The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-03-03
EXTENSION SERVICE
GIVES INFORMATION
ON FERTILIZER SITUATION

| Clemson College, Feb. 26.-Realiz
ing the acuteness of the fertilizer stu
alton the Extension Service has TO,
some time been gathering all informa
ton available with the idea of beins
able to give some helpful advice on 4
proper policy in the fertilization OF
crops this year. Naturally the question
of price is large factor in determin.
ing the quantity Of fertilizers to be
used. In order to g ct some definite
information on this phase Of the sub.
Ject the following telegram was sent
to number of manufacturers whose
goods are on the market in this state
I'VE are planning a campaign on
the proper economical use of fertilix-
ers for nineteen twenty-one. This will
include giving out information on
formulas, amounts per acre, sources
of materials, prices, etc. In order to
be fair to fertilizer companies we
want your best quotations on mixed
goods and on fertilizer materials cash
May first in car lots and over. Please
reply by wire."
Responding to the above telegram
representatives Of manufacturers re-
quested conference in Columbia on
February 23rd with members of the
State Extension Service. A number Of
prominent farmers were invited to at
tend this conference.
1t was the hope Of the Extension
Service that certain concrete under
standing could be found which would
tend to put the fertilizer situation in
the State on a more definite and sat
isfactory basis. The Extension Service
is having many inquiries from farm
ers over the State relative to the fer
tilizer situation.
While the following is not an exact
quotation it embodies the sense of
statements made at the conference
by fertilizer manufacturers:
First. There are large quantities of
fertilizer materials on hand in this
country.
Second. From so to 90 per cent. of
all fertilizers sold in the State this
year will be on time basis as against
approximately so per cent. last year.
On time basis no definite price can be
arrived at due to differences in credit
and character of security. 1t is an eco
nomic fact that good risk can al
ways buy cheaper than poor risk.
Third. The fertilizer market is ut
present unstable due to the fact that
spectators as well as manufacturers
have on hand large supplies and some
are being forced to sell at whatever
cash prices they can obtain. Under
these circumstances it remains for the
man who has the cash to make the
best purchase possible. No one can say
today what are the best c1.sh prices on
fertilizers.
The above information from fer
tilizer companies in with infor-
nation received from the United
States Department of Agriculture.
The Department says that there is
an abnormal supply of most fertiliz-
ing materials in this country and that
prices being quoted at many local
points seem unreasonably high in the
light of the general situation. One Of
fetal of the Department further sug-
gests that it seems useless to write or
wire for quotations since you would
only get prices corresponding to the
general market of approximately
s27.O0 to $4,000 per ton for acid
phosphate (Note--Much better prices
are now being quoted by manufactur-
ers.)
The Extension Service is advocat-
ing the judicious use of properly bal
anced fertilizers this year as a means
of keeping down production costs.
Farmers are urged before buying
to get in touch with as many dealers
as possible in order to take advantage
of the competition now going on for
cash. Cooperative purchasing in car
lots or more is also advised as y means
of keeping down costs. Comparisons
should be made of formulas and costs
in order to determine the advisibility
of home mixing. Consult with the
county agricultural agent who is keep
ing in close touch with the fertilizer
situation in each county.
| TwIna STRANGELY Linked.