Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1930-02-05
LECCE TALKS
OF PRODUCTION
Declaration Of Policy Has
Overproduction as
Main Point
By HARRY L. SEXTON

problem Of overproduction is one
with which every branch Of agri-
culture must deal, and the solution
Of the problem depends to a great
extent upon organization, was the
opinion voiced by Alexander Legge,
chairman OF the Federal Farm
Board. In a statement issued last
week Mr.. Legge said:
In the declaration OF policy OF
the agricultural marketing act,
which seeks 10 place agriculture on
an economic equality with other
industries, n Of the definite in
Structions given TO the Federal Farm
Board by Congress Is TO deal with
the problem OF overproduction.
Congress directed the Board in
su-bpar2graph cD Of paragraph (a),
section !. to aid "in preventing and
controlling SURPRISES in any agri-
cultural commodity, through order
~ production and distribution, so
rs to maintain advantageous do
nestle markets and prevent such
SURPRISES from causing undue and
excessive fluctuations or Expressions
in prices for the commodity.
Better Markets
Naturally the first thought in
approaching this subject is the de-
~Velopment ana broadening Of mar
kcts II every way possible, both at
home ana abroad, to provide on
outlet 10 the maximum extent for
porducts OF the American farm. We
must recognize, however, that after
all 49, 80 HaA~.A - - -w~n - . YH
of any commodity beyond which Ii
Will be impossible 10 find a profit
able outlet md lt seems clear IN
the case Of Some OF our commodi-
ties that production 10Y is in ex-
cess Of quantities than can be dis
posed OF at prices that VIII afford
a reasonable return 70 The produc-
ers.
The Board Is trying TO obtain the
bet possible information on each
and every commodity in which the
American producer Is interested and
will from time 70 time furnish 10
farmers Of the country its best
estimate as to what future action
by them seems advisable with re-
ference 70 each commodity.
Il should require no great amount
Of argument 10 convince the grow
ers that If a somewhat reduced
production would result in bring
ing him more money chan he now
is getting with a larger production,
II would be foolish FOR him to eX-
pend the time and labor an to ex-
hauSt the fertility OF his soil in
producing that excess when the
result of such excess production
would be only 70 bring him a lower
financial return that ne might have
had BY adjusting his production
downward 10 a point where the con
Stunning demand would absorb what
he grows az a reasonable price.
The percentage of decrease in
production Of most commodities. II
properly distributed-that IS. II the
reduction were made by all pro-
ducers-wOuld not be sufficiently
large TO seriously change the farm
er's present operations. Further
more. IN cases where. by the de-
velopment OF new foreign markets
or expansion OF existing markets
abroad as a result OF an increase
in the purchasing power OF con-
Stunning countries. the Board hopes
20 give the farmers this informal
ton early enough for them 70 take
advantage OF the changing condi-
lions in tho planting OF their crops.
Good Suggestions
Meanwhile. VIC are Immediately
confronted with what Use to make
Of the present cultivated acreage
that would not be required in such
2 modified program. Many good
suggestions have come 70 the Board
on this subject. Time Will not per-
NIT discussion 81 al Of them here.
hut I wish 10 offer one that seems
% meet with very general approval,
namely, reforestatIon.
Most people thinl. OF a reforest-
nt.CE program along the lines OF
large areas. commonly accepted IN
terms Of thc future timber supply
but there Is another kind OF re-
fc-cstaticn that Is equally import
amin fact. nor important 10
northumberland that u the refor-
estati1l Of the so-called wood lot.
N the past the wood lot has play
Cd an important part in the pros
pcTlty OF 2 large percentage OF our
farmers. 10 has furnished shade for
livestock in Summer and shelter in
Winter. Pests fcr fen s. firewoad
fer the house and III other ways
been useful u the farmer.
Follow Other Nations
In many areas this woodlot Is
disappearing. Why not restore II?
In dong 50 We would only be fol-
owing the example or many Of tho
older nations that In the past have
had to meet a similar situation as
that now confronting II II every
American farmer were 70 devote
5 per cent Of his present acreage 70
this form OF reiorestatlon he would
have gone a long way toward meet
ing the problem of excess produc-
ton ana at the same time have
added materially 10 the future value
CT his farm.
The different States have a very
important part 10 play If any cam
paiEn 10 restore the woodlot 10 the
American farm Is 70 be successful.
Thct is IN The matter % taxation.
Some States hsve already passed
Hesitation tempting from taxation
land that is planted for The purpose
az reforestation. Other States should
do so. being specific to make such
exemption apply 70 the wood.0t as
well Gs land planted 70 timber On
z strietly commercial basis.
ReloreStation and more and bet
ter pastures offer n sound. long
time program for getting our poorer
acres ont OF surplus production
we face. however. the immediate