The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1951-12-27
Cauliflower May
Become Valuable
Cash Crop Here

NdoIl NlOp I'LL
A report prepared by r. L. Wrinkle
pleck, horticultural agent for the Bal
timore and Ohio railroad, indicates eX-
cellent possibilities for growing cauli-
flower and broccoli in Garrett county.
The report was based on results Of
this past summers attempt by seven
teen farmers who planted SO acres.
In spite of extremely dry weather,
being third driest season of the CEN
fury, the results were gratifying.
Mr.. Winklepleck declared, how
ever, that farmers of the county real
ize how seldom they have a season as
bad as 1851 and are not discouraged.
They expect to continue in vegetable
production and are planning an in
creased acreage of cauliflower in
1852.
He also pointed out that the
growth of the vegetable industry prob
ably would be slow since these par
ticular crops are new to farmers of
the area.
An article which will appear in the
B. and o. railroads messenger" of
agricultural development, for Janu-
airy, gives interesting sidelights on the
county's newest farm industry.
1t relates how the Webers Of Oak
land grew cauliflower commercially
a number Of years ago which took
medals and first prize awards in
fairs and expositions. The yield was
good but marketing was the pitfall
which discouraged them.
With an elevation averaging $500
feet above sea level, midsummer tenn
peratures seldom reaching 80 degrees,
the nights always cool, the average
of the highest daytime temperatures
for July slightly under so, with day
and night temperatures together av-
eraging only GA, and with rainfall
normally plentiful and usually well
ributed-because Of these records
the B. and O. became interested i'll
promoting the production of cauli-
flower If successful, broccoli, spin
ach, etc, would follow.
Last year the B. and O. cooperated
with John II. Carter, county agricul-
tural agent, and two local farmers
in two acres Of cauliflower and broc-
coli trial paintings. These did well
and caused other growers to try in
1851. The seventeen farmers incor-
porated under the name of the Gar
rett County Vegetable Growers CO.
operative. The SO acres of the vege-
table promised to be a record break
er, when the dry season began. Morn
ing dew kept the fields alive with
only half the normal rainfall, and
most of the fields produced a partial
crop.
Many of the growers sold enough
to cover cash costs and provide some
labor return. Two men equaled or eX-
cceded the national average for cauli-
flower production. Nh Winklepleck
estimated the yields would have been
terrific with only little more rain.
He said the most encouraging
feature was the successful marketing
program. By pooling their harvest the
growers were able to make quantity
shipments to the best markets. Packed
in new containers and loaded in iced
and preceded refrigerator cars, the
caulifloWer was delivered to markets
as far as New Orleans. Nearby cities
were served satisfactorily by truck.
Top prices were received throughout
the season. The Long Island Cauli-
flower distributors handled the carlot
! shipments.
Mr.. Winklcpleck said there was am
pie evidence that almost any antici-
pated volume could be efficiently
marketed at good prices during Aug
ust and September when the cool
weather vegetables are normally in
short supply.
Both the B. and 0. and University
of Maryland established trial plant
ngs of cauliflower to test fertilizers
and varieties. Dry weather reduced
the value of these trials but some
worthwhile information was de-
veloped A broccoli trial of 5000
pounds to the acre holds out great
promise, Mr.. Winklepleck felt.