The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1923-01-19
TALKED BEFORE
COUNTY AGENTS
Interesting Discussion of
Extension Labors
TYPE OF PROGRAM
This Should Be Considered In
Preparing Events For
Agriculturists.

Farmers should be just as good
statesmen as it is possible for them
to be in an organized way, if they
are to make a success of their farm
work" This was one of the out
standing phrase of "a very interest
ing talk delivered this afternoon by
F. w. Peck, director of the extension
work at the State University farm,
before the session of the county
agents of Southwestern Minnesota,
which closed it's two days session
this afternoon.
In opening his very interesting
and instructive talk, the speaker
said that there are three points
that must be considered. First, the
kind of extension program that best
meets the needs of agriculture, and
particularly today the one that
meets the needs of southwestern
Minnesota. The second point to be
considered is the method of putting
the program into practice, which
would mean explaining what to do
and how to do it.
Most important Point.
The third, and perhaps the most
important point is the having of
definite goal to be reached. This
means that one must know where
he is expected to &C, and to know
what he is to do when he reaches
there.
Mr.. Peck said that the program
that will best meet the needs of
every type Of farming, is the pro-
gram that places the proper en-
cio of @1,Ha Il
efficient selling. The speaker ex-
balanced program. Both selling and
production must be looked after.
Efficient production means low cost
production, a better class of pro-
duction and standardizing of pro-
ducts. Here the speaker explained
that efficient production could be
brought about by the use of pure
bred sires, control of diseases, etc.
In a word it means better farm
management on the part Of the in
dividual on the farm in his farm
business.
In stressing on the topic of pro-
duction, the speaker said that it did
not mean so muLh the quantity of
the product as the quality. The
secret of production anyway was the
producing of what people demand,
and then have the craftsmanship to
dispose of that product to the best
advantage. This means more home
grown feed of the protein nature,
such as clover. alfalfa, etc.
I'D Methods. To Be Used.
Mr.. Peck stated that the methods
will be the demonstration on the
farms throughout the district.
Success of Scheme.
To make a success of the whole
scheme there must be hearty CO. OPP
Grafton between all agencies, in
Guiding the county agents, farmers
clubs, breeders ! associations, bust
ness mems organizations, and banks
all working together in the support
of all measures that will result in a
better farming business. The speak
err said that the greatest sticking
point in extension work is the lack
of CO. operation and action on the
part of a large number of people. One
of the best ways of getting results,
it had been developed was the plac-
ing of responsibility on local lead
ers in the rural communities, who
pass the good work along to others.
In working toward definite goal,
the speaker said that some standard
should be set. This might be how
many pure bred sires are needed in
a county; how many farmers are
interested in the raising of legumes
such as clover and alfalfa and just
how many acres of that crop should
be raised in the next six months
Then the standardizing OF crops
should not be lost sight, of.
other very interesting topics re-
lating to farm problems were taken
up and discussed during the day.
The meeting adjourned following Mr..
Pecks talk this afternoon.