Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1919-11-09
PURE SEED PRODUCTION IN
IDAHO
BY b. r. SHEEHAN

~ =
State Agronomist, University of Idaho
Extension Division
That Idaho is an ideal state for the
production of pure seeds of all grain
and leguminous crops is recognized
in all sections OF the United States.
Our soil and climate conditions allow
for the production of seed having a
vitality and color not excelled in any
other state.
Eastern and middle western deal
ers have looked to Idaho for their sup
ply OF extra quality seed This seed
has been used to blend with the poor
er-colored seed produced east of the
Rockies Thus, Idaho farmers have
secured the highest market price for
their product. What has been the re-
suit? Because of this demand the
quality of Idaho seed has run down.
Exorbtant prices have been paid for
seed containing many noxious weed
seeds and as consequence there has
been little incentive to grow seed that
is pure.
Idahos reputation for the produc-
ton of pure seed is rapidly SLIPPING
on markets all over the country. This
should not be regarded lightly because
it is statement of facts as expressed
by many of the most prominent deal
ers in the country,
One of the most important lessons
some farmers have TO learn is TO OBJ
tain pure seed and then grow and care
for it in an intelligent manner. Being
able to sell the ban, Of their seed at
a high price, many Idaho farmers have
gone so far as to use screenings for
their own seeding, selling all of their
good material This accounts in a
measure Tor many OF our weedy yields
at 10 nyt oil c o
way of practicing economy 1t is an
established fact that the use of good
clean and plump seeds gives much
better returns than small shrunken
and impure seed, all other factors be-
ing equal. The use of first class seed
and thorough tillage of the soil must
go hand in hand If the best results
are to be obtained, because the days Of
mediocre seed growing as well as OF
mediocre practices in other agricul-
tural pursuits are long past.
In the production of pure seed the
farmer should have two objects in
view when starting; CD To start in
a small way by purchasing good seed
for his own use, and (2) to grow all
that is necessary for his own use and
alsosa surplus that may be sold to
farmers, local dealers, and seed mer-
chants. Constant care must be exer-
cised from the time the seed is sown
until IT is finally harvested, separated
and delivered to the purchaser for
pure seed.
Often the following questions are
asked: % Is there a good demand for
choice seeds? (2) VIII this demand
be permanent? (3) VIII it pay to
grow seed of this class?
To these questions one may answer
by an emphatic Yes"
Owing to the presence of. frost.
drouth, etc, there always will be To-
cal crop failures. In addition to this
there will always be large dema nd
from these farmers who would prefer
buying good seed TO producing 1t for
themselves.
The demand of seed firms for pure
seed is one that holds large possibili
ties il properly handled.
There is always demand for pure
seed, and the individual or firm who is
in the market for this seed is willing
to pay the price that such seed war
rants. In various sections of Idaho
individuals and communities have es-
tablished reputation for the produc-
ton of various varieties OF seeds. As
consequence. each year they receive
a great many more inquiries for their
seed than they are able to care for.
Before making a seeding with seed
of an unknown quality farmers should
be sure to have it tested. This work
is done free of charge and enables the
farmer to know exactly the quality
of seed he is purchasing. Samples
should be addressed to the Seed Lab
oratory State Ho,,se Roise Jdab