The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1922-09-28
VEGETABLE GROWERS MEETING
DRAWS INTERESTED CROWD
Field Day Arranged by Bureau
Helps Clear Up Possibilities
For Commercial Vegetable
Growing From Both Pro-
ductiOn and Market
Standpoint


day at the Lattig farm on Oregon
Slope. Fifty-four persons assem-
bled from the various sections of
the country and spent the afternoon
going over the numerous demonstra-
tions of vegetable crops and varie-
ties being grown there as part of the
farm bureau program of work, and
in listening to explanations of meth
ods of production and market de-
mands and requirements.
The crops which attracted most
attention were head lettuce and fall
cauilflower. OF the eleven acres
OF head lettuce, practically all of
which is splendid stand, that which
was planted on July 20 was largely
going to seed. There may be some
good plants, perhaps enough to part
ly pay production costs, but it is
certain that there will be no profit
in this early seeding. The loss was
attributed to having the crop too
far advanced before the cool wealth
er begins, and the cause of it being
too far advanced was thought to be
due first to too early planting and
second to the extra fertile condition
OF the soil which promoted very
rapid growth as compared to land
last year which had grown prev
ious crop, for instance. The season
is also commonly believed to be hot
ter for the time of year than aver
age. The later paintings, of which
there is by far the greatest acreage,
appeared to be coming on satisfac
torily and promise to return very
high yields of fine quality which
should return good profits. So far
as the fall lettuce crop goes, it
seems well on the way toward be-
coming part of the farm produc-
tion of this section. The possibili-
ties with spring lettuce are, however
rather doubtful and will not be de-
finitely determined without further
experiment, the chances however be-
ing against any considerable acre
age ever being devoted to the crop
owing to difficulty in getting it
headed up before the hot weather
begins.
Speaking on the commercial pos
sibilities of other vegetable crops,
Mr.. Whitacre who is field man for
the California Vegetable Union, stat
ed that fall cauliflower for shipment
during October may be alright if
not grown on too large an acreage.
He pronounced that grown on the
Lattig farm as excellent and gave a
demonstration of when to harvest it
and how to prepare the heads for |
shipment. Some OF this is now |
ready for harvest and as far as the |
production end goes, showed that it |
can be grown without question. The |
seed in the ground and thinning the
plants to the proper distance, this |
being earlier and larger than the |
transplanted patches. 1t appeared |
that the seed should be drilled about
the first of July to bring the har-
vest commencing October first.
Although there were many fine
demonstrations showing that big
yields of other vegetables can be
grown, such as cabbage, tomatoes,
beets, carrots, ETC., owing to compe-
tition from other sections, many of
which are nearer the large markets
the discussion brought out the fact
that difficulty would probably be en-
in marketing if such were
grown on a large scale for shipment
In car lots, and that therefore their
production should be expanded be-
yond local requirements until 1t is
demonstrated that this section can
compete in the large
markets. Onions, although exceed
ngly varied in price, might prove
profitable where large yields can be
obtained and storage facilities are
AVAILABLE when figured on the basis
If average prices over term of
'ears.
A small field of certified seed po-
atoes attraoted considerable atten-
ion. A hill dug at random showed
IN estimated yield of nine pounds of
'xtra good looking seed. I.attig &
Johnston will probably harvest two
from their l u acre patch.
his will furnish them with all they
iced for next years planting at a
ost for production and storage of
bout 25 per cent OF the ordinary
ost OF seed potatoes, besides pos
IDLY having few hundred dollars
'orth for sale. This is one of
arge number OF potato seed plots
eing grown this year through the