The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-16
STANDS FIRST IN DAIRY PRODUCTION
And ExceIs In Raising Hay
 And Slaughter House Facilities
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU l
 THE AGE-HERALD

A notable increase in the white rural population of Montgomery county, coincident with better mar keting facilities and the adoption of a better system of farming, is noted by Jesse B. Hearin, manager of the farm section of the Montgom- cry Chamber of Commerce. Mont gomery county attracted widespread attention several years ago by rais- ing s10000o through popular sub scription, with which to advertise its advantages, in order to attract more white farmers to this Black Belt county. Today, MT. Hearin estimates that in the last three years there has been an increase of at least 1000 in the white population of the rural sections of the county.
 The increase in white population in the country districts is illustrated by the fact that although the county recently completed system of rural consolidated schools which attracted national attention. these schools are today overcrowded. according to MT. nearin. who in addition to his posi- tibH with the Chamber of Commerce, js chairman of the county board of education. The need of 8 new rural high school is already being urged, and NIr. Hearin stated that there are now attending the county schools at least 400 more school children than they should be expected 70 accom- nio- date.
 Leading Dairy Producer.
 Along with the effort to attract new farmers to Montgomery -~.,-ty. the farm section of the Chamber of Commerce. with other agricultural agencies. has encouraged better methods of farming, and the estab- lisnment of better marketing facil- ities Some of. the accomplishments ~r line are given by MT. Hearin as fol- lows.
 The county has advanced from an insignificant rank in dairy produc- ton to the first place among counties Of the state. The annual value of dairy products to the farmers ex. 7 cceds the value of the cotton crop of tl,e county. Creameries and other dairy product plants are buying st .0o0, 900 worth of dairy products a year, exclusive of the large volume retailed. shipped outside the county by producers, and consumed at home.
 Within recent years Montgomery county has advanced from seven , teenth to first place among counties of the state in hay production, with a preportionately greater increase in the quality of the hay crop.
 Montgomery county has taken first place In the production of oats, and exceeds her nearest competitor in yield of this crop by more than 100000 bushels. The county also ranks first in sweet potato produc- ton.
 Montgomery county has gone se- riously into the poultry business with an egg production last year greater by S5o,0 dozen than for the wear before. The first solid carload ct turkeys was recently shipped from tho county.
 o O o
 Plant Cover Crops.
 Farmers of the county have learned the necessity of maintaining and in- creasing soil fertilizer, and are planting clovers soy beans and other legumes on a scale vastly greater than a few years ago.
 In the way of markets. the county has adequate stockyard and mod ern slaughter house facilities, per manent market for 3airy products, poultry and eggs, and is working toward a better permanent market in which farmers can aeIl pota toes cabbage, oceans and other food crops. Establishment of joint stock land bank here is among ;h@ agenr'es listed as making for better condie.ons in tho farming sections.
 "Our bank deposits arc bigger to- day than ever before, MT. Hearin stated, in commenting on ;he results