The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1921-03-31
ACTION OF BOARD AWAITED.

ACTION OF BOARD AWAITED.
The farm bureau is rather unique
institution. It reaches from the town.
ship or community unit to the national
federation. 1t is primarily farmers
organization, but differs from the
grange, the equity and similar orga-
nizations which have preceded it in
that it is an institution endorsed by
and receiving the support of the state
and the federal government. The
farm bureau is a state institution
just as is the state university and it
is :.lso a national institution.
The 1919 legislature appropriated
considerably over half a million dol
lars to the support of the various
schools Of agriculture and the depart
ment of agriculture. The farm bu-
reau is part Of this system Of state
institutions which have been built up
in Minnesota to develop the industry
Of agriculture. Every farmer who is
taxpayer is contributing to the sup
port Of these institutions. These agri-
cultural institutions have been estab-
lished for the benefit of the farmers,
they are supported to large extent
by the farmers and the farmers
should be in position to receive all
possible benefit from them.
The state legislature appropriates
$4,000 to be used annually in main
tanning the county farm bureau assoc
Citations. Each county association
which has 100 farm bureau men,
bcrs and $500 in a local bank, re-
ceives $1,000 from the state and $3.50
from the federal government, provid-
ing the county itself appropriates at
least 1000. Thus the scheme of dis
tribution. of funds for the farm bu-
reau is somewhat similar to the
method employed in disbursing the
federal, state and county moneys for
the highways.
Now in Mile Laos county approx
mately 500 farmers are members of
the farm bureau and each member
has contributed $40 to the organiza-
ton, SIS to the county association, 81
to the state federation and 81 to the
expenses involved in conducting the
recent membership campaign. Under
the existing conditions, Mile Laos
county made a much better showing
than was expected. An exceptionally
able county agent has been secured,
the township units have been orga-
nized and the majority of them have
outlined their work for the ensuing
year.
The association has in its treasury
$1,000 contributed by the members
themselves. To this $4,000 will be
added $1,000 from the state and $3.50
from the federal government, provid-
ing the board of county commission
ers appropriates $1,000 of the county
money. 1t is expected the board will
appropriate this money. In fact the
board did vote to make this appropria-
tion just a year ago, on April 6, 1920.
At that time the association was dis
organized and the county agent soon
resigned so this $1,000 was never
drawn by the Farm Bureau associa-
ton. There seems to be some ques-
ton now in regard to this appropria-
ton of $1,000. Is it still available or
has it been spent on other projects?
If it has been spent the commissioners
will undoubtedly make another appro-
priation because the personnel Of the
board has not changed during the last
year and the Mile Laos County Farm
Bureau association is much stronger
institution today than it was on April
6, 1920. When 500 farmers of this
county have invested $4,000 in a prof.
ect which is endorsed and supported
by the state and federal government,
it is not at all probable that their re-
quest for an appropriation of $1,000
from the funds to which they have
contributed a large share. will be
turned down, especially when there is
dep ndent on it another appropriation
of $1,000.
PLAY SQUARE.