The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1918-02-19
Shortage of Farm Labor

Facing the inevitable shortage OF
labor and the rising cost Of raw mater
ials the farmers of New Jersey find
themselves in most serious predica-
msnt. They do not wish to fail the
nation now passing through great
crisis. They are willing to work as
hard a. they ever did, and harder.
They are willing to assume all the
ordinary risks Of season, OF insect at
tacks, of plant diseases and Of fluctuat-
ing market values. They are ready to
invest. and to q large extent have
already invested, much of their cash
resources and of borrowed capital in
such labor as may be available and in
seed and fertilizer.
But sober experience has taught
them that human endurance has its
limits. Between sunrise and sunset
the farmer may drive himself and
those near him at top speed; and yet If
he dare attempt too much neglected
acres and lessened production per acre
will some day come to plague him.
Weighing these facts carefully and
deliberately, the farmers Of New Jer-
sey do not propose to shirk. They
wish to be spared iniudicious advice
and impractical suggestions, but are
grateful for any sound and truly help
full advice. What is there, then, that
may be offered az at least partial
solution of these extraordinary prob
lens? What can the farmer do to off
set, in o measure, the distressing
shrinkags In the cultivated acreage?
What substitute is there for labor that
has been called into other fields of SER
vice? Let US seek an answer to those
questions in spirit OF earnest devo-
ton and Of loyalty to this nation and
to other nations fighting for justice
and righteousness, and as we grope for
an answer let US remember that there
are dark days ahead and the pleading
Of hungry world for food.
To some extent labor may be con-
served by greater degree of co-opera-
ton among the farmers. Cooperation
should make possible the ordering of
carload lots Of fertilizer, lime, food,
and farm implements; and q saving Of
time in the hauling of milk, hay,
grain and fertilizer, and in other ways.
The volume of food produced on any
given area ID often reduced by the
planting Of seed Of low vitality, by in
judicious fertilization, by plant dis
eases and by insects. Intelligent pro-
vision for the testing Of seed. for the
use Of better yielding strains or varie-
ties. for supplying adequate amounts
Of available plant-food and for spray
ing, where necessary, with fungicides
and insecticides will surely offset, in a
degree, the reduction in the acreage of
titled crops. Shall we not make an
effort, then to anticipate now and with
out further delay all the needs that
may arise as to suppliesP Shall we
not see to 1t that the farm implements
and machinery are thoroughly over
hauled, that missing parts be supplied.
and that extra parts be ordered? Shall
We not try to remember that week.
delay in February is far less serious
than . days delay In April or May?
The New Jersey State Agricultural
College and Experiment station has
sst aside the nextIfour weeks for concen-
tfatsd effort among the farmers on the
four problems which ut this time
probably concern them most: Farm
supplies, machinery, labor and seed.
The week beginning February IS will
DO devoted to the question of conclud-
ing the purchase of farm supplies for
the summer months; and in the fol-
lowing week, attention will be given to
the inspection and repair of farm inn
plsmsnts. During the week of March
4, publicity will be given to a state
farm labor survey, and the week be-
ginning March IL will be devoted to
campaign for seed testing.
DIR. J. g. Lipman, dean of agricul-
ture and director of the Experiment
Station. makes an appeal to the agri-
cultural organizations of the state, as
well to other organizations and insti-
buttons which have direct or indirect
interest in the food production prob
lem. to give their loyal,support to this
program of action. He wishes to as
sure all who are interested that in
carrying out the plan they are free to
command the resources of the college
and station In behalf Of agricultural
production in New Jersey.