The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-02-21

Secretary of Agriculture Houston today made the following statement bearing on the leading results of the planting and production activities in 1917. It fur nishes ground for encouragement that Si1e farmers of the nation can again over come difficulties and produce large sup ply of foods and feedstuffs this year, but it does not afford justification for any let-up in production activities or in con- servation efforts
 The production of food crops and of animals and animal products is always a matter of great interest to all the peo- pie of the nation. At this particular time it is of especial interest and con cern Statistics regarding the acreages and yields of important food crops plant ed during the year 1917 have been avail able in the department of agriculture for sometime and have been made public. The recent report of the bureau of crop estimates on the number of live stock on farms and ranges, however, makes it possible now to exhibit a summary of the principal results of the farmers operations for the year.
 Naturally, when the nation entered the war on April S. 1917. there was much confusion and apprehension as to the possibility of increasing or even of main taining agricultural production. There was special concern as to the sufficiency of the supply of labor that would be available for farming operations and much apprehension was manifested over the disturbance of the supply as the result of industrial demands and the drafting or volunteering of men for ser vice in the army and navy As matter of fact, there was no little disturbance and in some sections the situation was especially acute. There were other diff faculties confronting the farmers, includ- ing those of securing fertilizer and ma chinery in sufficient quantities at reas- enable cost.
 Notwithstanding all the difficulties, however, the farmers, periodically re- spending to the appeals to them and in- fluenced by the prevailing prices. labored energetically to meet the needs of this nation for food and also those of the friendly nations in Europe. They planted the largest acreages in the history of the country. produced and harvested record crops of most products except wheat, and succeeded in increasing the number of live stock. including not only work ami mals, but meat and milk animals
 ACHIEVEMENTS GREAT
 The achievements of the farmers and live stock men furnish cause for con graduation and encouragement, but not
  year in efforts to better the record and to conserve food The necessity of again securing large yields from the farms and ranches this year has been strikingly empha sized by the President in his mes- sage to the farmers of the country and Is steadily being pointed out by the de- partment of agriculture and other agencies through various channels, in- cluding especially the extensive farm demonstration activities of the depart leges. Specific suggestions are now under and will be made public in the near fu- nomically wise and advantageous for the farmers of the nation to put forth their best efforts during the coming season to equal and, if possible, to exceed5 their record of last year, In spite of the large the situation Is not satisfactory. The supply of wheat in this nation and in the world is inadequate. Owing to short crops in preceding years, the reserves of number of important commodities have been greatly reduced. Whether the war continues or not. the demand on this country. because Of the increasing popu- lation and of the needs of Europe. will be great. They will continue to De gree for considerable period even after s'ca ss returns. There will be an espNata3iA strong demand made on this ccs's,si lp' meats and live stock.
 The record of farmers last year, sss4s in the face of obstacles. is efusli fpi confidence on their part that, win e&Sfs