Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-05-13

NROWING of potatoes for porthern
r markets is taking the place of rails
~ ing sugar cane INC cotton on many
of the farms Of southern louisiana
n us the trend toward Investigation
in the southern states grows there will
be a constantly increasing field for GER
tilted seed potatoes from Montana II
quality standards are maintained, ac-
cording to w. P. Stapleton, who returned
to Billings recently from the potato tour
of the University Of Louisiana through
the potato growing section of that state.
AT the close of the trip through the
Louisiana potato district, Mr.. Stapleton
went TO Houston, Texas, where he spent
several days before returning for the pur-
pose of creating interest in Montana seed
among potato growers in that section.
Nearly all the sugar and cotton belt
states of the south afford a market for
Montana seed because deterioration
of home grown stock through plant dis
ease makes it essential hat northern
grown seed be secured.
Many Fields Visited
In describing the tour and its results,
MIR. Stapleton said:
About 25 people representing Mon
tana, Nebraska, Michigan, North Dakota
and Wisconsin growers Of certified seed
potatoes together with railroad repre-
sentatives attended the potato tour in
IAA14 nv VI NJ A. OhAlk "a
university. About so fields were visited
In southern Louisiana, where potatoes
are grown chiefly from Montana, Nebras-
ka and North Dakota seeds.
The tour gave a splendid opportun-
ity to study the crops grown from this
seed under Louisiana conditions and
much information was secured which will
permit Montana farmers to produce seed
more in accordance with the require
ments of Louisiana. Outside OF the dam
age done by the severe frost of last Sep
TENDER, Montana seed Is standing up well
and is held in high regard by farmers
and Others interested In potatoes.
80 Cars Shipped Last Year
Last year 80 cars Of certified Montana
seed were shipped to Louisiana. At pres
n Louisiana produces about 1900 cars
of potatoes annually n needs in the
neighborhood of $50 cars Of seed. How
ever, potato production is on the in
crease on account Of the drive toward
d~iversihcation n 1t is expected that
the acreage will double in the next five
years.
Harvesting is now about three-fourths
done. The potatoes are going to northern
points, largely in the Chicago section
The average yield is 10 to 80 bushels
to the acre and to secure this crop a
commercial fertilizer costing from $40 an
acre up Is required.
Rice, cotton and sugar cane have been
the chief crops in Louisiana but one
crop farming has been particularly hard
on the sugar industry. Diseases affecting
the sugar cane has dealt this crop q
severe blow. The interest in potatoes
and other perishable crops has been
greatly enhanced by the growing
troubles. Sugar beets are also being. tried
Land values have been affected on &C
count of the failure of the sugar crop
Drainage is also an immense problem.
Compliments state College
1.-The outstanding advantages of Mon
tana's good climate and fertile soil offers
a combination that the south does not
have. Montana's unusual freedom from
plant and animal diseases, which is
largely due to the excellent climate, is
an asset hat can be emphasized much
more than 1T has been In h past.
diversified farming will do for Louisi-
ana what 1t is now doing for the north
west. Louisiana is to be classified as 8
very productive state. rich In natural
resources.
'The University Of Louisiana holds the
work of the horticultural department OF
Montana State college in high regard
The college is deserving OF much credit
for the splendid work that has been lone
in developing the certified seed industry
and securing a market for 1T.
Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florids
and Oklahoma are other states that 0ffel
potential markets for Montana seed. The
certified seed industry is yet only in Its
infancy and If quality standards are
maintained, markets can be developed te
take care Of a greatly expanded acreage