The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1920-08-10
ADVISES FARMERS
TO STORE CROPS
Large Crops Will Com
pell Farmers to Con-
tract Warehouses for
Own Protection.
(By F. R. Bennett)
Field Horticulturist, University of
Idaho Extension Division

Field 1ortlculturist, University OF
Idaho Extension Division
Many growers of fruit and potatoes
are living these days in dread of
car shortage this fall Basing our
judgment on the best information we
can obtain, and the experience Of last
year, they are justified in their fear
of inadequate shipping facilities again
this season.
If we analyze the whole situation, we
can readily see that car shortages are
always sure to occur each year that
brings with it full crop Of fruit
and potatoes in the Yves ern states.
Not all of the fruit nor all of the po-
tatoes-surely, not all of both of thesc
crops-can be put OH the market at
the same time. A certain percentage
of them must be held in storage some
where during at least a part Of the sea-
son.
There may be sufficient storage ca
pacity in the cities or at loading
points, but this is not always accessible
and it is, as usual thing, owned by
the dealer rather than by the grower.
Hence, even though warehouses are
sufficient in capacity, the problem OF
storage for the grower is not solved.
The grower of either apples or po-
tatoes who has no storage is frequent
ly at the mercy of the spectators
Recently we have come in contact with
several growers of potatoes who have
contracted at least part of their crop
for September delivery at low price
because of fear of car shortage.
An efficient storage house would make
these men independent of the buyer
and beyond the danger of losing their
crop through a car shortage or by
frost in the fall.
| It is made of soii-soil floor, soil
roof and may be made with soil sides.
The soil construction is not entirely
a matter of economy. Dry soil is one
of the best non-conductors of heat,
and it is a good absorbent of mois-
ture or gas. Underground, the hu-
Nudity is practically uniform through
out the year, which is another item
of importance in the keeping of frui.
and potatoes
The dug-out should be constructed
either on level frcund or through a
fridge, but not into bank. Three OF
three and on-half fee is deep enough
for the excavation Thirty-six feet is
a satisfactory width. providing room
for two 12-foot bins and 12-foot
driveway. Any length may besused.
though we do not advise more than
200 feet. There should be driveway
doors at each end. The ends are best
made of concrete or stone walls
which should extend into the ap-
lproaches.
Use strong timber for all posts, pur-
Inns and rafters. Posts should be not
, less than eight inches square, or eight
|
if round timbers are used. If round
rafters are used. four inches should
be the minimum diameter at the small
end Rafters 2x12 are none too heavy
if sawed lumber is used Fifteen-inch
eenters are none too close for rafters.
Ventilators may be made to suit the
, fancy of the owner. IF the cellar is not
too long, the doors are about the only
ventilation. The ventilators should be
made in such way that light may be
admitted through them when desired
I, The storage cellar is an importan.
part of the farm building equipment
1t need not be expensive. but to be
efficient it must conform to the prin,
ciples of construction mentioned. 1t
is made of earth straw, and timber.
It is essentially below the ground. 1t
l is frost proof in the winter and cool
in the summer. There should be one
!. on every farm in, the arid west De-
c tails of construction may be obtained
{ from the extension division of the
!. University of Idaho, at Boise.
i 1t is not too soon now to make plans
{ and construct the cellar if it is to be
e ready to hold the apple or potato
E crop this coming fall. 1t is now the
: greatest need on our fruit and pota-
to farms.