The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-03-06
THE wAroHMAN AND sourhkoN, MARCH g. 1918 yT+

' ''''N' Ahc IdtlO1 is ASKING Tor
large production of hogs. No sec
ton can produce hogs more economi-
cally than the Southern States. In
many sections the county agricultur-
al agents are assisting farmers in
establishing systems of cooperatiye
shipment and marketing, while pack
ing industries are opening up in the
territory. Farmers are receiving good
prices and the marketing systems are
becoming well established. We should
increase our hog production this
year. Thousands OF head of improv-
ed breeding stock of beef have been
brought In and this year farmers
ought to make a great drive to in
crease the beef of the country by
using only pure-bred, beef-type sires
with native cows. We should not
forget the poultry. which should BE-
Increased upon every farm until we
have an adequate supply for family
use and to supply cities and towns.
More careful feeding. breeding. and
selection should be the rule. Town
families can do this as we'll as farm
ers.
Sixth When the living has been
amply provided for and we have
enough to insure food for ourselves
and feed for our livestock, we should
grow as much cotton as we can han
o!e. The nation needs cotton as we'll
cs food and feed; both are important;
neither should be sacrificed for the
other. The high price may tempt
some people to greatly increase the
acreage. but it seems to me that the
Fest plan would be to look to the food
needs of the South and then devote
he maximum Of energy to the cot
ton crop. To sacrifice either or to
place too much emphasis on one part
OF the program would be unwise. Let
us remember that 1916 and 1917 were
poor cotton years, relatively speaking
In 1912, with not quite million acres
more than we had in 1917, we produc-
ed 13,703.O0O bales of cotton. With
only 100000 acres more in 1911 Ga
Sood Year, than in 1916 Ca poor year)
we produced over 100000 more bales
Of cotton. The average acreage for
the last nine years has been trife
over 34,00O,00O acres In spite of the
difficulties, with normal acreage.
with good season, and with the use
Of the best possible cultural methods,
we ought to produce a large crop.
Nothing should be said to discredit or
minimize the Importance of cotton
production in 1918, but it seems to
me that it would be a mistake, from
financial standpoint, to throw
away the great triumph Of the past
two years by returning to all cotton
and compelling a large importation of
northern foods and feeds to sustain
our people and our livestock, or else
sacrifice, the livestock. Let us main
tain the balance, and l believe we can
meet the larger needs of all concern
ed.
Seventh. In 1918 every farmer in
the South ought to save all possible
waste products, on the farm. Econo-
nize on time. labor. and seed. Save
in harvesting time. Use the best i'm
plements and more horse power and
less hand power. Sell excess products
of the farm and pay living expenses.
A surplus of hogs. eggs, poultry,
soybeans, peanuts corn, or such 9th
ed farm products as are adapted to
your locality should be produced for
sale from the farm besides the pro-
duction of cotton.
In this time of high prices get out
of debt. The South will never be :,
really prosperous agricultural country
until our farmers begin to save and
lay up money to finance their own
operations. The golden opportunity is
here. Put your money into Liberty
Bonds and other government securi-
ties and you will find that you have
become independent, because these
can be made the basis of a better
credit system, enabling you to oper-
ate practically upon a cash basis.
Federal Cooperation.
The States and nation are doing all
possible things to assist the farmers
BY cooperation between the federal
department of agriculture and the ag-
ricultural colleges, q great national
education system has been established
with county agents and county home