Smyrna times., 1926-12-22

cows. The majority of these cattle
are grade Holstein and Guernseys,
with few pure bred herds scattered
throughout the county. The chief
project in dairy development during
the past year has been the considera-
ton of grade A milk plants in the
southern part of the county where a
great deal of interest is being shown
by the dairymen in attempting to
bring about this much desired change
in their milk marketing program. Co
operation has also been extended by
the County Agent in the activities of
the various local units of the Inter
State Milk Producers Association in
different sections of the county.
Four farm tours were included in
this years program, one of which
was confined to the grape districts in
Kent County, while the poultry and
farm management tours were of a
statewide nature, and the tomato in
spection trip comprised the two states
of Delaware and Maryland.
The Farm Bureau and the Grange
are the two outstanding agricultural
organizations in the county, and the
County Agent cooperates with these
groups of rural people in every way
possible in promoting a sound pro-
gram for the county and state. In
addition to these two organizations,
the County Agent also works in har-
mony with the Kent Grape Growers
Association, the Peninsula Horticul-
tural Society, and the Delaware Hol-
stein Friesian Association,all of which
are functioning in this county and
state at the present time.
During the course of each year,
some time is devoted to arranging and
attending conferences and meetings
at which suggestions are received for
the planning of suitable program
Of work. The fruit growers school,
which has been conducted at Camden
with the cooperation of the Fruitland
Grange and the Vocational Depart
ment Of Caesar Rodney School for the
past three years, is included in this
particular group of meetings. An
agricultural conference was also ar
ranged at the State College for col
ored students last spring to consider
some of the most practical methods
whereby the Extension Department
may be of service to this class of
farmers in the county and state.
Kent Boys and Girls Club Activities
Assistance and cooperation is ex-
tended by the County Agent to the
boys and girls club work which is
conducted under the supervision Of
the County Club Agent Subject mat
ter is furnished for the projects of
the boys when needed, and help is also
given in checking up the demonstra-
tions at the close of the club year.
AS a means Of encouraging the boys
club work in the state, the Dover Ro-
tary Club has awarded a sterling sill
yer cup for the past three years to
the boy under sixteen years of age in
the state who exhibits the best ten
ears of corn at the annual state corn
show. Trophy cups are also awarded
each year by the Delaware Bankers
Association and the Delaware Corn
Growers Association for the best corn
exhibits and judging.
In accordance with a special ruling
Of the Board of Trustees Of the Uni
versity of Delaware, one member of
the Agricultural Extension Depart
ment each year for the past four
years has been given a six weeks
leave of absence for the purpose of
taking post graduate work in a sum
mer school of an agricultural institu-
ton Of his choice The opportunity
to take advantage of this plan was
given to County Agent Russell E.
Wilson this year, consequently, the
period from July to August IA was
spent at Cornell University where
two courses in agricultural economics
and one in advanced pomology were
selected for post graduate study.
Statistics of Mr.. Wilson's Department
The statistical division of Mr.. Will
sons report for the year ending De-
cember l shows that there were 1891
Office calls recorded, 1926 personal
letters written, 1900 copies of cir
cular mail sent out to the farmers,
6694 miles travelled, and AGO farms
visited relative to some particular
phase of farm work A total of 80
days were spent in the office, and I'll
days in the field, in addition to the
leave of absence previously mention
ed. Within the past year, % demon
strational meetings were held with
total attendance of 498, aside from
the planning and attending 81 other
extension and agricultural meetings
which were attended by 1882 people.
A total of 120 news articles were also
written and published in the newspap-
ers of the county and state thereby
placing the activities of the extension
work in the county before the public
in general.
The narrative norton of the an