The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1917-04-13
FOOD SITUATION
Emphasized in Letter For Mr.. Brad.
ford Knapp, Chief Of Extensive
Work in Agriculture at
Washington.
2, The Caskst Of Tainted Treasures

The urgency Of the food situation
now confronting this nation is em-
phasized by the following letter from
Mr.. Bradford Knapp, Chief of the En-
tension Work in Agriculture at Wash
ington. That this is grave situa-
ton and requires immediate action on
behalf of every one is shown by this
letter.
To Farmers, Bankers and Business
Men in the South. Safety
For nearly three years have done
my best to warn you to prepare for
the present emergency. For years
we have tried to encourage diversifi-
cation in the South as 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. Peo-
pie without food and armies without
rations are conquered before they
can begin to fight, Our greatest safe
ty 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 supply. DON'T FAIL NOW!
1t is a National problem of defense as
important as men and guns, ships and
cannon.
BUSINESS MEN, If seed is short
canvass the situation like patriots
and get the seed for farmers. Arrange
the credits. Furnish farmers seed
corn, soy beans, sowpeas, velvet
beans, peanuts, sorghum, etc., at cost
See that all things necessary to help
the farmer is done. OF course, we
must produce cotton, but with mod
crate acreage and a good season there
will be enough. Do not sacrifice
acres of feed to increase your acre
age of cotton. LOOK AHEAD! Get
the warehouses, the feed mills, shell
lers, cleaning stations, creameries,
packing plants, etc, ready. You must
do 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 de-
vices must be used to make 1t pos
sible for every farm laborer to cover
as much ground as possible and do
the most efficient work. Farm wo-
men and girls have important work Ia
do In the garden, the orchard, in rails
ing poultry, and especially in can
ming, preserving and conserving our
food supply.
| Your County Agent and Home Dem.
onstration Agent become more I'm.
portant officers now than ever DO.
fore. Your State Extension Division
at the Agricultural College will have
still more important duties. Look Il
these for counsel and advice In THU
new burden Of extra work. The
County Agent will, without doubI
have new duties and responsIbIlItIt,
In tho near future.
WARMERS AND BusINEss MEN
"'" .I '|I