Imperial Valley press., 1922-04-26
COMMUNITY GAIN
BY DAIRYINC
VERY GREAT
Fine Example of it Furnished
by GrOUe City, Pa, and HOU
INOUeMent is Carried On
A Parallel to What is NOU Be-
ing Attempted by PUre-Bred
Producers of Valley

In view of the present
movement to organize the
dairymen of Imperial Valley
into a strong organization for
the promotion of the breeding
of pure-bred dairy cattle, the
following article is particu-
larly pertinent. 1t was written
by E. B. Harshaw, Grove City,
Pa, he being a banker who is
lending encouragement to the
dairy industry precisely as the
bankers of Imperial county
are giving their aid, and stand
ready to give it, to those who
engage in t h s. profitable
branch of farming in this sec
ton:
"From five-year experience in
promoting better agriculture, am con-
vinced that 1t has paid, and that the
banker is the natural leader of such
movement | am convinced that this
was the right step when l review the
community and see the increased wealth
and prosperity which this movement has
brought about.
Five years ago we had no pure-bred
animals in this neighborhood, while to-
day we have over 5000 pure-breds.
Since 1915 there have been organized
two bull associations with member
IL
sociations with a membership of 252, q
creamery patrons association with {,
membership of about 700, and a boys
and girls calf club with Il membership
of about IS and Il cowtestlng associa-
tion of about so members.
Perhaps the most important is the
Accredited Herd association. This was
organized for the purpose of eradicat-
ing tuberculosis. livery animal owned
| by the members has been tested and
| passed. No breeder can belong unless
| hih herd is accredited. Last year s re
port shows that twO-thirds of the herds
accredited in Pennsylvania are in the
community.
Each year the community holds cat
tie show under the auspices of the Ac.
Creamery Patrons association. At the
1921 show there were over 800 animals
exhibited and about 5000 people at
tended. No cattle are permitted on the
grounds unless thay have passed the
test for tuberculosis. Therefore, nc
farmer feels afraid to exhibit his cat
tie.
| All of the organizations take part
The boys and girls are especially en-
| thusiastic and competition among them
is keen. All of the exhibitors spend q
| great deal of time and care in prepar-
ing their cattle for exhibit.
! Another feature is the boys Judging
contest. At the 1921 show twenty-ona
| boys entered the cattle-judging contest
and it is surprising the fine record most
| Of them made.
Two years ago the Accredited Herd
| association purchased a plot of ground
at the edge of town for show purposes.
| The exhibit last year was held on this
ground. 1t is the purpose to build a
sales pavilion.
| There has been created a new organ
| ization called the Grove City Commun-
| ty Development association. This is
| composed of members of all of the
| breeders associations and commercial
organizations for the purpose of fur
| thering agricultural interests. Each
member pledges himself to pay so much
u year for three years. This money is
used In paying the salary and office
expense of the manager, II. II. Wclch.
He has charge of the buying and sell
ing of cattle. Practically all sales and
purchases from the outside are made
through him. He is expert on all agri-
cultural and dairy matters and is able
to give the farmers Il great deal of val
liable advice. He is also editor of the
Grove City National, "a paper published
monthly by the Grove City National
bank. Through this the farmers get
agricultural and dairy news and it helps
! to keep their interest aroused 1t is
| also a splendid advertising medium for
the bank.
This Community Development asso-
citation is one of if not the greatest
achievements OF the past two years for
it is practically the center of all dairy
activities.
Sometime during the winter months
each year all Of the breeders ass0cia
tions hold a series of meetings, three
or four days, one day to each breed
and day for the Accredited Herd asso
citation. Good speakers are provided.
Reports Of activities and plans made
for the work of the new year.
AT this years meetings each Of the
three dairy breeders associations
pledged TO secure 100 new members of
a new boys and girls calf club as the
original boys and girls calf club are
becoming young men and women.
This will make a club of 300 members.
Perhaps the most noticeable effect
of the development of the dairy indus
try is the increased prosperity and the
high degree of stability in bank de,
posts. While the deposits have fallen
off they have not done this to as great
an extent .as in most towns, surround
ing.i While we have e few manufactur-
ing industries, our great industry is
dairying and ii is to this industry that
we credit our stability.