The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-10-12
MARYLAND FARMERS HAVE
STRONG ORGANIZATION


While the farmers of Maryland
now have the best and strongest or
ganizations in their history as re-
suits of intensive organization eff
forts during the past year, much yet
remains to be accomplished before
all the farmers of the state are
brought to a realization of the i'm
portance of united efforts in the pro-
motion Of cooperative marketing
organizations, according to DR. Thos.
B. Synions, director of the Univers-
ity Of Maryland Extension Service.
In statement urging all farmers
to back up the existing agricultural
organizations in the state, DR.. Sy-
mons points to the fact that despite
the success of numerous membership
campaigns throughout the state this
year, hundreds of farmers remain
outside of organizations that primar-
lily are intended for their benefit.
''Too many farmers remain indif-
ferent to the call of organization
while aware of the fact that agricul
ture is confronted with all manner of
difficulties, says DR.. Symons. "The
result is that an unequal burden of
responsibility is being placed on
farm organizations that are handi-
capped in their work by only partial
farmer membership and lack Of nee
essary funds.
"The Maryland Agricultural So
ciety-The Maryland Farm Bureau
Federation, has recently reported a
total membership of 1000 farmers in
thirteen counties of the state. Includ-
ed in the organizations membership
are Washington, Frederick, Mont
gomery, Anne Arundel, Carroll, How
ard, Hartford, Baltimore, Queen
Anne's, Kent, Caroline, Talbot and
Worcester counties. These are among
the best counties in the state and
while the total membership from all
these counties represents the largest
unit of farmers that have ever work
ed together in Maryland, there are
many farmers within range Of Farm
Bureau locals who have not answered
the call in support of the industry
from which they gain livelihood.
"The University of Maryland Ex-
tension Service, through its special
lists and county agents, has done
everything in its power to aid and
promote organization among farm
ers", says DR.. Symons, because of
the conviction that only through or
ganization can many of the problems
of agriculture be solved. Now that
the farmers busy season is drawing
to close, the men and women who
are engaged in agriculture and who
are interested in it's welfare should
begin to make preparation for an
other year. The best preparation
that can be made is to- Strengthen
existing farm organizations by in
creaslng memberships in counties
where they exist and by extending
the Farm Bureau and Grange to
other counties. It is only in such a
manner that farmers will be able to
take part in other important actiyi-
dustry."
DR.. Symons points out that as a
result OF membership drives by the
State Farm Bureau, the Maryland
Tobacco Growers Associations the
Maryland and Virginia Milk Produc-
ers' Association and increased activ-
lty on the part of the Interstate
MIX Producers Association, the
Maryland State Dairymen's Associa-
ton and the Grange, Maryland farm
ers are more strongly organized than
ever before. 1t is his belief that
Maryland farmers are on the TIRES
hold of realizing their wonderful on
portunities in competition with farm
ers OF other sections provided thew
accept the opportunities of organiza-
ton and realize that by working to-
gether in spirit of cooperation they
are strong.