The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-06-13
Opportunities of
Oakley Valley
THIRD PRIZE ESSAY ON THE
ADVANTAGES OF OAKLEY
BY AARON HORNE

AS the land is the great funda-
mental resource of the nation, the
productivity of it is the basic factor
which will control the future of the
density and quality of our popula-
ton. OF all duties to descendants
that of maintaining the richness and
quality of soil is very serious Soil
is made at about one inch in 500
years; and as fertility depends on
depth and character, we cannot af-
ford to waste it,
Oakley valley has an abundance
of rich, deep soil, fertile as any in
the country There is an annual
rainfall of from to IL inches, and
with the irrigation facilities that
should be conducive to the success
full growth and maturity of any
crop accIimated to this region.
The duty of water must be in
creased by more and bebtter cultiva-
ton; better systems of crop rota-
ticn, as the vital question it not the
amount of water to add to the soil,
but the conservation and utilization
OF that which nature puts there.
The evolutionary development of
agriculture follows closely that of
peoples and nations. 1t is always
the same-from the simple to com
plex; quantity to quality; extensive
t. intensive. Live stock is always
the pioneer, followed by grains, hay,
or forage crops, and gradually work
ing into a specialized, diversified, in
tensive process, with each new
change diminishing the working
al ca. This community needs more
intensive, specialized type of farm
ing with big reduction in the work
ing area per farm. Every farm must
have a cash crop, and walking off
crop such as dairy cattle, hogs,
chickens. Oakley valley presents
wonderful opportunities for agricul-
tural independence; but to utilize
the resources as they are, there must
be more scientific farming, newer
methods making better production;
better market facilities; better trans
portation; and a solution of the var
ious problems of rotation, tillage,
pests and live stock improvement.
Oakley valley public schools are
as efficient as the general run in the
state; and the high school is and will
continue to perform a positive aid to
the solution of these rural prob
lens through instruction, training
tc future farmers, and disseminating
knowledge to those performing the
oldest art today.
There are various professional
and business concerns here to eff
GENTLY take care of all the needs of
he community. The two banks
nave not failed, and are on a sound
'ooting. This should be very en-
as most communities can
Tot boast on that score.
Finally, Oakley valley presents
yonderful opportunities for high .
pirited men, and men of indepen- (,
lence and initiative to successfully
ear family. Because of the sea- l.,
onal character of farming, there i,
9 more diversified activity than in :
ny other large class of workers. /.
he work of the farmer is carried :,
u in direct connection with the :,
ome and family 1t is a family in
ustry, where all members partici- Z
ate in the common toll for support :
I the home. Educators all agree
hat one of the greatest weaknesses .
t the city is a lack of common bus :,
less interests among the members :
[ the family. On the farm there is
business interest handed from par ;,
nts to children; and the children :
ct the priceless advantage of learn
lg to work along with the father, =,
nder his direction and in imitation :,
him. They early learn the funda- :
Iental laws of life, and are given ;,
Speriences and opportunities to
row and develop that urban chill
zen seldom get. =,