Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-05-23
FARM LABOR

n weather III IulS ScCllou u le lHN tIIS
spring has been ideal for the starting of the farm crops.
Nothing more clearly approaching perfection could be
imagined than the conditions which have prevailed. Not
only have the conditions been right for the crops that
have been planted, but the unusual length of the season
has made possible the planting of a much larger acreage
than in ordinary years. Farmers generally have taken
advantage of these conditions. The reports indicate a
slightly increased acreage of wheat and a very largely in
creased acreage Of the coarser grains and of flax. All of
these grains are urgently needed locally or in the general
markets, and the proper planting of additional acres is
both an important public service and a decided advantage
to the individual who, with the enlarged acreage and the
prevailing high prices, will reap increased returns from
their fields. - ,
This advantage to the nation and to the individual.
however, is conditioned not alone on the proper planting
of the crop and the right weather conditions during it's
period of growth. but in its. successful harvesting. Grain
in thc field is of no service to anyone. 1t must be cut
and shocked and threshed before the work of distributing
it to the places where it is needed can be begun. And
the harvesting of the crop depends on the quantity and
quality of the labor that is available for. this work.
Under ordinary conditions Of growth there is not
enough labor resident in the state of North Dakota to
harvest the crop Of North Dakota. Always we must i'm
port harvest labor, and sonet:m mes it must be imported in
very large quantities. This year the supply of labor avail
able for this purpose is restricted. Military demands have
taken into another field of activity some two million men
within the past year, and this humble will be greatly in
creased before the year is over. Many of these men have
gone directly from the farms, and a very large number OF
the others are men who. under ordinary conditions, would
have been available for farm work: The manufacturing
industries which have been expanded to meet the needs
of the war have not drawn heavily on the farms directly
for their supply of labor. but they have drawn heavily on
those who would otherwise have been available for farm
wor.
Under the circumstances it is imperative that no time
be lost in making careful and comprehensive plans for
supplying the labor needed at the right time. Exact in
formation must be obtained as to the number of menrnot
now on the farms who will be required to care for this
crop. Then there must be a careful investigation into the
labor that can be drawn from the towns and cities within
the state. This done; we will know how many men must
be obtained from the outside. and steps must be taken
to see that these men are forthcoming.
In the villages and cities of the state there are many
men who. II the right methods are employed. can be en-
listed in farm work during the time when the demand is
greatest. That period is the dull time in. the cities. There
are clerks, students and others whoscould spend a couple
of weeks in the harvest fields with advantage to them
selves and to the farmers. Arrangements are being made
elsewhere for the utilization Of this labor. Similar ar
rangements should be made here. II this is done, and ii
the proper spirit Of cooperation is shown on both Sides
while this will not solve the harvest labor problem, Ii
will aid materially In its solution. This should be done
promptly and thoroughly.
= there no way to cultivate an, appetite for dande.
Hons in the common or garden cut worm II sss.
gyx sa
The sbarberry = fa.t being routed ~ the barberraase
4 fire OF ~ enemies 8