The Republican., 1925-02-19
AGRICULTURAL RESUME
In Maryland Made by Experts in
Farmers Work.

Farmers Work.
A review of the agricultural situa-
ton in Maryland at the close of the
year 1924 and a summary of the
noteworthy developments in the agri-
culture of the State are included in
the annual report of Dr.. 7. B. SYM
ons, director Of the University Of
Maryland Extension Service, which is
being transmitted to Dr.. A. F.
Woods, president of the University of
Maryland, the State Board of Agri-
culture and the Governor Of the
State.
"a marked Improvement in the
price of most farm crops has been the
outstanding factor in the agricultural
situation Of the past year." says the
report, "While the increase has af-
fected farm crops chiefly and has
been but partially reflected in the in
come of the Maryland farmer, the
higher tone of the markets and the
upward turn Of prices have given
fresh encouragement to agriculture
after a long and serious period Of
depression"
Dr.. Symons points out that the un-
favorable factors of the year were
the comparatively low yields as re-
suit of unreasonable growing weather
and the fact that prices for livestock
and livestock products failed to keep
pace with the advancing prices Of
crops. Corn, the major crop of the
State, was particularly susceptible
to the unreasonable weather condi-
tions and not only was the average
yield per acre greatly reduced but
the continuous rains Of the early
spring prevented the planting of
normal acreage.
Progress during the year, how
ever, was evident, in the economical
methods Of production employed by
farmers throughout the State" says
DR.. Symons. The use of good seed
corn was more general and more
sources of good seed were estab-
ished. Wheat, likewise, received
closer attention and fifteen growers
in eight counties produced seed wheat
that was certified by the Maryland
Crop Improvement Association while
numerous others produced fine crops
that fell just short of the require
ments for certiication. The produc-
ton of home grown soybean seed of
varieties adapted to Maryland condi-
tions increased and the quality of the
seed was demonstrated at the Inter
national Grain and Hay Show at
Chicago where Maryland growers
won first, second and four other priz-
es in the soybean classes.
eleven COW testing associations
operated in the State during the year
and gave evidence of the interest
that had been aroused in the economi-
cal production of milk while much
progress was made in improving the
quality of the supply as a result of
campaigns to promote better produc-
ton, handling, transportation and
distribution. Cooperative marketing
enterprises completed the year in
good condition financially and other
wise and every county in the State
is now served by one or more forms
of cooperative marketing enterprise.
shipping point inspection, inaugu-
rated during the year and given
trial with peaches and apples, proved
advantageous to growers in market
ing their products and did much to
impress on them the Importance of
careful grading and packing. The
stress laid on the value of good seed
as a factor in the production of the
potato crop resulted in the certifica-
ton of $4,000 bushels of seed pota-
toes, the largest quantity ever certl-
fed in the State The potatoes were
grown by twenty-six counties.
"WhIe demoralized market condi-
tions and unfavorable weather condi-
tons were detrimental to the tomato
cannign industry of the State,
hundreds of growers had the oppor-
tunity of discovering the value of