Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1941-02-06
Management And
Marketing Topic
At Meeting Here
Mark J. Thompson, Du.
luth, Addresses A S k O v
Neighbor Night Clubs.

gether of the ASkov Neighbor Night
clubs last Thursday evening Mark
j. Thompson, superintendent of the
Northeast Experiment Station at Du-
luth, stated that markets and man.
agement are two of the main prob
lens confronting the farmer today.
He said that there are now virtu-
ally no foreign markets so that outlet
for American farm commodities could
well be forgotten for the time being,
but that improved industrial condi-
tons and the Stamp Plan were help
ing to absorb the surplus. With less
unemployment and industry BOOM
ing as result of national defense
work and much of the farm SURPRISES
being distributed through the Stamp
Plan, the farm dollar is now at the
highest point in 10 years.
Reduce Production Cost.
The speaker stressed the impor-
lance of good management on the
farm to reduce the cost of produc-
ton, with a resultant higher net in
come. A job for every acre should
be the motto. He listed care and
conservation of the woodlot as one
item that had been neglected in many
instances and urged the farmers to
grow their own wood for fuel and
save on coal.
A well kept pasture is also neces-
sary for good farm management, Mr..
Thompson said, as it provides the
cheapest feed on the farm. A split
pasture, that is, rotation of the fields
so that the COWS would always have
plenty of new grass, rich in protein,
would increase the profits for the
dairyman. Clearing the brush land,
planting a cheaper seeding mixture
on the poorer ground and early cut
ting of the lowland meadows were
also urged
Special Crops.
In discussing titled crops the prob
lem of late blight which has been
affecting the potato fields in northern
Minnesota was brought up and spray
ing was recommended as combative
measure. The growing of special
crops such as certified and blight re-
sisting potatoes and legume seeds
may also be done to advantage here
the speaker said.
The growing of fibre flax which we
can not get from Europe now, and
sheep raising are other potential
income increasing factors which may
be considered here as there would
be more domestic demand for flax
and the sheep market is protected for
some time.
Mr.. Thompson then discussed the
growing of raspberries, bringing out
the point that Pine county is located
between the harvest season of the
Twin City area and that of the Twin
Ports, so there should be a demand
for fresh berries during the ripening
period here. Only cane certified as
being free from mosaic disease should
be planted and the grower was eau
toned to start slowly and not plant
too large a tract at first.
Discuss Rutabaga Canning.
Following the address general dis
cussion was held, the canning of
rutabagas coming in for special men,
ton. Mrs. John Meier, in introducing
the subject, stated that some home
canning had been tried but nothing
definite had been decided one way
or the other, everything still being in
the experimental stage.
Harold Bergman, educational field
man for the Midland Cooperative
Wholesale, was present at the meet
ing, giving a short talk on the Neigh
Dor Night club work and also played
the piano in accompaniment for the
singing by the audience. Following
the meeting lunch was served after
which square dancing was enjoyed.
Elsewhere in this issue is radio
talk. Down Arrowhead Burrows"
given over station KDAL last Friday
by Mr.. Thompson. 1t gives many
more of the speakers ideas and
recommendation for the n or r n
Minnesota grower and is well worth