Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-09-27
Wisconsin Certified Seed
Going to Every State
SEED POTATOES TO CARRY BAD
GER FAME FARTHER-A
RECORD HARVEST

According to Prof. j. G.. Milward, of
the Wisconsin agricultural experiment
station, who is the states leading po
tato expert, between 100000 and $780,
600 bushels of certified seed potatoes
are being grown in the state this year
This is the largest crop of certified
seed that has been produced since
the state became famous for its pota-
toes and is an indication of the strides
that Badger spuds are making The
seed will be distributed in practically
all the states, the south especially
bidding for Wisconsin seed
Prof Milward discussed the recent
annual tour of the potato districts.
The tour was very interesting and
attracted buyers from all parts of
the country, he said. One buyer was
ready to take 40 carloads of certified
seed for use in the south. Another
man wanted large amount for plant
ing in Florida where, to use his ex-
preston, he wants to put Wiscon-
sin potatoes on the map Certified
Sod is in demand everywhere. A GER
tificate is issued by the agricultural
experiment station and the growers
know the seed is genuine when they
get it. The certificate is based on two
inspections that we make-one while
the crop is growing and the other
after it is harvested. This year / be
lieye we are raising none certified
seed than ever before.
Last year approximately S6,0O0,O0O
bushels .of potatoes were raised in
Wisconsin, but do not think we will
quite reach that figure this year. On
the whole, the crop this year looks
good so far but the dry weather dam
aged the crop in some places. Also
believe the acreage is somewhat less
than last year, although considerable
new land has been planted, about 80,
600 acres This is mostly on the lands
in northern Wisconsin, where the crop
does well on newly cleared land.
Our farmers who succeed with pota
to growing usually combine it with
dairying. That combination is ideal
because it gives the necessary fertili
ger. Practically no commercial fertilf
zer is used here by the farmers who
grow potatoes. while in the south and
east - III is necessary.
Great headway has been made in
the last 10 years, so far as potatoes
are concerned. The grower has come
to understand that it pays to use good
seed and that his yields are increas-
ed accordingly.
Our work is to help him in all lines.
It is not a spectacular task, but we
are accomplishing results. We make
tests as to which varieties do best in
the soil of a given section and then
urge the planting of that kind in that
community Our tours are helpful We
go right into the fields and work with
the grower and cooperate with him
in every possible manner.
Potato growing is a hazardous game
under the best conditions. There are
many enemies to fight and under the
most favorable surroundings the grow
er has his troubles. Therefore, it is
essential that the greatest care
should be taken and the best possible
method employed.
Prof Milward has been improving
the methods of raising Wisconsin pota
toes for 20 years or more and has
won a national reputation as an ex
pert. To his efforts more than to
those of any other man in the state
may the demand throughout the coun
try for the Badger grown potato be
attributed Milwaukee Journal.