The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-12-26
PLAN FOR MORE
CENTRAL BODIES
One of Country'S Needs, Says
Secretary of Agriculture in
Recent Statement.
STRENGTHEN FARM BUREAUS
War Proved Power of Organizations
That Plan Farm Work in Com
mUnitIes-More Than a Mil
lion Members Enrolled.

One Of the points of strength in
Americas agricultural organization
has been found during the war to be
central organizations of farmers to
plan and develop the best methods of
farming for their region. That these
organizations are to be of even great
er usefulness in the era OF peace is
indicated in a recent statement adj
dressed by the secretary of agricul-
ture to the farmers and agricultural
forces of the United States.
As one thing that seems clear, the
secretary noted the need OF perfect
ing the organization of agricultural
agencies for the purpose Of intelli-
gently executing such a program as
may seem wise.
1--WE should not only have the best
possible organization and co-opera-
ton Of the department OF agriculture,
the agricultural colleges, the state de-
partments of agriculture and farmers
associations" said the secretary, ''but
we should especially strengthen the
local farm bureaus and other organi-
cations which support so effectively
the extension forces and assist them
In their activities. The perfecting OF
this organization is highly desirable,
not only during the continuance OF
the present abnormal conditions, but
also for the future. The local, as
well as the state and federal agen-
cies, are Of supreme Importance to the
nation in all its activities designed to
make rural life more profitable,
healthfu1 and attractive, and, there
fore, to secure adequate economic
production. efficient distribution and
necessary conservation"
Supporting County Agent Work.
The county organizations, known as
county councils, county bureaus OF ag-
riculture, or farm bureaus, often en-
ploy q county and a home demonstra-
ton agent and aid them In their work.
They usually are composed Of farm
ers and others In the county interest
ed in agriculture.
At present there are more than
100000 farmers who are members Of
organizations assisting the county
agent in his work,
IN the South.
In the South special emphasis Is
laid upon community organizations Of
farmers. These are increasing rap
idly and involve the work among
men, women and children. The ten
dency and general policy Of the work
in most OF the Southern states Is
gradually to form central county or
ganizations, composed of representa-
tives Of the community organizations,
to deal, in cooperation with the coun-
ty agents, with such problems as are
countrywide in their nature.
Farm Bureaus in the North.
In the Northern and Western states
the county organization is usually
known as a farm bureau. The
farm bureau is a nonpartisan, nom
sectarian, nonsecret organization rep
resenting the whole farming popula-
ton Of a county, men and women
alike, and acting as a clearing house
for every other association interested
In work with rural people. It's pri-
mary purposes are:
ID To bring to the agent the coun-
sci and advice of the best farmers in
the county as to what ought to be
done and how to do it.
(2) To provide an organization for
easily and quickly reaching every
community in the county with infor-
nation of value to that community
or to the county as a whole.
CD TO provide a plan for organ