The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-08
FARMERS CONTINUE
 WORK IN SPITE OF
 ADVERSE WEATHER
Heavy Losses of Hogs From Cholera Reported Because Of Slackening of Fight
 Against Disease
By FRED H. GORMLEY Montgomery Bureau, The Age-HeraId 221-2 First National Bank BuiIdinr

l
 Montgomery, May 7.-(specal. )-Ala- bama farmers spent an uneasy week be- cause of the cold weather, which prob- ably has adversely affected the crops, according to the weekly summary of ag- ricultural conditions in Alabama made | public today by F. w. Gist agricultural statistician of the state and federal gov ernments. However, farm work contin- ued and all sections reported great prog ress in the planting of crops, the season | being further advanced this year than 1 last.
 Inquiries are being received by the de- partment for information about the pur. chase of nitrate of soda, which is &C., cepted by MT. Gist as an indication that | the farmers will use it on both small grain and cotton and on corn later.
 Heavy losses of hogs from cholera have been suffered because of the stacking off of the fight against the disease | Referring to the use of striking miners | on the farms, MT. Gist said: Some of the miners left out of work by the col lapse of the strike have already been placed on farms and openings are avail able for others. Farm labor is plentiful and, while wages are naturally lower, the 1 opportunity for work and "a living seems to be present for all who desire it.
 TEXT OF SUMMARY Mir. Gist's summary of agricultural con- ditions in Alabama during the week fol- lows:
 The week has continued unseasonablv cold, causing considerable uneasiness re- garding the effect on growing cotton. | corn and feed crops. Work has pro- ! gressed however. and planting has con tinued toward completion. The planting season IS much further advanced than at this time last year. Peanut planting has begun and the cultivation season is opening up in the south part of the state. Shipments of cabbage, strawberries and l potatoes have continued briskly and fresh vegetables are plentiful in all the south half
 Inquiries are being made looking to the purchase of nitrate of soda in, some large quantities, the intention apparently being to use 1t on both small grain and cotton, with the usual use later on corn. | Pastures are still flourishing and fur nishing splendid grazing for cows The price Of milk to consumers has fallen materially with the cheaper production on pastures. Grass hay gives prospect of l early and excellent yield.
 l Some heavy losses have occurred to hogs from cholera and other. diseases. in- dscating an apparent stacking off in ths fight against these complaints Cattle and horses are in good condition, the | open winter having brought them through, l in fair strength.
 'The small acreage of wheat and oats l gives promise of good yield. the cool weather serving to carry small grain to better maturity than is usual in this lat | itude.
 Reports indicate that the watermelon acreage will be materially increased this season, some large commercial areas be- ing brought in toward the north end Of the state.
 Several counties have completed or ganfzation of farm bureaus. and a stats organization has already been effected Some of the miners left out of work by the collapse of the strike have al- ready been placed on farms, and open ings are available for others. Farm labor is plentiful, and, while wages are naturally lower, the opportunity for work and . living seems to be present for all who desire it.
 Inquiries regarding crop acreage dis tribution are numerous This office Is uniformly declining to express an opinion until it can be made official and depend able. Cotton acreage will undoubtedly be reduced in the aggregate but the extent of reduction cannot be foretold until ac- tual inquiry is made in the regular man ner Stress is still necessary toward keeping production down until the present surplus has been absorbAd,"