Manchester Democrat., 1921-12-28

cT, DcuucS DutlcS VI AScuLS duu WOIA
OF Agricultural Extension Department,
Ames.
Ames. Iowa. Especially Defining the
duties of county agents, Mr.. Murl Nc
Donald, County Agent Leader for the
State of Iowa, recently said: "The
questions are frequently asked, what
are county agents and what are they
doing? What is their plan OF action
and program Of work? The same
question is asked concerning the home
demonstration agents and club agents.
These questions can be answered per-
haps as easily as any other way in
calling attention to the following, TAX
en- from county agents monthly re-
port. submitted to the Agricultural
Extension Department at Ames.
All In Days Work.
There are so any things in a days
wark that it is hard to make up re-
port and say so many days work on
this or that project. A sample day
runs about as follows: May goth, Of
fee 700 to $500 a. m. working on cor
respondence; two men came in want
ing work on farms and places were
found for them by telephone; lady
called by phone wanting to know
where she could get S.. G. r. I. Red
eggs for Matching and three poultry
breeders were recommended; received
couple calls regarding spraying or
chards; man came in wanting hired
man; another wanted information re-
garding soy beans and still another
wanted information about wool blan-
kets from his wool; 800 o'clock drove
out to see the secretary OF a creamery
association about articles of incor-
poration (local cooperative creamery
association organized through the
farm bureau); called on two other
men for seed corn for test plots. and
made three more calls to locate poul-
try cullfng demonstrations.
''Ate dinner at Sheffield. One o'clock
called on bank that had not made re-
turns on membership collections and
collected $135 dues, called on two
parties to secure housekeeper for a
farm bureau member who had sick
wife. Drove from Sheffield to Are
dale, calling on four men regarding
culling demonstrations, and two to
inspect orchards; took order for spray
material. Made one more stop to
talk COW testing association It was
raining by this time so headed for
home. Fffty-two miles covered. twelve
calls made. collected forty-five mem-
berships, located Ave culling demon
strations.
Spent evening from TOO TO 500
writing letters and an, article Or two
for the local newspapers. Just a
little hard to write q months re-
port without writing long. tiresome
document.
! Z lNsA Have ABILITY
a.Field Agents must, possess the abiir
:ity TO interpret the nes1s and wishes
,of the people" said Mr.. McDonAli,
continuing his explanation. '.and they
must also be thoroughly familiar with
every service available that win prove
Of practical assistance to the people
in meeting their problems.
ut is the duty Of these Held agents, !"
said Mr.. Mcdonald. Ito promote CO.
operation and the harmonious work
ing together Of all forces within the
county for the advancement and ind
provement of agriculture and home
economies.
For this reason the rule has long
been established that field agent shall
refrain from any participation In any
activity such as Is characterized by
political. sectarian or factional differ
ences.
How Tine Employed
"A fairly clear conception Of the
activities Of the field agents may be
gathered by reading the annual re-
port Of the Agricultural Extension
Department, Iowa State College. for
the year 1920. This statement made
each year by the director OF the de-
partment, Mr.. r. X. Bliss, covers ev-
ry county in Iowa and indicates that
approximately twenty percent Of the
agents time was devoted to various
farm crops. soils, livestock and other
production projects; approximately
the same amount Of time was devoted
to agricultural economics work, In
cluding farm management, income tax
service, marketing, exchange and sim
liar projects. ~
About twenty percent OF their time
was taken up with duties in c0nnec-
tion with the farm bureau organization,
consisting of the work done in rela-
ton to membership campaigns and
perfecting the township organiza-
tions. =
about twenty-five percent of their
time was taken with farm bureau
meetings, cooperation with local or
ganizations, such as fair associations,
farmers Institutes, short courses, con-
ducting farm tours and other similar
activities.
The remainder of their time was
devoted to boys and girls clubs, home
economics work, agricultural engineer
ing and other projects.
Busy on Records
During the month of December
considerable portion of the agents
time is required in preparing the nec-
essary reports and records and making
other preparation for the annual farm
bureau meeting, which, according to