The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1917-04-12
OF MUCH IMPORTANCE
TO Farmers, Bankers and Busl-
ness Men in the South.

lily UeSI W Wdlu Sou " PA>P
the present emergency. For years
we have tried to encourage diversl-
fication in the South as a basis for
greater safety. both agricultural
and economic. Since the war began
in Europe we have urged safe farm
ing. 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, 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 a
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
to be strong she must be well fed
and have an abundance to sustain
those friendly people who are even
now fighting our battles for liberty
and democracy.
Transportation may be disturbed.
Your own defense requires you to
produce and conserve your food sup
ply. Don't fail now! 1t is national
problem of defense as important 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
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 good season
there will be enough. Do not sac
rifice acres of food to increase your
acreage in cotton. Look ahead! Get
the warehouses, the feed mills. she'll
ers, cleaning stations, creameries.
packing plants. etc, ready. You
must 10 your share and cooperate
with farmers. They must do their
share and tend the crops faithfully.
Farmers, in your unions, clubs
and other organizations, resolve to
use the best methods now. When
the nation faces a crisis We must
have 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
farm iaborer to cover as much
ground as passible and do the most
efficient work. Farm women and
girls have important work to do in
the garden, the orchard. in raising
poultry, and especially in canning,
preserving and conserving our food
supply.
Your county agent and home
demonstration agent become more
important officers now than ever
before. Your State extension d.
vision at the agricultural college
will have still more important duties.
Look to these for counsel and ad-
vice in this new burden of extra
work. The county agent will, with
out doubt. have new duties and re-
sponsibilities in the near future.
Farmers and business men, save
the breeding stock. Don't sell COWS,
heifers, mares, sows. gifts, ewes or
hens. Keep them for breeding. If
the breeding stock is sold where will
you get the means to supply the
meat of this country?
Let us forget all past difficulties
and join in mighty effort to feed
do -, tho