The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-02-06
SLAP SEED HOGS
Council of Defense Condemns
PrOfiteering Tactics.
Many Are Holding Out for Ad-
vance in Prices.
WISE FARMERS BUYING NOV
Other States VIII Make Big De-
mand for Seed.
All Grain Should Be Tested Be-
fore 1t Is Planted.

Profit hogs of the Kansas farms
We're today condemned in a report of
the seed wheat committee of the
state council of national defense. The
committee took free and generous
swat at the seed hogs who are hold
ing their product for unreasonable
prices. This action, the committee
told Governor Capper, is not justified
by existing conditions or patriotic mo-
tiyes.
Farmers are urged in the report to
make early seed purchases. Trans
I'portation- difficulties and demands of
other states for seed make imperative
hasty action by the Kansas farmer.
Report of Conditions.
In a report of seed conditions in
this state the committee said:
Complaints have reached the council
of defense of eXorbitant prices de-
manded for corn. kafir and cane for
| seed. We feel that a plain statement
of the seed situation in the state will
help to correct this unfortunate con-
dition.
The crops of corn, kafir and cane
in Kansas this year are below the
average both in Quantity and quality.
Nevertheless, the portion of these
crops required for seed is compare
lively so small, the supplies available
for seed ere perhaps ample in most
cases, for the needs of the state. All
food is high and good seed should
command good price, but eX-
orbitant prices are justified neither
by existing conditions nor patriotic
motives. Such prices are profiteering
pure and simple.
The agricultural production commit
tee of the council of defense has listed
the names of farmers with seed for
sale and is rapidly testing for germina-
he httn of l1r17if r
ted. This list will soon be available
| for anyone wishing to secure seed. Any
prospective buyer can get in touch
promptly with hundreds of farmers
with good seed for sale simply by ad-
vising the agricultural production
committee of his needs.
| Wise Viii Buy Now.
But seed should be secured without
further delay. Transportation is very
| slow and the demand from other
! states less fortunate in their seed sup
| plies suggests the wisdom of quick
taking care of their own needs.
Considering the high price of sweet
sorghum seed, and the demand for
sweet sorghum seed outside the state
\ it is the recommendation of the CON-
mittee that the crop be planted this
year in rows and cultivated. Practi-
| cally as much feed can be produced
where the crop is planted in this way
| as where it is sown broadcast and a
| large quantity of seed will be saved
In view also of the shortage of sweet
sorghum seed, it is recommended thai
| farmers considering using this CROP
| for feed purposes plant a portion OF
| their acreage to sudan grass. Sudan
| grass planted on clean ground late in
! the spring when the soil is warm. al
the rate of eight pounds to the acre
| in rows 22 inches apart, will produce
| a heavy Weld of excellent feed. Sudar
| grass seed is plentiful.
It is strongly urged that purchasers
! should make termination test of al
seeds before planting 1t is known
| that much of this years corn an6
sorghum seed is of low terminating
power. Average of all tests at the
laboratories of the Agricultural col
| lege showed but 76 per cent germin-
, ability for corn, which of course
means that about 25 per cent would
mot grow. termination tests of kafil
show equally poor results. Unusua
conditions are found this year with
respect to corn especially. One cal
will show a. high percentage of germ
\ inability. Another ear is dead.
dead seed ought to be fed, not planted
The only way to tell whether seed i:
dead or alive is thru a termination
| test. The price of farm crops thi.
year is high. This is not year t.
run risks. Insure against crop fail
ure by planting seed that will grow
Play safe. Buy early. Test YOU
seed