The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1919-03-28
FARMERS TURN out .
THE SWEET CORN GROWERS or CARROLL
COUNTY HAVE ROUSIN6 MEETING
ESQ PRESENT ROBERT 7. SHRlVER
AND OTHERS REPRESENTING CANNING
INDUSTRIES MAKE ADDRESSES.

About ESQ sweet corn growers met
in the Fireman's Hall, Tuesday after
noon, March p, to discuss the sweet
corn outlook for this summer. The
Gamers were also present. The
meeting was called to order by MT.
Lester :. Patterson. County Agent
Fuller was called on to explain the
purpose Of the meeting and the ad-
vantages of forming an organization.
He went on to say that Carroll coun-
ty ranks first in the country in the
production of sweet corn for the
canning industry, therefore we have
the largest output of canned corn, and
the most up to date canneries. Our
soils are adapted to sweet corn pro-
duction.
An organization of the sweet corn
growers could do much to improve
the industry, such as improved
methods of cultivation, selecting and
improving varieties and confer with
the Gamers in regards to d price
that would mean profit to both far
mer and Gamer. Nothing should be
done that will in any way reduce the
production, hurt the industry, or
cause the farmer to lose.
Mr.. Robt. T. Shriver of B. +. Shr1v-
er Co., explained the Gamers situa-
ton, especially the competition with
the Western canneries, the lack Of aids
on future selling, the high price OF
tins, boxes, and machinery, and the
low selling price of canned products.
Prices must be adjusted all along the
line to improve conditions. Conditions
could be helped by educating the
people to use more canned goods that
are put up i'm the modern sanitary
way.
Mr. VanFossen, Of VIM. Numson &
Sons, seconded what MIR. Shriver
said, and that they would stand with
the rest of the packers and do the
best possible for the farmer, and that
it was impossible to pay SIS or $40
and make any profit.
Mr.. J. Smith Billingslea, of Smith
Yingling Co., was the next speaker.
He said it was strictly business
proposition. They wanted to give a
price for corn that was just and
honest, a profit for the farmer and
the company.
Mr.. Frank Fenby, corn grower
near Finksburg, spoke of the value OF
a Sweet Corn Growers Association.
The Gamers were always able to get
together and help each other, why
should not the farmers b. able to do
the same? The county Is noted for
its canning industry and if the in
dustry must be foStered this year De-
cause of economic conditions let both
Gamer and farmer foster it and not
the. farmer alone.
II the west could pay $40 less last
year and make a profit, we would be
willing to produce corn on same
terms this year if the west is going
to pay $12. With the present road
system to a metropolis as a market,
a lot of sweet corn could be sold on
the open market. Why should the
Gamer offer less to the farmer while
he pays the same wage, the same LOT
cans. machinery, etc., as he did last
year? Fertilizer, labor, farm ma
chinery are higher in price than last
year.
MIR. Shriver then answered a num-
ber OF questions and explained that
the Gamers had to compete on the
open markeh this year, while last
year the Government took their out
put at a profit over cost
Mr.. /. M. Barnes made a few re-
marks as to the cost of farming sup
plies over a couple of years ago.
Mr.. Geo. A. Shipley took the chair
while Mr.. Lester Patterson made
few remarks as to the uncertainty OF
the Gamers trade this year, in re-
CARDS to European trade especially
we must look after the canning in
dustry,, but cannot afford to do % at
loss. Land that produces ten par
rels Of field corn should produce
three tons OF sweet corn. Because
Of the demand for fats and meats the
price df field corn will not fall very
rapidly. Wheat is likely to go at a
premium and with wheat high mere
corn will be used. With field corn
at Sc per barrel sweet corn ought
not be lower than $40 per ton.
If there are any concessions to be
made let it be made all along the
line; steel, tin, box, packer and far
>mer. Don't expect the farmer TO
concede all.
a committee was appointed to
consider the organization of Sweet
Corn Growers Association, to draw
up a constitution and call meeting
when they think it necessary to do %.
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