The Republican journal., 1920-01-29
The Waldo County Farm Bureau.

County Farm Bureau. The activity really
dated from March, for it was in that
month that the work of organization was
completed. The total membership in
1919 was 230 and all but three of the 26
towns were represented in the enroll
ment. The quota for this year is 400, or
just double the record of last year. The
manner in which the towns are respond
ing warrants the belief that the figures
have not been set too high.
Without any spirit of boastfulness the
officers of the Farm Bureau feel that they
can with pride point to the accomplish
ments of the year as iustifying the ex-
istence of the organization. Here are
some of the lines along which construc-
tive work has been done:
Silage-Demonstratio work was con-
Quoted on "a farms, New York NAM
moth flint corn being used for compara-
tive silage study. The total increase in
tons on 107 acres being. 422 1-2, and a
total value increase of s2,042.5O, or near
ly 400 per cent over the showing of the
previous year. In addition to the in
crease in yield, the mammoth flint corn
produces much better quality of silage,
with ears that mature to the silage stage.
Oat demonstration-The Maine $40 and
the Maine 357 were the varieties used, and
the 35 demonstrations on total of 1O4 1-2
acres were very successful. The total in
crease in yield was 2464 bushels.
Killing kale-Five tons of sulphate of
iron were purchased, comparatively, by
members of the Bureau and used in kill
ing kale in grain fields. One hundred
acres were sprayed under the supervision
of County Agent Norman S. Donahue, in
eight public demonstrations, and in every
case the results were very satisfactory.
Several demonstrations with blue vitriol
spray were equally effective.
Culling poultry Picking out non-lay-
ers from a flock of hens is the kind of
demonstration that always interests the
poultry raisers. Numerous demonstra-
tions of this sort have been given by the
county agent and extension expert. Not
few farmers in the county have learn
ed this method and regularly practice it
on their flocks. Some help their neigh
bors to eliminate non producers
Dairying and silo building-The dairy
project ih the towns of Winterport and
Liberty centered around the extension
schools, which men and women attended
and learned to figure balanced daily ra-
tions. Dairy herd management was also
discussed in these schools. Six milk
testing meetings were held and 240 SAM
pies tested. Nearly one fourth of the
members of the Farm Bureau have silos.
Six silo building demonstrations were
held in Lincolnville, Northport, Troy,
Freedom and Unity, an ! the county agent
furnished plans for six more. build
ing bees are being arranged for in a num-
Der of other towns in the early spring.
Dairy rations were figured for $50 farm
ers, who are now doing practically all of
their mixing. 1t is estimated that the
saving in the county by this plan last
year was not less than $4,000 The use
of purebred sires has been encouraged.
Three purebred bulls have been brought
into the county.
Treating sheep-During the winter and
spring months campaign was conducted
for treating sheep with blue vitriol for
the eradication of stomach worms. Dem
onstrations were given by DR.. L. S. Slea
YES, the extension sheep specialist, as
sisted by the county agent, most of the
meetings being arranged by Farm Bureau
members. The total number of sheen
treated was 355.
Self-feeders for hogs-Nineteen demon
strations of building self-feeders for hogs
have been given, with an attendance OF
l64 farmers. The number of hogs kept
on these feeders was 1853. Eighteen 9TH
er self-feeders have been built in the
county through the influence of these
demonstrations. Five purebred boars
have been purchased and brought into the
county. Forty-eight pigs were raised by
members of the Boys and Girls Clubs
Sixteen farmers are keeping their hog &C.
counts in books furnished by the U. of M
Extension Department.
Agricultural club woodwork amone
the Boys and Girls Clubs has been very
successful. The total enrolment in the
clubs of the county was 313, of whom 2O9
finisheds their projects and submitted tina
records and exhibits. The value of theil
products was approximately 81, 500. Five
local contests, two field days and coun-
ty contest were held. The Belfast Board
of Trade loaned $500 on pig notes, also
furnished the hall and banquet for Wis
iting club members at the county con-
test. The Belfast banks donated 5000
for prizes; the Maine Gamers Associa-
tion, $93; the Belfast Fair Association
aw arded SOS in prizes to the boys and
I girls who exhibited at the fair About
S75 were given by local people at the local
contests.
County Agent Norman S. Nonahue of
this city is in charge of the Bureau and
has recently opened his new office in the
county building. Miss Cathleen M. COL
Sc,