The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-01-09
EXTENSION WORK
AMONG NEGROES
the University of Florida for
Betterment of Agriculture.
(By A. p. spencer)

i The agricultural extension work
among negroes is organized under the
/ name of the farm and home markers
clubs and 1t Is a part of the agricul-
tural extension program directed from
! the University OF Florida. Last year
there were ~ Florida counties with
negro workers working for the better
ment Of agriculture among their race.
In the boys clubs there We're 225 corn
club members, 142 potato club mem
bers. 90 peanut club members and 63
pig club members. In each case the
agent carried out demonstrations for
the definite purpose OF improving agri-
culture among negroes in their coun-
ties.
The work OF teaching and demon
strating better methods of agriculture
to the colored farmers of the state Is
one of the big problems that has been
undertaken for the improvement OF
agriculture. This problem bears di-
rectly on the entire agricultural situa-
ton of the state, for any economic
condition touching a large number of
people of one class must be taken into
consideration when considering a SIM
liar condition in another class. Thus
we have negro and white farmers hv-
ing in the same county. If negro
farmers are to continue raising scrub
cattle and scrub hogs the livestock
situation as 1t applies to the white
farmer is affected thereby. IN fruit
sections of the state. If properties are
owned by negro farmers and these be-
come source OF infection and con-
tagion in the way OF spreading insect
Ffac iy11y a
menace to those owned by white peo-
pie. The white farmers problems
cannot be protected and the negro
famers neglected without equal peril
to both This applies to matters aside
from agriculture. particularly santa
ton and hygiene.
Throughout Florida a large part of
farm labor Ia negro. If this negro la
Instructed as to how to handle crops
under boil weevil conditions.
IL in the dairy sections of Florida
negro farmers continue TO keep low
producing dairy cattle, they cannot be
successful tenants; nor is there any
way by which farm labor is to be
made efficient particularly in dairy
ing, unless the negro Is given some
thrift and energy of the average farm
err largely measures the advancement
OF any community. so it is with the
state and even with the nation.
One cannot visit the negro booths
at the state and county fairs without
being impressed by the quality Of the
farm products there displayed. as COM
pared with the time when no instruc-
81 aat, civ al -
cultural lines. 1t has been possible
with the limited amount OF funds to
carry on the work In eight or 10 coun-
ties each year and under the direction
OF one negro supervisor who is a part
OF the agricultural extension division
and who receives instruction from the
college OF agriculture and from the
| United States department of agrieul-
ture. The report Of this work for last
year shows that definite things we're
accomplished In the Improvement Of
corn, sweet potatoes. peanuts. hogs.
poultry and fruits Many farms and
home improvements were also affected
during the year.
The negro farmers Of the state have
been organized in 10 counties for the
purpose OF cooperative buying and
selling or farm products and supplies
In each county where these colored
agents are at work TREY receive direct
supervision from the county and home
demonstration agents. The reports
indicate that definite progress has
been made, even under many handi-
caps.
A report just issued, Department