The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-08-07
SEEKING FUNDS
TO ADVERTISE
FAR PRODUCTS
WoULL EXHi5IT LoUISlANA'S
WEALTH AT FAIRS THROUGH
OUT THE NATION

undeveloped agricultural areas must
be brought to the attention OF the
farm loving people of other sections
OF the country, has recently added
bureau OF exhibits to its other activi-
ties, with the object of preparing com.
prehensiVe displays of its great agri-
cultural resources and placing the
same before the general public at the
large state, interstate AID information
al fairs an dispositions held through
out the fall and winter months in all
sections of the United States. The
state has selected to head this move
ment Andrew A. Ormsby, who for the
past thirteen years, has been officially
connected with the United States De
partment Of Agriculture at Washing
ton, and for the past six years has
had immediate charge In the field OF
that Departments Agricultural exhi-
bits at the large fairs and expositions
throughout this land and In continen-
tai Europe. Mr. Ormsby now has his
Headquarters in Baton Rouge with the
louisiana State University and the
Extension Department Of the State
college Of Agriculture. but he is also
associated with Secretary Of Immi-
grafton Justin F. Denechaud Of the
State Department of Agriculture and
immigration in New Orleans, and will
cooperate with all other state insti-
buttons in exhibit matters.
In connection with his work with
the Louisiana State University and
College Of Agriculture, Mr.. Ormsby
is directing the organization Of COM
munity, parish, and district fairs
within the state, with the view to en-
couraging competition and sportman-
like rivalry among the farmers in
raising greater and better crops and
live stock. In cooperation with Secre-
tary Justin f. Denechaud, he will sell
ect the most suitable agricultural ma
terial, arrange it in attractive show
style and place it on exhibition in
other states Of the union, so as to at
tract the attention Of progressive
farmers to the wonderful possibilities
of Louisianas soil and climate. It is
conservatively estimated that over
15,O0O,00O people annually attend the
large fairs and expositions throughout
the United States, and Louisiana has
concluded that she must reach as
many Of these folks as possible and
spread her gospel of agricultural pos
sibilities to the fullest extent.
There has been no provision made
by the state legislature to cover the
expense of collecting, transporting
and displaying this exhibit material,
so Commissioner of Agriculture Harry
D. Wilson is sending out pleas tc the
chambers of commerce, corporations,
firms and individuals in Louisiana,
asking for financial assistance to en-
able the department OF agriculture
and imm, grafton to cover the cost Of
the project 1t is estimated that the
sum Of $4,000 during the first year
wiH enable Louisiana tc prepare at
tractive and comprehensive agricul-
tural displays and send thoroughly
qualified representatives to large
number of fairs and expositions in
the north, west and east during the
coming fall and winter months.
The object is most commendable.
Louisiana needs more farming people
and this paper believes that there is
no better way of placing the agricul-
tural possibilities Of this state before
the public than by the means CT ex-
hibits and demonstrations. Other
states have been doing this wotk on
large scales for many years past and,
as a result, have brought vast num-
bers of farm migrants within their
borders, but Louisiana has held back
on account of lack Of funds to carry
on the work. The time has now come
when thousands of people are leaving
or being forced to leave the manu-
featuring world on account of the
country readjusting itself to pre-war
conditions. 1t is an undisputed fact
that many Of these industrial workers
were farmers or farm bred people,
and when they are told that their ser
vices are needed back on the farm"
and they are shown the possibilities
of the soil, they will turn their atten-
lions to the lands of promise. Where
is there a bettsr land OF promise than
the rich soil and the climate Of Louis
lana! Bankers, business men and
civic organizations! put your should
ers to the wheel and assist your state
to attract the farm enthusiasts to
Louisiana!
Contributions to this cause should
be made payable to Justin F. Dene-
chaud. treasurer. state museum Bldg,
New Orleans, La Every penny will
be wisely and conscientiously dis
bursed as trust funds Of the state. and
when the first season is over this
paper will publish an itemized state
ment of the expenditures and show