The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1920-12-16
MUST HAVE PURE SEED.
Products Free From NOxiOus Weed
Seeds Command Best Prices.

Seeds Command Best Prices.
Boise, Ida. Dec. 13-Idaho seed
growers face the necessity of produc-
ing pure seed IL they wish to find a
market according to statements by q
b. Allison, assistant field agronomist
of the university extension division,
who SAYS that, though the market has
been open to poor seed In the past,
only those men are receiving any re
turns this season who are Offering
products that are free from the seeds
of noxious weeds. Programs OF Mini
doka, Twin Falls, Jerome and Bing-
ham county farm bureaus for fighting
weeds, together with mention OF the
prevalence Of weeds in Boise valley, are
contained In Mr.. Ahlson's statements,
which are as follows:
therefore, the farmers OF Idaho have
not been placed in a position to realize
the Importance Of pure seed, with par
ticular reference to small seeds such as
cloyers and alfalfa. The producers OF
clean seed have not been rewarded Tor
the work necessary to keep their fields
free from foul weeds. Whyf Because
during the last few seasons the de-
mand and the competitive bidding
brought q high price for the fouiess
of foul seed lots. Under these condi-
lions there was no incentive to pro-
duce clean seed for other reasons than
personal pride.
How Is the seed business this year,
Only the men who have succeeded In
producing nothing but seed that Ia
dodder-free, buckhorn-free. and fres
from other noxious weeds are able to
receive any returns this season.
What Is to be donel Who Is to
blamef The dealer and farmer are
equally to blame-the dealer, because
he has paid the farmer exorbitant
prices for seed that is not at to plant,
and the farmer because he has not In
sisted on pure, state-tested seed, but
has taken the chance Of purchasing
seed from neighbors who have not
secured q test and consequently could
not give assurance that seed was free
from noxious weeds. Before planting.
half pint sample should be sent TO
the state seed laboratory, Boise. or
branch laboratory, Moscow, Idaho, for
analysis. Such analysis win reveal
whether the seed Is free from dodder,
which is the most noxious and diff
cult weed seed to find In a lot of al
falfa or clover.
The movement has been toward the
production Of clean seed. Idaho used
to be the dumping ground for all foul
seed and as q result this state has
nearly every variety that is detriment.
al to the esed industry. Last year,
grades were established on clover and
alfalfa. Other states anso are faae -
fusing to become dumping grounds for
poor seed. and consequently only seed
free from noxious weeds IL finding q
market.
Inspection Of samples submitted ia
Miss Jessie O. Ayres. seed analyst,
state seed laboratory, Boise, repre-
senting As carloads Of clover and al.
falfa seed from Boise valley showed
that only is carloads were dodda,
free. In other words, 90 per cent al
the farmers had seed that the dealers
refused to consider buying at this
time
No noteworthy results can be Oh.
tanned until all win make a concerted
EFFORT in waging war on our weed
enemies. One farmer may purchase
state tested seed. plant It on carefully
prepared soil and then fan heir To a
Hood Of noxious weed seed. because his
neignoors failed to clean the ditch
banks and irrigation canada euch
results are discouraging. Farmer.
should petition the county commits.
sloners to establish weed dfstr,c4.
Inc determination Of weeds n m -.
Seh'iai TO profitable farming as the
determination Of jack rabbits and no.
oehts' The weed question is becom,n.
serious problem. as any clover =.
1 1 grower can tell you this year
II this condition is allowed to confirm.
luano VIII no longer top the list IN
quality seed. anu hisn
"eeu districts were established nv