The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1921-03-09
THE FERTILIZER SITUATION


Clemson College, Feb. 26-Realiz-
ing the acutcness Of the fertilizer sit
nation the Extension Service has for
some time been gathering all infor-
nation available with tho idea of be-
ing able TO give some helpful advice
on a proper policy in the fertilization
of crops this year. Naturally the
question of price is an important fac
tor in determining the quantity Of
fertilizers to be used. In order to get
some definite information on this
phase OF the subject the following
telegram was sent to number of
manufacturers whose goods are on
the market in this state.
1--WE are planning O campaign on
the proper and economical use of
fertlllZer for nineteen twenty-one.
This will include giving out informa-
tion on formulas, amounts per acre,
sources of materials, prices, etc. In
order to be fair to Fertilizer compan-
les we want your best quotations on
mixed goods and on fertilizer mater
ials cash May first in carload lots and
over. Please reply by wire
Conference With Manufacturers
Responding to the above telegram
representatives of manufacturers re-
quested conference i'm Columbia on
February 23 with members Of the
State Extension Service. A number Of
prominent farmers were invited to
attend this conference. 1t was the
hope OF the Extension Service that
certain concrete understandings may
be arrived at which would tend to put
the fertilizer situation in the state on
more definite and satisfactory basis.
The Extension Service is having
many inquiries from farmers over the
state relative to the fertilizer situ-
alton.
While the following is not an exact
quotation, it embodies the sense Of
statements made at the conference
by fertilizer manufacturers:
F1rSt. There are large quantities
or fertilizer materials on hand in this
country.
Second. From so to 90 per cent OF
all fertilizers sold in the state this
year VIII be on time basis as against
approximately 80 per cent last year.
On time basis no definite price can
be arrived at due to difference i'm
credir and character Of security. 1t is
an economic act that Il good risk can
always buy cheaper than a poor risk.
lhlru. The fertilizer market Is at
present unstable due to the fact that
spectators as well as manufacturers
nave on hand large supplies and
some are being forced to sell at what
ever cash prices they can obtain.
Under these circumstances it remains
| Tor the man who has the cash to
make the best purchase possible. No
one can say today what are the best
cash prices on fertilizers.
What the L. S. Department OF Agri-
culture Says
Inc above information from fer
llilZer manufacturers tallies in some
points with information received
trom the United States Department of
Agriculture. The Department says
that there Is an abnormal supply of
most fertiiizing materials i'm this
country and that prices being quoted
at many local points seem unreason-
aply high in the light of the general
SITUATION. One official of the Depart
! ment further suggests that it seems
| "'''''SS ~ WTItc OF wire Tor quota
tlohS since YOU would only get prices
corresponding to the general market
or approximately $27.0O TO $1,000 per
ton for acid phosphate. (Note-Muc
better prices are now being quoted
! bly, manufacturers
! Buy Carefully, Use .JudiciOnSly
The Extension Service is advocat-
! ing the judiCious use of properly bal
| anced fertilizers this year as Il means
of keeping down production costs.
! Farmers are urged before buying to
| get in touch with rs many dealers as
possible in order TO take advantage
! of the competition now going on for
cash. Cooperative purchasing IL car
lots or more is also advised as a
means of keeping down costs. Com
parisons should be made of formulas
and costs in order to determine the
advisab bility OF home mixing. The
county agricultural agent, who is
keepinng in touch with the fertili-
zer situation in each county, should
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