The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-02-14
WADE'S LETTER

The above headlines are familiar ex-
hibits in nearly all American newspa-
pers. These statements are based on
conditions as represented by our allies
and cleaned through neutral sources
Positive evidence of the correctness oil
these statements is reflected right here
among us.
America produced the largest food and
feed crop in it's entire history last year.
The papers tell us, and conditions verify
it, that our large surplus of food is rap
idly becoming exhausted. Alabama pro-
duced more than enough food and feed
last year to supply her needs for whole
year Four months ago many people
believed that our big surplus would stall
the market and bear the prices. Brokers
talked about 10 cents per bushel for corn
and peanuts; SIS per ton for velvet beans
and hay; $50 per ton for cotton seed, ana
20 cents per pound for cotton. FARMERS
crossed the bridge before they got 10 II
and began to complain The writer az
vised more storage and marketing SLOW
We really thought it would take from siA
TO nine months of slow marketing 10
maintain the early prices and 10 prevent
them from going lower. What nap
pened? In less than four months tae
hungry world absorbed our big crop eA-
cept a few odds and ends, durlnS "iiith
time prices gained 50 per cent or more
on all commodities. We can now Tina u
buyers for every commodity 1or saie.
This is our experience in trying TO flnu
stuff for sale to list in the Markets jour
nal These high prices of all commodl-
ties from the farms will last at least two
more years regardless of peace or wal
and will go higher unless the government
intervenes Truly, half the world is hum
cry ard in the event of neglect, poor
seasons, and short crops, this same nun
ger within a year viii be brought to the
doors of the American people-take no
chances.
The crops which will pay best are those
most vitality needed. First of all are
those which supply bread and meat or
their equivalent. Alabama needs another
big corn crop as large or larger than
that produced last year. 1t will assure
us bread and the surplus can be con-
verified into meat through feeding live
stock.
Peanuts are all food and feed. The
oil is equivalent to fat; the clean cake
processed, blends with flour better than
any other substitute; the vines are high
class feed Farmers who can grow 90
bushels of peanuts per acre are assured
of sS5 gross returns or more 1t can be
done on more acres with less fertilizer
and cultivation than some other crops.
The same useful qualities, cheap produce
ton, and profits may be said of soy
beans. These two products are within
themselves bread, gravy fats) and feed,
Farmers should grow a reasonable crol
OF cotton. 1t is 60 per cent food and feed
and the people must be clothed. Cotton
culture is more of a patriotic propesi-
ton, because it requires more labor and
expense to produce it and pays less pei
acre than other crops under present con-
ditions. Alabama produced 100000 bales
last year on 100000 acres, which was
approximately bale to five acres. The
value Of the cotton and seed was $500
per acre. Why, black-eyed peas at IL
bushels per acre and SO per bushel is
better than cotton as money crop. We
should do lot of figuring before we
plant Begin to figure on good garden
now. j. A. WADE,
Commissioner Of Ayr and Industries.