The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-03-30
ALLS FOR PLANTING
OF MORE FO0DSTUFFS
Houston Issues Appeal to Farmers Of
Nation TO Raise More Cereals
should Be Careful as Well as
Prompt.

Nation to Raise More cereals
should Be Careful as Well az
Prompt.
washington, March 21.-The farm
ers of America were appealed to by
Secretary Houston today to join in as-
ricultural preparedness measures 50
that the country may not be handi-
capped by food shortage in it's efforts
to meet the international crisis. Ehm1-
nation of waste, conservation OF sur
plus and attainment of maximum crop
returns were outlined as Imperative
steps for strengthening agricultural
'esources.
Both for economic and patriotic
reasons" the secretary said in a for
NAL statement, "the American farmer
should strive this year for the highest
standard of efficiency in the produc-
ton and conservation of food.
"Under the conditions in which
this country now finds itself it is i'm
oprtant that everything practicable be
done to increase the efficiency OF ae-
ricultural activities during the COM
ing season.
The secretary's appeal was part OF
the campaign undertaken by the de-
partment of agriculture to mob, llze
the country's agricultural resources.
Mr.. Houston urged particularly that
as a means OF preventing "conspicu-
Gus production waste of important
staple cereals, proper attention be
given to the selection and safeguard
ing of seed for planting. the prepara-
ton of the land and the care OF the
crop.
Must Take Precautions.
Under existing conditions" he said
every precaution should be taken
1) to reduce production wastes by
testing seed sufficiently in advance to
insure against the planting OF dead
seed: (2) to treat with disinfecting
dips all 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-
servatively a. s50,000,00O to $4,000
COO in the average year; (3) to pre-
pare especially thoroughly for plant
ing these vitality important cereai
crops and to care for them as may
be necessary during the season.
After discussing certain methods or
planting cereal seeds. the statement
declared it was especially important
OF reduce the risk of wastage through
action of disease or insects In
staple vegetables, such as potatoes
cabbage and onions. Pointing out
that seed stocks are low, Secretary
Houston suggested that all seed pota-
toes should be treated for scab be-
fore planting and that equipment for
plant spraying should be on hand.
"Some of the most conspicuous crop
wastes" he states, occur with frults
and vegetables. Frequently these
losses are due indirectly to disease
and insect injury, which lower their
market value without reducing their
food value materially, if they can De
utilized promptly by drying. canning
and other preservative methods. Un-
der existing conditions every practi-
cable step should be taken to protect
these crops throughout the season ana
TO utilize and preserve them as fully
as possible when they have matured.
Must Save Vegetables.
The statement declares that fruits
and vegetables (which ordinarily 1t IS
inadvisable to attempt to conserve
should be Systematically saved now.
Family gardens should be planned to
supply ample quantities of early ma
turing fruits and vegetables for pre-
seryation as we'll as fresh products 1or
immediate consumption.
Because of the scarcity OF tlnplate
and the high price of tin cans Sec
retarv Houston continued, 1T may De
necessary in household preservation
of food more extensively to pack tru!t
and vegeta bles in other containers -
He urged that plans be made for
the storage of sweet potatoes IN the
Southern States, pointing out tina.
about 100000 bushels of the usuai
crop of 100000 bushels go to waste
through decay.
The secretary suggested the preser-
vation by drying for soup STOCK lof
such vegetables as carrots, potatoes
and celery and drying Of surplus
sweet corn. Many crops grown usu-
ally for soil Improvement or forage
he declared. possess large food values
;; if utilized properly and their utlllza-
ton for human food and oil produc-
ton doubtless will be advisable.
Such crops as SOY beans, coWpeas'
peanuts. kafir and other grain sor-
ehums were mentioned specifically IN
this connection The secretary
: statement will be distributed through
the country by the department In or
der to reach as many farmers as pos
sible. ><-