSTON APPEALS
TO THE FARMERS
Asks Them to Join in Agricul-
ture Preparedness Measures
in Present Crisis.
FOOD SUPPLY IMPERATIVE

FOUU 0UfFLf 1mX ChA Law
Washington, March 27.-The farm
ers of America were appealed to by
Secretary Houston today to join IN
agriculture preparedness measures so
that the country may not be handi-
capped by food shortage in its efforts
TO meet the international crisis. Eliml-
nation of waste, conservation OF sur
plus and attainment of maximum crop
returns were outlined as imperative
steps for strengthening agriculture
resources.
Both for economic and patriotic
reasons" the secretary said IN a
formal statement, "the American
farmer 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 i'm
portant that everything practicable:
be done TO increase the efficiency OF
agriculture activities during the COM
ing session. 1t is desirable that
throughout the country farmers con-
fer among themselves on matters at
fecting the production OF needed
crops and that they consult freely
with county agents. state agricultural
colleges and the Department OF Agri-
culture"
Part Of Mobilization Plan.
The secretary's appeal was part OF
the campaign undertaken by the De
partment OF Agriculture to mobilize
the nations resources. Assistant
Secretary Vrooman previously out
lined why the various sections should
become self-supporting through crop
deyerisihcation and pointed out also
that much food might be supplied by
cultivation 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..
tion 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 planting OF dead
seed: (2) to treat with disinfecting
dips ali seed subject to diseases that
can be prevented, such as the smuts
of wheat, barley, oats and rye, the
losses from which are estimated con-
seryatiyely at $50,000,000 to $60,OOO,-
600 in the average year; (O to pre-
pare especially thoroughly for plant.
ing these vitality important cereal
crops and to care for them as may be
necessary during the session.
Should Test Seed Potatoes.
The statement also declared it was
especially important to reduce the
risk OF wastes in northern staple
vegetables, such as potatoes, cabbage
an onions. Pointing out that SEEDS
stocks are low, Secretary Houston
suggested that all seed potatoes
should be treated for scab. before
planting and that equipment tor plant
spraying should be on hand, 1t being
added that widespread outbreak
OF blight throughout the important
potato producing districts (Which
fortunately rarely occurs except III
restricted areas) might diminish pro-
duction at the rate Of 5000, 900 bushels
a day during August and September
IL prolonged rainy weather should &C.
cur"
Preventable potato diseases. the
secretary said, frequently reduce tns
crop from 100000 to lOO'oooVW
bushels.
Some OF the most conspicuous
crop wastes" the statement con-
tinued, occur with fruits and vege'
tables, of which, in normal years
larger quantities usually are grown
than the producers can market proh,it
ably. Frequently these losses are du'
indirectly 10 disease and insect in
iury. which lower their market valu'
without reducing their food value ma
terially il they can be utilized prompt
ly by drying, canning and other pres
eryattiye methods. Under existing
conditions every practicable stel
should be taken to protect these crop
throughout the season and to utiliz
and preserve them as fully as possible
when they have matured.'
Should Be Systematically Saved.
The statement declared that fruit
and vegetables, (which ordinarily
is inadvisable to attempt to conserve
should be systematically saved nov
Canning, drying and preserving op
erations, it added, should not be de
layed until late summer or autumn
and family gardens should be pllanne:
to supply an ample quantity OF earl
maturing fruits and vegetables to
preservation and fresh products to
immediate consumption.
Because OF the scarcity OF tin plat
an dthe high prices of tin cans, Ser
retary Houston continued, il may b
necessary in household preservatio
OF food more extensively to pack iru
and vegetables in other containers
He urged that plans be made
meet the shortage of sweet potatos
in the southern states, poining o,
that about 100000 bushels of ii
usual crop OF 100000 bushels gos
to waste through decay.
Dry Of Vegetables.
The secretary suggested the prese
vation by drying for soup stock I
such vegetables as carrots, potato'
and celery, and drying OF surpl'
sweet corn. Many crops grown usua
ly for soil improvement or forage,