Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1918-02-27
To INCREASE SPRING
WHEAT ACREAGE IN
SOUTH THIS YEAR
DEPARTMENT ALSO RECOMMENDS
THAT FARMERS LARGELY IN
CREASE THEIR PRODUCTION OF
LIVE STOCK.

The planting OF an Increased acre
age to spring wheat and the produc-
ton of an increased supply of other
food products and of live stock, espe'
Cially hogs, is recommended in its sup
Elementary food-production program
issued to day by the United States De-
partment of Agriculture.
This program re-emphasizes and
amplifes the food production program
for 1918, issued by the department in
August, 1917, and other suggestions
made in the fall and the first of this
year regarding increased pork produc-
ton and in creased production of food
stuffs in the South Taken in con-
nection with the recommendations pre-
viously made, it suggests in full the
proposals which the department thinks
it desirable to offer with a view to Sc
cure enough meat and dairy products,
cereals, sugar, and other staple and
perishable foods, wool and cotton for
the nation, its armies, and the Allies.
ii gives suggestions for the approach
ing spring operations, based upon the
latest available information as to the
condition Of the fallplanted crops Of
winter wheat and rye and as to the
number of meat and dairy animals re-
ported for 1917 They represent the
best thought of the specialists of the
department who have had the benefit
from agricultural leaders througout
tie country.
Notwithstanding an increased pro-
duction of staple crops in the United
States in 1917, there is need for more
food the program states. Taking
irto account our own needs, the needs
of the nations associated with US in
this war, and the needs OF friendly
neutral nations, our best efforts will
be required to proved enough in 1918
Whether the war continues or not, the
demands on this country, because of
the Increasing population and the
=
especially strong demand will be made
on this country for meats and live
stock. In 1917, notwithstanding the
many difficulties encountered, the
farmers planted the largest acreages
in the history of the nation, harvested
record crops of most things, except
wheat and succeeding greatly in
creasing the number of live stock. The
record of the farmers last year, made
in the face of obstacles is ground for
confidence on their part that, with
equal application and organization
they can overcome the difficulties this
year, but the program especially
points out, it does not afford justifi-
cation for any letup this year in pro-
duction activities or in conservation
efforts.
The Leading War Foods.
THE situation is such that chief en-
phasis should be given to the produc-
ton of the great staple food products,
with special stress on wheat and hogs,
the leading war foods. 1t is believed
that the necessary production can be
secured through the use of the best
known methods, but it may be neces-
sary to small extent to sacrifice
certain of the less important farm
crops temporarily in the interest of
others which rank highest in impor-
lance as food for man. Above all,
sound farm practice, including we'll
established crop rotations with le-
gumes, should not be interfered with
This is in the interest chiefly of crops
in future years"
The South is urged to provide for
its own people and feed for its live
stock and then to plant as much cot
ton as can well be cultivated and
harvested To raisers of hogs and
beef animals the world need for meats
and fats is made clear Farmers are
urged to join with the men on the
ranges in providing sheep whose wool
is needed to equip soldiers.
Farm Labor.
The program discusses the farm
labor problem, points out the lines
of effort for relief, and outlines the
activities of the federal state agencies
ta furnish assistance. 1t indicates
that, while the labor situation still
prevents difficulties and is especially
acute in the neighborhood of great in
dustrial centers, the farmers succeed
ed in overcoming them last year, and
that, with better organization and
especially with deferred classified
ton of skilled farm labor, the difficult
ties again can be surmounted and pro
duction maintaine and increased IL