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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume X7II Janiiary 3, 1934 Homber 1
Few Farms Too Small To Cash In On Corn-Eofi Benefits
Almost no Illinois farm is too small to get some of the benefits of the
government's corn and hog adjustment program, and every farmer who does take part will
stand with his neighbors in helping to restore a fair exchange value for these two
farm products, it is pointed out by the extension service of the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois. Any farmer who can comply with one of fotir different
combinations of corn and hog production can get a contract and receive the benefit
payments.
Every com and hog farmer in the state will have a chance to learn the de-
tails of the plan in community meetings which county farm advisers and the extension
service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois will hold thro-ughout
the state.
Permission for a farmer to sign the contract for only one commodity is mace
possible through a special ruling of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.
If in 1S32 and 1933 a farmer grew an average of 10 or more acres of corn
and marketed four or more litters of pigs, he may sign the adjustment contract to re-
duce his corn acreage in 1934 at least 20 per cent and his hog production 25 per cent.
He thereby becomes eligible for benefit payments on both corn and hogs. He must re-
duce his production of both to be eligible for either or both payments.
If the farmer, in the two-year base periodj grew an average of more than 10
acres of corn but marketed less than three litters of hogs, he can sign up for the
corn payments, but will not be eligible for any hog benefits. In 1934, however, he
must not increase his hog production.
If any county farmer grew less than 10 acres of corn as an aver-
age for the two years, 1932-1933, exclusive of corn for silage, but marketed three or
more litters of hogs, he may sign up for the benefit payments on hogs. He must notj
in this case, increase his corn acreage in 1934.
If the farmer grew an average of 10 or more acres of corn in 1932 and 1933
and only three litters of pigs, he has a choice between two possibilities. He may
reduce his corn acreage by 20 per cent and agree to produce not more than three litters,
thereby becoming eligible for corn benefits bat will not receive payments on hogs. If
he desires, he may agree to reduce his corn production as specified and his hog pro-
duction to two litters, thereby becoming eligible for payments on both his hogs and
corn.
Any farmer who grew less than 10 acres of corn and marketed less than three
litters of pigs during the base period is not eligible to sign a contract,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfobd, Director.
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Vol. XVII ~ No. 1 STI?? ?ExtPttBtott Messsns&t Pa^e 2
Rp-gndup Of Day ' s Iss\ies Will Climax Farm-Home Week
Inflation, taxation and all the other leading issues of the times will be
covered in eight general sessions which will climax the program of the thirty-sixth
ann\ial Farm and Home Week, Janiiary 15 to 19, at the College of Agricaltu.re, University
of Illinois, it is announced by Dean H. W. Mumford.
As a foundation for the eight general sessions ^ 25 special short courses,
all keyed to the recovery and adjustment needs of farmers and homemakers, will run
throughout the week. Special entertainment features, meetings of a number of the
state's rural orgaxiizations and other features will be combined with this instruction
to make the week a "new start" for the hundreds of farmers and homemakers who annually
attend the event.
A "planned" agriculture for the future is expected to be touched upon in
the first general session of the week, Monday afternoon, Jan\iary 15, when DeWitt C.
s> Wing, of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and a former farm paper editor in
"i Illinois, comes back from Washington, D. C, to speak on, "Farming on Facts and Faith."
Needed reforms to reduce the cost of town and county goverrmient, a problem
close to the hearts of farm people, will be discussed in the Tuesday morning general
session, January 15, by Dr. M. H. Hunter, University of Illinois professor of
economics.
Inflation will get its hearing at the Tuesday afternoon session when Dr.
Max J. Wasserman, University of Illinois assistant professor of economics, speaks on,
"The Experience of France With Inflation."
The Wednesday morning session, January 17, will bring one of the highlights
of the week for many farmers when Wood Netherland, general agent of the Farm Credit
Administration, St. Louis, Mo., speaks on, "The Farm Credit Administration aJid Illinois
Agriculture. "
"Buying standards for Consumers," will be discussed Wednesday afternoon by
Miss Ruth O'Brien, chief of the division of textiles and clothing in the bureau of
home economics, U. S, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C; "European Trade
Barriers in Relation to American Agriculture," Thursday morning by Dr. C. L. Stewart,
chief in land economics, U. I. College of Agriculture, and "The Outlook for Farming
From the Farm Boy's Standpoint," Thursday afternoon by Liberty Hyde Bailey, author
and horticulturist, Ithaca, N. Y,
Claude R. Wickard, assistant chief of the AAA corn-hog section, is scheduled
to close the Farm and Home Week program Friday morning, January 19, with a report of
progress in the corn-hog campaign.
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Three Major Items Figure In Costs Of Producing Eggs
\ The three big items in the cost of producing the 12 million dollars' worth
or more of eggs that Illinois farmers sell every year are feed, depreciation, which
includes mortality, and labor, according to records which 20 poultrymen kept during
the past year in cooperation with the extension service of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois,
Any flock owner who cuts down on these items therefore will be going a long
way toward getting a wider margin of net return out of the cash that he receives for
his eggs, it is pointed out by H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist of the college.
"Probably the best opportunity to reduce feed cost is to improve the aver-
age egg production of each hen in the flock, as the good layers eat but little more
feed than the mediocre layers. Too many flocks carry about 20 per cent defaulters —
;.hens that start laying and then quit — and it is this class of birds which runs up the
\4"eed cost of a dozen eggs.
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Vol. XVII - No. 1 ' ' Page 3
Illinois Dairymen Set Example For Sure Relief Plan
Illinois' most progressive dairymen are not waiting for a government plan
to kill off diseased and -unprofitable cows or for some other emergency relief project
to help bolster their incomes. Already those dairymen who are members of dairy herd
improvement associations organized by the extension service of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois are proceeding with a cow culling plan at a rate
which if followed by all dairymen would mean the disposal of 222,200 of the poorer
cows in the state within a year.
In this respect the cow culling which the Illinois dairymen already are
practicing is quite similar to recent proposals made to the federal administration
for adjustments in the dairy industry.
Figures compiled by J. G. Cash, assistant in dairy extension at the agri-
cultural college, show that in October of the past year 1.7 per cant of the 20»000
cows enrolled in the 52 dairy herd improvement associations of the state were culled,
while in November, 1.5 per cent were sent to the butcher's block.
"At this rate approximately 20 per cent of the cows in dairy herd improve-
ment association herds would be culled within a year. If all herd owners in the
state went after the unprofitable cows that axe helping pile up the surplus, it
would mean that approximately a fifth of them, or about 222,200 would be disposed of."
Illinois farmers get approximately 23 per cent of their gross income from
the sale of dairy prodiicts, and the policy of "fewer and better" cows long has been
advocated by the extension service of the agricultural college as a means whereby the
margin of net return on this business could be protected.
To illustrate how dairy returns may be improved by better handling of
"fewer and better" cows. Cash cites the records of a member of the Hancock County
Dairy Herd Improvement Association for two recent months. 'The first month this farmer
milked 33 cows, and the records indicated that eight of them did not produce enough
to pay for their feed. Then he sold 14 of the cows. The following month the 19 re~
turned $16.34 more above feed cost than the 33 did the previous month. Likev/ise the
14 cows that were disposed of relieved the congested markets of 4,251 pounds of milk
a month.
AAA Problems Of Land Eandl ing Up At Farm-Home Week
Between 1,860,000 and 2,715,000 acres of Illinois land may be contracted
to the government as a result of the AAA programs on wheat and on corn and hogs. How
best to handle this land, together with other soil and crop management problems in re-
lation to the agricultural adjustment program, are expected to bring a record number
of farmers here for the soils and crops short coiirse of the thirty-sixth annual Farm
and Home Week, January 15 to 19, at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Farmers of the state have been adjusting their cropping programs for years,
as shown by the fact that the acreage of legumes has been steadily increasing and the
acreage of wheat and corn has been declining, it was pointed out by Dr. W. L. Burlison,
head of the college agronomy department. However, the AAA program will speed up the
rate of adjustment, and the Farm and Home Week program will be designed to help
farmers meet the new pace, it was explained.
The soils and crops program, itself, will not get under way until after the
annual Illinois Seed Grain and Utility Corn Show has been opened on Monday afternoon,
January 15, and farmers have had a chance to inspect the samples and exhibits.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volvime X7II January 10, 1934 Waraber 2
1.000 Meetings To Spread Corn-Hog. Flan In Illinois
By sitting in on one of approximately 1,000 coimnunity meetings to be held
throughout the state, every Illinois farmer will have an opportunity within the next
week or so to learn how he can participate in the government's corn-hog adjustment
program and thereby get his share of the $350,000,000 in cash payments and other
benefits, it is announced by the extension service of the College of Agricult-iire,
University of Illinois.
Few farmers in the state are operating on so small a scale that they can
not come in for some of the benefits of the program, and the community meetings which
county farm advisers and the extension service of the agricultural college are now
starting are designed to carry the details of the plan down to the last corn and hog
farmer, no matter where he may be.
County leadership schools have jiast been held by the college ajid farm advis-
ers to train local fanners who will preside at the community meetings.
In northern Illinois, Stark, Woodford, Marshall and Putnam counties were
among the first to begin their community meetings, but other counties representing
all the other sections of the state are not far behind. At these meetings sample
contracts, work sheets and other pointers on the corn-hog plan will be distributed
and explained. Administrative rulings on special points in the contract and on other
puzzling questions are to be discij.ssed and explained.
As soon as every farmer has had an opportunity to become familiar with the
details of the program, the state campaign will reach its climax with the establish-
ment of about 1,000 contract sign-up stations throughout the niral districts of the
102 counties in Illinois.
One of the most important things that corn and hog producers should do pre-
paratory to signing the government's adjustment contract is to collect all possible
"supporting evidence" regarding their corn and hog transactions during the past two
years. This should include information about the number of hogs sold, date of sale,
estimated average weight and to whom sold. Such information should cover the two
base years, December 1, 1931, to December 1, 1933. Signers also will be asked to
show how many feeder pigs they bought and sold during that time, and mast certify the
number of home-farrowed pigs and feeder pigs bought ajid on hand on December 1, 1953,
A reduction of at least 20 per cent in the average corn acreage grown in
1932-1933 and a cut of 25 per cent in the number of litters farrowed and hogs marketed
in the same two-year base period is required of those signing contracts. If all
Illinois corn and hog producers sign up, they would be eligible for a total of ^-
proximately $40,000,000 in benefit payments which would start as soon as their con-
tracts were accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture.
The aim in seeking the reductions is to balance the supply of com and hogs
with the effective demand and thereby aid in bringing the price of farm products up
to a fair exchange value in relation to the prices which farmers must pay for the
things they buy.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. MnuFOSD, Director.
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5rh0 Extsnaion iHpaaettnpr
Vol. XVII - No. 2 Page 2
Farm Credit Aids Will Be Outlined At Farm-Home Week
Prominence of Illinois in current farm credit activities assures farmers
that they will get ample help in ironing out their financial troubles when they at-
tend the thirty-sixth annual Farm and Home Week, January 15 to 19, at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is pointed out by those in charge of the
program.
Wood Netherland, general agent of the Farm Credit Administration, St. Louis,
will he the headliner and will appear on the Wednesday morning general session pro-
gram at 11 o'clock to speak on, "The Farm Credit Administration and Illinois Agricul-
ture." Herhert W. Mumford, dean of the U. I. College of Agriculture, is a member of
the board of directors of the Farm Credit Administration in the St. Louis area.
Prof. H. C. M. Case, chief of the college's division of farm management,
who is now on leave as assistant to Dr. W. I. Myers, governor of the Farm Credit Ad-
ministration in Washington, will return to discuss farm debt conciliation and re-
financing. He is in charge of this work for the FCA.
This event will come Wednesday morning, January 17, at 9 a.m., as the open-
ing number in the special course on farm credit problems. This farm credit course is
one of 25 different ones being offered throughout the week as a means of helping
farmers and homemakers work out their own recovery and adjustment programs.
Following Prof. Case's opening of the farm credit course, C. E. Hopkins, a
director of the Farm Credit Administration, St. Louis, Mo., will tell what is happen-
ing to farm mortgage indebtedness in Illinois.
Illinois is now the first state in the Union to be completely organized for
production credit purposes, and this phase of farm credit work is to have the whole
of Wednesday afternoon program, JaxitLary 17, devoted to it. ^^eading off the discussion
will be Dr. L. J. Norton, assistant chief in agricultural economics at the college,
who is now on leave doing special production credit organization work for the Farm
Credit Administration. He will discuss production credit problems and procedures.
Potential use of cooperative banks by Illinois associations will be the
subject of a round-table discussion which will be led by J. R. Cosgrove, acting
president of the St. Louis Bank for Cooperatives, St. Leuis, Mo. Speakers will in-
clude L. H. Marchant, manager of the Illinois Farm Supply Company, Chicago; C. H.
James, Southern Illinois Seed Growers' Exchange, Flora, and Harrison Fahrnkopf, of
the Illinois Grain Corporation, Chicago.
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PWA Funds May Give Farm Commxmities A Meeting Place
Many rural communities of Illinois now have a chance to overcome one of
their worst drawbacks — the lack of a community meeting place — by getting through a
CWA or PuA project for the building of a community center, it is pointed out by
D. E. Lindstrom, associate in rural sociology at the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois. More than 400 community groups have been organized throughout the
state during recent years by the extension service of the agricultural college, and
there ars scores of other groups that have been in existence for years, he said.
Lack of a good community meeting place where such groups can have their social and
educational programs is one of the real barriers in rural advancement, he believes.
For the first time an opportunity for having such a building is opened up to rural
comiminities through the provisions of the PWA and the CWA. Any rural community can
submit a project for community building improvement, community building construction
or park improvement.
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Vol. X7II - No. 2 ©Ijp Extension UJeaaenger Page 3
Balanced Dairy Rations Mean $13.000,000 In Relief
If Illinois farmers made Just one New Year's resolution-~to feed their
milk cows balanced rations this year — they woxild get at least $12,000,000 worth of
"relief" in feed bills, says J. G. Cash, assistant in dairy extension at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
All they would have to do in order to pocket this cash would be to save $1
a month a cow in the feeding of the 1,111,000 cows now on farms of the state.
This is an extremely conservative goal, Cash believes, because it is based
upon accurate records taken on cows owned by progressive dairymen who are members of
dairy herd improvement associations organized by the extension service of the agri-
cultural college. Considering all daiiy herds of the state, it is likely that a
change from the almost universal use of unbalanced rations to balanced, might save
much more than the $12,000,000 total in 12 months.
"That this is not an unreasonable possibility is shown by actual records
from dairy herd improvement association herds. In Knox county, for instance, a new
member of a herd improvement association was feeding an ujabalanced ration of farm
grains to his 14 cows, ^e revised his feeding methods, as suggested by the cowtester,
and reduced his feed cost $15.05 in one month without lowering his production level.
"One month a new member of the Kankakee association fed 2,520 pounds of an
unbalanced ration. The next month he fed 2,511 pounds of a balanced ration with the
result that his feed bill was $7.40 less than the previous month. Here, again, their
was no change in the cows' milk production.
"By changing his ration from corn, oats and a high-priced protein supple-
ment to corn, oats, bran and cottonseed meal, a Christian county dairyman reduced
the price of his ration 11 cents a hundredweight without affecting production. This
will make a saving of approximately $36 for the year on his herd of 18 cows."
Destructive Pest Of Fruit Trees Is In For "Big Year"
San Jose scale — the little insect th-at plays havoc with promising peach
and apple crops — had a rather prosperous 1933, and may have a "happier and more pros-
perous New.Year," .warns S. C Chandler, assistant entomologist of the Illinois
Natural History Survey, in a statement issued to the extension service of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
"That is," says Chandler, "there is likely to be a large increase in San
Jose scale infestation thro-aghout Illinois orchards, unless fruit growers spray their
trees this v/inter and early spring with oil emulsion or miscible oil to check the
threatened 'prosperity' of the insect."
The annual San Jose scale survey completed a short time ago showed a very
marked increase in this insect over the late fall of 1932. One htmdred thirty-eight
peach and apple orchards located in the southern fruit sections of the state showed
27 per cent of them to have a moderate to severe infestation in at least some part of
the orchard. A year ago only 6 per cent of the surveyed orchards were in this con-
dition.
Two reasons acco-ont for this situation — lack of spraying and a favorable
season. In 1932 many growers took advantage of the small amount of scale and as an
economy measure omitted the dormant spray. Then too, the warm weather of late
October and the first half of November this past fall allowed an extra brood to de-
velop, which if not checked by a dormant spray this winter will result in dead and
dying limbs in 1934.
The standard Illinois recommendation for scale control is either oil
emulsion used at the rate of 3 gallons to each 100 gallons of spray or miscible oil
used at the manufacturer's recommendation,
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII Jariaarv 17, 193U Utunber 3
Five Thousand Leaders Ready For Com~Hogs Siga-Up
Approximately 5»000 "lieutenants" have received their ins tractions and are
all set to lead the Illinois com~hog adjustment drive to its climax, when the state-
wide sign-up days are announced, says the extension service of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois ^ following a series of educational conferences held
throughout the state.
These 5»0C>0 farm leaders represent practically *very raral commanity in
Illinois, and during the past 10 days they received special training in schools con-
ducted by farm advisers and members of the college extension staff. Instructions
dealt with the contract that will unite farmers of the com belt in a movement to
raise the market prices of com and hogs to a fair exchange value with the things
rural people buy. To attain this price improvement, the producers agree to cut their
L93U com acreage at least 20 per cent and their hog production 25 per cent below
their 1932-1933 average, aoad in return shall receive a proportionate share of the
nearly $350,000,000 in benefit payments to be made by the Agricultural Adjustment
Administration to coopeirating farmers.
Within the next ten days the 5»000 lieutenants will aid farmers in their
respective communities to fill in the work sheets s prepare maps of their farms,
gather supporting evidence regarding com and hog sales during the past two years
and answer questions that arise in the application of the contract to individual farms.
When the 1,000 community sign-up stations are established at the peak of
the campaign, these especially-'trained leaders will man the booths and help the thouiB-
ands of cooperating fanners fill in the final contract and other documents.
Interest in the com— hog adjustment program is said to be running high in
Illinois and a large percentage of the state's 210,000 farmers is expected to take
part* It is estimated that at lesist two days will be required for the 5»000 leaders
to receive and compile the signed contracts.
One of the first contract signers in the state has been reported from
Christian county by Farm Adviser T. H. Brock. Without waiting for the sign-up da.y3,
this farmer collected all the necessary information and evidence on his com and hog
production and came to Faim Adviser Brock's office of his own accord to complete the
sign-up.
McDonough County Wins Two Major Com Titles Of Year
Clarence Watson, of MBComb, McDonough county, became the new "corn Idng"
of Illinois when his ten-ear sample of yellow utility corn won the grand sweepstakes
in the animal Illinois Seed Grain and Utility Com Show held in connection with the
thirty-sixth annual Faim and Home Week at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois. His sample scored S3. 7 points out of a possible 100. Frank Brown, of
Aledo, won the sweepstakes prize on ten-ear samples in the junior classes and thereby
became the "corn prince" of the state. H. B. Smith, Bardolph, McDonough county won
the annual Illinois Ten-Acre Corn Growing Contest when he scored a total of 89.97
points out of a possible 100 on yield., costs and quality of grain.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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7oi . XVII - No. 3 ®*^^ ^xUnsxotx lMMB0n50r ^^^ ^
Fl aimed Marketing Is Necessary To G-et Most Jrom AAA.
Illinois farmers who sign the corn-hog adjustment contracts mast also give
attention to how and where they sell their hogs, if they hope to get the greatest
benefits from the AAA program, sgys R. C Ashby, associate chief of livestock market-
ing of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinoiso
"Granting that there is a surplus of hogs, will not a reduction in supplies
result in a surplus of packing plants or plant capacities, and in a surplus of dis-
tributive organizations and personnel?" asks Prof. Ashby. "As the volume of slaughter
decreases, packers must accept a lower margin per hog or cut operating costs, which
is probably difficult under NRA. provisions, or widen the margin between the price of
hogs and the wholesale price of hog products. The packers also have the alternate
of leaving hog margins unchanged but charging a larger portion of overhead expense
against beef cattle and lamb operations.
"Likewise, assuming reduced hog supplies, it may be expected that competi-
tion between packers for both quality and quantity will be stimulated. However, to
get the full benefit from such transition, the producers must adopt and support so\ind
policies of marketing." In this connection Prof. Ashby explains that such a market-
ing policy might well include:
1. — Elimination of all ineffective hog salesmen and sales agencies both
cooperatively and privately operated.
2.— Better coordination of sales objectives by sales agencies on each mar-
ket. Twice in 1933> sales agencies at Chicago demonstrated that a sales program can
receive the united market support.
3. — Coordination of markets in support of a sound sales program.
H. — Patronize only those local markets which demonstrate ability to soil
hogs on a parity with competing terminals — quality and yield considered — and which
return to stockmen their full share of the possible savings.
"Individual producers can not achieve such a program," says this market
specialist, "but groups of stockmen can when enough of them demand it. Planned mar-
keting is the logical sequel of planned production."
Even Old Dairy Bulls Get "New Deal" On Many Farms
Old dairy bulls in Illinois are not "headed for the last round-up" but are
in line for a "new deal", as a result of a higher regard held for them by dairymen of
the state, says C. S. Rhode, member of the dairy department of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
Many Illinois dairymen plan to reduce the size of their herds, explains
Prof. Rl-iode, and to work with fewer but better cows. Since the quality of the cows,
and not the number, is being emphasized, these men naturally turned their attention
to the selection of dairy bulls that will sire efficient producing daughters. Many
fanners have had the experience of butchering the best bull they over owned before
his daughters came into production.
A program launched by the extension service of tho college, calling for a
careful selection of young sires, keeping the good bulls until their daughters come
into production, and securing production records through dairy herd improvement as-
sociations has been responsible for retaining many good old bulls. Such sire^ caliber
fit into th« national fann adjustment programs planned to give greater net returns on
I reduced volume and expense, says this dairy authority.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRAHY.
ROOM 225
NEW AGRBLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVII Januar;/ 2U, I93I+ Number k
Aides Named For Corn-Hoi°; Work In Illinois Counties
Illinois corn and hog producers are assured of additional help in qualify-
ing for the $U0,000,000 in benefit payments to he distributed by the AAA aS a result
of the appointment of 28 agricultural assistants announced by the extension service
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
These men, it is said, will assist the county and community campaign com-
mittees in holding educational meetings, in distributing literatvire relative to the
corn-hog program and in establishing sign-up stations in the larger corn and hog pro-
ducing counties throughout the state. Some of them have been appointed for coiuities
which do not have farm advisers. It is estimated that agricultural assistants may be
appointed in some 35 '^o '^^ counties as the campaign progresses.
Those who have been appointed to date and the counties in which they will
work include:
L. S. Johnson, Whiteside county; Earl Wenzel, DeKalb county; Ca L. Dexter,
Mercer; J. R. Johnson, Heniy; A. L. Dickinson, Bureau; C. L. Mast, LaSalle; Sari
Broington, Warren; George B. Whitman, Knox; C. W. McMillen, Peoria; Lee Piper,
Kankakee .
Arthur C. Johnson, Marshall-Putnam; Talhnadge Bergen, Livingston; J, E.
Crum, Hancock; Wilfred S. Ivlyers, Adams; Everett Johnston, Tazewell; F. H. Congleton,
McLean; C, W. Bro'.Tn, Logan; H. P. Joy, Morgan; Honer Keamaghan, Sanga;.ion.
J» B. Turner, Christian; George V« Day, Macoupin; P. V. Hemphill, Montgomery;
E, H. Walworth, Fayette; Clarence Ems, Edga.r; C, J. Thomas, Perry; 7Jill Brett, Ver-
milion; Elmer E. Williams, Lee; and H. E. Mullen, Green County.
At the present time farmers are collecting supporting evidence, drawing the
required maps of their farms and determining how their faim operations can be arranged
to fit into the corn-hog program. In a number of counties educational meetings are
still in progress throughout the rural communities, preparatory to the sign-up days
to be announced soon.
As the preliminary work leading up to the sign-up gained headway, faimers
were warned to beware of hog buyers and small processors who, when purcha.sing live
hogs for commercial slaughter, are reported to be deducting all or part of the amount
of the processing tax from the regular market price quoted to the producer-seller,
"Cotintry buyers and others who» in settling for hogs with the seller, make
deductions for the processing tax on the bill of sale are penalizing the seller and
are tending to frustrate the declared policy of the Agricultural Adjustment Adminis-
tration," it was pointed out by officials. "Faimers are tirged not to sell to buyers
who make or propose to make such deductions» Names of hog purchasers following such
practice, together with full details on individual cases, should be forwarded to
Dr. A. G. Black, chief of the corn-hog section of the AAA., Washington, D.C."
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
VoU. XVII - No. U SrilP ^xUnsxan mtss^m^v ^^^ 2
Wheat Checks To Illinois Growers Exceed $1,135,000
Buying power of Illinois farmers has heen increased by $1,135,891 within
recent weeks as a result of participation in the wheat production adjustment program
last fall, according to figures compiled hy the extension service of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This amount is represented in checks mailed to 21,89^ famers in 67 counties
of the state "by the Agricultural Adjustment Administration, Washington, D. C, as the
first "benefit payment made to those who agreed to redtice their 193^ wheat acreage hy
15 per cent as compared to their average acreage during the three base years, 1930-
1932. Checks to wheat cooperators in the other 35 Illinois counties are "being sent
out from the AAA headquarters as quickly as the contracts can "be checked and accepted
by the Secretary of Agriculture.
This first payment is at the rate of 20 cents a bushel on the allotment
each fanner received, and the second paj.inent of 8 cents a bushel, minus the pro-rata
cost of administering the plan in each county, will be made after the spring planting
season. Illinois farmers will receive approximately $2,6l3,00G in benefit payments
on their 193^ wheat crop.
With a total of $89,170 in 2,117 checks, St. Clair county leads in total
payments made in Illinois so far. Mason county raiiks second, at this time, with
1,100 checks to farmers totalling $70,07'+« Randolph county has received $61,93^ in
1,251 checks, Cass $52,570 in 706 checks, Menard $39,698 in 502 checks, Washington
$37,267 in 886 checks, Scott $32,809 in 589 checks, Pike $3l,52U in 39O checks,
Macoupin $23,592 in 669 checks and Jackson county $22,^76 in U81 checks.
More than 8,000,000 acres will be taken out of wheat production in the
"United States in 193*+ ^^ a result of the wheat production adjustment program. The
purpose of the project is to reduce domestic production in line with actual consumption
and exports, which in turn is designed to bring wheat prices up to a fair exchange
value with the things farm people must bu^'.
AssTxred Sale Of Crops Is Essential On Small Farms
Thousands of city dwellers who are considering the possibilities of moving
onto a small farm with the hope of improving the family income should bear in mind
that such farms are likely to be disappointing unless careful plans are made for the
production and sale of the products, says H, C. M. Case, chief of farm management in
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
"The 'small farm, well tilled' idea was prominent 25 years ago," points out
Prof. Case, "As with any form of farming, 50 per cent of the chance for success rests
with the individual. Actual fann experience plays a large part in determining a man's '
chances of succeeding,"
No one type of small farm is best. Some people are more successful with
poultry, while others succeed better with some specialized fruit or vegetable produc-
tion or a small dairy farm. Usually the small farm can not well develop many different
kinds of production because of the cost of maintaining different kinds of equipment.
In a period like the present, when large diversified farms are hardly meeting operat-
ing expenses, there is little chance for the small diversified farm.
The small farm, it is explained, should look first of all to the provision
of family needs, and secondly, to the development of some one or two in^Dortant sources
of income for which the market is qtiite definitely assured. The small farm is the most
s\accessful and has its most important place in supplementing some income from other
sources. But in any event, success depends mainly upon the ability of the farmer to
nake a good plan and to carry it through.
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©he Sxtenaton Messenger
Vol. XVII - No. U Page 3
Oats As Feed For Swine Suggested By Illinois Tests
Wider utilization of oats, which are still extensively produced in spite of
the declining market for them, is su.'^gested in a new circular, "Oats as a Feed for
Swine," Tsy W. E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry in the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, and now available for distrihutiono
With the disappearance of SCO, 000 horses and mules from farms and city
stalls in Illinois — the chief outlet for the state's U, 500,000 acres of oats — farmers
have heen casting ahout for suggested uses of this grain. The usefulness of oats in
the cropping system has heen the important reason for their retention on Illinois
farms, but in view of continued extensive production and the reduced market value of
oats, it has been desirable to find some way of expanding their use. Feeding oats to
swine under certain conditions and methods is suggested by Prof. Carroll.
More than 1,000 pigs have been fed at the Illinois experiment station since
the spring of I926 in an effort to determine the most profitable way to use oats in
swine feeding. The results to date, as summarized in the bulletin are:
1. — Oats can be used extensively in place of corn in the rations of pregnant
sows without noticeably reducing the efficiency of the ration. They may also be used
in sow rations during the suckling period, but to a less extent.
2. — For growing-fattening pigs, one-third of the ration may consist of oats
without reducing the rate of gain compared to the rate when corn is used.
3»— G-rinding 100 pounds of pats and feeding them as one-third of the ration
saves about 27 pounds of feed as compared with the amount used when whole oats are fed
in otherwise similar rations.
h, — Hulling oats and feeding the kernels to growing-fattening pigs is less
profitable than feeding ground oats.
5 •—Only when oats are as cheap as corn per pound will a ration that con-
tains oats in any form produce as cheap gains as will a ration of corn and a protein
supplement,
A copy of this circular, No. klk, "Ogts As a Feed for Swine," may be had by
writing the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana.
Cleaning Ditches By CWA Yforkers Is Boon To Farme rs
Using CWA workers to clean out ditches and natural channels is helping
farmers in one of the most important draina/re problems Illinois agriculture faces to-
day, says E. W. Lehmar^n, head of the department of agricultural engineering at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This work also is bringing benefits
to communities and the state at large.
"The problem of cleaning out ditches is a serious one in many localities,"
explains Prof. Lehmann, "and the lack of a plan for maintenance makes it necessary in
many cases to organize so that the v/ork can be done and the cost distributed among
the people in the district who are benefited. The use of CWA workers, not only ac-
ijcomplishes this reduction in cost to the farmers, but aids in poor relief efforts, re-
lieves to an extent the pressing problem of unemployment and gives idle vrorkers an op-
portunity to sustain their self esteem.
"The groT\rth of weeds and brush in many open ditches retards the water flow to
a point that the effectiveness of the drainage is greatly reduced, even though the out-
let from tiles may be satisfactory under normal conditions."
, . 4 .
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII January 3I, 193^ Numter 5
Outlook Indicates Most Hopeful Farm Year Since 1939
The most promising year that they have had since I929 is ahead of Illinois
farmers as they "begin to plan their operations for 193^> according to the annual
state agricultural outlook report prepared hy the College of Agriculture j University
of Illinois. Details of the report are "being studied hy farmers throughout the state
following district outlook meetings held hy the extension service of the agricultural
college for the purpose of distributing and discussing the report. In all, 21 dif-
ferent meetings are to he held in different parts of the sta.te.
The prospect that 193^+ holds more promise for farmers than any year since
1929 is based upon the improvement made in the general situation in 1933 ^'^'^ upoji
measures designed to relieve the problem of acute surpluses of certain products, the
report explains. It adds, however, that progress in agriculture must be expected to
be slow and somewha.t erratic and that its extent will depend upon the rate and extent
of improvement in general business conditions.
"Dujring the past year the inauguration of plans for agricultural recovery
have created new hope among farmers and have brought a reversal in the long downward
trend in prices of farm products," Dean Herbert W. Mumford points out in the outlook
report. "While such measures prescribe certain restrictions upon the cooperating
farmers, they are by no means a substitute for their own planning. They serve rather
to emphasize the need for group planning, not only in order to adapt the farm program
to the emergency situation, but also to assist in the more permanent adjustment of
farm production to market demands."
The report discusses in detail the outlook for the principal crops and
livestock products of Illinois farms. An added feature is a listing of ten favorable
facts in the agricultural situation, contrasted with seven unfavorable factors and
three uncertain factors.
Any farmer or other interested person can get a copy of the report from his
coTJinty faitn adviser or direct from the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Urbana.
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Hatcherymen Told Of Deadline On Code Certificates
Operators of the ??00 hatcheries in Illinois must display their compliance
certificates not later than the date of their first hatch or if they are already op-
erating, not later than February 1 in order to comply with the code of fair competi-
tion for the hatchery industry, according to H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. He has been placed in charge
of the educational work on the code in this state. In order to get their compliance
certificates in time, hatcherymen should file application at once with the National
Coordinating Committee, 2I5 Pershing Road, Kansas City, Mo., Alp advised,
"In his application the hatchery operator should list the total hatching
capacity, including all incubator trays, nursery trays and separate hatchers. He
should include with his application his pro-rata share of the code expense in the
amount of I5 cents for each 1,000 hen-egg hatching capacity. The minira.um fee is $2,
and all dealers must pay the minimum,"
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act apprsved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director,
"■>•: 7i.i>-
'V:J
Vol. XVII - No. 5 eriTP Extension fraeaapttser Page 2
Culling Sows Is Frofita'ble Even Without AAA Program
Getting rid of the poorer sows in Illinois' swine "breeding herds would te
a profitable way for Illinois farmers to cut their pork costs and at the same time
reduce future imwieldy pork supplies, even if there was no AAA. corn-hog adjustment
program to pay producers for making the reduction, says R. H. Wilcox, of the depart-
ment of agricultural economics, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The fact that it costs the sarae to carry a sow whether she produces a
large or a small litter makes it a profitable practice to weed out those that give
any indication of "being poor "breeders and poor mothers, he pointed out.
"Cost figures collected "by the college, when applied to the present hog
situation, show that a 13-per cent reduction in pork supplies could "be made under
present com price levels without reducing the total farm profit a cent if the re-
maining S7 per cent of pork was produced from sows weaning seven pigs to the litter
instead of an average of only four.
"Thirty per cent of the cost of raising pigs for market is cons-umed in
feeding, housing and caring for the sows on the average com~"belt farm," explains
Prof. Wilcox, in referring to the fact that Illinois farmers may proceed individually,
and at the same time collectively through the corn-hog program, in their efforts to
adjust production and obtain a profit in sv/ine production.
"Under present price conditions, most Illinois farmers could well afford to
cull out and sell five out of every ten sows on the farm, if this culling leaves five
sov/s that will wean three more pigs to the litter than the average of the ten."
This statement is borne out by investigations of I06 cost records kept by
3^ to 37 central Illinois farmers for a three-year period. Figures from these farms
show that 29 per cent of the sows weaned spring litters averaging fovr or less pigs,
while another 20 per cent weaned spring litters of seven or more. These two groups
were within a few cents of each other in the cost of maintaining a cow.
More detailed information relative to these facts is given in Bulletin 39C,
entitled "Some Important Factors Affecting Costs in Hog Production." Copies of the
bulletin may be had by addressing the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Urbana.
Horse And Tractor Expenses Comr>ared On 2,000 Farms
Two thousand Illinois farmers have proved that v/hether an operator should
use horses or a tractor for power still depends upon the farmer's individual abili-
ties, his financial resources and the particular condition of his farm. There is no
I basis, so far as net income is concerned, for recommending any one type of power for
s. any large group of Illinois farms.
This is revealed in a study of the cost of horse and tractor power on
Illinois farms made by P. E. Johnston and J. E. Wills, of the farm management division
of the College of AgricTilture, University of Illinois. Details relative to the study
have just been made available in Bulletin 395, published by the university agricultural
experiment station.
The actual experiences of some 2,000 farm operators, as shown by financial
records kept on 1,351 farms in I93O and 1,599 farms in 193I, were used for this study.
Standard tractors, general-purpose tractors and trticks were included.
Many farmers have asked the college if they could increase their net incomes
by changing from horse to mechanical power, or from standard to general-purpose tractors.
Horse-operated farms, standard-tractor farms and general-purpose tractor farms, accord-
ing to this new bulletin, were found in general to have the same net Incomes when com-
parison was made between groups of farms comparable in size, although the gross incomes
were higher on the tractor farms.
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Vol. XVII ~ No. 5 gjj^p Jixtenaion MeBarnser ^^^e 3
"Corn King" Wins After Seekin.^; Honor For 3O Years
When Clarence Watson, US-year-old McDonough coimty farmer of Macomt), won
the "com king" title of Illinois diiring the recent thirty-sixth annual Farm and
Home Week at the College of A^rriculture , University of Illinois, he climaxed a 3*^-
year quest that he has been making for com growing honors in the country's second
largest com producing state.
He won the title when his ten-ear sample of yellow utility corn won the
grand sweepstakes in the annual Illinois Seed Grain and Utility Corn Show held in
connection with Farm and Home Week. He has "been growing and showing utility corn
ever since the University of Illinois introduced it more than I3 years ago, hut even
before that he had been growing and exhibiting seed com for almost a score of years.
However, this is the first time that he has ever won state honors, although he has
been getting a little higher every year, he reported.
He is a firm believer in the Illinois* system of permanent soil fertility
as worked out and advocated by the college of agricvilture . His fotix-year crop rota-
tion system includes corn, corn, oats and clover, and he uses limestone and phosphate
wherever it is needed on his farm. In addition to prod-ucing about 2,000 bushels of
seed com a year, he feeds around 200 head of Hampshire hogs and ^0 head of Hereford
cattle.
He is enrolled in the farm accounting project sponsored by the extension
service of the agricultural college, and for foiur years has been a member of the
agricult-ural economics advisory committee to the experiment station of the college.
He also has served as a director of the Illinois Crop Improvement Association.
He and his father are the only fanners, besides the initial owner, who
have ever lived on the l60-acre farm which he now operates. His father bought the
farm in 1880. Both the father, who is 81, and the mother, who is jh, are still
living in Macomb.
It was in I9C8 that Y/atson first attended the university short courses that
have since become the annual Fairo and Home Week. That year he won a free trip to the
event as a prize on a bushel of seed corn in a local corn show at Macomb. He has been
coming to Farm and Home Week more or less regularly ever since.
His prize-winning sample at this year's show was picked out of 1,000 ears
grown in a Uo-acre field that averaged 65 bushels an acre despite the handicap of dry
weather.
I ~M—
; Trees May Prove Real Fay Crop On Retired AAA Land
Growing trees on land contracted to the government thro'ugh the AAA rheat
and corn-hog adjustment programs will prove more advantageous to farmers in many parts
of Illinois than crops planted on the same ground, says L. E. Sawyer, extension for-
ester of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and of the Illinois
Natural History Survey.
"On a large majority of farms throughout Illinois, where corn-hog and wheat
contracts are signed, the less productive land will be removed from cultivation," ex-
plains Sawyer. ''Under the terms of the contract such land may be planted to trees
[ for woodlot, v;indbreak or forest purposes. This is a decided advantage to farraers
I living in northern and central portions of the state. It gives them an opportunity
to establish the long-needed protection without reducing the area of the farm that is,
available for cultivation.
"In many cases this less productive land will grow trees to better ad-
vantage than it will grow farm crops, even under more normal conditions. In the
future such tree plantings will yield valuable timber crops, or they will aid in
I the control of erosion, or both."
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i I
A G R IiC U I T U P. A L L I B R-A R Y
ROOM 225
. KEW AGR BLDC-
■K.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VoliJine XVII February 7, 1934 Niomber 6
Expert Figuring Shows Advantages Of Corn-Hofi Flan
Terms of the government's corn-hog adjustment contract are so advantageous
to Illinois farmers that under some circumstances it might he more profitable for
them to sign up and not produce any hogs at all than it would be to go on producing
in the old way. These and other "believe it or not" facts are revealed in a series
of formulas v/orked out on the AAA corn-hog contract by Frof . H. F. Rusk, head of the
department of animal husbandry, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Terns of the contract require that cooperators agree to reduce their number
of litters 25 per cent below the average number for 1932-1933 and the number of hogs
raised for market 25 per cent below the average of those base years. As compensation,
contract signers will get benefit payments of $5 a head on their hogs, minus the local
administrative expenses. This will be in addition to the gross sales returns.
Unless 250-pound hogs can be sold in 1934 for $5.47 a hxindredweight and
assToming that the average feed cost is $4 for each 100 pounds market weight, it would
be more profitable to sign up and not raise any hogs this year than it would be to
ignore the corn-hog program and raise the same niomber as the 1932-1933 average. It
BhoTild. be remembered^ howewer^ that this might leave the producer without a base if
the program is continued after 1934. \7hen calculating this comparison, Frof. Husk
makes a small deduction from the $5 a head benefit payments to cover the cost of local
administrative expenses.
Farther proof that the corn-hog plan is fair to the producer is shown by one
of Frof. Rusk's formulas which proves that with the full $5 a head benefits, hogs will
have to bring $15 a head in 1934, regardless of weight, before the gross returns of
the non-signer will equal those of the farmer cooperating with the AAA. Below a
market price of $15 a head, the contract signer's returns will exceed those of the
non-signer; above $15 the gross returns of the non-cooperator will exceed those of the
producer who reduces his production 25 per cent in 1934.
For example, let it be assiimed that the contract signer produced an average
of 100 head of hogs in the two base years, and in 1934 he agrees to raise only 75
head. If the mai-ket price should jump to $15 a head, he would receive $1,125 from the
sale of hogs and $375 in benefit payments, or a total of $1,500. The non-signer will
continue to raise his average of 100 hogs and will receive $15 a head from the sale
of the stock, or $1,500 in gross returns.
When the weight of the hogs is considered and a small deduction from the
benefit payments is made for local administrative expenses, Frof. Rusk explains that
200-pound hogs must bring an average of $7.35 a hundredweight before Illinois pro-
ducers can afford to pass up the opportunity of signing a corn-hog contract. This,
of course, is assuming that the non-coooerator will produce the same nuiiber of hogs
in 1934 as he averaged in 1932 and 1933. The corresponding price for 240-pound hogs
is $6,125 a hiindred pounds.
The non-signer who raises feeder pigs to around 70 pounds is gambling that
the market value of his young stock will jump to $21 a hundred, or war-time prices in
L934.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. MuuroRD, Director.
==Dl. X7II - No. 6 STIie <Ext0nBi0n MeBBpnger ^sge 2
stockmen Now Have Chance To Dicker With Terminals
Rapid increase in the number of local livestock markets within recent years
has put Illinois farmers in a strong position to "bargain with the larger terminal
markets for a reduction in the marketing expenses on the 175 million dollars worbh or
more livestock they sell every year, in the opinion of E. C. Ashby, associate chief
in livestock marketing at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Hov/ proir.inent local livestock markets have "become can he judged from the
fact that an estin-.ated ?0 per cent of all Illinois hogs moved direct to market in
1932 without going through terminal markets, As;.''.y por'-jr^ed out.
"If stockmen v/ere stifficiently organized and decided that it were advisable
to renew terminal market patronage, they could go to operators of the terrrinal market
involved, specify the volmne of livestock they we"e in a position to return to that
market and bargain for a reduction in marketing expense.
"This v/ouLd be in line with the recent agitation of stockmen for a larger
patronage of terminal markets. In some sections stockmen have signed up to market
all livestock at terminals for a specified periods
"Should stoclnnen continue their campaign for increased patronage of terminals
without organized bargaining for reduced terminal charges in return for increased re-
ceipts, they will have overlooked an excellent opportunity. Business men v;ould never
pass up such a chance. In the same way organized producers who preferred to keep on
patronizin:; local markets could bargain for a higher price with the alternative of
going to the terminal market if the local market did not meet requirements.
"Every teiminal stoclcyards company could handle 50 per cent more livestock
than it is handling now and do it at relatively little more cash expense than in
handling current receipts. If assured a definite increase in vol-ume of livestock,
the company could afford to make concessions in its charges. One stockyards executive
said but a few months ago, 'If we could double our volume, our cash handling expense
would not be proportionately increased and we coiild afford to reduce our charges.
Speaking for our own company, we would be glad to do it.'
"In one area stockmen already have approached officials of a terminal market
as to the reduction of charges in proportion to increased receipts."
Advises Planting Locust Trees On Retired AAA Land
Planting black locust trees on retired wheat and corn land contracted to
the Agricultural Adjustment Administration supplies a four-fold purpose that might
well be considered by many Illinois farmers, says L. E. Sawyer, extension forester of
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and the State Natural History
Survey. Black locust trees comply with the AAA requirements, they prevent soil erosion,
aid in improving the nitrogen content of the soil and in time will furnish a crop of
durable fence posts.
"Soil erosion, which is so destructive over a large portion of Illinois,"
explains Sawyer, "may be controlled easily and economically ity plantin,?; trees, and one
of the best varieties for this purpose is the common black locust. Being a legume,
this tree enriches the soil, and where black locust has been planted a heavy sod be-
comes established within a few years. In addition to its soil-holding ability, black
locust produces one of the most durable fence post woods that can be grown in this
section of the country. In 10 to 12 years it will often produce po^^ts 4 to 5 inches
in diameter."
ToT. XVII - Ko. 6 STil^ ^xUnBian iMcBsengetr Page 3
Care Of Sows Is More Essential Under Corn-Hog Plan
To get the most out of the "new deal" — which to Illinois fanners means
cooperating with the AAA corn and hog adjustment program — -producers might profitably
give greater attention to red\icing spring pi.'^:; death losses, says W. E. Carroll, chief
in swine husbandry at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The corn-hog contract requires that a cooperator reduce by 25 per cent,
not only the number of hogs marketed, but also the number of litters farrowed. Thus
getting an allotted number of pigs for market from a given number of litters makes it
highly desirable that the producer have reasonable control over the death losses of
the pigs. "Only 14 of every 100 pigs farrowed weak live to be weaned, while 90 out
of 100 strong pigs live to a weaning age," explains Prof. Carroll. "Then too, 3 to 15
per cent of all pigs farrowed have no chance of surviving because they are born dead. "
The chances of the pigs surviving are determined during the gestation period,
and healthy sows are, of course, necessary for healthy pigs, it is said. The kind
and amount of feed the sow receives apparently influences the strength of the pigs at
birth, for a certain amount of protein and mineral matter are essfential for the de-
velopment of the unborn pigs. A mineral mixture composed of .equal parts of limestone,
bone meal and salt is as good as any, except in goitrous areas where 1 to 2 ounces of
potassium iodide should be mixed with each 100 pounds of the simple mineral. Exercise
of the sow during gestation also contributes to the strength of the pigs.
I Any of the common farm grains can be used as a basis for the ration for
Ipregnant sows. Legume hay is essential for best results when pasture is not available.
'Whether to feed protein supplements in addition to the grain and hay will depend
largely on the age and condition of the sows. Gilts are more likely to need such a
supplement than mature sows. One-fourth pound of tankage, one-half gallon of skim milk
or one-half pound of soybeans per head will usually suffice and is good insurance
against pig-eating in sows craving additional protein the last month before farrowing.
Sows should not be allowed to become so fat th-at they are lazy and awkward.
They should, however, be put in high enough condition to milk well after they farrow.
-M-
AAA Wheat Money Used For Wide Variety Of Necessities
"The butcher, the baksr, the candlestick maker" — all are sharing in the
^, 377, 851 in benefit payments that have been received to date by more than 26,000
tllinois farmers and landowners who cooperated with the AAA in adjusting their wheat
icreage in 1934 and 1935, according to a survey made by the extension service of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Even Santa Glaus got a "lift" in some co-'onties where the government checks
irrived before Christmas, while other beneficiaries included doctors, hospitals, in-
surance companies, grocers, clothing merchants, bankers, implement dealers, threshing
len, hired help, and so on along the line.
The wheat benefit payments received so far, it is said, do not represent
'ill that is coming to the farmers from the AAA this year. Before another wheat
iiarvest is over, the total bonus for the 1934 wheat adjustment will amount to approxi-
l^ately $2,618,000. Further improvement in the Illinois farmer's income is anticipated
i^hen the exchange value of the products rural people have to sell is. increased as a
result of the various AAA programs.
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A G R I C U L T U Ekt ' L I B R A'R Y^- .
; ROOM 225
h :.n;i. NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII February lU, 193U lTT3m"ber 7
First 20.000 Signers Reported In Corn-Ho^ Cam-paign
Sign-up of Illinois farmers in the government's corn and hog production
adjustment program passed the 20,000 mark Tuesday night, February 13, although up to
that time progress reports had been received from only 60 of the 102 counties and the
campaign was considered only a little more than well started, according to an an-
nouncement by Dean Herbert W. Mumford, of the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois and director of the agricultural extension service, who is chairman of the
state advisory committee on the campaign.
The line-up of the ten leading counties on the basis of incomplete progress
reports received by the extension service from county farm advisers up to Tuesday
night was: Iroquois, Farm Adviser C, E. Johnson, 2,171; Livingston, Farm Adviser
S. G. Turner, 1,937; Bureau, Farm Adviser Paul V. Dean, 1,022; Adams, Farm Adviser
S. F. Rassell, 918; DeKalb, Fa im Adviser R. IT. Rasmusen, 3U6; Whiteside, Farm Ad-
viser F. H. Shuman, SOO; Kankakee, Faim Adviser G. T. Swaira, 753; Hancock, Farm Ad-
viser T. H. Hafer, 723; Ifedison, ^'arm Adviser T. W. Hiay, 688, and Grundy, Farm Ad-
viser R. V. Watson, 520.
Within the next few weeks it is estimated tha^ as high as 85 per cent of
the eligible prodicers in the state may join with their neighbors in the voluntary
cooperative movement to adjust production to demand and thereby overcome the effects
of farm prices tha+ have sunk lower and Icwer as a result of the loss of foreign
marlets and other causes. In no county has the campaign been completed at the present
time, and in practically all counties farmers are busy filling in work sheets, col-
lecting supporting evidence and signing contract applications.
Approxima.tely 1,000 sign-up stations will be conducted at different points
in the state during the campaign to make it easy for every Illinois farmer to join
the plan and become eligible for his share of the $U0,000,000 or more in benefit pay-
ments to be distributed to cooperating farmers in this state, it was estimated by
Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers. He is representing the extension
service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois in the campaign.
Paving the way for the si,gn-up, educational meetings have been held in
p"acticall;r all caij.nties of the state by county farm advisers and the extension ser-
vice of the agricultural college. Sixty-eight of the 102 counties have reported
1,293 meetings attended by 130,888 farmers anxious to learn about the contract and
the purpose of the campaign.
Inasmuch as only two-thirds of counties holding corn and hog educational
meetings have reported, it is believed that the total number of Illinois farmers
fvho have given preliminary information relative to the adjustment program will amount
to 50 per cent more than the 130,881 reported, or 196,321.
J. H. Shuman, farm advisor of Whiteside county, reports that more than
-i,800 farmers in that county have attended the corn-hog educational meetings, the
Largest total attendance reported to date. Other corn and hog producing counties
that have reported include Henry, with a total attendance of ^,555; Edgar with H,069;
Crawford and Jasper counties with a combined attendance of 3.800; Greene county with
3,7^, and Christian county 3f353«
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. VV. Mumford, Director.
©be ExtcttBiott iUcaaettner
Vol. XVII - Uo. 7 Pags 2
Chinch-Bug: Count Shows Five Times 19"^3 Hioernation
Last year chinch hugs reduced the com crop in 70 lilinois counties from
15 to ^0 per cent, and unless liay and June of this year are' unusually dry, the 193^
damage from this insect may be double that of last year, says W. P. Flint, chief
entomologist of the Illinois Natural History Survey in a report of the extension
service cf the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. A study of the
records of the weather bureau also reveals that the chances are three to om that
the two crucial months will be favorable to the chinch bugs.
A recent survey of the foiroer infested areas indicates that there are at
east five times as many chinch bugs in hibernation now as at the same time last
■ear, a serious threat to the state's nine million acres of corn. Only the counties
,n the extreme northern and southern ends of the state are exempt from possible
hinch bug damage, explains Mr. Flint.
Possibly 10 per cent of this likely menace can be checked by farmers who
will burn over areas where chinch bugs are prone to winter. From SO to 90 per cent
of these over-wintering insects will be found at the bases of bunch-forming grasses,
particularly the native grasses such as blue stem, prairie grass, bunch grass and
broom sedge. They will be found on the south slopes of ditch banks, roadsides and
the south and west sides of hedges where accumulations of grass and leaves are
evident. From 100 to 5.000 chinch bugs under each square foot of cover have been
found on farms in central and north central Illinois.
These favored types of protective cover should be burned off sometime be-
tween the first of Decemter and the middle of April, when conditions are dry enough
so that the fire will burn close to the ground. Burning against the wind so that
the fire will spread slowly is recommended.
It is not necessary or advisable to burn over whole tracts of woodland or
the whole farm, explains Mr. Flint. The bugs are nearly all in the south edge of
the woods or in the favored locations mentioned previously. Well established stands
of blue grass seldom contain large numbers of bugs and should not be burned. It is
better to look over the favored hibernating places and concentrate in burning these
thoroughly, rather than burning over the whole farm, it is said.
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lia rke t Ch eck-Up Is Next Move After Planned Fanning
New that stockmen and farmers of Illinois and other corn belt states are
going in for planned, adjusted production on a larger scale than ever, their next
Cnove might well be a shrewd appraisal of the advantages and disadvantages of local
livestock raartets as against terminal markets, according to E. C. Ashby, associate
chief in livestock marls ting at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
"Major advantages to farmers of local markets include (l) convenience,
(2) no delay in securing returns, (3) some apparent saving in marketing expenses and
(U) avoidance of risk of price change, since on short haul deliveries the approximate
price can be known before the hogs leave the farm.
"Major disadvantages, less apparent to the farmer and hence frequently dis-
regarded, include: (l) less assurance of accurate weights, (2) non-competitive sort-
ing and grading, (3) pajTnent not guaranteed whereas at terminal markets all sales
agencies are under government approved surety bonds guaranteeing payment to shippers,
C^) local markets have, on the whole, tended to weaken the level of hog prices and
(5) while affording an apparently desirable outlet for hogs, many local raarksts do
not handle other livestock, leaving the producer to dispose of cattle, calves and
slheep elsewhere."
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®I|0 ExtPttBton MteastiQCV
, ?ol. XVII - No. 7 Page 3
I
Industrial Rise Is Seen As Soon To 193^ A ;g;ri culture
A world-wide reversal from a downward to an upward trend in industrial
activity is of basic significance to American farmers, but unfortunately the growing
spirit of nationalism in different countries has set up conditions which greatly
limit the foreign market outlets, according to the annual state agriailtural outlook
report just released by the College of AgricixLture, University of Illinois.
The AAA program now being applied to export supplies should, however, aid
United States farmers in getting full advantage of whatever improvement is made in
industrial activity in this country, it is pointed out by agricultural economists of
the college. The purpose is to adjust production to the reduced foreign demand
while supplying fully the domestic requirements, it was explained.
Improvement in industrial activity looms large in the farmer's hopes, for
such activity determines the incomes of non-agricultural consumers and these con-
sumers, in turn, are the principal source of the farmer's income, the report points
out.
The latest available index indicates an increase in industrial production
in the United ^tates of 26 per cent in 1933 3-s compared with the 193^ low point, an
increase in England of 13 per cent, 17 per cent in France, 23 per cent in G-ermany, 9
per cent in Italy and 25 per cent in Japan.
This increase in foreign industrial activity would be a more hopeful sign
for the American farmer than it is if it were not for the fact that European nations
have progressed in their campaigns for agricultural self-sufficiency, the report
points out. Improved foreign outlets for U. S. agricultural products apparently
must come from negotiation of reciprocal trade treaties, which are of limited pos-
sibilities, or result from a devalued U. S. currency, the effects of which would be
temporary.
"Germany is now on a surplus basis in rye, wheat and meat. France has be-
.n to export wheat. Italy is self-sufficient in wheat. England has adopted a
definite program of increased production of domestic bacon supplies, imports being
restricted more than l6 per cent for 193^^' The United ^tates quota is only slightly
ore than 6 per cent of the total British import. -A-s a result of the London wheat
onference the United States was assigned a quota of U7 million bushels of wheat ex-
ports for 193^ in contrast to 26 million bushels exported in 1933 a-^d. S2 million
shels in 1932.
"Agricultural exports constituted U9.9 per cent of the total United States
exports during 1909-191^, hut only 36.^ per cent during the period 1927-1932. Whereas
4 per cent of our total agricultural production was exported in 1921-1925, only 7
per cent was exported in 1930-1931."
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Uew Bulletin Sifts Basic Factors In Milk Marketing
A decline of from 10 to I5 per cent in the per capita consumption of milk
jand cream in important fluid milk markets of the United States daring the past sev-
eral years has been caused principally by retail prices which have been too high in
relation to consumers' declining purchasing power, according to results of a study
made by Dr. R. W. Bartlett, of the department of agricultural economics. College of
Agrictilture, University of Illinois. Findings made in the investigation have just
been published by the experiment station of the college in a bulletin entitled,
"Prices and Consumption of Milk in Specific Cities as Related to Industrial Payrolls
and Other Economic Factors."
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Yolxime XVII Febrxiary 21, I93U ITumljer 8
Second 'jO,OCO Gorn-Ho^ Contracts Wow Beinp oiigned
Illinois had its first ^0,00C signers in the (■government's corn and hog
prodixition adjustment campaign and was headed for the second 5C'iOOO on the basis of
reports which state hea,dqtiarters in the extension service of the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois had received from county farm advisers up to Tuesday,
February 20, Practically every county in the state is nov/ represented in the sign-up,
Ithough in some counties the work is just getting under way and in others it is near-
in,g the final stages. It will be the first of March before the sign-up work is com-
rileted throxighout the state.
Iroquois county, where Farm Adviser C. E. Jolinson is in charge of the sign-
up, leads all counties with a total of 2,S53 applications for contracts signed and
completed. This county is in the territory in which C. I.'., Linsley, soils extension
specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, is acting as dis-
trict supervisor for the corn and hog campaign. Livingston county, another one in
the same territory, was in second place with a total of 2,729 applications for con-
tracts reported by Farm Adviser S. G-. Turner.
Eight other counties each had 1,000 or more -applicationK for contracts on
'^he basis of reports received up to FebnKiry 20. Whiteside county was the leader of
this group with a total of 1,12S applications for countracts. Farm Adviser F. H.
ShuTian reported that this represented 73.'+ per cent of the eligible farmers and tliat
several thousand of those who have not yet signed up might be expected to join the
plan before the sign-up is completed. Siireau county had 1,601, LaSalle 1,500, Adams
1,319, DeKalb l,26l, Edgar 1,117, Ogle 1,000 and Macoupin 1,000.
Macon co'onty was the only one with between 900 and 1,000 applications for
contracts signed up, but there were seven with between !?00 and 9OO. Delvitt had 326,
Peoria 875, Coles 275, Warren S63, Greene 3^9, Marshall-Putnam. 235 and Ford 200,
Close behind was a group of eight counties with between 7OO and 2C0 con-
M tracts to their credit. At the head of this list was Kaniigkee with 733 and then
came Shelby with 720, Vemilion 76U, Carroll 757, McLean 75O, Madison 75O, Kendall 730
and Grundy 723,
Counties that had hit the 6OO m?,rk and that were on their way to a 7OO
total were Logan with 665, McDono-u^;jh 655, Stark 65O, Fulton 6U3, Champaign 623,
Stephenson 617, Effingham 609, Clark oOO and Knox 6OO.
The 5C0-contract group included Montgomery with 590, Tazewell 532,
JoDaviess 537, Woodford 525, Cass 515 and I-Iincock 5OO,
Five counties figured in the rctxirns a,s the reports on the second 'jC ,00Q of
contract applications started coming in, 'Tussdp.y, February 20. Coles county was
outstanding in this group with a first report from Farm Adviser S. W. Rusk showing
; that 275 farmers have signed applications for contracts in that county. McHenry county
'also got into the sign-up colunn for the first time when Farm -A-dviser IK E. Herrington
sent in a report of 203 . E. D. Walker, farm adviser of Henderson county, added 3OI to
his previous total to bring the number for that county up to U75, while H. A. deWcrff,
farm adviser of Woodford county, put that county's total up to 200 when he reported
1275 new signers. Menard cotmty's mark went from I50 to 3U7 wiien Farm Adviser L. W.
Chalcraft added I97 new signers.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol* XVII - No. S STIn? ?Extpn0i0n fMessetigsr Page 2
Q-rass Seed Heed Dou"bled 5y AAA And Other PrOf^raas
Thousands of farmers in Illinois now taking part in the govemnent's corn-
hog and wheat adjiistnient programs will do well to look to their immediate supply of
pastiire and hay seeds on hand, for the demand this spring may he douhle that of pre-
vious years, says J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
It is anticipated that approximately 1,700,000 acres of Illinois corn land
may be retired from production under the AAA corn-hog contracts, while last fall some
256,000 acres were withheld from normal v;heat seeding as a result of the federal
wheat production control program. It is likely that these nearly 2,000,000 acres will
be planted to legumes or grasses — an acreage nearly equiTalent to all the tame hay pro-
duced in Illinois in either 1932 or 1933*
Additional demands are being made on the nation's grass seed supplies as a
esult of other governmental activities, such as the federal soil erosion service,
ork of the civilian conservation corps, civil works administration projects and the
'ennessee valley project,
"Legume seeds in general are not as plentiful as in many former years,"
oints out Prof. Hackleman. "The supplies of alfalfa, red, alsike and mammoth
^clovers at the close of the 1933 harvest were slightly in excess of normal demand,
.t probably not sufficient to meet the extra demands as a result of the AAA programs.
Since harvest, ho v/ever, alfalfa and r^^d clover seeds have been leaving our shores in mucl
greater quantities than average years.
"The 1933 September-December export of alfalfa seed v/as nearly twice the
average for the same period in the 10 years of 1923 to 1932 » inclusive. Likewise, red
(clover exports during the same three months of 1933 were 10 times as great as the 10~
fifear average foreign demand. Timothy and other grass seed exports were relatively
fcuch less significant in view of the seed supplies and the normal movement of these
seeds at this season of the year.
"Illinois harvested the shortest soybean crop in 1933 that it has had in
sereral years, ov/ing to a reduced acreage and tlie lo-.v yields resulting from late
^_plantings. Soybean processors anticipated their needs by early purchases in October,
^ovember and December of last year, and hs,lf of the threshed bean supply is now in
heir hands. The remaining beans must meet the usus.1 demand for seeding approximately
50,000 acres in Illinois, as well as planting contracted acres to be turned under.
"Thousands of bushels of cow pea and Korean lespedeza seed will be needed
in southern Illinois for seeding on contracted land that is too acid or too low in
;phosphorus to grow alfalfa, red, alsike or mammoth clovers.
"The supply of grass seed, however, is more nearly adjusted to meet antici-
pated deraaoids.
i"It is advisable for farmers who have a limited supply of hom.e-grown clover
seed on hand to send recleaned samples to the state analyst for examination, so that
they may be ready to sell any extra supply, Illinois farmers who do not have suffi-
cient seed on hand to fill their reqmrements should make the necessary arrangements
immediately," says Hackleman.
In this connection it was announced that the U. S. Department of Agric-ol.ture
has jiE t issued a. new mimeographed circular entitled, "Pasture Plants and Pastiire
Mixtures Sv^gestcd for Seeding on the Acreage Taken out of Cotton, Tobacco, Wheat and
Corn for Erosion Prevention and Soil Improvement."
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_. XVII - No. S 5ri|0 SxfptiBion fKcBaenger Page 3
AAA Dairy Flans Touch Sxtr^nsive Illinois Industry
Illinois would talce front ranlc ■prominence in any dairy production adjust-
lent program such as recently outlined "by Secretary of Af^riculture Henry A. Wallace,
or the state stands fifth amonf; all states in tot-al iniB; production, it is pointed
lUt hy members of the dairy department. College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Diiring the past four years the avera^9;e annual cash income frorii the sale of dairy
products off Illinois farms has "been almost 'Jl million dollars.
The tentative plan which the adraini strati on is offering to the dairy in-
dustry is an individual voluntary farm allotment proposal financed by a processing
tax on all butterfat in milJc and its products and a compulsory tax on oleomarga.rine.
Che rate of the processing tax would eventually reach 5 cents or r.iore a pound of
"butterfa.t in all milJc and itr, products with a compulsory t-^x on oleomargarine
equivalent to the tax rate on butter.
A three~year base period, -with individual production of butterfat for 193l»
193^ and 1933 established for each fanner, is contemplated.
The goal to be sou/-;lit is an individual reduction of 1"^ per cent in millc
and butterfat produced for market in the year axiead below the L[uantities sold in the
past year, with the prospect th':t this would assure a 10 per cent net reduction.
The method of seciirini^ reduction on the farm is to be left to the judgment
of cooperating producers. Compensation to cooperators is to be secured tlirough benefit
payments or premiuus on sales on an a;'^reed reduction basis under contract.
Fewer a.nd better cows, producing higher quality products at more economical
and more profitable costs have Ion;; been ur.'jed upon Illinois farmers by means of dairy
herd improvement a.ssocia.tion work aaid other extension activities of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois, it was pointed out by dairymen of the college.
It appears, however, that more drastic steps are now necessary. Secretary'' ¥allace
himself has said tha,t, "If some sound and comprehensive prograi:; is not adopted soon,
the path of the dairy industry is likely to be rough. Our course vdll be determined
by the response of dairy farmers and their representatives to this pro.~rain."
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Gr owing Quality Small Fruits Now Being Made 5g.sier
Small fruit growers, incl\adin~ both the home-gardener type and the com-
lercial producers, this spring will have the best chance that they have ever had to
get started with s'jperior, higher-quality varieties at a rea,sonable cost, according
.to Dr. A. S. Colby, chief in small fruit cultuTC at the Colle"-:e of A.^riculctire, Uni-
■^■Jjpersity of Illinois. Nevertheless, prospective buyers should ina]ce sure that the
varieties they buy ere adapted to the climatic, soil and other conditions in their
particular locality.
;'a|8t During the past several yea,rs nany small fruits have been developed through
controlled methods of plant breedin"; which are greatly superior to the older varieties,
lorrnerly standard, Dr. Colby said. Maiiy of these newer varieties might v/ell be given
■ ;a. place in the 11,000 acres or more of snail fnaits tlaat were reported for Illinois in
the last census, he said.
Most nuxseries are cooperatinv with the state nursery inspection service to
grow and sell only disease-free stock, usually true-to-name , points out Dr. Colby,
. and the prospective bu;/er may purchase from ;-ny one of several reliable nursery firms
Vv'ith the certainty of getting high-class plants,
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A G R I C U L T U ~ A L L I B H A H Y
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
U
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
„ , „„^ , Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volvime XVII ^ February 28, 1934 Number 0
Illinois Corn-Hog Sir:n-Up Now Nearing 9C',CCC Merk
The 90,000 mark loomed up on Tuesday, February 27, as a near-at-hand goal
that might be reached or passed by the end of the week in the Illinois sign-up on the
j AAA corn-hog production adjustment program. Reports received up to Tuesday noon
I showed that the number of applications for contracts that lia.d been signed by Illinois
farmers stood right at the 73»000 mark, and additional reports were coning in almost
daily from counties where the sign-up campaign was at its height, it was announced
by Dean Herbert W. Mumford, of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, and
chairman of the state advisory committee on the campaign.
New zest was added to the campaign during the week in a report on corn-loan
sealings made by J. H. Lloyd, assistant director of the Illinois State Department of
Agriculture, to Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers, who is representing
the extension service of the agricultural college in the various AAA programs. Up to
Satiirday noon, February 2U, a total of 33»'^78 warehouse certificates covering
U6,553i911 bushels of ear corn had been reported to the department of agriculture by
warehouse supervisory boards, according to the report from Lloyd. Every farmer who
guts a loan on his com is required to sign a contract for com-hog adjustments in
193^' An average of slightly more than one million bushels of corn had been placed
under seal during each of the seven days preceding Saturday, Lloyd reported.
Livingston county went into the state leadership as the Illinois corn-hog
sign-up passed into the final stages, with a total of 2,992 applications for con-
tracts reported by Farm Adviser S. G-. Turner. Iroquois county, which was the Illinois
pacemaker throughout the earls'- stages of the sign-up, dropped to second place with a
total of 2,353 contracts reported by Farm Adviser C. E. Johnson. One other coionty —
Biireau — was past the 2,000 mark with a total of 2,028 contracts reported by Farm
Adviser Paul ?. Dean.
Following these three leaders there were 26 Illinois counties with 1,CCG or
more signers. McLean, the largest coiinty in the state with its U5C6O farms, was lead-
ing this group with a total of 1,795 applications for contracts. The line-up for the
25 other counties with more than 1,CGC agreements was: "iThiteside i,668, DeEalb 1,523»
Adams 1,50C, Sangamon 1,500, LaSalle 1,500, Edgar 1,U63, Shelby 1,U02, Champaign 1,37^1
Warren 1,3^5, Hancock l,3lU, Vermilion 1,250 Marshall-Putnam 1,230, McDonough 1,227,
Lee 1,15c, Logan 1,135, Montgomery 1,1CC, Ogle 1,100, Peoria 1,100, DeWitt 1,092,
Coles l,r5C, Knox 1,028, Tazewell l,C2g, Fulton 1,0C7, Ford 1,000 and Macoupin 1,000.
It is hoped that by the middle of March, community elections for the selec-
tion of permanent community committeemen v;ill have been held in practically all
counties of the state. These community elections will be the forerunner to the for-
mation of the county com-hog production control associations under v/hich the admin-
istration of the program will pass into the hands of farmers themselves, following
the preliminary educational and organization work by county farm advisers and the ex-
tension service of the College of Agricultirre, University of Illinois.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mouford, Director.
rol. XVII - No. 9 Page 2
He-w: Sign-Up Opens Way To_ F arther Wheat Ad.-;\istments
Fossitilities for fui'ther adjusting the acreage of wheat on Illinois farms
have "been brightened "by a telegram v/hich Dean Herbert Wo Miimford, of the Colle-^e of
Agriculture, University of Illinois, has received from AAA headquarters in Washington
announcing the reopening of the wheat sign-up to admit any farmers who could not or
did not sign up last fall. Plans for extending the Illinois sign-up were started
immediately upon receipt of the telegrain.
Illinois farmers, guided by the teachings of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois already had reduced their acreage of all wheat 6l per cent
since 1919» "but they went even farther in the AAA sign-up last fall and put the state
in fifteenth place among all states in the percentage of wheat acreage signed up.
The 1,001, f?CU acres that were put under contract in the 2U,359 contracts signed last
fall represented more than 55 P^r cent of the state's average acreage during the
three-year "base period, 1930-1932 • The total required reduction under the terras of
the contracts was a cut of approximately 15l+,0C0 acres below the average for the
I93O-I932 base period.
I Reopening of the sign-up in the AAA program opens the way to further ad-
ijustments. Growers who come in now will be eligible for the final 1933 benefit pay-
ments and for subsequent benefits en the 193^ and 1935 cropsj but not for the first
1933 benefit payment which already has been made. A special revision of the regula-
tions will make it possible for a contract to be dravm up for the farmer who had an
unsatisfactory base acreage tinder the original plan, but the new contracts will not
rive late signers an advantage over original signers.
The fifty county and district wheat production control associations which
were organized following the close of the sign-up last fall will be used in extend-
ing the sign-up under the plan announced in the Washington telegram, it was stated
by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers, who is representing the ex-
tension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois in the various
AAA programs.
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Sv/eet Clover Meets Real Need On Contracted Acres
Virtxially one-tenth of the crop acres of Illinois may be retired from pro-
duction in 193^ through the AAA com-hog and wheat programs, and unless soil conserva-
tion and improvement practices are adopted by contract signers, a considerable portion
Df the state's wealth which lies in her soils may be washed or leached away, says
A.. L. Lang, assistant chief of soil experiment fields. College of Agriculture,
Jniversity of Illinois,
Sweet clover has proved its value in the prevention of soil erosion and
its reputation as a green manure crop is attested by data collected from the Illinois
soil experiment fields. At the Dixon field, on a soil of good productivity, sweet
clover in a rotation of corn, oats and wheat improved the soil to the extent of 17
bushels of corn an acre ann\xally, as a three-year average, where it was the main
fertilizing constituent. Yfiiere wheat and oats straw were returned to the land, they
Jnhanced the value of sweet clover as a soil builder by 7 bushels of corn an acre.
A.t Mt. Morris in Ogle county, with a fertility level approxiraately the same as at
Dixon, residues from timothy, soybeans, red clover and alfalfa fell short of equalling
|the benefits of sweet clover combined with oat and wheat straw on the Dixon field by
5*^, 17> J-2 and 7 bushels of corn to the acre, respectively.
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vol. XVII - MO. 9 ^^' EJcftuBfoii jraraBrnger P^^e 3
11 Oats Smut Takes Heav:/ Toll Off Farms Of Illinois
Last year oat smut extracted a tax of approximately U, 5S3,OOC "bushels from
Illinois farmers, and a similar oat logs may be expected in 193^ unless {irowers
properly treat their seed to prevent this cOtamoh disease » says Benjamin Koehler,
associate chief of crop patholog;/' at the College of A;!;riculture, University of Illinois.
I This toll amounts to ah average loss of 5*5 per cent of the oat crop for the state,
and althoiogh the disease is an easily-controlled one, smut damage on some farms
amounted to as high as 25 per cent last year, it is said. For control, two treatments —
the formaldehyde and the Ceresan— are recommended.
The most satisfactory way of applying formaldehyde to the oat seed is the
5O-5O method, which is practically a dry process. A pint of commercial formaldehyde
is mixed with a pint of water in a quart-size sprayer of the kind used in ;'rardens and
cow sheds. As one man shovels the oat seed from one pile to another, an attendant
handles the sprayer, giving two to four "shots" of the liquid on each scoopful of oats
.las it is picked up. Ahout a quart of the formaldehyde-water mixture should "be applied
g±o each 5C "bushels of seed.
W After this has "been done, the oats should be turned over again by shoveling
Jxhe seed into another pile, or into sacks or a wagon box. If the seed is not sacked,
jit should be covered with canvass or other cloth for at least five hours. The oats
•jare then ready to lise or may be stored for several days without serious damage. The
(Cost of this method is about two-thirds of a cent a bushel.
New Improved Ceresan, another recommended disinfectant for treating oats,
is a dry dust which should be applied at the rate of one-half ounce to each bushel of
seed. It is best to mix it thoroughly with the grain by means of a regular treating
machine or a concrete mixer. If the mixing is thorough, the oats can be seeded at
ionce, otherwise the seed should be covered with canvass or sacked and stored overnight.
Storage for longer than a few days or a week, however, will reduce the yield.
While this latter method is a little more expensive, costing about two cents
■a bushel, it helps control other diseases that are sometimes present in addition to
smut, it is said.
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Local Buyin,?: Threatens Terminal Livestock Marke t s
Unless local and terminal livestock markets can be better coordinated or new
influences change existing conditions, the vast terminal markets which have been built
up in this country must eventually give way to the newer local agencies, predicts
R. C. Aghby, associate chief in livestock marketing at the College of Agriculture,
. University of Illinois. This conclusion is supported by the findings of a three-year
study by Achby v/hich shows the effects of the operation of local livestock markets
upon termina.l markets.
Local livestock markets have greatly decreased the hog receipts of the
terminals, Ashby found. Until 1926, hog receipts at the public stockyards exceeded
the federally inspected slaughter, but by 1932 terminal receipts amounted to only 77
per cent of the hogs inspected by federal authorities. In 1922 but 22 per cent of all
ihogs slaughtered under federal inspection were pitrchased outside of the public mar-
kets, while 10 years later this figure had increased to more than U3 per cent. Then,
I too, local markets have decrea,sed supplies of hogs available for sale on the public
|markets even more than they have reduced receipts. At Chicago in 1932> more than 3U
.,per cent of the hogs received were not offered for sale on the open market. Moreover,
[Operation of local markets has tended to lower the qtiality of terminal market re-
ceipts, particularly at Chicago.
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932 wooa
AavHail ivannnoiaov
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII March 7, 193^ Number 10
Corn-Hog Sign-Up In Illinois Feari ng 100,000 Mprk
j„ A total of 100,000 Illinois contracts signed up in the Agricultural Ad-
^pjustraent Administration corn-hog program by the end of the week is not improbable, on
the basis of reports which state campaign headquarters at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois had received from county farm advisers up to Tuesday noon,
rch 6. At that time the mamber of contracts signed up by farmers who have agreed
|to reduce their com and hog production during the coming year had passed the 90»000
lark and reached a total of 90,l97i it was announced by Bean Herbert W. M-oraford, who
s chairman of the state advisory committee on the campaign.
Livingston county was the first one in the state to go over the 3»000-
ontract mark, but close behind it were a half dozen other counties with more than
,000 contracts already signed up and others still coming in. Farm Adviser S, G-.
rner, of Livingston county, reported a total of 310^^+ to I'^ke the state leadership
afe for a while at least. Iroquois county, the state leader during the early stages
f the sign-up, was pressing Livingston with a total of 2,93^ contracts reported by
rm Adviser C. E. Johnson and his workers.
Farm Adviser C. E. G-ates , of LaSalle county, reported 2,760 contracts,
J. Laible, of McLean county, 2,UU2, Paul V. Dean, of Bureau county, 2,117, C. C.
rns, of Champaign county, 2,022, and E. H. Shiitnan, of Whiteside county, 2,000.
These were the only counties with 2,000 or more contracts signed up in the
eports that had been received up to noon, March 6, but there were 36 other counties
at had 1,000 or more agreements to their credit as the state sign-up campaign went
nto the final stages =
The lineup of these included: Vermilion 1,832, Shelby 1,711, Adams 1,609,
■ncock 1,593, BeKalb 1,581, Ogle 1,^30, Macon 1,5^7, Lee 1,51^, Sangamon 1,50U,
arren 1,500, Fulton 1,500, Edgar 1,U63, Tazewell 1,H07, T.nox 1,U00, McDonough 1,362,
rshall-Futnam l,36l, Logan 1,339, Mercer 1,325, Henry 1,307, Woodford 1,300, Coles
1,27^, liacoupin 1,263, Stephenson 1,259, Kontgomery 1,239, Peoria 1,210, Morgan 1,150,
I'DeWitt 1,1^7, Pike 1,135, Christian I.IOS, Greene 1,092, Madison 1,077, Carroll 1,060,
:JoDavies3 1,053, Grundy 1,0UU, Ford 1,000 and Douglas 1,000.
Counties in the 5OO to 1 ,000-contract group included Piatt 9^7. Cumberland
911, Stark 829, Kankakee 879, Kendall 866, Fayette 86O, Will 828, Winnebago 820,
jj Clark 808, Schuyler 75O, Jasper 7^, Moultrie 730, Menard 702, Bond 700, Effingham 655,
'Cass 6UU, Brown 6U1, Henderson 6OI , Mason 6OO, Jersey 58O, Gallatin 5US, White 53U,
Rock Island 53O, and Crawford 5OO.
Working toward the 500-contract goal were Randolph with U79i Wabash ^50»
Calhoun UUo, Edwards U20, Jefferson U13, St. Clair UOO, Wayne UOO, Lawrence 385^
Scott 375. Franklin 357, Clay 356, Richland 355, Saline 3'=^'^, Marion 35U, McHenry 3O7,
Kane 3O5, DuFage 285, Jackson 26S, Clinton 235, Hassac 218, Boone 19O, Johnson 181,
Monroe 153, Pope-Hardin I3U, Perry 122, Pulaski -AJ.exander 8S, Hamilton 97. Williamson
60, Union 57, Lake 3O, and Washington 20.
The one remaining coamty out of the 102 in the state is Cook, in the dairy
and market gardening section. The sign-up had started there, but it was too early
for a report.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfodd, Director.
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Vol. XVII - Ho. 10 «rt- *? i • ^ ^ Paf^e 2
II.
Seed Mixture For AAA Acres Include Several Choices
I
With probably a hundred forage plants to choose from, Illinois fanners taking
part in the AAA corn-hog and wheat adjustment programs have a singular opportunity to
restore some of their old permanent pastures or seed nev? ones on the retired acres,
says J. J. Pieper, associate chief of the crop production at the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois. At least 25 of these crops are used more or less com-
monly in the state.
To make the most of their opportunities farmers mus+ select the ingredients
for their pasture mixtures that are best adapted to the soil and that at the same
time fit the needs of the grower.
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular for pastures, explains Pieper,
and is adapted to the better soils somewhat inclined to be sweet. Timothy has a wide
adaptation for fertility and drainage in all parts of Illinois, whilo red top is a
favorite on poor, acid and wet land where other grasses find it difficult to get a
stand.
White clover is the most important permanent pasture legume but will not do
well on poor, acid soil, while alsike will grow where it is too wet and acid for al-
falfa, sweet or red clover. In the southern two-thirds of the state, Zorean lespedeza
may be substituted in pasture mixtures on soils too acid for alsike clover.
Mixtures that may be seeded for permanent pasture on the various tj'pies of
soil, together with the amounts to be sown on each acre are suggested by Pieper as
follows:
Good, well-drained land — Kentucky bluegrass 5 pounds, red top 3i timothy U
and alsike and white clover 2 pounds each.
Wet fields — ^ei. top 4 pounds, timothy 5» meadow foxtail U and alsike clover
3 pounds.
Poor, acid soils — Orchard grass 5 pounds, red top U, Canada bluegrass 5 a^<3.
alsike clover 3 pounds. Lespedeza may be substituted for alsike clover in southern
half of Illinois.
Shaded areas — Orchard grass 5 pounds, rough-stalk meadow grass 5> ^ed. fescue
U and a.lsike and white clover 2 pounds each.
Where the soil is sweet and fertile, alfalfa or red clover may be added to
the above mixtures or used to replace other legimes at the rate of U pounds to the
acre for alfalfa and 3 pounds for the red clover.
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Ch inch -Bug Invasion Will Not Catch Farmers Una^'are
Although chinch bugs threaten the heaviest invasion in many years, the
destructive insect will not catch Illinois farmers unaware, says D. E. Lindstrom, as-
sociate in rural sociology at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Daring March and April some U17 rural community units located in all parts of the
state will hold their regular monthly meetings at which time the chinch bug and recom-
mended methods of control will become almost a campaign issue as the chief topic for
discussion. From 1 to 28 such groups will meet in every Illinois county.
Burning over areas where chinch bugs arc prone to winter, revision in crop
rotations, use of chinch-bug resistant crops and other suggested control practices
will be included in the discussions at the community meetings. Farm advisers, local
farmers, members of the college extension staff and entomologists of tho Illinois
Natural History Survey will be the feature speakers.
Community action, as the result of an educational campaign through rural
organizations which make up the U17 community units, is believed to be quite effective
in fostering combat practices. Through group action, the burning of railroad right-
-of-ways has been accomplished in some localities, and where the danger of 'd-lling
wild life is small, other public waste places coram.only infested by chinch bugs may
be cleaned un.
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VOL. XVII - No. 10 ®Ij0 Extcnaum Mcaa^ngpr P^^e 3
Soybean Yi el ds Respond To Limestone On Certain Soils
"Believe it or not," soybeans which are often spoken of as an acid tolerant
crop will produce from two to five tines as nmch hay to the acre, when given the
benefit of limestone on some of the li(2;ht -colored soils, says C. J. Badger, associate
on soil experiment fields. College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Evidence showing the value of an application of the "soil sweetener" is
revealed in the results of four years of tests at two soil experiment fields of rather
»low productive levels maintained by the state university.
At the Sparta field in Randolph county, where the soil is a light graj^ silt
loam, the use of manure gave a yield of 3^0 pounds of soybean hay to the acre, but
when limestone was applied in addition to manure, the yield of bean hay was 1,700
pounds an acre. The field that received no treatment returned about the same as
■where manure had been spread. The increase resulting from limestone, when it was ap-
plied in addition to manure, amounted to 1,3^0 pounds, or more than a half a ton to
the acre.
In Ivlassac county, the Unionville experiment field consisting of a yellow-
gray silt loam gave somewhat better yields. Soil v^ith no treatment returned 1,0U0
pounds of soybean hay to the acre; the manure treatment improved the yield to an
Bvei'agG of 1,U20 pounds, and applications of both manure and limestone jumped the
harvest to 2,920 pounds, or practically a ton and a half of hay to the acre.
The response to manure over no treatment amounted to 3SO pounds, while the
esponse to manure and limestone over manure alone was 1,560 pounds an acre. However,
lure and limestone gave returns of 1,9^^, or nearly a ton to the acre, over the
lot which did not receive any treatment.
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Sheep Men Earned Against Lambing Pis order In ^^f^s
T7ith sheep and lamb values 2'^- per cent higher than a year ago and now one of
;th.3 more favored phases of farm production, Illinois farmers can well afford to be on
their guard against pregnancy disease of ewes, which has appeare^:? in many localities
;Df the state, says Dr. Robert G-rahain, chief of anima.l pathology and hygiene at the
ollege of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Prevention of the disease in ewes is primarily a problem, of management,
hich involves propnr rations and abundant exercise, for it is rare when these factors
re ideal. No specific medical rsnedy of value has bren dovclopod, and successful
ontrol is dependent upon the correction of faulty methods of management.
The disease is also ^oiown as lajnbing pfi,ralysis ajid autointoxication because
|it appca,rs about lajnbing tine, and is the most common cause of loss of brooding ewes
jiurin" the winter and early spring. At autopsj', the principal organs affected are the
^^iver and Mdneys.
!>■ Staggering, unsteady gait, grinding of the teeth, disturbed vision, loss of
jSftppetite and finally inability to stand, followed by unconsciousness, are comm.on
symptoms, points out Dr. G-raham. Death may occur in one to sir days after the appear-
' ance of the symptoms, and rarely do animals recover.
Ewes with twin or triplet pregnancies are the usual victims of the disease,
though it occasionally may be observed in ewes carrying only one lamb. Non-pregnant
ewes do not suffer from the disease, and it is assmned that ewes carrying twin lambs
have an increased excretory burden over those r:ith single lambs- Toxic by-products
of the unborn lambs, when discharged in the maternal system, are factors in this
disease, llo other satisfactory explanation of the cause has been accepted.
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933 WOOH
AHvaan ivaniiaoiaov
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII March lU, 193^ Numter 11
Illinois Corn-Ho£ Sign -Up Mounts Past 102.000 Mark
scheduled time in the AAA. com-hog production adjustment program, and at the jresent
time the final drive for the completion of the sign-up campaign is under way through-
out the state, according to Dean Herbert W. Kumford, of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois and chairman of the state advisory committee. By the end of
the week a deadline probably will have been set, and plans will be going forward for
closing the work. A total of 12S,000 contracts is not improbable for Illinois.
Mi Totals in the Illinois sign-up passed the 100,000 mark in the regular
^ weekly reports made by county farm advisers on March S, and by Tuesday noon, March 13,
the number of contracts reached a new peaJc of 102,265' There are many more farms than
this under contract to reduce com and hog production during 193^1 inasmuch as two,
three and sometimes more farms may be covered by one contract, it was pointed out by
officials of the college.
One Illinois county — Livingston — ^had more than 3.100 contracts, 10 others
had between 2,000 and 3»000 and U7 had more than 1,000 contracts each on the basis of
reports received from county farm advisers up to noon, Tuesday, March 13.
Livingston's 3.120 contracts reported by Farm Adviser S. G-. Turner kept
that county in the lead, but McLean county, the largest in the state, had moved up to
a challenging position with 2,950 contracts reported by Fann Adviser R. J. Laible.
In third place was Iroquois county with 2,9^7 contracts reported by Farm Adviser C. E.
Johnson, while LaSalle was fourth with 2,S00 reported by Farm Adviser C. E. Gates.
C. C. Burns, farm adviser of Champaign, had that cconty in fifth place with 2,3^3
contracts, and then followed Burea^a with 2,320, Vermilion 2, 23*4, Shelby 2,070,
«5 Sangamon 2,015, Henry 2,00U, and Whiteside 2,000.
Totals for the remaining counties were: Edgar 1,825, Adams 1,782,
Hancock 1,711, Lee 1,678, Knox, 1,673, DeEalb 1,633, Tazewell 1,605, Macon 1,591,
Ogle 1,580, Warren 1,580, Fulton 1,500, McDonough 1,500, Pike 1,'4S0, Logan 1,^70,
Marshall-Putnam 1,U65, Woodford 1,^50, Mercer 1,^50, Coles 1,^31, Christian 1,^24,
Stephenson 1,^10, Macoupin 1,351. Ford 1,350, Peoria 1:325, Morgan 1,300, Ilontgomery
1,300, JoDaviess l,255,^^reene 1,13^4, DeWitt 1,175, Madison 1,1^9, Grundy l,ll6,
Kankakee 1,06U, Fayette l,06l, Carroll l,0b0, Douglas 1,050, Will 1,030, and Piatt
1,028.
Kendall 9U6, Stark 927, CumberlaJid 89O, Clark S60, Jasper 8U9, Henderson
SU6, Schuyler 836, Winnebago 820, Jersey 795, Pock Island 77^, Moultrie 752, Menard
7U2, Bond 7^, Brown 71^, Cass 689, Mason "630, Sffingham 67O, Randolph 621, Crawford
600, Gallatin 582, White 572, Jeffo:-<:!nn 5oO, War: sh 5"^0, Scott 50U, Wayne 500, Pdch-
land 500, 3t. Clair U75, Edw-rds U6b, Calhoun U^^C, La-:rence kkO, Clay U20, Saline UlO,
McHenry ^402, Marion 38O, Franl'lin 357, Jackson 3U6, Dilvige 33I, Boone 33O, Kane 3O5,
Massac 262, Clinton 253, Monroe 226, Johnson 200, Pope-Hardin 163, Lake 155, Pulaski-
Alexander 155, Perry I52, Union 96, Williamson 89, Cook 52, and Washington 20.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agriculttiral Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. B. W. Mdmfosd, Director.
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Vol. XVII - No. 11 Page 2
Wheat Cash Has Paid Half Million In Old Farm Dehts
Nearly a half million dollars in old debts have been paid off this winter
by Illinois farmers who signed up in the AAA wheat adjustment program, if a survey
of the use of the first benefit payments made in Jiason coujity may be considered as a
borometer for the state, says Marshall Harris, of the agricultural economics de-
partment. College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. In addition, some $202, U19
in current debts have been liquidated with funds from the same source.
According to the latest figures available, $1,511,723«^8 in wheat benefit
payments have been received by farmers in the state who agreed to reduce their 193^
wheat acreage I5 per cent below their average production during the three years of
1930~1932« A check of the use of this money in Mason county indicates that 31*1^
per cent of it went for the payment of old debts and 13*39 P^^ cent was paid on
current accounts. When these percentages are applied to the total Illinois wheat
payments to date, they indicate that approximately $673,170 in rural obligations
have been cleaned up.
Mason countj'' is considered as typical of the state's wheat producing area,
and it is believed that the use of the benefit money there is applicable to the
nearly 25,000 growers who signed up in the wheat adjustment program in Illinois. As
the Mason county growers came to the county wheat control office for their checks,
they were asked by Farm Adviser C. 3. Love to fill in a questionnaire indicating how
they intended to spend the money.
Less than 5 per cent of the benefit money was not spent immediately, ac-
cording to the survey, indicating that the farmers put the cash back into active
circulation in a short time, where it aided in improving the financial condition of
business in general.
Other uses to which the farmers planned to apply their benefit payments,
and the percentage consumed by each, included: Purchase of food and clothing 13-82
per cent, machinery S,92, repairs 6.85, taxes 6.^2, labor 6.U2, livestock 3«0^.
seed 1.5^» household equipment l.US and miscellaneous expenses 2.U3 per cent.
Continued wise utilization of AAA benefit funds to clear up old indebted-
ness and to supply the current necessities of the farm and home will do raach to re-
lieve agricultural economic conditions and to start the wheels of industry function-
ing normally, it is pointed out.
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Illinois Turkey Producers Organi z e To Push Quality
It may be a long time until people will be thinking about buying a Thanks-
giving or Christmas turkey, but Illinois turkey growers already have started plans for
educating consumers to the superior quality of this state's birds, while at the same
I time further improving that quality.
For the first time, turkey growers of the state have organized a state
association, and chief among their objectives wL 11 be the matters of consumer educa-
tion and quality improvement, according to H, H. Alp, poultry extension specialist of
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, who is assisting with the project.
Illinois was producing more than 91»000 turkeys annually, according to the
last census, but most of the turkeys sold to Illinois consumers are range-fed birds
from Texas, Alp pointed out. Turkeys produ.ced in Illinois are of superior quality be-
cause they are fattened in closer confinement, he explained.
Earl Kennedy, of Amboy, was elected first president of the turkey growers'
association when the organization was formed at the recent meeting in Bloomington.
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^1, XVII - No. 11 Page 3
Record Tree Crop Beiiy; Set CXit In Illinois This Year
A record munter of 1^1 ,000 trees are "being pat out on Illinois farms this
spring as part of the plans to speed up the proper utilization of land and "bring
about "better planned agricultural production, according to L. E, Sawyer, forestry-
extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and of
the Illinois Natural History Survey. This total of 151,000 trees is the largest on
record for any one year in forestry projects sponsored "by the extension service of
the agricultural college and other agencies. Sawyer said.
Almost half of the 151,000 trees, or about 60,000 of them, are black locust
that will be planted for erosion control and the holding of blow sand land in dif-
ferent parts of the state. Twenty-five thousand of the black locust trees are going
to farmers in Schuyler county for an erosion control project which Farm Adviser L. B.
McKinzie is conducting in cooperation with the extension service of the agricultural
college. The First National Bank of Arenzville, Cass county, is patting out 22,000
black locust, red pine, pitch pine, white ash and Norway spruce trees.
About 32,000 pitch pine trees will be planted on sandy soils and on worn
out farm soils as a timber crop. In addition about ^,000 Norway sprace and white
spruce are being planted for Christmas trees and for windbreaks. One planting of
20,000 Christmas trees is being made in DeKalb county, and another of 10,000 in
Livingston county.
There are also about 8,000 red pine trees in the 151,000 that will be set
out this spring, and the rest are ash, maple and a variety of other species that are
to be used in reforestation work. The plantings will be scattered in Hardin,
Awards, Richland, Johnson, Williamson, "Vermilion, Piatt, Fulton, Clark and McLean
ounties, in addition to the several cmanties mentioned.
Planting for the 151,000 trees is goit^ forward at a time when the outlook
or forestry is much brighter than it has been for several years. Sawyer pointed out.
AAA. Programs Will Cut Costs On Many Illinois Farms
With less corn and wheat and fewer hogs to tend, the thousands of Illinois
farmers participating in the government's AAA. programs will have an opportunity to
reduce their operating costs in 193^^, particularly in the case of labor and power,
in the opinion of J. E. Wills, of the farm management division, College of Agricul-
Ijjture, University of Illinois.
" On a great many farms, says Wills, there will be less spent for fuel and
other tractor costs; and the expenses for horses can be reduced, if the animals are
fed according to work done. If extra labor is normally hired for field work and
jj hog production, it is possible tha.t AAA cooperators may be able to reduce this item
'%pf expense.
1'" On farms where the operator and members of his family perform all or nearly
'all of the work, the chief problem will be to use the existing supply of labor to gotfd
advantage. In such cases, it will be possible to give more time to a number of
practices known to pay well, yet requiring little or not outlay other than labor.
1 Among these practices might be included the careful selection and testing o'f
'[Seeds, testing of soils for limestone and phosphate reqairements , more efficient use
of manure, better control of weeds, keeping machinery in repair, control of livestock
diseases through sanitation and the keeping of farm accounts. To this lis+ should be
added the opportunity that many farmers will have to make much-needed repairs on their
improvements and to "dress up" the general appearance of the farm.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII Niamber 12
110.000 Mark Passed in Illinois Slgn-lTp On Corn-Ho.gs
Workers in the Illinois corn-hog sign-np entered the last two weeks of the
^campaign with incomplete results indicating that the 110,000 mark in completed con-
tracts had been passed. Enough additional contracts are in sight so that a total of
!.25»000 or more is not improbahle for Illinois by the time of the deadline at 6
)'clock, Saturday evening, March ^l* it was announced by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state
.eader of farm advisers, who is representing the extension service of the College of
igricultare, University of Illinois in the corn-hog program.
Up to Tuesday noon, March 20, the state total actually recorded in reports
rom fann advisers stood at 10S,979« However, there were 29 counties from which up-
;o-date reports had not been received at that time.
The 73 counties from which late check-ups had been received announced that
;hey had a total of S1,S23 completed contracts. This was an average of 1,120 for
.ch county, a mark high enough to pat the state total well over the 110,000 line if
.t holds for all the 102 counties of the state.
McLean county, the largest in the state in number of farms and in corn and
hog production, took the state lead for the first time when the regular weekly re-
ports brought a new total of 352S5 contracts from Farm Adviser R. J. Laible. One
other county, Livingston, was past the 3»000 mark wi th a total of 3»l67 contracts re-
ported by Fann Adviser S» G. Turner, while nine other counties had between 2,000 and
3,000 contracts.
Iroquois had 2,973, LaSalle 2,800^ .Champaign 2,760, VemH.ion 2,^30, .
Bureau 2,320, Shelby 2,317, Henry 2,2^3, Sangamon 2,100 and Whiteside 2,000,
Totals for the other counties of the state were as follows!
Adams 1,7^2, Bond 751, Boone 33O, Brown 71U, Calhoun U50, Carroll 1,060,
Cass lOk, Christian 1,510, Clark 90U, Clay UUO, Clinton 253, Coles 1,636, Cook 52,
Crawford 66O, Cumberland 920, DeKalb 1,712', DeWitt, 1,20U, Douglas 1,078, BuPage 35^,
Edgar 1,825, Edwards U75, Effingham 720, Fayette l,ll6. Ford, I35O, Franklin 357,
Fulton 1,500, Gallatin 613, Greene 1,2U2, Grundy l,lU7, Hancock 1,711, Henderson 905,
Jackson UOO, Jasper 1,010, Jefferson 615, Jersey S6U, JoDaviess 1,290, Johnson 23S,
ICane %k, Kankakee 1,153, Kendall 9U6, Knox 1,923, Lalce I7O.
Lawrence U65, Lee 1,67S, Logan 1,528, Macon 1,60U, Macoupin 1,922, Madison
1,196, Marion 3SO, Marshall -Putnam 1,506, Mason 810, Massac 3U5, McDonough 1,500,
KcHenry U02, Menard 7U2, Mercer 1,5^, Monroe 3U2, Montgomery l,39^f Morgan 1,375,
Moultrie 89O, Ogle 1,717, Peoria 1,325, Ferry 152, Piatt 1,118, Pike 1,625, Pope-
Hardin ISO, Pulaski -Alexander 225, Randolph 632, Richland 5OO, Rock Island 1,008,
Saline UlO, Schuyler 929, Scott 590, St. Clair U75, Stark 95O, Stephenson 1,529, Taze*
J- ell 1,635, Union I56, Wabash 53O, Warren 1,631, ^Tashington 20, Wayne 570, White 677,
V'i.li 1,213, Williamson 118, Winnebago 820 and Woodford 1,580.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. MvupOSD, Director.
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Vol. XVII— Fo. 12 - Page 2.
Record Milk Cow Population Adding to Dairy Problems
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■■ The heaviest population of milk cows that Illinois and the United States
■"have ever had is one of the "basic facts that farm leaders and officials of the Agri-
cultural Adjustment Administration are up against as they set about working out a
solution of the dairy problem, it is pointed out by dairymen of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
Tentative plans for milk production control will be presented by the AAA at
a series of regional conferences to be held in the near futu.rG at central points in
leaing dairy producing sections of the country, according to official announcements
received by the extension service of the agricultural college.
There are l,l65,000 milk cows on farms of Illinois and more than 26 million
on farms of the nation this year, according to figures compiled by the college dairy-
men. For Illinois this is an increase of 15 per cent over the 9S7>000 reported for
928 and an increase of more than 23 per cent over the 882,000 milk cows reported 3^
years ago. For the United States as a whole the present pupulation of milk cows is
an increase of almost 18 per cent over the total of 21,219,000 reported for 1928t
Whatever plans are made for coping with this problem will figure promin-
ently in Illinois fanning operations, because this state is the fifth most important
one in total milk production, it was pointed out by officials of the college. During
the past four years the average annual cash income from the sale of dairy products
off Illinois farms has been almost 71 million dollars, but -Droblems of the industry
have reduced that income to as low as ^0 million dollars annually during the past
ear or two. In 1932 dairying ranked first as a source of cash to Illinois farmers,
returning 25.7 por cent of their total cash income.
The percentage increase in milk cows has been much greater than the increase
in human population during the same period, it was explained. Fewer and better cows
producing higher qualitj'' products at more economical costs have long been urged upon
Illinois farmers by the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois . Many herd owners have profited by following this suggestion, but it
apjears that more drastic steps are necessary. Even though most of the milk and
milk products have been finding their way to some market, the returns to farmers have
been dangerously low.
The goal of the proposed production adjustment program would be to bring
about better returns to producers of all dairy products by bringing production more
nearly into line with effective demand. Such a program would be supported and
supplemented by milk marketing agreanonts, drawn in accord with the recently adopted
policy which places . emphasis upon prices paid to producers.
Briisjiter Outlook for Higher Q,uality Fruit This Year
With more money in circulation now than at any time in the past three years
'"and prospects for short crops in certain areas, Illirois fruit growers anticipate
larger premiums to be paid for high qi.iality fruit in 193^» says R. S. Marsh, horti-
c\ilturai extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
To obtain these premi\im prices, advises Marsh, orchard men who still have prospects
,for a crop should carefully plan and organize their spray programs so as to -produce
'the highest quality fruit, especially from the remaining peach crop. Now is the time
to see that all spray equipment is in first-class condition and that the latest recom-
mended spray schedule is at hand. G-rowers may obtain the newly-revised spray schedule,
Circular 388, which gives the latest facts for the control of disease and insect
pests, from their county fam adviser or by writing the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois, Urbana.
Srije Sxfenaion Messenacv
Vol. XVII— TIo. 12 Page 3
Discussion Leaders Trained To Aid In Rural FroTjlems
Illinois farmers will be better prepared to cope with new econoraic and
social trends affecting agricaltiire in the future, as a result of plans now being
made to train community discussion leaders and to hold regular community discission
meetings, predicts D. E. Lindstrom, associate in rural sociology at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The value of community discussions has been demonstrated by the nearly
3,000 AAA corn-hog and wheat adjustment meetings held thro-oghout the state in recent
months, it is said.
Several Illinois counties are now training discussion leaders and organizing
discussion teams in various types of community units. Training schools, attended by
approximately 150 rural people from 32 different community units, have been conducted
in Champaign, Ford pjid Sangamon counties for the purpose of developing discussion
leaders. Similar schools will be held in other counties during 1934 so that farm
and home bureau units, granges, community clubs and like organizations may provide
their memberships with a better understandir^ of the new econoraic and social develop-
ments affecting farm life.
"The importance of discussion in rural community meetings was recognized
by the AL'^ri cultural Adjustment Administration when launching both the vfheat and corn-
hog programs," points out Lindstrom. "A total of 752 community meetings attended by
approximately 68,000 farm people were held in 69 Illinois counties by farm advisers
and the extension service of the agricultura.1 college in connection with the wheat
adjustment campaign. Later there were 2,027 community meetings conducted in 102
counties to discuss the corn-hog program. The latter gatherings were attended by
191,867 of the 214,000 farmers of the state. Thus the corn-hog campaign reached
more than 90 per cent of the farm operators in Illinois.
"By trainii^ leaders who can conduct discussions at rural commiinity
meetings, Illinois farmers will be better prenared to develop future cooperative
activities related to their industry."
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Spring Repair Of Farm Machinery Saves Money And Time
With an investment of more than $160,000,000 in farm implements and machin-
ery, or an average of $748 on each farm, Illinois farmers can well afford to devote
a certain amount of time in the early spring months to making minor repairs and adjust-
ments that assure longer life .?jid more efficient operation of their machines. This
is the opinion of E. G. Johnson, agricultural engineering extension specialist of
'the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, who points out that thousands of
dollars '^xe lost annually by farmers of the state whj3 fail to make necessary machin-
ery repairs before the rash of field work begins.
Lower operating costs and getting the job done on time are avv'ards which the
farmer receives who follows the practice of inspecting each machine, replacing badly
worn parts, tightening bolts, making adjustments and applying paint when needed, it
I is explained. The farm machinery instruction book provided by the manufacturer v.'ith
each machine is of valu^^.ble r.ssistrnce, and the farmer who does not have such a
booklet should request one from the nearest branch house.
To give additional assistance in this important problem, the agricultural
engineering department of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, has
published a booklet on "The Care, Operation and Adjustment of Farm Machinerj'. " A
copy of this circular, ITo. 509, may be secured upon request from the agricultural
college at Urbana or from county farm advisers.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBI^ARV
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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SIIl^ {Extension M^sstn^tt ^
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College, i'
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VOLUME XVII March 28, 1934 Number 13
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Illinois Dairymen Scan First Details Of AAA Plan
Farmers and dairymen of Illinois, fifth ranking dairy state, have before
them for consideration and acceptance or modification the first official details of
the proposed plan for a dairy production adjustment program under the Agricultural
Adjustment Administration. Farm advisers, extension workers of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois and others who will be more or less closely connected
. ^.with the preliminary field work have just been given the tentative set-up of the plan
ll&s revealed in an official telegram and other communications which Dean Herbert W.
Miimford, of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois received from head-
. quarters at Washington.
]|^ Dairymen have from now until about the first of April to study the proposal
and decide what they wish to do about it. Starting April 2 a series of regional con-
ferences will be held to present more details of the proposed program to dairymen for
discussion, acceptance or modification.
J\ist when and where the conference for the Illinois area will be held has
not been announced, but officials of the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois are expecting word on this in the near future,
p Illinois has a large stake in the program, for the state is the fifth
Cranking one in total milk production, and more than 25 per cent of all the cash in-
' I come of Illinois farmers come from dairying. During the past four years the average
cash income from the sale of dairy products off Illinois farms has been almost 71
million dollars, but daring the past year or two this income has dropped to as low
as 50 million dollars, a condition which the proposed program is designed to correct.
The aim in the plan to restore the purchasing power of dairy farmers will
be to hold production at about the level of recent months. This will mean that
cooperating dairymen will have to reduce their sales by from 10 to 20 per cent below
he peak in 1932 and 1933.
In addition to the higher prices that might be expected to result from
('the adjusted production, benefit payments are to be paid to cooperating producers
j&t the rate of about 40 cents for each pound of batterfat or about $1.50 for each
Surplus 100 pounds of fluid milk that the cooperate r reduces.
The program is to be financed by a processing tax starting at one cent a
pound on butterfat and advancing to five cents a pound as supply comes under control.
The plan is a $165,000,000 one providing for extension to $300,000„000 in event of
congressional action pending legislation.
Additional features of the program include the relief distribution of
surplus milk to underfed children and the transfer of cows from surplus areas to
needy farm families. There is also the provision for disease eradication measures.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfobd, Director.
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^. XYII— No. 13 =* Page 2
Rich Illinois Soil Adds Full Share To Erosion Toll
Even the soils of central Illinois, once thought to be of inexhaustible
fertility, are contributing their share of good soil to the three billion tons of
soil material which erosion is washing off the fields of the United States every year,
according to F. A. Fisher, Illinois regional director for the soil erosion service
of the U. S, Department of Interior.
The entire seven inches of richest top soil has been washed off of 47 per
cent of the first two sections of land that were surveyed in the erosion control
project which the Department of Interior is starting in McLean county, Fisher reported.
This is all the more striking in view of the fact that the land has been farmed in-
tensively for less than 100 years. The injury throughout the area is probably not
as great as this, but the damage as a result of the erosion that has been going on
all these years is severe, he pointed out.
It takes Nature about 400 years to tiuild a single inch of productive top
soil from raw sub-soil clay, indicating that it will take between 2,000 and 3,000
years to repair a wound like in the McLean county area, Fisher said.
Erosion is estimated to be causing the farmers of the United States
$400,000,000 a year in destroyed land, loss of plajnt food and through other charjiels.
The evidence of what soil erosion Is doing in McLean county is proof that farmers in
that section and in other parts of the state, are paying their full share of the toll,
Fisher said. Approximately half the 30,000,000 acres in Illinois farms is subject to
erosion of one kind or another.
Demonstrations are now being started in the McLean county project to show
farmers how to hold their soils in place by means of gully dams and other mechanical
devices, how to change their croriping systems to minimize soil washing and how to
manage their fields so that the fertility can be built up instead of destroyed. Dif-
ferent departments of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois are cooper-
ating.
The McLean county project, spread out over an area of 140,000 acres, is one
of 20 which the Department of Interior is undertaking in different parts of the
country to cope with the menace of soil erosion. At least 36 million acres of for-
merly cultivated land, an area as large as the state of Illinois and much of it
originally good land, have been practically destroyed by erosion. Another 100 million
acres of crop land are in serious danger. More than 400 million tons of suspended
solid matter and many more millions of tons of dissolved matter pass out of the mouth
of the Mississippi river every year,
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Illinois Second Among 20 States In Corn-Hog Sign-Up
Illinois ranks second among the 20 states that have signed up the first
300,000 contracts in the government's corn-hog adjustment program, according to re-
ports which the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illi-
ois has received from Agricultural Adjustment Administration headquarters at Wash-
ngton. The Illinois total is more than 110,000.
The sign-up to date is regarded by leaders of the campaign as encouraging
evidence that a large proportion of the com and hog production both of the state
and the nation will be covered by AAA contracts when the sign-up is completed. This,
of course, means definite progress in adjusting corn and hog production to effective
demand and thereby rebuilding the farmer's purchasing power, it was pointed out, Iowa,
conceded to be the largest producer of both commodities, is first with a count of
155,000 contract applications, according to the latest figures available.
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DL. xvil-No. 13 ®Ij5 ExtpnHi0n fUMB^ngur Page 3
Best Velvet able \farieties Listed For Illinois Gardens
Every season adds a few more new varieties of vegetables available to
Illinois gardeners, and 1934 is no exception, says B, L. Weaver, of the horticultiiral
department at the College of Agric-ulture, University of Illinois.
This ever-increasing list of varieties is often confusing to the market
gardener, and even more so to the farmer or home gardener, unless it is realized that
many of the new names mean only a slight change in size, shape, color,, texture,
flavor, season or productivity, points out Weaver,
After many tests under varying conditions, the experiment station at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois has singled out a number of varieties
found to be most applicable to Illinois conditions and which can be recommended to
most growers. These varieties include:
Asparagus - Mary Washington.
(Green snap bush beans - Strirgless Green Pod and Bountifiil.
Yellow bush beans - Pencil Pod Black Wax and Round Pod Kidney Wax.
Pole beans - Kentucky Wonder,
Bush lima beans - Henderson's, Fordhook and Burpee.
Beets - Early Wonder for early planting, Lutz Greenleaf for late, and
Detroit JDark Rgd for canning.
Cabbage - Golden Acre and Copenhagan for early, if Pusaritmi wilt disease is
not present in soil, and Jersey ^een, Marion Market and Wisconsin All-Seasons for
later harvest.
Carrots - Nantes Coreless, Chahtenay and Red Core Chantenay,
Sweet corn - Howling Mob for mid-season; Evergreen, Golden Cross Bantam
and Top Cross Baintam for late. Early vairieties are not reconmended owing to
|§ prevalence of Stewart's disease.
Lettuce ^^ Black-Seeded Simpson and Prizehead for leaf; New York and
Mignonette for head varieties.
Muskmelons - Lake Champlain for early; Hale's Best, Bender's Surprise, Tip
Top, Honey Rock and Hearts of Gold for main crop; Ohio Sugar for green flesh variety.
Radishes - Scarlet Globe and Saxa for early; Crimson Giant White Icicle
and Cincinnati Market for late spring; White Strasburg for summer.
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Some 23 Common Crops Serve As Hosts For Chinch Bugs
Some 23 different grasses will aid the chinch bug in its destructive march
across Illinois this spring and summer unless farmers take steps against what
threatens to be one of the worst infestations in the past half century, says C, M.
Woodworth. chief in plant genetics at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
It has been found, however, that the chinch bug does not relish legumee
such as alfalfa, sweet clover, soybeans and other clovers. Thus planting these crops
so as to separate the fields of small grains, com and grasses is suggested as one of
several control measures.
So far as small grains are concerned, explains Woodworth, barley, spring
wheat, winter wheat, rye and oats are preferred by the insect in early spring. The
second brood, which "comes along in June, and July, feeds mainly on corn and the sor-
ghums, including broomcorn, kafir corn and Sudan grass. Other crops on which the
chinch bug can exist, in the absence of small grains and corn, are millet, timothy,
barnyard grass, tickle grass, crabgrass, foxtail and other wild and cultivated grasses.
Kentucky bluegrass does not seem to be attractive to the bugs, and only a few are
usually found feeding on it,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Voltune XVII April U, 193U Nimiber ik
Illinois Dai rymen Sive Views On Ad.iustBent Program
Uli Views and saggestions of dairymen and agricultural leaders in Illinois,
■*fifth leading dairy state, with regard to the proposed program of the Agricultural
Adjustment Administration for the adjustment of the dairy industry are a matter of
record, following a regional meeting at Indianapolis on April 2 and 3" Indiana, Ohio,
Kichigan and Kentucky, in addition to Illinois, were represented at the meeting.
No definite action for or against the program was taken at the meeting, the
dea being merely to get the views and suggestions of famiers and dairy leader's* Sen-
timent of producers at lU similar meetings to be held in different parts df the
country will determine the administration's next step on the daii>' problem. The
meetings will not be concluded until the middle of the month.
.1 The official Illinois representatives attending fhe Indianapolis meeting
were Dean H. W. Itonford, of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois;
H. A. Suehe, head of the dairy department; C. S. Rhode, dairy extension specialist;
J. C. Spitler, state leader of fann advisers, and F. J. Keilholz, extension editor.
Details of the proposed plan were presented by A, H. Lauterbach, chief of
the dairy section of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration; 0. M, Reed, asso-
ciate agricultural economist of the administration, and A, B. Nystrom, senior dairy
husbandman of the U, S« Department of Agriculture,
Outstanding in the dairy industry problem as it was outlined at the Indi-
jaimpolis meeting are these facts; a volume of milk production which increased by two
'"billion pounds from 1930 to 1932; a cow population of mors than 26 million, which is
larger than it has ever been before; an average price index of 69 as compared with
1^ in 192s, and a total cash income from milk sales which dropped from $1,2^7,000,000
in 1929 to $9S5, 000,000 in 1932.
The proposed program would involve benefit payments totaling not less than
150 million dollars to dairy fermers who reduced their milk sales by between 10 and
20 per cent of their average annual sales for 1932 and 1933* Illinois dairymen would
be eligible for a maximum of $7,155,000. The method of reduction would be left to
the individual farmer* Furthermore, it would not be ej^jocted to reduce sales below
the low winter level, but to cut down about 10 per cent from the higji average volume
of the 1932-33 base periode
■^ The plan also includes allocation of additional funds for purchasing and
"distributing milk among underfed city children, for purchasing and distributing
healthy cows to needy farmers to produce milk for their own families and for speeding
Up the eradication of bovine tuberculosis and Bang's disease.
-Sntnid methods of cropping, cow feeding and herd management whereby individ-
ual dairymen who sign contracts could control their production were outlined at the
Indianapolis session.
The proposed program would be financed by a processing tax starting at
1 cent a pound of butterfat and gradually advancing to 5 cents a pound as supply came
under control. There would be a compensatory tax on oleomargarine sufficient to pre-
vent shifts to this product as a substitute for butter.
Printed in furtherance of the Agriculttiral Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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Vol. XVII - ¥o. lU ^ife ^xUttsxan messstiQct P^^ge 2
Erosion Damage On Illinois Soils giovm By Gullies
Eight hvindred gully checks of different kinds v.'hich the soil erosion service
of the U. S. Department of Interior has already "built in McLean county stand out as
monuments to the speed and certainty with which soil erosion already has cut into the
fertile lands of Illinois, it is pointed out by F. A. Fisher, Illinois regional director
of the service.
The 800 gully checks which have heen hiiilt as part of the demonstration to
show farmers how to cope with the menace of soil erosion range all the way from snail
^foot wire checks to the large 25-foot, mixltiple-post checks. Some of them are im-
posing looking, rock-dam structures.
Building of gully checks is a sort of last-line defense against the inroads
f erosion. The checks are not huilt at the mouth of the gullies, because in many in-
tances erosion has cut so deeply that it will take too long or be impraticable to try
0 fill in the gullies. Instead, the checks are built at the head of the gullies as
means of preventing them from eating back any farther into the farm. The gullies
hen are reclaimed by being seeded to permanent pastiire crops or planted to trees.
While the gully checks are a striking feature of the deraonstrational work
that is bein^ done in the McLean county area, they are only a part of what will be done
to show farmers how to hold their land in place by means of mechanical devices of
various kinds, bja proper cropping systems and by sound farm maJiagement methods,
Fisher, who has his offices at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and
who has the cooperation of the college in his work, already has operations well under
way in the McLean county demonstrational area.
Erosion, against which the demonstration is directed, is eating away in some
form or other at approximately half the 30,000,000 acres of Illinois farm land,
Fisher said. For the United States as a whole, the cost of erosion to farmers is
estimated at $U00, 000,000 a year, and it is washing the soil off fields of the United
States at the rate of three billion tons a year, he added.
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Illinois Farmer May Be Oldest Of Corn-Hog Signers
Joseph J. Ford, 102-year-old farmer of Crawford county, is believed to be
|the oldest producer in Illinois, if not the ISaited States, to sign up in the AAA. corn-
.og adjustment program, according to the extension service of the College of Agricul-
Jttire, University of Illinois,
Inasmuch as 115,000 farmers in Illinois have signed corn-hog contract ap-
rflblications, according to the latest reports, and more than 1,000,000 producers throtigh-
Dut the nation are cooperating in the AAA campaign, Ford's friends claim that he is
"one man in a million."
; Ford owns I56 acres of land near Flat Rock and recently signed a corn-hog
bontract application in which he agrees to reduce his 193^ corn acreage at least 20
\i per cent and his hog production 25 per cent, under the terms of the government's ad-
justment program.
He says that he expects to see the next corn crop harvested and has invited
he members of the local corn-hog committee to his next birthday party.
Although Crawford is not considered a prominent corn and hog producing
cotmty, Farm Adviser Harold Allison reports that more than 66C farmers have joined
with the county's oldest citizen in the corn-hog adjustment movement.
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5ri|s JExtenaimi Meaapttg^r
Voi. XVii - No. Ik Page 3
Rotation Change s May Check Damage From Chinch Btigs
Threatened with the heaviest chinch tug infestation ever recorded in the
tistory of the state, Illinois farmers should consider revising their rotations as a
means of partially protecting their 193^ corn crop, warns A. L. Lang, assistant chief
of soil experiment fields, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
By this is meant the location of leg\3me crops in the rotation so as to
isolate the small grain, corn and grass fields where the chinch bugs are prone to
breed and feed. It has been proved that legumes are distasteful to this insect pest,
and separating the btig's "favorite" crops with legumes is suggested as one of several
control measures. Furthermore, the addition of one or more legumes will improve the
fertility of the land on which they are grown,
"A five~year rotation supplying this dual purpose," explains Lang, "may con-
sist of corn, oats, clover, corn and soybeans^ In this case, not only is 60 per cent
of the farm in legumes, biit gO per cent is in 'cash crops. One crop of corn is com-
pletely set off between two legumes, which in many cases will prevent serious damage
from chinch bugs. The fact that the oats field will have a spring seeding of clover
may deter I'apid multiplication of the insects in this crop, if the clover gets a
strong, early start,
"IThen wheat is grown with a maximum of corn, a rotation of corn, corn,
soybeans, wheat and clover can be planned. An important feature of this combination
is that the small grain crop, which is always the early breeding ground of the chinch
bug, is isolated from the corn crops by a legume on either side. With a good,
j growth^'- spring seeding of clover in the wheat, this crop is not susceptible to the
I bugs.
"Where a four-year rotation of corn, oats, wheat and clover is followed, a
I protective revision would be to substitute soybeans for the oats. This would carry
the isolation advantages of the previously mentioned wheat rotation and, v;ith a good
I stand of clover in the wheat, would keep 75 per cent of the land in legumes throughout
'the growing season."
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AAa Dai ry Plans Creating Interest In Herd Testing
Anticipating the coming of the government's dairy adjustment program, when
definite milk and butterfat production records will be of added value, more and more
Illinois farmers are forming dairy herd improvement associations so that the profit-
ableness of their cows may be checked every month, says J. G-. Cash, dairy extension
specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
This rapid growth of interest in dairy testing work is revealed in the fact
that within \;he past two months new associations have been organized in Lake, Lee and
Iroquois counties, while several other associations have added new members. With
these nevif additions, approximately 1,100 Illinois dairymen now belong to 55 associa-
tions in which come 20,000 cows are tested regularly.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
olTune T711 April 11, 1934 Uimber 15
AAA Program Might Mean $158 To An Illinois Dairyman
Benefits of as much as $158 a year could be counted on by a typical north
central Illinois dairyman if he signed up -under the proposed dairy production adjust-
ment program of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration, according to fig-ores
given by the extension service of the College of Agriculture^ University of Illinois.
The figures hold for conditions as they are now and do not take into account the
effect of the proposed processing tax upon consumption, it was pointed out.
What is considered more important is the fact that by signing up, the
dairyman would have joined with his neighbors in safeguarding the dairy industry
against the effect of ruinously lower prices which threaten to come about as a result
of the excessive potential producing possibilities of the cotmtry's dairy herds and
the low buying power of the consuming public.
The dairymen in the typical case cited by the college keeps around 14 cows
producing 7j600 pounds of milk a year. He feeds each cow approximately 2,234 po-onds
of grain a year, and 589 po\inds of this feed must be bought.
Without signing up he would be producing 108,700 pounds of milk a year.
Under the basiq-surplus plan on which this dairyman and others like him now operate,
67,000 pounds of this milk would be sold as basic milk at $1,50 a hundred pounds,
bringing a toteJ. of $1,305, The remaining 21,700 pounds would be sold as surplus at
the rate of $l.a hundred pounds and wo-uld bring $23.7, The total income from the sale
of milk would be $1,522, The 8,400 pounds of feed which this dairyman imist buy costs
him $1,50 a hundred pounds, or a total of $126, When this is subtracted from hi®
Sales reoeiptsj it leaves him a net return of $lj396.
His net returns would be $158 more than this if he signed up to reduce 15
per cent and if there was a two-thirds sign-up of all dairy farmers with a 10 per cent
reduction in dairy sales for the country as a whole.
By signing up to reduce 15 per cent, he would get benefit payments of $1.50
a hundredweight for the 16,300 pounds of milk that he cut off his sales. This would
be a total of $245, He would still get $1^&3 a hundred pounds or a total cf $1,305
for his 87,000 pounds of basic milk. In addition he would still have 5,400 pounds
of surplus milk for which he would get $1 a huiidredweight or a total of $54, This
would give him a total of $1,604 from sales and benefit payments.
He would make his required 15 per cent reduction in sales by buying and
feeding 60 per cent less feed concentrates than he bought emd fed before signing up.
In other words, his bill for purchased feed would be only $50, This wotild leave him
a net return of $1,554, or $158 more than he was getting before signing -up,
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¥ith final reports still to be received from 14 counties;, the number of
corn-hog contracts that have been signed up by Illinois farmers stood at 121,023 on
Tuesday, April 10, it was announced by Prof, J, C. Spitler, state leader of farm ad-
visers, who is representing the extension service of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois in the AAA campaigns,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfokd, Director.
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Vol. X7II — No, 15 Page 2
U. I. Te.ats Sufcgest P_asttixe Mlxtiires for ^AA AjRr.ea
More Illinois land will be seeded to grass during the next two years than
ever before in the history of ths state, prophesies H. P, Rusk, head of the animal
husbcindry department of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
This "back-to-grass" movement is spreading throughout the state as a result
of the government's corn-hog and wheat adjustment programs in which some 2., 000,000
acres of land will be taken out of crop production tsy cooperating Illinois farmers,
"A large percentage of this former wheat and corn land," explains Ruskj
"will be seeded to permanent or semi -permanent pastures for livestock, and many
Illinois producers are wondering what grass seeds or mixtures of seeds should be
used.
"For early livestock carrying capacity of permanent pastures, all records
t the University of Illinois were broken by a heavy seeding consisting of 12^3
)Ouiids of bluegrass, 2,5 of red clover, 2.5 potinds of sweet clover, 4,1 pounds of
iimothy, 1,6 pounds of alsike clover and .4 pounds of white clover. This mixture
lay be used for seeding contracted acres, without violation of the AAA corn-hog con-
;ract, provided it is in addition to the average acreage devoted to pasture in 1932
ind 1933 and is not pastured in 1934,
"If it is desired to pasture this seeding lightly this fall, sweet clover
Bust be replaced in the mixture* This can be done by increasing the amount of the
ther legume seeds, or by substituting 2 to 5 pounds of alfalfa. Furthermore, the
ixtxire must be seeded without a nurse crop if it is to be pastured this fall,
"Several other factors, in addition to a good seed mixture, should be con-
idered in developing a permsinent pasture. They include the use of relatively clean
and of high fertility; preps'' ation of a good seed bed; heavy seeding of bluegrass
d legumes; control of weeds by frequent clipping during the first season; allowir^
rass to get a good start in spring before cattle are turned on, and grazing heavily
t not too long for any one period,"
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Feeding; Cows Yeast Will Enrich Milk With Vitamin D
Adults may not have to go to the sunny beaches nor children take t>ieir
lly dose of fish oil to acquire their vitamin D in the future, according to J, Me
rannon, assistant chief of dairy bacteriologjr at the College of Agriculture,. Univeiv
Bity of Illinois, "Old Bossy," when fed especially-treated yeast as a part of her
daily ration, will supply this bone-building vitamin in her milk, it is said^ Eere-
tofcT-B, the most common methods of securing vitamin D for the human system have been
to expose the skin to direct sunlight or trx ultra-violet ray machines or by consumiig
certain fish oils.
f "Normal milk contains calcium and phosphorus in the proper ratio for the
development of bone tissue in children.but it is low in vitamin I) and does not have a
large supply of the substance which is converted into vitamin D," explains Brannon,
"Investigators, however^ have found that certain types of yeast are high in the sub-
stance from which vitamin D is made, and if these strains of yeast are treated with
tiltra-violet rays of light, they become excellent sources of vitamin D, Likewise^
if yeast so treated is fed to cows, their milk at the end of threi weeks will contain
sufficient vitamin D to insure the proper development of the bones of a child."
Production of this special bone-building milk ent*ils additional costs.
Dairymen selling it must secure a license costing a dollar a cow. There is also the
extra expense of purchasing the treated yeast,
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®Ij0 Extension McBsenger
Vol. IVII— No. 15 Page 3
"Importing" Chinch-Bug Corn May Not Be Safest Plan
Illinois farmers, casting about for a variety of seed corn that will be
most resistant to chinch bug attack in 1934, will do well to select the variety that
is the best adapted, most vigorous growing and highest yielding in their respective
areas, rather than import a variety said to be resistant in another part of the
state or in another state.
This is the opinion of G-. H. Dungai);i, assistant chief of crop production at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, after reviewing experimental evi-
dence and the experience of farmers relative to chinch bug resistant varieties of
corn,
"There is evidence that some strains of corn are less favored by chinch
bugs than others," explains Dunggm, "but the particular quality which makes them less
appetizing to the bugs is not known, ^t is believed, however, that the most import-
ant factor i^ the superior vigor which enables the plant to produce a good crop of
com in addition to supporting a goodly number of bugs. No plant during its vegeta-
tive growth can withstand an attack by an unlimited number of chinch bugs but the
ability of a variety to remain green and continue growing until the normal maturity
date, in spite of the insects, is a mark of resistance,
"In southern Illinois, where varieties have been tested at the college's
Alhambra experiment field, Champion White Pearl, Black Hawk, Mohawk and Golden
Beauty have proved to be the best adapted to the upland soils, and at the same time
the most resistant to chinch bugs, Waddell Utility White Dent suppliep a good type
of grain for feeding and seems to be resistant to the b-ugs, although it does not
stand up as well tinder a severe infestation as does Champion White Pearl,
"Experimental evidence is not available covering the most chinch-bug-
resistant varieties of corn in central and northern Illinois and positive recommenda-
tions can not be made. However, farmers in the north-central section of the state
last year reported that the corn known as Krug is markedly resistant. In the absence
of thorough experimental tests on the resistance of varieties grown in northern and
central portions of the state, it is suggested that the best adapted, most vigorous
growing and highest-yielding varieties be grown in these sections dtu-ing years of
chinch bug outbreaks."
Effingham Eggs Are Among First To Carry U. S. Seal
The first shipments of eggs from an Illinois egg-buying station, under
official government grading, have been inaugurated, in Effingham county, with the
Farmers' Equity Union there adopting U. S. standards for packing and shipping to the
New York market, according to H, H. Alp, poultry extension specialist of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Through the cooperation of the U, S. Department of Agriculture and the
Illinois Department of Agriculture, officers of the union have been able to secure
the services of a licensed government grader and permission to use the government
seals on various grades of egg packs. The grading is in line with work which the ex-
tension service of the agricultural college has been carrying on thro-ughout the state
to raise the quality and the value of the Illinois egg crop,
"During the four years from 1929 to 1932 the cash income of Illinois farm-
ers from eggs has averaged $20,240,000 annually, but the opportunities to sell those
eggs on a graded basis have been all too few," Alp said. "With the proper coopera-
tion of the members and the right kind of management , such a program as that started
in Effingham county should do much to raise the quality and price of eggs produced
in that area."
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII April 18, 1934 Number 16
i^^^^^ Record Alfalfa Seeding Forecast On Illinois Farms
^^^^ A new all-time record for alfalfa growing is expected to be set in Illinois
^ this year in spite of the fact that the 1933 crop of 337,000 acres was a record in
itself, according to J, 0« Hackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. At least part of the 1,866,200 acres of Illinois
land that will be retired from commercial grain production under the various adjust-
ment programs will be utilized as an ideal place for starting an alfalfa meadow while
at the same time obtaining some income from the land in the form of benefit rental
payments, he pointed out. Alfalfa may be seeded in May with or without a nurse crop,
he said.
ijj Use of contracted land for alfalfa and other crops is explained in a new
' circular, Ho, 420, "How Use Contracted Acres," which the college has just issued for
free distribution to interested farmers. Hackleman is joint author with C. M,
Linsley, soils extension specialist.
Record plantings of alfalfa are only one indication of the extent to which
Illinois farmers are carrying out the college's long-time teaching for the growing of
more legumes on Illinois farms, Hacicelman said. This has been advocated for years
not only as a me?iis of adjusting production to demand but also of reducing production
costs, of conserving land resources as a continuing source of wealth and of controlling
insects and diseases.
As most of one growing season is needed to establish a good alfalfa field,
there is no better place to start than on the contracted acres. However, alfalfa
should be seeded only where the soil is known to be sweet enough to produce the
crop and where soil tests indicate that there is sufficient available phosphorus to
make production of the crop relatively safe.
■ If If the alfalfa is to be seeded with a nurse crop, oats probably should be
used in most parts of the state since this crop is far less attraxitive to chinch bugs
than is barley. Barley near a cornfield would be a worse hazard to the corn than
would oats. Oats used as a nurse crop for alfalfa should be clipped before they head
out. If the oats grow too fast, they probably should be clipped twice so that no
large amount of material will be left on the young alfalfa at any one time and thus
endanger the stand.
Alfalfa may also be seeded alone in May, after a thoro^ugh preparation of
the seed bed, if weeds have been kept under control for several years on the land.
Such seeding will likely require two or three clippings during the year. The final
clipping should be made about the middle of August,
No hay can be taken from alfalfa seeded on the contracted acres during 193i,
The hay can, of course, be used in 1935 if the contracted acres have been released.
If summer seeding of alfalfa is preferred, the ground can be plowed and
thoroughly prepared this spring. The seed bed should be worked at frequent intervals ,
thus insuring the killing of several crops of weeds,. Seeding should be done in late
I July or early August so that the crop will be ready for use as hay in 1935. Any con-
tracted wheat acreage so handled must be replaced by an equivalent contracted acreage
in 1935.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfobd, Director.
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1. XVII-No. 16 Elic Exfen.ion «EMEns« p^^ 2
Chinch B^scs &oin,£; to Small Grains ; Farmers Warned
Chinch hugs, worse than they have been for years, have started flying
from their winter quarters to small grain fields, and the cheapest and most effective
way for farmers to fight them from now on is through the use of crops that are immune
to attack, it is pointed out by the College of Agriculture, University of Illino^
in .a new circular, "Fighting the Chinch Bug on Illinois Farms."
The bugs are even worse now than they were one year when farmers in 17
southwestern Illinois coujities lost practically 6g million dollars as a result of
damage to com, wheat and oats alone, not counting injury to other crops and
secondary losses, the college says.
Especially this year, when farmers are reducing their corn acreages under
the adjustment program, control of the bugs may mean the difference between a fanner's
raising enough feed for his own needs and for sale or else having to buy practically
all of his feed, it is pointed out.
Six direct and indirect methods of fighting the bugs are outlined in the
new circular "by W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois Natural History Sur-
vey and of the agricultural experiment station; G, H. Dungan, associate chief in
crop production at the agricultural college, and J. H. Bigger, assistant entomologist
of the natural Mstoiy survey.
Of all the methods, the cheapest and most effective is the use of chindi-
b-ug proof crops, the circular says. These include such crops as alfalfa, red
clover, sweet clover, alsike clover, lespedeza, cowpeas, soybeans, sunflowers, flax,
sugar beets, artichokes, potatoes and rape.
During the rest of April and throughout May and June, the chinch bugs aa. d
their newly hatched young will be found in fields of small grain or tender, succulent
grasses. The flight from winter quarters to the small grain fields takes place
throughout this period. The real damage threatens to begin about the middle of June
amd afterward, when the btigs of the first brood migrate on foot from the small grain
fields to corn. Once in the corn they soon acquire wings and scatter over the
entire field.
Farmers desiring the help of the new circular in fighting chinch bugs on
their fanns can get copies from their county farm advisers or from the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois at Urbana,
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Ib Export Trend Has Little To Cheer Illinois Farmers
Possibilities of restoring the income of Illinois farmers through a re-
vival of foreign markets are none the brighter on the basis of export figures which
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois has just received frcxn the bureau
of agricultural economics, U. S, Department of Agriculture,
Showing a further decline, the index of the volume of farm products exports
from the United States was 80 for February of this year as against 93 for January,
109 for December and 71 for February of last year. The index for February, 1932, was
.1 117. The average of 1909-1914 is taken as 100 in the index figures,
P The decline recorded in the figures brings home the importance of the state-
wide agricultural adjustment program which the college started in 1928 under the di-
rection of Deem Herbert W. Miomford and has been carrying on ever since, it was
pointed out. More recently the loss of export markets and its attendant problems
have been attacked in the AAA. activities now being sponsored by the U. S, Department
of Agriculture,
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,ol. XVII-No. 16 Page 3
Proper Rotation Of Crops Will Aid Chinch-Biig Fight
Proper rotation of the $182,000,000 worth of crops that they grow ann-ually
is one of a half dozen hopes for Illinois fanners, now that chinch bugs are on the
move in what threatens to be the worst infestation of these destructive pests that
the state has had for years, it is pointed out by the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois and Illinois Natural History Survey.
Crop rotation is a safeguard because a good way to hold the insect in
check is to make its food scarce somewhere along the line, it was explained. B\igs
of the first brood, which mature in the small grain during the late spring, depend
for their food mainly on wheat, oats, barley and rye. The second brood, which
matures in the corn during the summer, feeds almost exclusively on corn,
"This means that wheat-growing areas should cut down on their acreages of
corn, substituting if ppssible some crop on which the chinch bug will not feed, so
as to reduce damage from the first brood bugs that will come out of the wheat. Heavy
corn-producing areas should reduce the acreage of small grains so that the first
brood will be starved out, thereby reducing the size of the second brood,
"A rotation of com, soybeans, wheat and clover will suffer as little loss
as any rotation that contains both wheat and corn,
"In an area where wheat is the main money crop, a rotation of 25 per cent
^wheat, 25 per. cent soybeans or cowpeas, 25 per cent wheat with some oats or rye and
25 per cent red or sweet clover will be satisfactory because it contains no crq) on
which the second brood of chinch bugs can feed*
"Where corn is the main money crop, a rotation of 40 per cent corn, 20 per
cent soybeans, 20 per cent wheat or oats and 20 per cent red clover, sweet clover or
alfalfa may be used.
"The essential point in arranging a rotation to prevent chinch bug injury
is to grow as large an acreage as possible of the crops on which the insect does not
feed. Where both small grains and corn are grown on the same or on adjoining farms,
the fields of these two crops should preferably not adjoin."
Crop rotation and other methods of fighting the chinch bug are explained
in a new circular. No. 419, which county farm advisers and the extension service of
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois have available for interested
farmers.
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Times To Harvest Asparagus Shown By U. Of I. Tests
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'1^ Asparagus, which ranks as one of the leading tnick crops of Illinois with
a total value of more than half a million dollars in 1930, should not be cut severely
until the second year after the plantation is set, and in some cases not until the
third year, according to a seven-year experiment conducted by the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois. The results are reported by E* P. Lewis, in a
new bulletin, "Asparagus Yields as Affected by Severity of Cutting."
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Changing Rose And Camat ion Soils Is Needless Work
Time and labor spent in changing greeiihouse soil each year for the produc-
tion of carnations and roses is neither necessary nor economical, if the old soil can
be sterilized and kept in a high state of fertility, according to experiments con-
ducted by F. F. Weinard, and S. W. Decker, of the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois, Their results are reported in a new bulletin, "Experiments in the Use
of Old Soil in Growing Carnations and Roses."
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volme XVII April 2^, I93U Ui:ijnber I7
Proposed AAA. Dairy Frogram Is Dro-pped For Present
A limited program of diseased cattle eradication and relief purchases of
dairy products financed ty funds made available "by congress, coupled with the con-
tinued use of milk marketinr agreements, will probably be the extent of any dairy
program which is fostered by the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.
For the present at least no benefit payment dairy production control pro-
gram will be undertaken.
This decision of AAA officials in Washington was announced in a telegram
I received by Dean Herbert W. Mumford, of the College of Agriculture, University of
• Illinois, from C. W. Warbiirton, director of the extension service in the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture.
The decision followed a study of reports from the AAA regional dairy con-
ferences and is in accord with the fixed policy of the administration not to attempt
adjustment programs without the expressed support of a substantial majority of the
producers concerned.
Although abandoning for the time being the plan of a benefit payment pro-
gram, the AAJl will continue its study of dairy problems and will be prepared to
initiate a program which may seem sound if it appears that the dairy industry as a
whole is agreed on such a program, the telegram to Dean Mumford saide
With the immediate future of the dairy program settled, representatives of
,|every group concerned with the beef cattle industry met in Chicago on Thursday,
'April 26, to analyze their difficulties and to see what might be done under the
Agricultural Adju3tm.ent Act for the benefit of beef producers.
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U. of_ I_. Students Take Sweepstakes In Flower Show
A record of having won the sweepstakes trophy two years in succession in
the collegiate exhibits classes of the National Flower and Garden Show is now held
by floricxiltiire students of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois fol-
lowing the recent show in Rochester, N. Y.
Preparation of such exhibits is part of the training which the students
are receiving for places in the f loricultural industry, which in Illinois is pro-
ducing products having an annual value of approximately seven million dollars, ac-
cording to the last census.
I Entries made by the Illinois students, competing with those from Cornell,
'Purdue, Michigan State College, Rutgers and Penn S+ate, won seven first and eight
second prizes, or more than any other school represented in the show. Purdue was
second in total number of prizes and Cornell, third.
Seventeen of the 22 awards were won by the Illinois students at the St.
Louis, Mo., show last year, when they took the sweepstakes prize.
More than I60 pots of floral plants and vases of cut flowers were entered
this year from Illinois, all of which had been grown by students as part of their
class and laboratory work beginning last September.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumforp, Director.
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Vol. XVII - No. 17 2rJ|e Sxtcnatott fMeasPttser ^^^^ ^
Illinois Sign~Up On Cot'nTHogs Wearing 123,000 Mark
With the last of the reports coming in, indications now are that the total
sign-up of Illinois contracts in the government's corn~hog production adjustment
campaign may reach 123,000, it is anno\inced "by Dean Herbert W. M-umford, of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois and chairman of the state advisory committee.
This does not represent the total number of farms that are under contract,
Ibecause in some cases two or more farms are covered by one signature, it was explained.
iFarraers signing up have agreed to reduce their corn production 20 per cent and their
hog farrowings and marketings 25 per cent in 193^ •
How soon the 30 million dollars (3r thereabouts in benefit payments will
start coming to farmers who are reducing will depend upon how soon the contracts are
submitted to Washington. Farmers, themselves, members of county allotment committees
and other workers in the campaign are now putting the finishing corrections and
alterations on the contracts, preparatory to sending them to Washington-.
The first agreements to reach the Washington AAA offices for approval and
issiiance of benefit payments came from Marion county, la. It is expected that the
peak of agreements will come during May. Machinery and personnel for approving the
agreements and issuing the benefit payment checks are being organized. The checks
are expected to be written within about two weeks after the agreements start through
the contract records section for approval and payment. The maximum daily capacity
is about U5,000 checks a day»
In Illinois, the heaviest reductions will be made and the largest benefits
:-ollected in I5 counties with 2,000 or more contracts signed up. Heading the list is
.'cLean county with 3»56l contract^, and then follows Iroquois with 3>325» Livingston
),3nU, LaSalle 3,2U2, Champaign 3,lUl, Vermilion 2,62U, Bureau 2,550, Shelby 2,U3C,
Henry 2,^25, Fulton 2,225, Knox 2,l67, Macoupin 2,l6l, Whiteside 2,06g, Sangamon 2,050
and Lee 2,0U2.
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Heavy Rainfall At Right Time Would Check Chinch Bugs
Only in the case of frequent, heavy rains during the latter part of May and
Tune can the v>reather be counted upon to aid Illinois farmers in their battle against
fhat threatens to be one of the worst invasions of chinch bugs in years, warns W. P.
j'lint, chief entomologist of the Illinois Natural History Survey and entomologist of
jijtlie College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Unfortunately, the chances are three to one that Kay and June will be com-
)aratively dry months, he said. He suggests, therefore, that farmers be prepared to
Ipe barriers and traps when chinch-bug migration from small grain to corn fields be-
;ins in June. Planting the most resistant varieties of crops and seeding legumes in
ts tnany fields as the rotation system will permit are other safeguards that can be
ised.
j Heavy rains in the early spring may have little or no effect on the bugs,
.,iut frequent rains during the last half of May and June will reduce infestations.
'!ven in the worst chinch bug years, such rains will keep down the insects to the
loint where no serious damage will occur.
"The rain beats the young bugs down into the ground and 'muds' them in so
hey die. Also dampness and high humidity are favorable to the spread of the white
■unguous disease which attacks the insects.
"Likewise, if a period of very wet weather occurs in August, starting
bout the first and continuing throughout the month, the second brood of chinch bugs
ill be greatly reduced. Usually this means no damage the following year."
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Vol. XVII - No. 17 Page 3
Best Not To Raise Hogs At All If Pastures Not Clean
If a farmer can not get his ycung pigs out on clean pasture and practice
other sanitary measures, he will he hotter off hy not raising any hogs, in the opinion
of the division of animal pathology at the College of Agriculture, University of Il-
linois, when referring to the close relationship between health and profit in swine
production.
"Necro" enteritis, sore mouth, Iting worms, round worms, thorn-headed worms,
whip worms and stomach worms, all of which are filth-horns diseases and parasites, are
some of the major causes of runty, unthrifty and unprofitahle pigs, it is pointed out.
When pigs are raised in the same lots year after year the ground hecoraes saturated
with the disease germs and eggs of the parasites passed out in the manure. The young
pigs pick them up either directly or hy eating hugs which have consumed the eggs, and
in a short time are infected and infested, hecorae unthrifty and perhaps die.
"Clean soil is also necessary in the prevention of anemia, for from the soil
Lgs ohtain certain elements needed for hlood building," explains Dr. Thorp. "If
Lgs can not he taken to the clean soil, then the soil should he brought to them."
If the pigs are not farrowed in brooder houses in clean, new pasture, they
should be hauled (not driven) to one where no hogs have run for at least a year.
Preferably this field should be one that has been cultivated since last used by hogs.
Of course, the field should he well fenced so that the pigs can not get back into the
I barnyard of former hog lots where they may become infected and lose the benefit of
•'having been taken to new pasture.
! Experience has shown that pigs raised without access to contaminated lots
or pastures until four months old are usually thrifty and can he marketed at an earlier
age with a lower feed cost and at a higher price.
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Factors Indicate Brighter Outlook For Ppultry Raisers
Four important factors indicate that Illinois poultrymen may find themselves
in a more favorable position financially during the coming months than they were at
the same time last year, says H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Egg prices have had the habit of going into the "doldrums" during the late
spring and early summer during the last two years, explains Alp. "Whether this year
they will reach the low of 1933 remains to be seen, but there are some indications
^that they will not.
tf "Storage holdings of shell eggs, generally considered to have a distinct
"bearing, on the fresh egg market, contain a note of improvement. On March 2U of this
year there were in storage in 26 cities a total of U78,000 cases of eggs as compared
with 68g,COO on the same date in 1933 • This is a decrease of 3O percent and the move-
ment of eggs into storage is reported to be slower than the five-year average.
"Last fall there were many flocks of pullets houses that were below normal
in development and vigor. Consequently production has been unsteady and this has re-
sulted in many hens being marketed. Thus there is some question as to whether the
spring flush of production will reach its usual volume of past years.
"To date the prevailing egg prices have encouraged rather free selling which
has resulted in a fairly good consumer demand being established. Eventually egg prices
should reflect any general increase in factory wages, provided there is not too rapid
an increase in prices of other things the wage earners must Buy."
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII May 2, 1934 Number 18
Million Illinois Cattle Figure In Beef Adjustments
More than a million cattle marketed annually by Illinois farmers v/ould be
affected by whatever plans the proposed committee of 25 feeders and breeders works
out for a national beef cattle adjustment program, according to the College of Agri-
cultiire, University of Illinois.
I|. That such a committee be appointed by the Agricultural Adjustment Adminis-
tration to . investigate the possibilities of a beef adjustment program and make ten-
tative plans to be submitted to farmers was recom^nended in action taken by representa-
tives of the beef ind\xstry who attended the recent AAA meeting in Chicago. Approxi-
mately 700 cattlemen from 24 states attended the meeting, with Illinois being the
most heavily represented.
The key to the beef cattle problem, as it is seen by AAA. officials at
Washington and as it was presented at the Chicago meeting, is the elimination of from
six million to seven million cows and heifers on farms. As an initial effort, two
million head of cows, in addition to usual marketings, might be removed in 1934 through
eradication of diseased animals and through relief purchases. Contracts with indivi-
dual producers might be required to assure that any removal program adopted would not
be offset by further increases in breeding and feeding.
Beef cattle prices not only followed the decline in other farm prices during
the depression, but continued to drop until in 1933 they were $2.05 a hundredweight
less than the parity price. In March of this year they were $2.46 a hundredweight
below parity.
"There may be a teraporary improvement in beef cattle prices in 1934 partly
because of smaller receipts in well finished, corn fed cattle, caused by the shortage
in the 1933 corn crop, and partly because of the continued pick-up in consumer buying
power," the AAA officials pointed out at the Chicago meeting. "However, maximum re-
turns to cattlemen will depend upon sound and prompt adjxistments in cattle numbers.
"From 1928 to 1934 numbers of all cattle — beef and dairy — in the United
States increased from about 57,000,000 head to about 67,000,000 head. Milk cow num-
bers increased by about 22 per cent and beef cows by about the same percentage.
"Annual cattle slaughter may be expected to rise from about 21,000,000 head
a year to about 24,000,000 head in the next several years, unless prompt action is
fi taken, although the number of finished cattle coming to the market has not yet begun
to reflect fully the increase in the number of breeding stock."
"Inuring each of the past six years cattlemen have produced from 1,000,000
to 1,500,000 more cattle than they have marketed. That is, they have been adding to
their herds faster than they have been selling off. Thus a new cattle production
cycle has been under way for six years, and we still are definitely on the upward
trend in numbers of cattle.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approve<l by Congress May 8, 19M. H. W. Mumforp. Director.
vo].. XVII - No. 18 ®ty^ Extension Mwasttger p^^ 2
Inferior Seed To Be Avoided In Increasing Soybeans
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In order to plsint an additional 114,000 acres of soybeans this year, Illi- ,
nois farmers should not yield to the temptation of using cracked, old, or otherwise
inferior seed, if they hope to secure satisfactory stands, warns C. A. Van Doren,
assistant in crop production at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Last year Illinois farmers planted and harvested the smallest crop since
1929, and with an anticipated increase of 20 per cent in acreage this year, some
growers may be tempted to be less critical of the quality of seed they plant, it is
said.
Reports of planting intentions indicate that Illinois farmers will seed
about 682,000 acres this spring as compared with 568,000 acres last year and 617,000
acres in 1932. The 1931 crop of 771,000 acres was the largest in the history of the
state. Normally Illinois growers harvest more than half the soybeans produced in the
United States.
Experiments at the U, I. College of Agriculture show that cracked soybean
seed will produce only 55.4 per cent as heavy a stand as sound seed, although the
ifference in ultimate seed yields is not as pronounced.
The age of the seed should also be considered, if maximum production is to
be attained, explains Van Doren. New, sound seed is always preferable, since one-year-
old seed usually falls S per cent short in stand as compared with new seed that has
been stored under average fajrm conditions. In some cases, however, the one-year-old
seed may produce as large or a larger yield than the new seed, all other factors be-
ing comparable. It is seldom advisable to plant soybeans that are two years old or
older, as both the stand and yield decline rapi'dly from the second year on.
"Good quality soybeans consist of seed that was well matured and in a dry
condition when harvested, and has been stored under favorable conditions," points out
Van Doren. "Seed harvested from frost-killed plants or from plants cut before com-
pletely matured, are likely to be inferior. Porthermore, changes in atmospheric
humidity make the beans deteriorate in storage. If a farmer must purchase his seed,
he should buy new, sound-appearing beans that will give a germination test of at
least 90 per cent strong sprouts."
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Nuts Are Suggested As No n- Surplus prop For ^linois
High q\iality nuts constitute one of the few crops in which there is not a
surplus, and many Illinois farmers could well afford to devote a small acreage to
their production, declares R. S. Marsh, horticultural extension specialist of the Col-
lege of Agriculture, University of Illinois. To assist farmers in doing this he is
holding a series of nut propagation demonstrations in 14 Illinois counties within
the next week or two.
At the nut propagation demonstrations, Marsh- and L. S. Sawyer, extension
forester of the Illinois Natural History Siirvey and of the U.I, College of Agricul-
ture, will explain the latest method of top working walnut, pecan and hickory trees.
Farmers attending will be given an opportunity to make a graft so that they will have
a model to take home with them, together with complete printed ins tract ions.
Local arrangements for the demonstrations are being made through the county
farm advisers, with tentative dates scheduled as follows:
Union and Jackson counties, May 8; Pulaski-AlexcUider and Saline counties.
May 9; Johnson and White counties, May 10; Williamson and Edwards counties. May 11;
Schuyler county, May 14; Stark county. May 15; Bureau county, May 16; and Jo Daviess
county. May 17.
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XVII - No. 18 Srtjc ^xUnsian Messenger Page 3
Fruit Hurt Less In Illinois Than In Eastern States
Illinois peach growers fared better than those of the eastern states insofar
as damage to orchards as a result of sub-zero weather during the past winter is con-
cerned, it is reported by Dr, M. J. Dorsey, chief in pomology at the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
Although there was severe injury to the peach buds in this state, no damage
was done to the trees. In fact in some of the more favored locations, sufficient buds
survived to produce small crops of varying percentages. In the east, however, all
fruit buds were killed by the freezing temperatures, and a great many trees were killed
or damaged badly, it is said.
The Illinois peach crop has been estimated at about 800 carloads, as com-
pared with approximately 8,000 cars in the bumper season of 1931. As was anticipated
the apple crop is likely to be light in this state, owing to the defoliation and un-
favorable weather during fruit bud formation last year. Red raspberries suffered con-
siderably from winter kill, but the cherry and plum buds are believed to have survived
comparatively well. Unfortunately in some parts of the state cold nights during the
last week or ten days of April did considerable damage to certain fruit blossoms.
Differences in bud hardiness were illustrated strikingly this winter in Il-
linois, Dorsey points out. Such peach varieties as Greensboro, South Haven, Carmen
and Bell came through the winter in a much better shape than the more popular Elbert
jand J. H. Hale. This would indicate that for home plantings it might be advisable to
j include more of the hardier varieties. These would give more assurance of a crop in
some seasons when the other varieties have been winter damaged.
In orchards where the live buds are too few to be worth considering, Dorsey
.suggests that growers prune the trees back to the two or even three-year-old wood. In
cases where there are sufficient live buds to give a crop, pruning should be delayed
■until the set is evident, after which the non-bearing branches can be thinned out.
. Where the bud survival is still lighter, it is advisable to leave all pos-
sible bearing wood in the trees so that full advantage can be taken of the live buds.
jHere, too, an application of some form of quickly available nitrogen should be made in
lorder to increase the set. This is particularly worthwhile, if applications were not
Wde last year or if the growth conditions are at a low ebb.
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Too Much Hulled Oats Will Hajidicap Fattening Pigs
In their efforts to grow and fatten fall pigs as cheaply as possible, Illi-
Qois farmers are sound in their practice of not including too large a proportion of
bulled oats in the rations, it is revealed in a two-year feeding experiment just com-
pleted at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Hogs fed in a dry lot
3n hulled oats as the only grain developed severe stiffness, became unthrifty and in
one case died.
The addition of hulled oats, however, did improve the so-called standard
ration of corn and protein supplement, according to W. E. Carroll and W. P. Garrigus,
fho conducted the tests. The most satisfactory ration was found to be one in which
the pigs cons-umed two parts cracked corn, one part hulled oats, plus .76 pounds of
protein supplement and .02 pounds of minerals daily. These pigs cons-umed 414 pounds
3f the ration for each 100 pounds of gain and increased in weight at the rate of 1.45
pounds daily. The protein supplement was made up of 2 parts tankage, 1 part soybean
3il mean and 1 part alfalfa meal, while the mineral mixture consisted of equal parts
3f limestone, bonemeal and salt.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Voliome XVII May 9, 1934 Ilumber 19
2,000,000 Acres Of AAA Land _Is Not Plaiitinp: Puzzle
Leaving approximately tv;o million acres out of commercial production, as
Illinois fariTiers will do under terms of the governm nt's various AAA programs, is
not going to upset sound farming methods or bring about any radical changes in crop-
ping systems, judging from reports coming to the farm management division of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Quite the contrary, the contra.cted
land is going to be used almost exclusively for legumes. This is directly in line
with the long- continued teaching of the college and will pave the way for soil con-
servation, the reduction of production and marketing; costs, better control of in-
sects and diseases and other benefits.
How far Illinois farmers alreadj' have gone in this direction in the past
20 years is shown by the fact that during the five-yea.r period of 1929-1933 the aver-
age annual acreage of such legiuaes as alfalfa, sweet clover, soybeans and co'/vpeas was
1,413,000 acres more than it was in the five-year period of 1910-1914. Furthermore
the average annual acreage of such surplus crops as corn and wheat, together with
oats, rye and buckwheat, was 1,461,000 acres less in Illinois during the 1929-1933
period than it was during the 1910-1914 period.
Extensive use which farmers in one section of the state will make of legumes
on their contracted acreage is indicated in figures reported by J. 3. Cunningham,
field man for the farm bureau-farm management service, v/hich the U. I. College of
Agriculture sponsors in Grundy, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties. The figures
cover 86 farms on which 116 pieces of land have been contracted to the government.
Alfalfa or sweet clover will be used on 63 of the tracts; red, mammoth or
alsike clover on 24 of them; timothj' or orchard grass on 5 of them, and soybeans for
plowing under on 4 of them. Thirteen of the tracts will be fallowed to kill weeds
and on five others nothing will be planted and the weeds clipped. Owners of two pieces
of the land are undecided how they will handle the contracted acres.
Forty-two farmers are leaving old clover, alfalfa or grass mixtures stand
over as their contracted acres, thereby saving labor and expense this year. However,
most farmers are not prepared to do this, for out of the 116 pieces of contracted land,
64 were in corn last year.
In seeding such corn land down as contracted acres, about '3^ P^^ cent of the
farmers abandoned the usual practice of using a nurse crop, thereby eliminating a
place for the chinch bugs to feed and also saving expense.
liYhile the percentage of contracted land growing legumes on these farms is
exceedingly high — perhaps much higher than on farms not in the farm management service
— it woTild probably be still higher were it not for the large a'nount of sour soil,
Cunningham reported. This is being partly corrected on ten of the farms where some
of the agricultural adjustment benefit money is being used to buy limestone. The
four farmers who plan to sow soybeans on their contracted acres are doing so because
of sour soil. Others have sown mammoth clover, ivhich stands a medium acid soil.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfokd, Director.
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vol. XVII - No. 19 ®l?c Extpnaion mesaenBtt Page 2
Wheat prospect Below Average; Carryover Also Lower
Although it is anticipated that the 1934 wheat crop in Illinois may be larger
than the unusually small crop of last year, it is likely to he some 2,000,000 bushels
less than the five-year average production of the state, according to available re-
ports reviewed by R. C. Ross, assistant Chief of farm management at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The total 1934 wheat yield in Illinois has been estimated at 29,601,000
bushels, as compared with 26,592,000 bushels in 1933 and 31,611,000 bushels as the
average during the five years of 1927-1931. The increased wheat acreage planted last
fall was probably the resiilt of the large amount of corn land that remained idle last
summer. Rather than lose the time and labor they had spent in preparing the ground
for corn, farm.ers planted the fallow acres to wheat, in the opinion of Ross.
Wheat stocks on Illinois farms as of April 1 amotmted to 3,839,000 bushels,
or the smallest carryover since 1931. Last year at this time wheat stored on Illinois
farms totalled 5,745,000 bushels.
Current reports on the world wheat prospects indicate the carryover of
heat on July 1 in the four principal exporting countries will be at least 100,000,000
bushels less than on July 1 of last year.
Like that of Illinois, the North American wheat crop is expected to be con-
siderably larger this year than last, because of the exceptionally bad growing condi-
tions of last year, but the European crop may be considerably smaller. Dry weather
in the lower Danube basin has danmged late-sown grain, and early-sown fields may have
yields reduced even though the moisture has been sufficient for a favorable early
development of the crop.
The condition of winter wheat in the remainder of Europe is reported as be-
ing generally good except in Italy and Spain. However, the early-season condition of
the crop in the more humid parts of Europe has not proved to be a good indication of
subsequent yield. It is not likely that the high average yield of last year will be
repeated in 1934.
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Incr eased Soybean Acreage Will Yield Many Benefits
Illinois farmers, who this year plan to plant approximately 682,000 acres
of soybeans, will be in a position to reap many advatittages from the crop, particularly
in the case of producers who are cooperating in the government's wheat and corn-hog
adjustment programs, in the opinion of E. E. DeTurk, chief of soil technology at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. At least six characteristics of the
crop can be cited as advantages.
When plowed under, soybeans add nitrogen to the soil in much the same manner
as other legume crops. Then too, this crop has the ability to absorb mineral plant
food elements which are ordinarily not readily available, and when the soybeans are
turned under, the minerals become easily available for the following crops.
Experiments have shown that the tops of soybeans, when plovired down help
the development of bacteria, thereby making the soil more favorable for future crop
growth, parthermore, soybeans need less lime or limestone than the more commonly
grown clovers. Although not tne most ideal crop for soil erosion prevention, soybeans
give quick resTilts in producing a protective cover, and when broadcast or drilled
around a slope will do much in holding the soil. Finally, soybeans are distasteful
to chinch bugs, and if the contracted acres are located betv/een the small grain and
corn fields, this legume tends to discourage the bugs from migrating from the small
grain to the corn field where they do the greatest damage.
Although soybeans fit in ideally as a green manure crop for contracted
acres, they are not used as such in general farm operations, being less practical
for soil improvement than certain other legumes,
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"oi. XVII - Wo, 19 ^Ift lExUnsxan Meesen^et Pa;-e 3
Cutworms Ti'ireaten Damage If Spring Is Wet And Cold
If Illinois shOTold have cold, wet weather soon after corn comes up, farmers
may expect another cutworm invasion and should he prepared to control the insects with
poisoned bait, says J. H. Bigger, assistant entomolO|i;ist of the Illinois llatural His-
tory Survey in a report to the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
After the cutworms have become established in a field, the use of poisoned
bran bait is the only control method available, points out Bigger. This should be
used as soon as signs of cutworm feeding appear.
Enough poisoned bait for about three acres can be made with 25 poun.ds of
low-grade bran, 1 poimd of Paris green or sodiurn arsenite or vfhite arsenic, 2 quarts
of molasses and 3 gallons of water. For larger areas, proportionately larger air.o-ULits
will be required.
The water, molasses and sodium arsenite are mixed together and then the so-
lution is stirred into the bran so that every particle of the bran is moistened by it.
Just enough of the solution should be used so that the mixture will hold together when
squeezed tightly in the hand but will crumble when spread. A little experience will
establish this point.
If Paris green is used instead of sodium arsenite or white arsenic, it
should be mixed dry with the bran, and the water-molasses solution poured over this
mixture until it is sufficiently wet.
The bait should 'oe spread late in the afternoon so that it will remain moist
all night. Broadcasting by hand or with an endgate seeder at the rate of 8 to 10
nounds to the acre gives sufficient dosage to clean up a heavy infestation.
In the case of black cutworms, often found abundant in wet seasons and par-
ticularly in wet areas, one application of the poisoned bait will not be enough. Re-
peated applications are su~gested.
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Optimistic View Is Held By Growers Of Strawberries
Illinois strawberry growers, whose crop has averaged more than a half mil-
lion dollars annually in recent years, are optimistic at present because of the smaller
crop which is in prospect and more money in circulation, says R. S. Marsh, extension
specialist in horticulture at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Whether or not they get the maximum returns will depend partly upon how carefully they
grade their berries and the extent to which they use shipping point inspection ser-
vice, he said.
"What can be done through grading and shipping point inspection to get bet-
ter prices for strawberries is shown in the results obtained last year ^oy a new growers'
cooperative organized in Edgar county. Its members averaged a higher net return tha,n
the members of any other organization either in Illinois or Indiana. Principles of
grading, packing and marketing were taught to them in five demonstrations held by the
extension service of the U. I. College of Agriculture with the cooperation of the State
Division of Standardization and Markets.
"Better marketing methods also paid a premium for grov;ers in Union county,
where pan grading was introduced by the U. I. agriciJitural extension service. As a
result of several demonstrations held by the farm adviser, the average price received
throughout the season was $1 more a crate where pan grading was used than where no
grading was done. The extra cost of pan grading, including the value of the cull
berries thrown out and the expense of extra labor, amounted to 25 cents a crate. This,
however, left an extra net profit of 75 cents for the growers v/ho employed the pan-
grading method. " .
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volune XVI May l6, 193^ Mmber 20
Home Accounts Show Increased Btiying By Farm Folks
That Illinois farm families are contri'btiting their share to iiTiproved "busi-
ness and industrial conditions is revealed in a s-'jrnmary of 215 farm and small town
home account records made "by Mrs. Euth C. Fireman, home economics extension specialist
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Comparing the iGj farm family records studied in 1933-3^ with 159 sum-
marized in 1932-^33> i't was found that the total average money value of living and
savings was 52 psr cent higher during the past 12 months than in the 1932-33 period.
The increase occurred in cash expenditures, prohahly resulting from increased incomes
of the farmers in one form or another.
The total realized income of the Ug small town families, however, was 11
per cent lower in 1933-3^ than during the previous 12 months.
Cash house expenditures "by the farm families, including cash repairs, fire
insurance and improvements on houses, nearly doubled in 1933-3^ over 1932-33, points
out Mrs. Freeman. They ranged from nothing to $38S, or an average of ^18 to the
family.
Forty-four per cent of the I67 farm families purchased paint and varnish for
decorating interior walls and floors in the past year, 28 per cent papered one or more
rooms, and three farm houses were painted.
Expenditures for furnishings and equipment in 1933-3^^ were also nearly
douhle tliat spent in 1932-33* Twenty large pieces of electrical equipment v/ere hought
in the past year, as well as I3 mattresses, 2h rugs and S complete suites of furniture.
Small kitchen equipment, curtains and draperies, dishes, toweling, sheets a^d pillow
cases, and oil cloth were among the most frequent purchases shown in the records.
Clothin- errpenditures it 1933'-3^ averaged $101 as compared to $91 in 1932-33»
with from one-fifth to one-third of each person's clothing money going for shoes and
hose,
Automohile expenditures of the I67 farm families aieo increased in 1933-^^>
although the difference was not large. Eight families traded in their old cars for new
ones, and eight others traded for late model used cars. The 159 families in 1932-33
bought only three new cars.
Seventy per cent of the farm families attended the World's Fair in Chicago
last summer, considering the trip "both educational and recreational, and entering the
expenses accordingly in their hooks.
Even with increased expenses, the fann families were ahle to save an average
of $lUg each, the major portion of which v;as in the form of life insurance premiums.
Further heartening signs are seen by home economics extension workers of the
college in the recent almost record growth of county home bureaus and the livelier
interest which farm women are shov/ing in new ideas on home making and home management.
A total of 1,U69 new members have enrolled in Illinois home- bureaus during the past
five months, making the total membership now stand at 9»3^1« Twenty-six community
home bureau units have been organized in the state since December 1, 1933.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 19H. H. W. Mumford. Director.
Vol. XVII- No. '20 Sr[;e ExiensTOtt f930sa0ttg«r Page 2
Cow Culling Sets Stage For State Efficiency Record
Elimination of thousands of lo\7-producing and unprofitable cov;s by members
of Illinois' 53 dairy herd improvement associations made it possible for their herds
to set a new state record in efficiency of production during the past year, accord-
ing to a report by Prof. C. S. Rhode, chief of dairy husbandry at the College of
Jigriculture, University of Illinois.
The 20,0US cows retained by the herd improvement association members aver-
aged 321 pounds of butterfat each during the past year. This is the highest ef-
ficiency record ever attained by association members in Illinois and is lUl pounds
better than the ISO-pound butterfat average of all cows in the state. In 1932 the
average butterfat production for cows in dairy herd improvement associations in this
state was }1J .6 pounds as compared with 3IO.I pounds in 193^ and 2g2.3 pounds in I925.
Members of herd improvement associations have realized more than ever during
the past three years that the practice of keeping "fewer and better" cows is a sound
method of adjusting their individual problems, as well as the problems of the industry
as a whole, it was explained. Consequently during these three years, many Illinois
association dairymen have practiced rigid culling, disposing of approximately 10,000
low-producing cows.
How efficiency of production acttially affects the producer is shown by the
estimated return of !fe26.7S above feed cost for the average cow in this state, while
the average cow in dairy herd improvement v/ork ret\irned $6U.91, or an increase of
more than IU2 per cent.
In point of individxial production, a grade Holstein cow owned by the Moose-
heart Home in Kane countj'- led all others of the state with a record of 26,65^ pounds
of milk containing 1,030.3 pounds of butterfat. The highest-producing herd in the
state in 1933 was owned by Timm and Ralston, of Boone county, with an average of 579
pounds of fat and 13,671 pounds of milk.
Chinese Cabbage May End State 's Saue rkraut Problem
A new delicacy may be served up to the 4-5,879 inmates in Illinois' 27
charitable and penal institutions and a big problem in the diet and feeding of these
people may be solved if experiments started by Lee A. Somers, vegetable gardening ex-
tension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, prove as
successful as they promise to be.
Tlie new delicacy is sauerkraut made from Chinese cabbage instead of the
common cabbage, which sometimes fails \inder fall weather conditions in Illinois.
A. L. Bowen, director of the Illinois State Department of Public V/elfare, and other
state officials already have sampled the new kind of sauerkraut. Some of them pro-
nounced it superior to common cabbage sauerkraut, some said they could tell no dif-
ference and others did not like it as v/ell. It has been more or less common opinion
that sauerkraut could not be made from Chinese cabbage, or "celery cabbage," as it is
sometimes incorrectly called.
Sauerkraut is a mainstay in the diets that are served at the state's 27
charitable and penal institutions. Unfortunately, however, the fall crop of cabbage
which must be relied upon for the kraut is frequently a failure in this state.
Chinese cabbage, being strictly a fall crop and much easier to grow than common cab-
bage, would overcome the danger of a crop failure, but the question was whether or
not kraut could be made from it. Somers tried it out on a small scale last fall and
successfully produced a satisfactory kraut. As a result of the sticcess of the pre-
liminary experiments, each of the state institutions will be asked to malce a batch
of Chinese cabbage kraut this fall.
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vor . XVII - Uo. 20 ®*?^ Sxisnaton mB^s^m^t p^^^ 3
Good Horses More Scarce Tlian Is Generally Realized
Althoti^h it has teen known tliat the n'umber of work animals on farais in the
United States has been declining as much as 35^»OOC horses and mules in a single year,
the scarcity of good work stock in Illinois is even more pronounced than generally
realized, according to C. W. Crawford, associate in animal husbandry at the College of
Agricultiire, University of Illinois.
The number of horses, mules and colts on farins in this state as of January 1
of this year totalled approximately 8^9,000 as compared v/ith 868,000 on the same date
in 1933» 0^ a- decline of 19,000 head in the 12 months. The population of horses, mules
and colts in Illinois in I93C numbered 966,000, in I925 it was 1,198,000 and in 1920
totalled 1,^65,000.
Farmers have sold down to their minimum needs and will seldom price a horse
for sale, says Crawford, following a trip through central Illinois at v/hich time he
made a survey of the available supply.
"There are a few teams of 3~ysar-olds which can be bought and a few big
teams of rather plain order," he explains. "Of coiorse, after the crops are in, there
will be some horses which can be spared.
"Quite a fevY farmers are in need of more horses and are in the market for
teams of mares. Of late, farmers' ideas have changed radically in respect to the age
of horses. They now insist vpon buying young animals, and there are indications of a
return of greater pride in horses and better care given them.
"Stallion owners, as a rule, report all the business they can handle. Like-
v.'ise, there are quite a few foals to be seen in the pastures. Yet when one considers
that it takes four or five years to produce a work horse, as well as the high pro-
portion of old horses on farms, there is little likelihood of too many being raised
in the near future. The main difficulty will be in the scarcity of young mares and
stallions."
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Im-p roper Care After Eggs Leave Farm Lowers Quality
Complaints of consuners about the low quality of eggs sometimes offered for
sale during sxmimer months can often be traced to careless management on the part of
people handling the eggs after they leave the farm, says H. H. Alp, poultry extension
specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Poor quality ep-gs tend to reduce purchases by housewives, a,nd this in turn
lowers the prices and profits received by both farmers and dealers. Thus with the
approach of warm weather, greater care should be taken in handling eggs as a truly
perishable urodxict, it is said.
Too commonly, eggs are held in the back room of a store which also serves
as storage space for various items, some of which should never be in the same room
with eggs. This room during the stmimer months will frequently have a temperature
high enough to start the incubation of fertile eggs. Another criticism in this
connection is that often the small country buying stations do not have satisfactory
places to hold a product as perishable as eggs.
In one instance last summer, when the prevailing temperature was about 90
degrees Fahrenheit, Alp reports visiting a produce house consisting of a large room
covered by a sheet metal roof. In this room poultry was being fed and eggs stored
■until time for delivery to the next buyer. "Regardless of how good the quality of
those eggs when originally received by this dealer, they would qxiickly deteriorate
tmder such conditions," he explains.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225 •
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII May 23, I93U Num'ber 21
Drouth Makes CMnch-Bug Barriers Urgent Necessity
Favored by the continued dry weather, chinch "bugs are ■becoming so serious
that they will soon be making short work of thousands of acres of corn unless farmers
take steps immediately to establish barriers around corn fields, a,ccording to a warn-
ing by W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Natural History Survey
and of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Hordes of the pests will soon be leaving fields of destroyed small grain to
continue the destruction in corn, and only the prompt building of suitable barriers
will prevent what threatens to be ruinous losses, if the weather stays dry, Flint said.
These barriers can be made by plowing a furrow around the field, throwing
the dirt toward the corn and then smoothing this ridge, which should be 6 to 8 inches
( high. The fxirrow should be worked down with a plank drag so that it will have a
I smooth, dusty surface.
i After this has been done, post holes 18 inches deep should be dug along the
I ridge side of the furrow about I5 feet apart. The tops of the holes should be flared
! and kept dusty so that the bugs will fall into them as they scramble along the side
j of the furrow seeking escape-
I As soon as the chinch bugs begin migrating from the small grain to the corn
i fields, a liqiiid repellant should be poured along the top of the ridge. Crude creosote
I (not the expensive wood preservative type), naphthalene, naphthalene drain oil and to
I some extent pine tar oils are the most effective repellants because of their strong,
i disagreeable odor. Ordinary road oil and used crank case oil do not have sufficiently
j repellant odor and are not worth the labor of application.
A handy container for applying the crude creosote or other repellant material
can be made by punching an g-penny nail hole in the side of a metal bucket, about an
inch from the bottom and directly below the point where the bail is attached. A
stream of creosote or naphthalene oil flowing from such a hole will form a line on the
barrier ridge wide enough to turn back the bugs .
The repellant material should be renewed between 1:30 and 2:00 o'clock each
afternoon for the first several days, and then every other afternoon during the 1^
to 18-day period when the bug migration is active. Bugs trapped in the post holes
should be destroyed each afternoon about sundown by pouring one or two table spoonfuls
of kerosene into each hole, scattering it over the bugs. The kerosene should not be
ignited.
Between 35 and 5*^ gallons of the repellant solution will be sufficient to
Eiaintain a quarter-mile barrier during the danger period, and the usual cost is about
15 cents a gallon. An acre of corn saved will tisually more than pay for the main-
I tenance of a barrier one-fourth mile long.
i Plans are being made for demonstrations in approximately 60 infested
I Counties to teach local leaders proper methods of constructing and maintaining chinch-
^ "bug barriers. These local leaders, in turn, will push the building of barriers in
i their own commijnities.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
'y z '
2[I}0 iExtenaiott McsBeti^ev
Vol. XVII - No. 21 Page 2
Illinois Dai ryme n Look To Sires For Hif:her Returns
Illinois dairymen who are planning for the time when they may market less
milk and butterfat hut secure higher net returns through the care of "fewer and
■better" cows, are looking carefully to their herd sires, says C. S. Rhode, chief in
dairy husbandry at the College of Agricxilture, University of Illinois, During the
past year alone at least 25 dairy bulls in different herds of the state have been
"proved" on the basis of definite production records on their daughters, he reported.
That the herd sire of today has a definite influence on the dairy retiirns
of tomorrow is shown by the fact that daughters of 12 of the 25 proved bulls showed
an average increase in milk production over their dams, while I3 showed a decrease.
The daughters of lU of the sires produced more butterfat than their dams, but the
daughters of 11 produced less.
Continued use of a sire whose daughters produced less than their dams will
gradually destroy the profitableness of a herd, while the use of good proved bulls
gradually increases the efficiency, Rhode explained. How this improvement actually
takes place is illustrated in the case of the bull, Ona King Doede.
Ona King Doede was once mated to seven purebred Holstein cows whose average
butterfat production totalled U03 pounds annually. From these matings seven daughters
were dropped which eventually produced an average of 5^5 pounds of butterfat. Thus
these daughters averaged l62 pounds of fat more thacn their dams, or an increase of hO
per cent in butterfat annually.
A study of the pedigree of this bull reveals that he should have transmitted
this high production. His sire had 35 advance registry daughters vdth high average
prodioction, and his dam had a high record. She was sired by a proved bull and out of
a high-producing cow. The dam of this bull also had three high-producing daughters,
thus proving that she could transmit high production. Such pedigree records by which
the Value of a sire may be judged, however, are available only through regular testing
in a dairy herd improvement association or advanced registry facilities.
Many Illinois dairymen have improved the production level of their herds
through good feeding and close culling, and if further progress is to be made, much
of it must come through the use of bulls capable of siring cows with higher levels of
production, it is said.
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Past Records Set High Goal For U-H Club Work In I93U
Illinois farm boys and girls now enrolling in U-H clubs throughotit the 102
cotmties of the state, preparatory to beginning their 193^ projects, have a high goal
set for them in the achievements of. those who took part in rural junior club work
last year, according to figures released by the extension service of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A total of 25,192 farm youngsters, ranging in ages from 10 to 20 years,
carried on definite projects under direction of the agricultural college and their
co\anty farm and home advisers. Assisted by 2,771 local club leaders, 87*^ per cent
of the girls and S2.6 per cent of the boys completed their projects. Nearly 8,000. of
the members enrolled last year had taken part in k-E clubs in three or more previous
years. Many were carrying on club work for their fifth and sixth consecutive year.
The value of the livestock produced and cared for by Illinois U-H members
last year amounted to approximately. $500,000, while the crops they grew had a value_
of $75,937, reports E. I. Pilchard, extension specialist in boys» junior club work
at the U. I. College of Agriculture, Enrollment in strictly feminine projects totalled
11,8H2 girls explains Mary A. McKee, extension specialist in girls' ^H club work.
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2rij^ lExienaiott Mtaaeng^r
Vol. XVII - No. 21 Page 3
^jj Sowing Soyljeans And Cov.'peas May Help Meet Feed Heed
f Threatened with a serious feed shortage as a result of the dry weather and
he chinch btig menace, Illinois livestock farmers still liave a chance to meet the
situation "by planting additional land to soybeans or cowneas for hay, according to
the animal husbandry department, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Dry weather since the early part of April has reduced the growth of
pastures, meadows and small grains. At the same time the abnormally dry season has
been particularly favorable for the reproduction of hordes of chinch bugs, the most
destructive and widespread insect now present in the state. Unless heavy rains are
general' in a short time, these two factors may create a serious shortage of live-
stock feed, it was predicted.
Since chinch bugs do not feed on legunes, it is being su'^gested that
Illinois farmers take immediate steps to increase their soybean and cowpea acreage
for hay production. It may be advisable to plant some of the corn ground to these
crops.
Both soybeans and cowpeas are excellent roughages for meat, dairy and work
stock. When these hays are fed along with lower grade non-leguminous roughages,
they greatly improve the productivity of the ration. Soybeans may be planted in
the central and northern counties of the state and cowpeas in southern Illinois.
Soybeans are u.sually seeded soon after corn planting in a thoroughly pre-
pared seedbed which should contain sufficient moisture to sprout the beans. Inocula-
tion is, of course, recommended. '?hen seeded solid with a grain drill, 6 to 7 pecks
of beans will be required to the acre, or if planted in rows 2? to 32 inches apart,
35 ^^0 '^5 pounds will suffice in the case of medium-sized seed.
Sudan grass has a.lso given satisfactory results as a hot weather pasture
and hay crop in Illinois. However, since sudan is one of the favorite foods of
chinch bugs, it will be advisable to seed either soybeans or cowpeas as a companion
crop to sudan grass this year. Using 1-k bushels of beans or peas and I5 pounds of
sudan grass to the acre gives a practical seeding.
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Food Costs Total One-Fifth Of Rural Family Expenses
Although farmers in this state produce 6g per cent of the food served on
their tables, the grocery bill is still the largest item in the family's cash ex-
penditures, according to a summary of I67 home account records made by Mrs. Ruth C.
Freeman, home economics extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois.
During the past year the Illinois farm families covered in the summary made
to^tal cash expenditures ranging from $350 to $1,778, or an average of $679 each,
points out Mrs. Freeman. Of this amount, $1^7, or 21. 5 pertcent went for the purchase
of food.
Cash operating expenses such as telephone, fuel, light and power, ice,
servant hire, soap, matches and similar small supplies amoTinted to I5 per cent of all
cash expenditures. Another I5 per cent, or approximately $101 for each family, was
used in buying clothing.
Automobile charges accounted for the foiirth largest item, involving 12 per
cent of all cash expenditures, while recreation and education combined required 11
per cent, or an average of $77 for the average family during the year.
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AHvaan ivannnoiaov
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Folume XVII May 3O, I93U
Small Grains Being Killed; Farmers Plan Su"b s t i tute s
Widespread destruction by drouth and chinch hugs of Illinois' four prin-
cipal small grain crops, valued at an average total of $571^+25.200 annually, will
mean that thousands of acres of winter wheat, spring wheat, oats and harley will have
to be replanted with substitute crops if farmers are to get anything off this land
and avert a feed shortage, according to J. C Hackleman, chief in crops extension at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Legume crops su.ch as soybeans and cowpeas will get the call in most cases
because they are resistant to chinch-bug attack and can still be planted at these
delayed dates, he said.
Chinch bugs already are v/ell along with what threatens to be the most
I serious crop damage that they have ever caused in this state. Although the yovmg bugs
I are just hatching, the old bugs are causing unprecedented damage to barley, spring
I wheat, winter wheat and oats. In previous chinch bug infestations the damage which
I the old bugs did in the small grain fields was relatively insignificant compared with
■ the damage done by the new brood in July and August, but such is not the case this
I year.
Aiding the chinch bugs in their destruction of fields of small grain has
i been the continued drouth. Even where the crops will not be cornpletely destroyed by
I the combined effects of the drouth and chinch bugs, the yields will be seriously re-
j duced.
I In answer to many farmers who have signed AAA reduction contracts,
I Hackleman explained that there are no restrictions in these contracts which prohibit
farmers from replacing destroyed -wheat, oats, barley or other feed crops with soy»-
beans, cowpeas or any other pasture or hay crop. Under present conditions, however,
it would be unwise to seed sudan grass and other grass crops alone for pasture or for
hay, as they are too easy prey for chinch bugs.
"Any crop that is seeded for a replacement crop should first be considered
from the standpoint of chinch-bug resistance. This means that le.guminous crops such
as soybeans and cowpeas will be the most popular for seeding as emergency crops.
"Unfortunately, where it is necessary to replace ba.rley, oats or spring
wheat, it probably vdll be impossible under continued drouth conditions to seed the
soybeans or cowpeas deep enough to 'get sufficient moisture to bring up the young
plants. The best that can be done is to get the seed and have it on hand readj^ to go
into the ground just as soon as rain comes."
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Dairy herd improvement association members and other dairymen in approxi-
mately 30 Illinois counties are planning tours to the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois this suomer for the purpose of studying approved methods of feeding,
breeding and management as demonstrated in the agricultural college herds. Woodford
county dairymen were the first to make the trip.
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Primed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVII - No. 22 ©Ifip JExtenaion Mesatnger Pa^e 2
Dry Spring Shows Valtie Of Garden Irrigation System
Ten years ago the idea of irrigating their gardens would have "been scoffed
at "by Illinois farmers, hut the unusually dry weather of this spring has hrought home
the possibilities of irrigation in a convincing way, says L. A. Somers, vegetable
gardening extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Not all Illinois farms, but a very large number of them might have irrigated gardens
at small expense, he said.
During drouth seasons a simple, homemade watering system may mean the dif-
ference between a productive garden and a total loss. Likewise, having sufficient
water at the proper time is particularly important to late_planted vegetables.
In a majority of Cases the Illinois farmstead is built on a slight eleva-
tion with the garden laid out on a gentle slope a short distance from the source of
water. Generally, too, there is a pianp powered by a windmill or gasoline engine
that is capable of supplying far more water than is needed for household and live-
stock consumption.
All that is necessary on these farms, explains Somers, is a line of pipe
running from the livestock or storage tank to the upper edge of the garden, and a
piece of hose that can be moved from row to rov/ as needed. If the storage tank is
below the upper level of the garden, the pipe may be attached directly to the pump
and the water forced up to the higher level of the garden.
By using either a cultivator or hand hoe, rough fiorrows can be made be-
tween the rows of vegetables. The end of the garden hose can then be placed at the
upper end of a furrow and the v/ater allowed to make its way slowly to the lower end.
As the furrow becomes soaked, the hose is moved from row to row across the garden.
It will be necessary, of course, to keep the windmill or gasoline engine running to
maintain the water supply, but in most cases the method is inexpensive and does not
require constant attention.
Different farms will, naturally, require different adaptations of any type
of watering syston , for the problem is more or less an individual one. However, if
Illinois farmers will look over their own situations, a great many will find it en-
tirely possible and practical to irrigate the garden with but little expense and
labor.
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Rival Teams Will '^et Their Chance In Pulling Meets
Who owns the best pulling,- team of horses in Illinois? Will Willard Rhoads,
of Springfield, be able to keep the state championship? Wh3.t factors should be con-
sidered in the selection of good pullers?
These are some of the questions that are going to be decided in the annual
series of horse-pulling contests to be conducted in different parts of the state by
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. E. T. Robbins, livestock ex-
tension specialist, will be in charge.
Four contests have already been scheduled for this siimmer and fall, and
others may be arranged before the season gets tinder way, it is said. The first is
to take place at the Illinois ^tate Pair, Springfield, on Aiigust 21 and 22. 'Tlie
first day teams weighing less than 3»000 pounds will compete, with the heavier teams
testing their strength the follovving day.
Champaign county horsemen are plaJining to compete with each other at St.
Joseph on A-u^ust 28, while those of Warren county will stage their horse-pulling con-
test on August 31. The first contest scheduled this year for northern Illinois will
be held at Sandwich, in DeKalb county, on September 5*
®h* Extension Messenger
Vol. XVII - No. 22 ^ Page 3
Emergency Hay And Past-uxe Are Now Hope Of Farmers
Hay and pasture crops for the $l'40,Ul5,000 worth of livestock on Illinois
farms have heen "burned out to one of the lowest levels on record, and only emergency
plantings will save the situation for many farmers, according to J. J. Pieper,
associate chief of crop production at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois. Experiments conducted for a numher of years by the experiment station of
the college stand farmers in good stead in showing how to produce sorely needed
forage in times like these, he said.
Sudan grass, soybeans, cowpeas, millet and sorghum may yet he planted for
the purpose of fiirnishing either pasture or hay during late summer and early fall.
Under favorable weather conditions, they are usually ready for grazing within six
weeks after seeding, and may be planted as late as the first part of August with
reasonable assuranee of a crop of hay or pasture before the first frost. Planting,
however, should not be done until their is enough rain to insTxre germination of the
seed after planting, it is said.
Because sudan grass is one of the favorite foods of chinch bugs, the crop
should not be sown alone, except in the extreme northern and southern ends of the
state. In most Illinois counties, sudan grass should be sown in combination with
either soybeans or cowpeas v/hich are distasteful to chinch bugs. Drilled at the rate
of 10 pounds of sudan grass and 1 to 1-^ bushels of soybeans or cowpeas, the combina-
tion may be expected to give satisfactory yields.
If the farmer desires, he may substitute either German or White Wonder
millet in the place of sudan grass, but the yields will be lower and the hay of a less
desirable quality in the case of millet. Since millet is also attractive to the
chinch bugs, it should be planted in combination with either soybeans or cowpeas at
practically the same rate as sudan grass.
Where the farmer has sweet or grain sorghum seed on hand, it may be seeded
instead of the sudan grass or millet in combination with soybeans or cowpeas. How-
ever, if he must purchase seed, it will be more practical to buy sudan grass rather
than millet or sorghum seed.
In pastures where sudan grass or surghum are seeded, the fields should not
be grazed after the first frost owing to the danger of prussic acid poisoning the
livestock. Although it is believed that prussic acid does not develop in pure sudan
grass, so much of the seed available has been accidentally crossed with sorghum that
grazing after frost may result in prussic acid poisoning.
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Carbondale To Be_ Site Of Ouernsey Field Day, June 9
Celebrating the rapid growth in popularity of Guernsey cattle, in this
state, Guernsey breeders and their friends from southern Illinois will gather at Oak
Grove farm, near Carbondale, June 9» for a- special field day and picnic.
Between UOO and 5OO dairymen and their families are expected to attend the
event which is being sponsored by the Illinois Guernsey Breeders' Association.
J. R. McNeil, of Tuscola, president, and H. C. Horneman, of Danville, secretary of the
state organiza.tion, will be in cha,rge of the field day.
At present there are more than 5,300 purebred Guernsey cattle on Illinois
farms, or an increase of approximately 2S0 per cent since 1920.
C. S. Hhode, chief in dairy husbandry at the Colle:^e of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois, will appear on the field da.y program to discuss dairy cattle
breeding problems in Illinois, with special reference to the progress being made by
Guernsey breeders.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volwe XVII June 6, 193^ Numter 23
Chinch Bvigs Unharmed By Light Rains; Barriers Urged
Except where there have "been heavy rains, the record hordes of chinch hugs
have not been thinned out hy recent rainfall, and barriers therefore are still the one
hope of farmers in protecting their young corn against the first-hrood hugs, accord-
ing to W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Natural History Survey
and of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
It is not too late to "build harriers against the hugs even after they first
get into the corn, Flint said. However, in such cases it is necessary to go out into
the corn, beyond the line which the btigs have already reached, and build the barriers
there with the idea of saving as much com as possible. Com back of the barrier,
where the bugs are feeding, should then be destroyed to force the pests into the
barriers.
There has been some question about the merit of barriers from farmers who
have felt that the bugs were so thick and so far advanced that it was futile to attempt
stopping them, Flint said.
Thousands of miles of barriers have been built as a result of demonstrations
which have been staged by county farm advisers, the extension service of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois and the Illinois State Natural History Survey,
cooperating* Farm Adviser H. A. deWerff, of Woodford county, for instance, estimated
that 100 miles of barriers were built to protect Woodford county com fields last
year and that an estimated 1,000 miles of barriers would be needed in that county
alone this year. The 100 miles of barriers built last year took a cash outlay of
$3,000 but they saved com that was worth $90,000 at present prices, Farm Adviser
deWerff pointed out.
Throwing vip barriers will protect corn against the first-brood bugs marching
from fields of destroyed barley, oats, wheat and rye to continue their destructive
feeding in nearby com fields. Later on the second-brood bugs may destroy com of poor
stand on weak ground, even though it is protected by barriers, bvt these second-brood
bugs will not begin appearing until about the middle of July. Furthermore, if there
are good rains in July and August, bugs of the second brood will be drowned out or
"mudded" in, and the damage from them will be reduced.
Total damage from the pests undoubtedly will run into the millions, and any-
thing that can be done to save some corn may be profitable, Flint pointed out. One
year the bugs caused an estimated loss of S^ million dollars to farmers in I7 south-
western counties alone, and this year they are worse than ever before and are scattered
over 70 counties, he said. Aided by the drouth, the record number of bugs now present
in the state are destroying fields of wheat, rye, oats and barley and are moving to corn
fields in search of food a month earlier than usual.
1 "If the weather remains dry and it seems tha.t the cost of a creosote barrier
jis not justified, a dust barrier, may be used. However, such barriers are effective
only while the soil is dry and must be dragged several times each afternoon to remain
{effective."
! -M-
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
•'^'^i;^n i.-'-
•vt.- V-
STh^ Extension Mesaennet
i Vol. XVII - Ho. 23 Page 2
Planting Of Emergency Crops Pushed To Svtpply ^eed
Thousands of acres of Illinois land where small grains, pastures and
meadows have heen ruined hy drouth and chinch hugs are now being planted to soybeans
and other substitute crops just as fast as sufficient rain comes to permit planting.
Legumes like soybeans and cowpeas are being used most extensively because they are
resistant to chinch-bug attack and can still be planted at these late dates. Crop
specialists of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois reported that most
Illinois farmers had laid in their supplies of soybean seed and were only waiting for
sufficient rain.
Seeding of a crop like soybeans is not considered safe -until after enough
rain has fallen to connect with the sub-soil moisture, crops specialists of the col-
lege pointed out.
While soybeans and cowpeas will be the most popular emergency crops, sudan
grass, millet and sorghtnn will also be used by some farmers. However, these latter
three crops are good prey for chinch bugs, and it therefore is recommended that they
be seeded in combination with soybeans or cowpeas. The combination may be seeded at
the rate of 10 pounds of sudan grass, millet or sorghum and 1 to 1^ bushels of soy-
beans or cowpeas.
] Possibilities for Illinois fairoers to produce at least part of their needed
feed through the growing of emergency and substitute crops have been increased through
I the lifting of restrictions in the MA corn-hog and wheat contracts. All the thousands
of AAA contracted land in the state, as well as any and all non-contracted acreage, can
now be turned to the production of certain hay, forage and pasture crops to offset the
feed shortage resulting from the unprecedented drouth.
Fanners who have signed corn-hog and wheat contracts are now making the most
jof the new ruling which permits them to use their contracted acres for all hay, pastiire
I or forage purposes, except the planting of fodder corn and grain sorghum.
I Heretofore the use of contracted acres has been so limited that contract
(Signers were only permitted to pasture additional permanent pasture that was seeded
[without a nurse crop.
' The modification is particularly helpful to farmers who are now short of
•pasture or hay and who last spring seeded their contracted acreage to a forage crop
with the intention of plowing it under for soil improvement. This crop may now be cut
for hay or pastured as the contract signer desires.
The new ruling also helps farmers who set aside for their contracted acres
old bluegrass or clover pastures which they intended to plow under in a soil inrprove-
ment program. This acreage can now be pastured or used for hay.
Furthermore, the contracted acres can now be planted to soybeans, sudan
grass or millet to be used as an emergency pasture or forage crop in late summer and
early fall. Such crops, however, must not be cut for seed purposes but must be fed as
forage. Farmers can, however, sell hay from these acres to a neighbor who has no hay.
In addition, the limitations have been modified to the extent that any and
all non-contracted aci^s may be seeded to any crop for forage purposes, incl-oding
fodder corn and grain sorghum. Heretofore, farmers were limited in their plantings of
these crops even on non-contracted land, because their acreage of soybeans, cowpeas
and all other harvested crops in I93U could not be more than their harvested crop
acreage for I932 or 1933, whichever was the higher. However, even with the modifica-
!tions, neither the fodder corn nor the sorghum can be planted prior to a date to be
set by the Secretary of Agriculture. This date has not as yet been established for
Illinois, but the decision is expected soon.
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Vol. XVII - No. 23 ^ "^ Page 3
Green Wheat May Furnish Emergency Feed In Illinois
Cutting green wheat and other small grain crops for hay instead of harvest-
ing them for grain is one way that Illinois farmers can meet the present serious feed
sitxiation, it is suggested "by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
ff|.th the continuation of extremely dry weather and the devastating inroads of the
chinch hxags, many dairymen face the most serious forage shortage in decades, it is
believed.
Wheat has a high feeding value, if cut for hay in the early dough stage
when the plants are quite green, according to W. W. Yapp, chief of dairy cattle at
the college. When cut at this time, it has more feeding value than oat hay cut under
similar conditions and is comparable to mixed clover and timothy hay. Where the
chinch hugs have "been prevalent in the wheat field, it is easily possible that the
largest amount of digestible nutrients and the greatest feeding value would be gained
by mowing it for hay.
"It should be borne in mind," explains Yapp, "that wheat hay should be fed
in combination with a roughage of higher protein content, such as alfalfa, or should
be supplemented with a grain feed containing relatively large amounts of protein.
Adding ground soybeans or cottonseed meal to the grain ration will overcome the de-
ficiency in the wheat hay.
The question of whether dairjTnen should cut their small grain for hay or
.harvest it for grain can not be decided for all alike, it is pointed out. Much de-
pends on the probable yield of the grain, the price of wheat in relation to the price
of hay, the prevalence of chinch bugs in the grain and the individual farmer's need
For hay or ro'ughage. These factors must be weighed on each farm before the final
iecision can be made,
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Sunf lowers May Be Utilized For Silage By Dairymen
Sunflowers may be grown by many Illinois farmers this year to make silage
Ifor their dairy cattle, as a result. of damage to other crops by chinch bugs and
irouth, according to Prof. C. S. Ehode, chief in dairy extension at the College of
.igriculture, University of Illinois.
The fact that sunflowers are chinch-bug resistant makes them a possible
silage crop this year. In past seasons when the bugs have been bad, Illinois dairy-
nen have grown sunflowers and have found that the resulting silage was fairly
palatable, Rhode said. Cows fed sunflower silage, however, do not generally prodioce
IS well as those given regular corn silage.
Where barley fields have been practically destroyed by the chinch bugs,
•i3hode suggested that farmers may seed a portion of this land to sunflowers. The crop
aay be seeded any time prior to the middle of June, and is usually drilled in rows U2
inches apart with the plants 10 inches apart in the rows.
ExperiiDsnts conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois
indicate that the best time to cut sunflowers for silage is when about one-fourth of
the plants are in bloom. Silage made from sunflowers at this stage is more palatable
ind is superior for millc production to that made from more mature plants. The com-
position and flavor of the milk are not affected by sunflower silage, Ehode said.
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AGRICULTURAL LIPRARY
ROOM 225
NEV/ AGR BLDG
• COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume ITII June I3, I93U Humter Zk
Record Creosote Distri"bution Aids Chinch-Bug Fight
Illinois claimed something of a state record in the distrihution of
government-purchased creosote for chinch-bug "barriers during the week of June 10 to
l6« That period saw farmers preparing to make a last stand to protect their corn
crop, from which they have realized an average annual value of more than $120,000,0CC
even during the past five years and on which they can ill afford to take losses this
year.
By June I3, shipments of 650,000 gallons of the creosote were moving into
the 70 infested counties of Illinois, it was announced hy Prof. W. P. Flint, chairman
of the state chinch-hug control committee and chief entomologist of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinos and Illinois State Natural History Survey.
This record was accomplished in spite of the fact that it was not until
3 p.m., on June 8, that word was received ahout the passage of the federal hill ap-
propriating $1,000,000 for the purchase of the harrier creosote in 11 states. Be-
tween that time and June I3, v/hen the 650,000 gallons was on its way to delivery, the
committee had to perfect plans for getting the material distributed, approve the re-
quests from coimties and get the orders to Minneapolis, Minn.
Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers in the extension service
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, and W. W. McLaughlin, director
of the Illinois State Department of Agriculture, were other members of the committee.
Arrangements also were completed on June I3 v/ith federal officials for the
utilization of as much as Uo,000 gallons of creosote then available in a number of
counties through an Illinois farm sTipply company. Having this local supply gained an
important time advantage for some cotmties, inasmuch as most of the shipments of
creosote on government orders theretofore had been made from the vicinity of Chicago.
Barrier material purchased on government order was in addition to a vast
amount of creosote which farmers, themselves, had bovi^ht before the federal chinch bug
bill was passed. Fortunately for Illinois farmers they have since last summer and
fall been warned by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and the Illinois
State Natural History Survey that a chinch bug pljigue was imminent this season. They
were forearmed therefore in time to get their materials ordered, their barriers built
and their cropping systems arranged to minimize damage.
The week ending June I6 saw farmers preparing to make what was the last
stand against the march of the bugs. After that time it was believed that the pests
would be so scattered in most counties of the state that it woixLd be useless to try to
protect corn. There may be some cases where barriers built after this week will still
cut off damage from the btigs, but such cases will be few.
No slackening of the chinch-bug threat was indicated in reports which came
in from farm, advisers as the deadline for barrier building drew near. Christian
county reported an infestation so thick that Farm Adviser T. H. Brock claimed the
"chinch bug center of the world" for that county. Prof. Flint agreed. Formerly
Macoupin was believed to have been the chinch-bug capitol, but developments this season
have shifted the "honor," or more properly the horror, to Christian, it was said.
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Printed in furtlierance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
r .:'! ■ ir
Vol. XVII - No. 2k Sri|0 iExttnaton meBBtngcr P^ge 2
Early Feeding Of &rain To Pallets Insures Egg Cash
Pushing pullets for extra early fall egg production may he a tempting way
of trying to improve the farm's cash income this year, hut such pullets may "fade"
out as layers and as a steady source of income, says H. H. Alp, poultry extension
specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Sggs have brought
Illinois farmers an average annual income of $20,000,000 dtiring the past four years,
and this source of cash prohably will he relied on more than ever this year, he said.
Egg prices are generally at their highest in the fall months, and to take
advantage of this market, poultrymen force their pullets into early production hy
continuing them on a mash hi^er in protein than is needed for good growth.
The all~mash system of feeding has proved quite satisfactory in many in-
stances, points out Alp. However, when used incorrectlj'- it is helieved to he partially
responsible for pullets "fading" out of production in the fall and winter, because of
failure to secure good physical development during the growing period. Early ma~
turity in pullets is desirable, but maturity at the expense of physical development is
likely to prove unprofitable.
To help overcome erratic winter laying, it is s'uggested that grovdng pullets
be fed for gcpd physical development, such as may be obtained on many farms through
the liberal feeding of grain. It is true tliat grain-fed birds may not come into pro-
duction as quickly, but in the opinion of a nimber of practical poultrymen, they are
likely to be more consistent in their winter laying.
A mixture of equal parts of cracked corn and wheat fed in a hopper, in con-
junction with the regular mash, has given satisfactory economical results. Alp ex-
plains. As the birds become older, whole grain may be substituted for the cracked
feorn in the mixture.
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Frariklin's Adaf:e Verified Today By Illinois Farmers
Ben F^'anklin's old adage about "the best investment is a deposit of
fertility in a soil banlc" is being confirmed in 193^ "by hundreds of Illinois farmers,
says L. B. Miller, associate in soil experiment fields at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois.
Farmers who in past years applied limestone to their soils so that they
might grow alfalfa, red and sweet clovers, have found the investment to pay good
dividends, and particularly so this spring. Drouth in many Illinois counties dried up
the bl-uegrass pastures, making them almost worthless by the middle of May, but leg"umes
made possible by limestone applications have come to the resc\ie with both pasture and
forage.
A tj^ical example of such investments and timely dividends is foxmd on the
farm of Frank H;«ley, in McLean coimty, Illinois, explains Miller. Back in 1915j
Hanley applied limestone at the rate of 3^ tons to the acre on a 15-acre field. It
was then conceded to be the thinnest soil on the farra and had not grown clover for
years.
In the past 19 years, however, the field has produced several good stands of
alfalfa and this spring exhibits an excellent groAvth of a red and sweet clover mix-
' ttire. The field is being pastured and the owner has remarked that it "certainly has
been a life saver this season with the bli:iegrass pasture of little or no value."
It is possible that the original 3s'~'ton limestone application made I9 years
ago will continue to give good results for many more years, points out Miller. If,
; however, it is assumed that it is now exhausted or leached from the soil, the cost at
i present prices has been only 35 cents an acre each year.
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■ 0:., T-
vol. XVII - No. 24 ®*|P Sxtettaiott Mesaenger Page 3
Chopping Hay May Have Added Merit In Year Like This
Illinois farmers will not harvest their usual crop of 3,000,000 tons of hay
this year, hut that may be only one more reason why it will pay many of them to use
the newer practice of storing it in chopped form rather than as long hay, in the
opinion of R. H. Reed, agricultural engineer at the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois.
Farmers who have been using chopped hay say that less is wasted by livestock,
an important point when the hay crop is as short as it threatens to be this year, he
said. As much as 20 to 30 per cent may be wasted w?hen coarse soybean hay or hay of
poor quality is fed long, it was said.
Other advantages in favor of storing hay in chopped rather than unchopped
form are savings in time, labor and expense, Reed reported.
From a questionnaire sent to farmers in majiy parts of the United States, it
was learned that those who are now chopping their hay with a hay chopper or ensilage
cutter as it is put into the barn have fou-nd the practice so satisfactory that few,
if Einy, would return to the use of long hay.
Among the many advantages noted in the use of chopped hay, explains Reed,
is the elimination of work in the hot, dusty mow at harvest time. IVhere a chopper is
used at the barn, it not only cuts the hay into short lengths but also elevates it and
places the hay in any part of the mow desired. This benefit was listed by every farm.er
answering the questionnaire.
In addition, farmers noted that the hay could be put up faster and with few-
er man-hours a ton, v/hen it was chopped than when stored as long hay.
Many farmers also found that the saving in mow space through the chopping of
hay permitted advantageous changes in their farming practices. Where the barn supports
were strong enough, or could be reinforced, from 50 to 100 percent more hay could be
stored in the same space or the extra space co-old be used for grain bins or other
purposes.
Most of the farmers using chopped hay reported that less time and energy
were required to throw the chopped ha^' down from the mow and feed it than had been
required previously for long hay.
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Barnyard Kings G-et Ax For Sake Of High-Quality Eggs
The open season for roosters is on in Illinois, and right now the life of
the "King of the Barnyard," who plays the leading role in lowering the quality of sum-
mer eggs, is in a hazardous position, announces the poultry division of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Rooster days are being sponsored by farm advisers, chambers of commerce,
newspapers and poultry companies in all parts of the state, with the result that m.ale
birds, yovmg and old, are being corralled for market. Premium prices and prizes are
offered to farmers v/ho bring their roosters to to'.m on special days.
Back of these rooster day celebrations is an almost statewide effort to
produce higher quality eggs this summer and fall, it is explained. During the warm
months fertile eggs are the first to deteriorate, but by removing the male birds from
the flocks, farmers can take the first step toward insuring better keeping qualities
in their market eggs. Approximately $5,000,000 is believed to have been lost by Illi-
nois egg producers in one year as a result of marketing low quality and bad eggs, and
to fertile eggs can be laid the blame for a large portion of this loss.
?■■ "^^
'fIzE.
■A.A^<.
■•■/
®I|^ lExt^nsinn M^sstn^er
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
'^^f Experiment Station, and Extension Service
7olT3ne X7II J-ujie 27, I93U Nunter 25
Illinois Farmers Map Uext Move Agains t Chinch Btigs
Illinois farmers have waged such an intensive fight against the chinch hugs
threatening their corn crop that "by June IS there had "been distributed in this state a
total of 1,250,000 gallons of the creosote and coal tar which the government p\archased
and furnished free to famers for harrier hioilding, it was annovmced "by Prof. W. P,
Flint, chief entomologist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and Il-
linois State Natural History Sxurvey.
Any further check on the pests by the use of harriers is now practically im-
possible in all of the 70 infested counties. From now on the chief activities in the
fight will center in the late planting of emergency crops to replace those destroyed
by the pests and the drouth and in the possibilities of reducing damage from the
second brood.
The amount of government-purchased oil used for barriers in Illinois reached
the total of 1,250,000 gallons when the state was granted an additional 250,000 gallons
3n June I7. The state's original allotment was S00,000 gallons, but this had been in-
creased by 200,000 gallons before the final additional grant of 250,000 gallons was
nade.
By June 19 the 11 states had used the entire qioantity of barrier creosote and
;oal tar purchased by the governinent out of the special appropriation of $1,000,000
fhlch was passed on June 7»
Distribution of the 1,250,000 gallons of oil was made in Illinois without the
;ost of a cent for salaries, wages or other overhead, with the exception of transporta-
tion costs. Members of the state chinch bug control committee in charge of the dis-
tribution were Prof. Flint, chainnan; J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers in
Dhe extension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, and Walter
1. Mclaughlin, director of the Illinois State Department of Agriculture.
Heavy rains in some parts of the state on June I7 caused no appreciable
lasualties in the hordes of chinch bugs. The pests continued to be just as serious a
threat as ever to the com crop, which farmers are now depending upon more heavily than
iver as a result of the failure of many of their other crops.
Reports indicating that the rains did not lessen the dangers of chinch bug
lamage were received by Prof. Flint from a number of counties in the state. F. H.
)hunan, farm adviser of Whiteside county, reported that bugs submerged for two hours
ifter heavy rains of June I7 appeared to be as lively as ever after the water dried off.
Yiith everything done that can be done to check the bugs by means of barriers,
armers now are thinking and planning of what to do next. Suggestions to help farmers
•epair the damage that already has been done to their crops and to avoid as much damage
IS possible during the remainder of the season are being worked out by the chinch bug
ommittee of the U. I. College of Agriculture composed by Prof. Flint, chairman; George
[, Dungan, of the agronomy department; J. W. Lloyd, olericulture; W. W. Yapp, dairy
iiisbandry; J. L. Edmonds, horse husbandry, and James R. Holbert, of the U. S. Bureau of
'lant Industry, Bloomington, who is cooperating with the college.
Prinled in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfoed, Director.
^ifs Extension Msmn^tt
Vol. XVII - No. 25 Page 2
Late Corn May Be Best Porage Crop On Illinois Faims
Despite pro'ba'ble damage ty "both chinch 'biigs and drouth, corn may yet prove
to te the Illinois fanners' best bet as a forage crop this fall, in the opinion of
&'. H. Dungan, crop prodiiction specialist at the College of Agri cult tire , University of
Illinois.
Corn is usiJally considered for its value as a grain crop, but in a forage
shortage emergency such as may take place this year as a result of dry weather and
chinch biig infestation, the plant may be called upon to exhibit its dual possibilities,
it is said.
About the time the chinch btigs lay their eggs on the earlier planted corn,
which ustially occurs in Illinois about the last vveek in July, farmers may still plant
corn that will develop a large amount of forage before the first killing frost, ex-
plains Dungan. Obviously such corn will not produce grain and it may not mature
enough for silage, but it will prevent a forage shortage on many farms.
IMs corn should be drilled thickly at the rate of 1^ bushels of seed to the
acre, in much the same manner as soybeans. Heavy seeding is advisable to prevent the
plants from becoming too coarse for the best livestock feed. There is no particular
choice as to the variety, for any well adapted seed will produce sufficient growth for
forage purposes.
Sometime before the first killing frost, when the plants are tall enottgh the
corn may be pastiired or cut for hay as the farmer desires. The green corn plants, how~
ever, should not be pastured after the first killing frost because of the danger of
prussic acid poisoning.
As a general recoramendation, explains Dungan, soybeans, cowpeas, sudan grass,
grain sorghtim and millet are superior to com for forage production. But this year re-
ports indicate that most farmers have plenty of seed corn on hand, while the seed of
other possible crops is becoming both scarce and expensive. Thus, in the absence of
other seed and in light of threatening chinch b\3g damage, com may prove the most
practical emergency forage crop this fall.
Twenty Garden Crops Still Possibilities In Illinois
■J^ith the drouth being broken throughout most of the state, Illinois home
gardeners still i^ave time to produce considerable food for their families, if they plant
the proper crops, says Lee A. Somers, horticoiltural extension specialist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Probably some 20 vegetables may yet be planted
in most Illinois counties with reasonable assurance of success.
Gardeners can still get good, though late, crops of tomatoes, peppers, egg
plant and sweet potatoes, if strong plants are used and growth is hastened as much as
possible. Likewise, it is just the time of year to put out lima beans in nortliem and
central Illinois, although a bit late for the southern part of the state. Furthemore,
cucumbers, summer and winter squash and even an early variety of muskmelon such as
Hale's Best may be planted, if no time is lost.
Sweet com should be planted now and successively until as late as July 10,
while string beans may be put out at regular intervals until late July. For those who
like okra, a crop may still be had, if seeded pro2:intly.
By dropping four or five seeds in each hill and later thinning out the plants
until the most vigorous remain, Illinois grov/ers may produce late cabbage and cauli-
flower crops. In the case of cabbage, ho?/ever, only yellows-resistant varieties such
as Wisconsin All-Head Select or Wisconsin Hollander No. 8 should be planted.
To supply summer greens, the season is not too late for Swiss chard, v/hile
other crops tliat may yet be planted include carrots, Detroit Red beets, Rural New
Yorker or Carmen No. 3 potatoes, pop com and dry beans.
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Vol; XVII - No* 25 Page 3
Phosphorus Test Aiding farmers In Placing .AAA Acres
Perfected "before AAA programs were started, the field phosphorus soil test
developed at the College of Agrictilture, University of Illinos has come to the rescue
of Illinois fanners who are participating in the government's adjustment programs,
according to reports ty C. M. Linsley, soils extension specialist. More than 123,000
farmers in this state have signed corn-hog contracts and some 25,000 are cooperating
in the wheat control campaign.
To take part in the adjustment programs, the farmers agreed to withhold
from normal production at least I5 per cent of their former wheat acreage and 20 per
cent of their usual corn ground. AAA regulations, however, permit the cooperators to
use these contracted acres for certain purposes, one of which is the seeding of
legumes for soil improvement and erosion prevention.
Desiring to grow certain legumes on the contracted acres, AAA contract
signers must first know whether or not the contracted acres contain sufficient phos-
phorus to assure satisfactory growth. It was in svich cases that the available phos-
phorus test proved its value in the government's adjustment programs. The soil
acidity test recommended by the U. of I. Collej'^e of Agriculture, Likewise, was of
value in determining whether the proposed contracted acres contained enough lime to
grow alfalfa, red and sweet clovers.
How the phosphorus and acidity tests actually aided farmers in avoiding
serious mistakes is revealed in the personal experience of R. A. Congram of Ford
county as reported by Farm Adviser ¥. F. Purnell. Congram has decided to seed his
AAA acres to alfalfa and had located this plot where it would be most convenient for
his tenant. However, before seeding time Congram attended a soil testing meeting
conducted by Purnell in cooperation with the extension service of the college of
agriculture. He took with him soil samples from the proposed contracted acres as
well as from another field not so conveniently located but still available for the
purpose.
When the tests were made at the meeting, Congram was surprised to learn
that the first field was medium acid and lov? in available phosphorus, and therefore
unsuitable for alfalfa vdthout treatment. Field No. 2 proved to be sweet, with a
I fair supply of a'^'dilable phosphorus, and hence in good condition for alfalfa produc-
tion.
Like many other farmers in various sections of Illinois who had similar ex-
periences, Congram made arrangements to change the location of the contracted acres
to the second field, thereby probably saving his alfalfa seeding.
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Peach Thinning To Be Profitable ^There There Is Crop.
With nrospects for good peach prices this year, southern Illinois growers
can well afford to thin out the set to obtain the greatest possible yield of fruit of
marketable size, says M. J. Dorsey, chief, and R. L. McMunn, of the division of
pomology. College of Agriculture, Universit;/ of Illinois.
Since the crop to the north of Illinois was frozen out this yea.r, growers of
this state seem to be in a strong position in the markets This alone will repay
orchardists for bringing on a high qy£)lity crop, it was pointed out.
The buds that survived the low temperatures of the past winter are, for the
most part, located at the base of the shoots, it is e:cplained. This has resulted in
J so uneven distribution of the buds over the tree tliat a different type of thinning
iij should be practiced. The usual attempt to space the fruit should be omitted this
[! year in favor of thinning according to the total load of the tree.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Voltsne XVII Jvxie 27, I93U NmlDer 26
Increased Industrial Activity Bolsters Farm Prices
Brighter days for Illinois fanners have heen -ashered in with the contin-usd
swell in factory payrolls, comhined with increased industrial production, it is
shown in a monthly review prepared by Dr. R. U. Bartlett, Agricultural economist,
U. of I. College of Agriculttire . With grains registering the most marked advances,
the index of Illinois farm prices prevailing in May was 10 per cent higher tian a year
ago, the review points out.
Business conditions in May remained ahout the same as they were in April,
and up to that time the course of business activity in the United States had been
definitely upward since November, 1933» Dr. Bartlett said.
About 12 million dollars more was received by Illinois factory workers in
April, the most recent month for which figures are available, than they received in
^ril, 1933* Nevertheless, the April payroll this year was only U7 per cent of the
April average for the years I925 to 1927-
The total April income for factory workers in the country as a v/hole was
789 million dollars, which was an increase of 33S million dollars, or 73 P©^ cent,
over what it was in April, 1933» ^^^ review reports. However, the April U. S. factory
payrolls in April of this year ?rere only 67 «3 per cent of what they averaged during
^ril of 1923 to 1925.
The demand for food and hence the prices for farm products are influenced
by such changes in payrolls of industrial workers. Dr. Bartlett explained.
j "Prices of all Illinois farm grains in May of this year juaped 30 per cent
{above what they were a year ago. Oats, barley, wheat and com made marked advances,
while hay prices in May were 92 per cent higher than those of a year earlier.
"The principal advances in hay and grain prices can be attributed to actual
or probable reduction in supplies resulting from the drouth, chinch bugs and farm ad-
justment programs, going along with a continioad improvement in demand.
"Illinois livestock prices in May registered an 8 per cent increase over
the mark of a year ago. Prices. of lambs, sheep, horses, beef cattle and veal calves
were higher than they were a year ago. The only classes of livestock to register a
decline were hogs and milk cows. The average price of hogs was $3*15 ^ hundredvreight
on May I5 compared with $3.56 on April I5 and with $4.30 on May I5 last year. The de-
cline for the past month was partly seasonal and partly the result of a larger than.
usual increase in slavighter.
"Average farm prices of Illinois livestock products in May were 16.5 per
cent higher than a year earlier, with wool prices showing the most marked gains.
Parra prices for eggs were I3.5 per cent higher; for chickens, 9«^ per cent higher;
for milk, I3 per cent higher, and for butterfat 2 per cent higher tlmn last year.
Wool prices were U^ per cent higher than those of a year ago.
"Indexes of Illinois farm prices of 20 products by months in 193^ compared
with, the same month of I92I-I929 v/ere: Januiry 52, February 56, March 56, April 56
and Ifey 55. The Illinois farm price index for May, 193^^, was 10 per cent llgher than
a year earlier."
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Srtje Extension MeBeen^ev
Vol, XVII - No. 26 Page 2
Lespedeza Straw Proves To Be Fair Dairy Ho"ugh.aig:e
Illinois dairymen faced with a shortage of forage for their cows as a re-
siilt of the extreme drouth this spring will find threshed lespedeza straw a fair
emerj:;3ncy roughage, suggests W. B. Nevens, associate chief in dairy cattle feeding at
the College of Agrictilture, University of Illinois.
Experiments just completed "by the dairy husbandry department show that al-
thoTJgh lespedeza straw can not "be expected to be as high in feeding val"ue as well-
cTored lespedeza hay, it is nearly eqr^il to early-cut, leafy, green soybean hay.
When IS daiiy cows were fed lespedeza straw, :Ievens reports, they produced
an average of 33*5 pounds of milk: daily as compared to 35*5 poimds when fed soybean
hayo The lespedeza strav/ in this case contained 7 per cent protein, while the soy-
bean hay gave an analysis of I3 per cent protein.
Lespedeza is usiially harvested for seed when the plants are v/ell matured.
At that stage the plants are lower in protein and are more woody than at an earlier
stage when the best quality hay can be made. This probably accounts for the fact
that the lespedeza straw was less palatable to the cows than tlie soybean hay. In
sprite of this difference, the cows consumed all but 10 per cent of the lespedeza straw,
while they left 23 per cent of the soybean hay in the mangers in the form of coarse
stems.
The lespedeza straw fed during these trials consisted of approximately 67
per cent leaves, 25 per cent stems and 2 per cent timothy stubble. This high percent-
age of leaves and the good results obtained are accotmted for by the fact that the
lespedeza was cut before complete maturity. All of the leaves were carefully saved,
the straw was free from mold and in good feeding condition. The leaves of the soybean
hay, which was harvested very early, formed about 6U per cent of roughage, the stems
31 per cent and the pods 5 per cent.
Thus, when handled in a manner that will conserve its feeding value,
lespedeza straw may be depended upon to give fairly good results as a roughage for
daily cows, says Kevens.
U. S. Inspections Speed Fruit And Vegetable Sales
Shipping point inspection service, now available in many parts of Illinois,
is adding both speed and satisfaction to the sale of the state's $25,000,000 fruit
and vegetable crops, says J. W. Lloyd, chief in fruit and vegetable marketing at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Illinois growers are finding that official certification of the grade and
condition of their products is especially helpful in making sales on telegraph orders,
since the infoi-mation supplied by the inspection service is recognized as authentic in
both the trade and the courts.
On a falling price market, explains Lloyd, a car of either fruits or vege-
tables with an inspection certificate is much less subject to rejection than a car
without benefit of such service. Tliis is a valuable advantage to the shipper. Like-
vase, on a rising market, the distant buyer is more certain of getting what he wants,
if he buys only on the basis of official inspection. Thus more satisfactory dealing
all around is made possible through the inspection.
This shipping point service is furnished by tlie Illinois State Department of
Agriculture in cooperation with the U. S. Bureau of Agricultural Economics and may be
obtained by grower, shipping agent or buyer in all localities where early apples, cab-
bages, peaches, tomatoes, and late apples are produced in sufficient coinmercial quan-
tities.
Jpl. XVII - No. 26 Page 3
Small Grain This Year Is Suited To Good Gom"bining
While 193^ brought drouth, chinch "b-ugs and ■unusually short wheat and oats,
also supplies optim-um conditions to combine-harvest Illinois small grain crops,
says A. L. Young, agricultural engineer at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
In most parts of the state this season, it is possible to let standing
grain ripen thoroughly. There is little danger of lodging, and there are few weeds to
increase in size as the grain dries. The fact that the grain is short will prove more
of an advantage than a handicap to Illinois combine operators.
As a result of these favorable conditions, however, there will be a tendency
on the part of operators to thresh unusiJally fast, throwing a heavy load of grain and
chaff on the cleaning sieves and screens. This should be avoided, explains Young, for
it is likely to cause difficulty in separating even the dry foreign material from the
grain. If the sieve openings are kept small enorigh to separate heavy foreign matter,
rapid threshing will cause heavy tailing, resulting in a fairly large loss of grain in
chaff and straw. Furthermore, this may cause cracked kernels when excessive amotmts
of threshed grain are returned to the cylinder.
Short and very brittle straw to be found in most Illinois grain fields this
year will tend to increase the amount of chaff that works down throrigh the straw rack.
This will increase the sjno\mt of chaff tliat m-ust be handled by the cleaning sieves.
On some combines the size of the openings in the rack or conveyor caji be made smaller
to care for this condition.
To reduce the amount of chaff, it is generally best to use fewer concave
teeth and keep them up well. Lowering the concaves may let an excessive number of
heads pass through unthreshed, particularly when the straw is short.
Windrow combining this year is likely to prove somewhat risl:y« In fields
where there are both short grain and weeds, operators should bear in mind that
windrows not supported by a fair amount of stubble dry out very slowly if soaked by
a rain. Moreover, when windrows that consist mostly of heads are picked up, the
amount of grain left on the grovind will be high. Then too, vdndrowing short oats
where the cornstallvs have not been cut into short lengths is seldom advisable.
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Cultivating Orcliards Being Stopped As Thing Of Past
Another of the older farm practices that is fast becoming a thing of the
past in the 176,370 acres of Illinois orchards is clean cultivation, according to
Dr. W. A. Ruth, chief in pomological physiology at the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois. Although it gave orcliards a look of beatity. and of well-being,
clean cultivation is now known to do more harm than good, he said.
It is tr"ue that cultivation at certain times provides the best conditions
for growth, points out Ruth, but it also paves the way for soil erosion which is al-
ways more serious than it appears. Furtheimore, excessive orchard cultivation re-
duces the available water supply for the trees. By creating a dust mulch, which
water penetrates only slowly, cultivation causes the rain to run off instead of soak-
ing into the soil. Likewise, continuous cultivation destroys organic matter.
No definite rule for cultivation can be prescribed for all orcliards, says
Ruth, The age of the trees, the topography and ph^^sical condition of the soil must be
considered for each individual orchard in light of the benefit or harm that may accrue
as a result of certain cultivating practices.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII July ^t 193^ Nmter 27
late- Sown Crops Must Produce Emergency Stock Feeds
Emergency feed to help carry the ten million head of livestock on Illinois
farms can be obtained "by planting some crops as late as the middle of August, accord-
ing to a new circular, "Late-Sown Emergency Feed Crops for Illinois," which has just
been issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois to help fanners
cope with one of the most serious feed situations in history. Dr. L. H. Smith, of
the department of agronomy, is the author of the new circular.
Soybeans, cowpeas, corn, sudan grass, rye, millet, sorghum, rape and buck-
wheat for emergency fodder piiiposes may be planted in July and some of them as late
as mid-August, the circular points out. It is too m\ich to expect normal yields from
these late-sown crops, even if tlie weather is favorable from now on, but they will
enable farmers to make the best of a bad situation.
A further development in the drouth and chinch bug shortages of livestock
feed is the lifting of AAA restrictions to permit Illinois farmers to plant fodder
com and grain sorghvims on any or all of the 1,500,000 acres of land which are being
rented to the government under wheat, corn-hog and tobacco contracts.
For the most part, farmers have little choice between the different
emergency crops because seed of most of then is scarce, it is pointed out in the
college's new circular. It is being suggested that f arriE rs use such seed as is at
hand. If com is available, as it usually is, planting it promp'tly where it is
reasonably safe from chinch bugs will probably give better results than delaying to
search for some other crop.
Sudan grass has given reasonably good results at the U. of I. College of
Agriculture when it has been planted for emergency purposes as late as the middle of
August, It is a fast grower and can be used for hay, pasture or silage. At the ex-
periment station farm it has made pasture as early as four to six weeks after plant-
ing. One objection, of course, is that chinch bugs like it. Large seed dealers niay
be able to furnish seed. It may pay, particularly where large quantities are de-
sired, to inquire in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas where sudan grass is grovm.
Millet is another of the crops that can be sown late in the season. It is
not so highly regarded as sudan grass, but seed of it can sometimes be obtained after
the sudan supply is gone. This is another of the crops that tlie chinch bugs like.
Sorghum will withstand very hot, dry weather, but it is subject to chinch
bug attack. There are many kinds of sorghum, and the crop can be used for hay,
forage, silage, seed or the preparation of sirt^),
Eape, one of the chinch-bug-proof crops, is used for pasture, especially
i for sheep and hogs. It should not be fed to dairy cows becaixse it gives an off-
f flavor to the milk.
I Buckwheat, another chinch^bug-proof crop, may be sown until midsummer for a
I seed crop. It will thrive on poorer soil than will many other crops.
A mixture of sudan grass sjxd soybeans has given good results on the experi-
t, ment station faim of the agricultural college.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
."fr''.'""'.'* oc"" i'dc
Vol. XVII-No. 27 ®^^ lExUnsxttn fMeaa^ttser p^^^ 2
Banner Illinois Year Predicted For Le glomes And Lime
With approximately 1,500,000 acres of Illinois corn and wheat land re-
tired from normal production as a result of the government's adjustment programs,
193^ may "become the "banner year since 1930 in the application of limestone and the
seeding of alfalfa and other legumes in this state, says C. M. Linsley, soils exten-
sion specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This is home out by reports from county farm advisers in all parts of the
state. In all these reports there is evidence of a new and livelier interest on the
part of farmers in the college's long-time program for more legumes and "better hal-
axLced cropping systems.
Two of the most noticeable effects of the AAA in Will county are the in-
creased demand for alfalfa and sweet clover seed and the increased use of the soil
testing service to protect these new legume seedings, according to L. W. Braham, farm
adviser at Joliet. "Up to May 1," Braham explains, "the demand for alfalfa seed in-
creased more than 25O per cent and sweet clover seed 3OO per cent over tlae amount
purchased during the first four months of 1933* ^ a protection for these increased
piirchases, samples of soil representing more than 5OO acres were tested and mapped
during the month of April along."
Thirty-two carloads of limestone were ordered "by Peoria county farmers dur-
ing i^ril and M^ of this year, reports J. W. Whisenand, fann adviser there, while in
Carroll county I5 crushers have "been operated at local quarries to supply the lime-
stone demands of farmers. "It looks like one of the high years for liming and sowing
alfalfa," is the comment of M. P. Hoske, Carroll county farm adviser.
Seedings of alfalfa in Stephenson county will be unusually heavy this year,
if the number of soil tests and inquiries relative to the seeding of alfalfa can be
taken as an indication, writes Farm Adviser V. J. Banter. In one month U07 acres of
Stephenson county soils were tested for acidity and h'undreds of inquiries received
relative to legume production.
The com— hog program has directed the attention of Douglas county farmers to
the iniportance of crop yields, and as a resiilt there is a growing interest in leg^jmes
this year, ^arm Adviser Ward C. Cannon reports. A similar trend is noted in Edwards
county where Farm Adviser W. D. Murphy reports gains in alfalfa acreage. Sales of
alfalfa seed in DeV/itt county have been several times higher than normal, in the
opinion of Farm Adviser H. N. Myers, and E. S. Amrine, farm adviser in Wayne county,
reports several hundred tons of limestone ordered for farmers in his county.
Use Of Tractors Making Abnormal Sains In Illinois
An abnormal increase in the use of tractors is taking place on Illinois
faims today as a result of the steady decrease in available work horses and the im-
provement in ti-actors and tractor' equipment, says H. I. Shav^l, assistant chief in
agricultural engineering at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The
latest available census figixres credit Illinois farmers with nearly 70,000 tractors,
or an increase of almost Gl per cent over the I925 tractor enumeration of ^3,325*
This trend in the use of mechanical power has been stimulated in the last
few years by a decided increase in the over-all efficiency of tractors, resulting
from iniprovements in design, material and construction, Quality, dependability,
adaptability and long life are now demanded by and available to tractor buyers.
Furthennore, in their efforts to reduce crop production costs, Illinois
j fanners who grow row crops have been attracted to the modem general-purpose type of
I tractor with its multiple-row cultivating and planting equipment, explains Shawl.
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vol. X7II— No. 27 ©Jjs Extension fKpaa^nstr ^^s® ^
Delayed Peach Spray Likely To Pay Well !CTi/ls Year
With prospects for higher prices this s"ummer, Illinois peach growers who
are fortunate enough to have a crop will save money and get hetter results if they
delay applying the usual sulphur sprays or dusts until two or three weeks before
harvest.
!Ehis is especially true this season because of the dry spring and the
light infestation of curculio, advises H. W. Anderson, chief in pomological
patholoQr at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Brown rot, the most serious fungous disease of peaches does not cause much
damage until the peaches approach maturity, it is explained. In seasons of heavy,
early-summer rainfall, some fruit rotting may occtir four or five weeks "before ma-
tTirity, but this is rare under Illinois conditions.
Since sulphur sprays or dusts are good insurance against brown- rot damage,
growers will make a serious mistake, if they neglect this practice and allow the
disease to become established in their orchards. With a general scarcity of peaches
and higher prices for quality fruit, the protective spray will pay good dividends on
time and money expended.
The most effective spray schedule for brown rot is one application about
two weeks before harvest and another as near harvest as possible. Wettable sulphurs
which do not stain the fruit or lime-sulphur dusts shotild be used. Lead arsenate
should not be added to the spray at this timei and lime may be omitted when the
wettable sulphurs are applied.
Although some buyers are inclined to discriminate against fruit showing
evidence of spray materials, neither the lime nor the sulphiir is injurious. Further-
more, the presence of brown rot is likely to cause greater market loss than the ap-
pearance of a small amount of lime or siilphur on the peaches, it is said.
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lis Itivestments In Livestock Justifies Having Shade
An investment of more than $1^40,000,000 which Illinois farmers already
have in livestock readily justifies the small amount of money and labor that might
be spent in supplying shade for their animals during the extremely hot days of mid-
summer, says W. A. Poster, farm building specialist at the College of Agriculture,
IMiversity of Illinois.
Sunlight in tlie winter is a tonic, giving warmth and comfort to all animal
life, points out Poster. But in summer it becomes so intense and severe that live-
stock should have protection from its blistering rays in the middle of the day. To-
day many Illinois pastures are void of shade and the animals confined in them must
suffer from both extreme heat and insect pests.
If trees are not available for shade, artificial protection can be erected
with small cost and a little labor, Foster explains. A few posts and poles covered
with brush or wire, then a thin layer of stall:s, weeds or straw will give adequate
shade. The rain will pass through this thin structure, tliereby reducing the dust
caused by the stock stamping at flies.
In line with the renewed interest in soil conservation and reforestation,
setting out a few trees in each field and pasture will supply a shade in a few years
that will pay J-arge returns on a small investment. In carrj^ing out such a plan,
farmers should use care in selecting the trees, choosing healthy, quick-growing
varieties that will become beautiful, hardy specimens. A protecting barrier should
be btdlt aroxmd the trunks of these trees so they will not be injvired by the animals.
This will not only provide shade for the livestock, but -.vill add beauty to the farm-
stead.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
XVII July 11, I93H mmter 2S
First Illinois Corn-Hog Contracts Now In Washington
Approximately 123,000 Illinois fanners who have signed corn-hog contracts
are looking forvrard to the arrival of the first checks for close to $35*000,000 in
■benefit payments, following the announcement "by officials of the College of Agricul-
tiore, University of Illinois that the first of the contracts from this state have been
sent to Washington.
The first contracts — S7 in ntimher— were from Piatt covmty and were mailed
to Washington Saturday night, July 7* As soon as the contracts are checked and ac-
cepted hy the Secretary of Agriculture, the first checks for benefit payments to
farmers in this state will be started back from Washington. All those in the first
consignment were early payment contracts, that is, the farmers signing them agreed to
accept changes in their contract figures without having the changes submitted for
their approval.
Sixteen other counties made progress toward getting their checks when it was
annovinced that they had adjusted the contracts of their farmers to meet the quotas of
corn and hog production as set by the state board of review. Four other counties on
Monday, July 9» had all but completed the adjustment of their contracts for final ap-
proval and five other counties will probably get the work finished this week, it was
annovinced by A. J. Surratt, state agricultural statistician and chairman of the state
board of review.
The 16 counties that have just met their quotas are Boone, DuPage, Lake,
DeWitt, Piatt, Effingham, Fayette, Monroe, Williamson, Saline, Wabash, Washington,
Clark, Clay, Cunberland, and Moultrie. Six counties that had completed the work
earlier are Cook, Will, Bond, Calhoim, Lawrence and Gallatin.
The fotiT counties next in line to meet their quotas are Scott, Ford, Massac
and Edwards. The five which probably will get the woric done this week are Cass,
Christian, Qreene, Madison and Crawford,
After the counties have met their quotas, all that remains to be done is to
get the contracts typed in final form, signed for the second time by the producers and
then sent to Washington, after the necessary clearance papers have been obtained from
the state board of review.
With the payment of benefit checks to corn-hog farmers just getting started,
nore than seven million dollars had been distributed up to the first of July, accord-
ing to word received by the U. of I. College of Agriculture from AAA headquarters at
Washington. Nearly 65,000 fanners liad shared in these first payments, most of which
went to those who signed early payment contracts.
Once they are sent in to Washington by the couxity corn-hog production con-
trol associations, the contracts are handled at the rate of ^,000 a day. A rate
vould be even speedier than this and the checks could be sent back still sooner if the
contracts were absolutely free of mistakes. When examiners find m.istakes and inade-
luate information in the contracts, the AAA must write a letter to the county corn-hog
Production control association to get the correct facts. This takes time, but care of
this kind must be exercised in dealing with more than a million cooperating corn-hog
Ifarmers throughout the United States, it was pointed out.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfoud, Director.
■ Xfi.' ^ '.C~.
'*;"~.'*f * Sr '
vol. XVII - Wo. 28 ®^^ lExUnsxan MMactts^r p^^^ 2
Details Of AAA Wheat Program Remain M-uch The Same^
Approximately 25,000 Illinois farmers who are cooperating in the government's '
AAA wheat program were assiired three million dollars, or atout that mvich, in crop in-
siu-ance and "benefit payments on their 193^ crop v/hen Dean Herhert W. Mvanford, of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, received official word from Washington
relative to plans for the coming year's wheat program.
The required red-uction on wheat seedings for harvest in 1935 is to he I5 per
cent from the base period of 1930-1932, the same as was the case last year. However,
the announcement stated that more details were heing sent in amplification of this
point.
^ Benefit payments for making this adjustment are to he paid to the cooperat-
l^hg farmers at the rate of 29 cents a hushel on 5^ per cent of their average produc-
tion during the hase period of 1930-1932* the same as was the case last year. The
purpose is to give cooperators a parity price on that portion of their wheat which
goes into domestic consunption, and that portion is ahout 5^ per cent.
Twenty of the 29 cents is to he paid this Octoher and the remaining nine
ints less local administrative costs, next June.
The total henefit payments for the state figure up close to three million
liars less the cost of local administration.
The processing tax of 30 cents a htishel is to he continued as a means of
.nancing the wheat program, according to the word received hy Dean Mu:nford,
Announcement of the AAA wheat plans for the coming year continues a wheat
justiaent program which Illinois farmers have been carrying on for almost a score of
J years. Between 1919 and 1933 fanners of the state, guided hy the teachings of the ex-
I tension service, U. of I. College of Agricultxire and their county faim advisers, cut
their annual acreage of winter wheat 56 per cent, or more than one-half.
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Sp reading Chinch Bug Fungus Fails To Check Insects
While some method of stamping out the chinch hugs now threatening Illinois
corn fields would he welcomed, there is no hope that it can he done hy spreading spores
of the chinch hug \7hite fungus disease or hy putting out hugs that are infected with
the disease, according to W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the College of Agriculture,
i^iiversity of Illinois and Illinois State Natural History Survey.
IP If the weather should continue noimally dry, the disease will not spread to
TOther chinch hugs, and even the distribution of large quantities of the disease spores
will liave no effect on reducing the number of insects. If the Illinois corn belt should
I have an unusually wet summer, the disease will spread naturally without artificial prop-
t agation or spreading.
I Fifty yeax's ago, during the heavy chinch bug outbreak in 1883 "to 18S7 and for
,^ a number of years thereafter, experiments were carried on in Illinois by the late Dr.
Stephen A. Forbes and Dr. Snow of Kansas in an attempt to kill the chinch bugs by
spreading the disease among them. For a time it appeared that this method of control
would prove successful. Continued studies, however, gave disappointing evidence.
The Natural History Survey from I9IO to I9I5 developed a method of growing
! the disease on different types of media and was able to prodixe spores by the bushels,
j As long as the weather remained dry, it was found that putting out spores even by the
» peck in infested fields ha,d no effect in killing the b-ugs. If the weather became wet
J for a considerable period, the disease always appeared naturally and there was no ad-
•.iVantage in spreading diseased chinch bugs or disease spores.
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Vol. XVII - No. 2S ®tj0 Sxtenainn mpsacttgetr
■fe^ Silos Aid Illinois Farmers In Acute Fo rage Shortage
"^BP Silos are coming into such importance as a result of the critical feed
situation that one farmer even wanted to know how he could move a concrete silo in-
stead of building another, according to W. A. Foster, farm "building specialist of the
cepartraent of agricultural engineering, U. of I. College of Agric\ilt-ure.
Extremely dry weather and the chinch hugs have combined to reduce the
amount of hay and other forage that are normally stored for winter livestock consump-
tion. But on farms with silos, this loss can he overcome at least partially by putting
up additional silage. Corn planted or re~planted too late to mature for grain will
make good silage. Furthermore, such chinch— bug resistant crops as sunflowers, soybeans
and cowpeas may be made into silage. Where grain sorghum is grown, this too may serve
as a substitute for the more common corn silage.
Directions for successfully moving a concrete silo, which at least one farmer
wished to do, would be hard to give, but if a new silo of any kind is to be built, there
are certain things that must be kept in mind, Foster pointed out. In the first place,
the structiore should be strong enough so that it will not burst under great pressure.
It should be smooth on the inside so that the ensilage will settle freely, and lenk-
proof so that the juices will not seep away and air enter to cause spoilage. The silo
should be economical, of ample capacity, storm and fire-proof and attractive. The
latter feature may not be essential, but it will add to its valvie as a permanent improve*
iment in the faim bviilding groi:?).
Whether or not a silo is necessary on most Illinois farms is, of course, de-
batable in some cases, says Foster. However, with the increased difficulty of earning
a livelihood out of the soil because of keen competition, insect pests, drouth and
floods, late freezes and early frosts, the silo is becoming increasingly important in
Illinois farm operations.
Silo filling is hard wark, but it is all done in a few days in late Augu.st
and early September. Then the farmer has available, in a 100-ton silo, sufficient
feed to carry a herd of 25 cows through the ¥/inter with enough silage left over for
four to six weeks feed during the summer when pastures are short.
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t Close Inspections Cut Bepair Costs On Farm Tractors
Some kind of a long-distance record is likely to be claimed by a ten-year-old
ictor at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, and many of the 70>000
tractors now being operated by Illinois farmers would do as well if they were given the
proper care, says R. I. Shawl, of the department of agricultural engineering.
For the past nine and a half years, the U. of I. department of agricultural
engineering has supervised the operation of a tractor during which time it has com-
.'pleted nearly 6,000 hours of general farm work. The average yearly cost of repairs for
this machine has been $59.37. The tractor is still good for several more years of work
and need not be "junked" until the hourly cost of operation exceeds that of the newer
and better tractors of present manufacture.
No matter how well a trs-ctor is cared for, there vvill be some wear, breakage
5.nd need of repair, explains Shawl. These repair costs, however, can be reduced to a
dnimum by daily and yearly inspections and the use of high-grade oils, greases and
fuels supplied from clean containers. Checking over a tractor each year locates all
the loose bolts and nuts and the parts tliat need adjusting or replacing, thus prevent-
ing serious delays in the field. Taking care of every repair or adjustment as soon as
i-t is found also adds to the life of a tractor and reduces maintenance costs.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225 ^
NEW AGR 6LDG
©Ij^e Extension iHj^ss^ng^r
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII July IS, 193^ Number 29
Cattle Are Key Factors In Lfaking: Crop Ad^nistments
Retirement of some 1,S00,000 acres of Illinois corn and wheat land from
normal production under the AAA programs is likely to he successful only if livestock
ntiinbers are adjusted to the new levels of grain and forage production in the opinion
of R. R. Snapp, associate chief in heef cattle husbandry at the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois,
Cattle constitute a "lock washer" v/hich can he used to hold steady and give
: permanence to many adjustments which may he made in agricultural practices, he believer
Farmers with cattle will quickly see the advantages to be gained by raising
less grain and more forage and pastiu-e, since this new supply of forage can be used
effectively in beef production, exyjlains Snapp, Consequently, changes made by such
farmers in their cropping systems will be relatively permanent. On the other hand,
farmers without cattle will find their hay and pasture crops even more difficii.lt to
dispose of at remunerative prices than were their former surpluses of corn and wheat.
Cattle contribute further to the success of the government's adjustment
programs through the aid which they furnish in maintaining the fertility of high-
grade land. If marginal and sub-marginal land is entirely removed from cultivation,
it will be imperative that the land used for the growing of harvested crops be main-
tained in a high state of fertility. For this purpose, cattle manure has no equal.
Furthermore, beef cattle aid. in the elimination of burdensome surpluses
through their ability to convert a million bushels of corn into five million pounds
of beef. The million bushels of corn in its nattiral state would supply the total
cereal needs of 800,000 people for an entire year, while the five million pconds of
' beef vrill suffice only for 100,000 persons a year at the present scale of beef con-
suEiption,
Small fluctuations in the corn, barley and oat crops, amounting to a few
million bushels either way, have but slight effect on the grain market so long as
there are sufficient cattle in the country to permit the utilization of the surpluses,
or to permit the release of sufficient grain to make good the deficit "by the varying
number of cattle given a grain feed. Without sufficient cattle to furnish this safety
factor, relatively small fluctuations in the grain crops may have a great influence
on market prices, points out Snapp,
Cattle Feeders,' Day To Se Held at Us. of Ij, Auf-,-iast i
The annual cattle feeders' day will be held Friday, August 3, at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is announced by Prof. H, P, Rusk, head of
the department of animal husbandry. Despite the poor season, some of the gains made
by the experimental cattle this year beat those that have been made by any cattle of
similar age and weight fed at the college experiment station during the past 20 years,
it was said. New results will be available on cattle fattening investigations, on
grazing and feeding yearling heifers on pasture and on maintenance of the breeding
herd.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H, W. Mumford, Director.
Lazy Piffs Haven't Paid A Profit For Thirteen Years
"Lazy" pigs will be no more profitable this year than they have been for
the past 13 years, in spite of the fact that the country's spring pig crop is one of
the lightest in years and the prospects for prices are improved accordingly.
This is pointed out by W. E, Carroll, chief in swine husbandry at the Col-
lege of Agriculture, University of Illinois, who calls all pigs "lazy" that are now
being carried on light rations in the hope of making them utilize pasture fully and
of fattening them on new corn,
IJever in the past I3 years has new corn been enough cheaper than old corn
to give hog producers even a gambling chance of profiting by delaying the fattening
period, Carroll said. Slow feeding and late marketing of Afc-rch pigs, rather than
feeding them for a September market, figures a loss d'uxing every one of the past I3
years. This loss varied from JS cents a head in I92I to $8,36 in 1928, and last
year t'ne difference in favor of rapid gains was an even dollar a head. These compu-
tations consider the difference in prices of old and new corn, but do not take into
account that light-fed pigs require raach more pasture than full-fed ones,
"Lazy" pigs that are allowed to loaf along and iTiake slow gains usually rc-
qtiire more feed than those that make rapid gains, and xmder-fed pigs are m.orc likely
to become runty. The chief factor in profits, however, is that slow gains often
bring' pigs to market weight at a time when prices are unfavorable to profits.
That slow gains are usually expensive gains is revealed in the records of
I 147 pigs fed individually at the U, of I, College of Agriculture, Of these pigs,
I 70 head gained more rapidly than the average of all and 77 head more slowly. Of the
I 70 rapid-gaining pigs, 50 ^^^ less feed in making a pound of gain than the average of
the group, while of the 77 slow-gaining pigs 20 ate less than the average and 57 re-
a^oired more feed than the average to malce a pound of gain.
Spring-farrowed pigs that are fed for rapid gains are ready for market be-
lore the usual fall price decline sets in, points out Carroll, but those that gain
j more slowly often reach market in the middle of a price sl-ump. With fall-farrowed
pigs the relationship is usually less pronounced, thovigh it is often as important,
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Tomatoes From Cannery Crop Become A Market Factor
Production of cannery tomatoes is on the boom in Illinois, and truck
gardeners are worrying about what may be done to their business by the extra tomatoes
that may come on the market before the canneries open, it is reported by W, A,
Huelsen, associate chief in olericulture at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois,
Along the eastern seaboard, where canning and shipping areas frequently
overlap, cannery tomatoes do not often demoralize the market because they are usually
planted later and the canneries are generally ready to operate by the time the fruits
begin to ripen. The situation in Illinois will most likely adjust itself as soon as
( those growers who are contracting tomatoes for the first time learn that their end
, of the business is just as specialized as growing for market, and that they do not
: necessarily blend well, Huelsen believes, Tiie older growers have learned this throu'^
j experience,
I Production of cannery tomatoes is on the increase in Illinois because many
f canneries are resuming operations after a shut-down of several years, Huelsen reported,
In addition many sections of northern Illinois are growing tomato js for the first tine
' this year on contract for a large eastern concern which is building a new factory
; in Chicago, In the peak year of I925, some 7,650 acres were devoted to growing
:' cajinery tomatoes in this state,
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Vol. XVII— No, 29 SrtjE Sxtsnaiott MesesttQ^r Page 3
Eirfit Mistakes Limit Profit Possibilities Of Pullets
Eight common errors are lart^ely responsible for the wormy, rimty, non-lay-
ing pullets found among Illinois* 26 million farm chickens along about October of
each year, says H, H. Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture,
[Jniversity of Illinois,
During the summer months many farmers are not "egg conscious" and conse-
quently neglect the care of the birds when they may need it the most. As a result of
this neglect, the pullets are so stunted that they fail to produce the number of eggs
that might ordinarily be expected of them. Pills and worm capsules administered as
lure-alls seldom give satisfactory results in these cases, and the poultryraan finds
that efforts to remedy the mistakes are expensive, difficult and generally disappoint-
ing.
Among the common mistakes listed by Alp are: Empty feeders, empty water
troughs, dirty brooder houses without roosts, lice and mites in the brooder house, old
:ontaminated range, outdoor feeders seldom moved, no clean shade provided and sick
Dirds allowed to r;.raain in the flock.
Probably the greatest error in poultry majiagement, as far as feeding is con-
cerned, is failure to use the type of feeder most satisfactory for range conditions
md growing pullets. The outdoor feeder should be larger than that used in the brooder
louse and so constructed that it will not only prevent waste and contamination of the
feed, but will also keep the contents dry. Eor each brooder house there should be at
ileast two good-sized feeders. Many poultrymen use one for the grain and the other for
the mash.
Failure to move the feed hoppers is also a common error. Unless the feeder
Ls placed on a wire platform, the ground around it will soon become badly contaminated
Tith poultry manure, and the chances of chickens picking up disease and parasites are
Increased greatly,
, Like the feed, the water should be protected from contamination. Cleanli-
jiess around the drinking troiogh is extremely important, A good plan is to place the
'trough on a low, wire platform so tliat the birds can not scratch in the mud caused
3y spilled water. Furthermore, the troughs should be filled often and regularly so
that there is always plenty of water for the birds at all times,
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Chinese Cabbage In Fall G-ardens Meets Salad Needs
Illinois gardenc-rs whose spring plantings proved disappointing as a result
{if the severe drouth from mid-April to mid-June will find Chinese or celery cabbage a
rorthy addition to the fall garden for fresh salads, kraut and cooking, suggests
3, L, Weaver, olericultural specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois,
Of the heading sorts, the narrow-headed types have been found to mature more
'apidly, a higher percentage of plants head out under favorable conditions, they are
'airly uniform as to size and shape and will pack well for shipment, Tliree of these
varieties, the PeTsai, Special Narrow Head and Chihili, have been tested at the U, of
[. College of Agriculture with good results.
For home use or local market, the Wong 3ok and the Chee Hoo yield a naich
joiner quality for salads or slaw than any narrow-headed types,
'' Seed of the main crop is usually sown in central Illinois about July I5,
md August 1 plantings will mature if the fall season is favorable and freezing
reather does not arrive too early. All plantings shotild be made v/hcre the crop can be
'.rrigated, for poor results can be expected when water is not available.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII July 25, 193U N-umber 30
Crop Prospects Indicate An Improved Price Sit-uation
With reductions in both crop carry-overs and current production, Illinois
farmers should enjoy a more favorable price situation this fall than they have in re~
cent years, says E.G. Ross, assistant chief in farm management at the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
A summary of carry-overs as of July 1 shows that Illinois farmers had less
than half as much corn and oats on hand as they did last year at this time and about
two-thirds as much as in 1932. Wheat carry-over in this state is 12 per cent less
than a year ago.
Excepting possible future damage by the chinch bugs, the 193^ corn crop may
I te about 21 per cent of normal this year. This v;ill be 9 P^'^' cent larger than that of
! 1933 on a 16-per-cent smaller acreage. However, it is too early to fully estimate the
probable chinch bug damage, points out Ross,
Illinois' winter wheat production this year has been estimated at 29 per
cent of normal or slightly larger than last year, but the oats crop is likely to be
' only 62 per cent of the short crop last year and 39 P^r cent of the five-year average,
; Both drouth and chinch bug damage account for the exceedingly low oats production,
i while barley fared even worse, with only one-eighth of a normal crop but on a much
j reduced acreage.
The hay crop for the state is estimated at 57 pei" cent cf normal with timothy
; and clovers being particularly short. Alfalfa, while reduced by the drouth, stood up
'much better this year than other hays. Soybeans have been increased 70 per cent over
normal plantings and co\7peas acre.ages show a gain of some 20 per cent. This represents
a. marked expansion in these crops, a part of v/hich is located on land rented to the
'government under the terms of the AAA corn-hog and wheat programs, A nmch larger pro-
portion than usual of the soybean acreage v/ill be used for hay to supplement the scant
supply of other forage crops, it is believed.
Crop production for the country as a whole is also r.mch below normal. Based
on estimated acreages and yields in conparison with averages for a period of years,
corn will be 22 per cent of normal, all v/heat 55 per cent, oats kS per cent and hay
74 per cent. The acreage of soybeans, however, has been increased 32 per cent above
the five-year average.
Weather Holds Key To Outcome Of Chinch Buf. PlaCTie
If the weather turns dry, chinch bugs may destroy between 30 and kO per cent
of the Illinois corn crop, according to estimates made by. 7., P, Plint, chief entomologist
of the Illinois State Natural History Survey and of the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois, However, wet weather during the next two or tlirec weeks will hold
the damage dorm to I5 or 20 per cent cf the crop. Whether or not the insect will be
abundant aaid destructive next year depends upon the weather between now and spring,
Prof, Flint said.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
®be iExf pnstoti Mcaaprtner
Voliune XVII - No» 30 Pago 2
Illinois Farmers Making Record Use of Electricity
In spite of the fact that agric-olt-ure is just emerging from two years of
record low prices, Illinois farmers are using more electricity today than ever, before,
it is revealed ty a rural electrification survey recently completed under the super-
vision of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Farmers who recently have secured electrical service for the first time far
outntunber those who discontinued the service as a result of the depression, the survey
showed. Furthermore, in general those who have discontinued the service made little
use of it when they had it.
The survey covered 12 representative Illinois counties and was made as part
of a CWA project.
On the "basis of findings made in the survey, ^3,570 of the 2lU,U95 farms in
the state have electricity, while the remaining 170,927 would like to }iave it, accord-
ing to E. W, Lehmann, head of the agricultural engineering department of the college.
Although there are many farmers who are not financially able to have electric service,
all of those interviewed said they would like to have it. Thus, if they had some
satisfactory means of financing the building of lines, purchasing the equipment and
buying energy, they would invest in this type of improvement as V7ell as in automobiles.
and tractors, Lehmann believes.
Of the ^3»570 Illinois farms which have electricity, 29,330 are on power
lines while lU^24o have home plants. Likewise, the survey disclosed that g,960 of the
total number have electrically operated water systems, and 3*^90 have electric stoves.
There are ^,S70 mechanical refrigerators, but since there was no distinction made be-
tween the various types of mechanical refrigerators, the survey does not indicate the
number that are electric or gas operated.
There is a greater interest in the use of electricity for refrigeration than
for cooking on Illinois farms. This is no doubt caused by the fact that fuel for
cooking can be obtained easily on most farms and a reasonably satisfactory means of
cooking is already available,
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Oats Sown With Alfalfa Xessen Dama^gce From Erosion
Damage from dust storms which proved so devastating to young alfalfa seedings
in sections of Illinois this spring, can be practically eliminated if oats is sown as a
nurse crop with the new alfalfa seedings this fall, says C. H. Farnhara, assistant in
soil experiment fields at the College of Agriculttire, University of Illinois,
Largely as a result of the poor stands of forage caused by the drouth this
spring and the provisions of the AM programs in which some 125,000 or more Illinois
farmers are cooperating, it is anticipated that an exceptionally large acreage of
alfalfa will be seeded throij^hout the state during the next six weeks. An appreciable
amount of these seedings will be on sandy or light wind-blown soils v7hich are subject
to wind erosion capable of ruining seedings made during the latter part of the summer.
Tests at the Oquawka soil experiment field, maintained in Henderson county
by the U. of I, College of Agricultm-e, show that this damage may bo largely done away
with by the use of oats as a combination nurse and cover crop for fall-seeded alfalfa
on sandy land, points out Farnham, Observations made at the Oquawka field this spring
disclosed no damage to alfalfa seeded last fall where surrounded by good oats growth.
However, a few feet away where no oats had grovvn the alfalfa was either badly damaged
or entirely killed by the wind-blovm sand. In a larger xmprotected area on the field,
sand had drifted several inches deep, completely burying a strip of bluegrass.
Volume XVII - No. 30 Page 3
ffasher Flans ^d Apple Men Meet New Residue. Limits
Illinois cornmcrcial apple growers may not need to biiy new washing machines,
in spite of the more strict regulations placed on the amount of lead and arsenic
residue permitted on apples for interstate and international shipment, in the opinion
of R, H, Reed, cigricultural engineer at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois,
Remodelling the apple washing machines now in use so that the chemical wash~
ing solutions may he heated to a temperatiire of 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit will
materially increase the amount of residue removed, and in many cases will eliminate
the necessity of buying a new washer, says Reed, This heating can be accomplished
with electric, hot water or steam heating systems as described in a mimeographed pub-
lication written by Reed,
Washing apples has come to be regarded as an accepted part of the production
and marketing program of many Illinois fruit growers. In past years a few growers
washed their apples to improve the appearance of the fruit, but since tolerance limits
have been placed on the amount of spray residue that may be present on fruit to be
shipped in interstate and international commerce, the washing practice has become more
common.
Brushes, sprays and other mechanical means, as well as a variety of chemicals
and wetting agents have been used to increase the percentage of residue removed.
However, in seasons and areas where particularly heavy spray applications have been re-
quired to combat fruit diseases and insects, many of the washing machines in use will
not remove enough of the lead and arsenic residues to meet present regulations. This
problem brought about the development of the heating process.
Tests at the U, of I, College of Agriculture show that six times as much
residue remains on apples washed in solutions at 65 degrees temperature as remains on
those washed in the same type of machine at 110 degrees. Detailed information on in-
stalling the heating systems may be obtained by writing the department of agricultural
engineering. College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana,
Six .Contests Scheduled ^ .Settle Team Fulling. Honor
I Two out of Illinois* 727,000 horses will be acclaimed the champion pulling
'team of the state following six horse-ptilling contests to be held during the months of
AiJgust and September, it is announced by E. T. Robbins, livestock extension specialist
jat the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The first of the contests will be staged during the state fair at Springfield
on Ati^ust 21 and 22, The next will be at St, Joseph in Champaign county on August 2S,
and the third at Roseville in Warren county on August 3I. Augusta in Hancock county
will be the site of the fourth contest on September U, while the remaining two will be
conducted at Sandwich in DeKalb county on September 5 and at Tuscola in Douglas on
September 15. Teams from all of the surrounding and nearby counties are expected to be
entered in the respective pulling contests,
A dynamometer owned by the U, of I, College of Agriculture and operated by
nembers of the agricultural extension service staff will be used in determining the
pulling power of the teams taking part in the contests. Competing teams will be divided
into two classes, those v/ith a combined v/eight of less than 3f000 pounds and teams
veighing 3,000 pounds or more.
Last s-ummer the 4,000-pound team o^vned by Willard Rhoads, of Springfield, set
the state record in the class of heavy teams by exerting a pxill of 3>225 pounds for
-Ta feet. This was equivalent to pulling five lU-inch plows cutting furrov/s six inches
ieep in stubble ground,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
rolume XVII August 1, 193^ Numter 3I
Trench Silo Means Of Conserving Shrinking Corn Crop
With Illinois' corn crop threatened by the prolonged drouth as well as the
lost serious chinch hug infestation in half a century, many farmers of the state may
)e able to save the raaximum amount of their corn by constructing trench silos, suggests
i. W. Lehmann, head of the agricultural engineering department at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Reports indicate that the corn stalks are beginning to dry up in some areas.
:f extreme heat and dry weather should continue, farmers will want to take immediate
steps to conserve as much of their corn as possible in the form of silage. In such
;ases, mimeographed instructions on digging trench silos, published by the U. of I,
jJollege of Agriculture will be of considerable value.
I A trench silo is merely a large ditch with the ends on an incline so that a
;eam or tractor may be driven through it. Practically all construction may be done
7ith a slip scraper and consequently the expense is extremely small. The slightly
iloping sides are later smoothed off with a spade.
The size of the trench will, of course, depend upon the amount of livestock
.0 be fed from it and the condition of the silage at the time of cutting. A good-size
Tench silo is about 2 feet deep, g feet wide across the bottom of the trench and 10
i;o 12 feet wide across the top. The length will depend on the amount of silage to be
!)ut up. If allowance is made for spoilage, 60 to SO cubic feet will be required to
(tore a ton of silage for feeding.
Selection of a site with good drainage is important in constructing a trench
lilo. A soil which is too sandy or one in which the water table is too high is not
latisfactory. An objection against trench silos is the accumulation of water when there
.6 a heavy rainfall . This can be overcome to a large extent by laying a drain under
■;he trench, or perha;ps the trench can be located so that the lower end opens onto a
•lope.
Because trench silos are not very deep, the silage does not pack much by its
iwn weight, and thus should be tramped by men, animals or a tractor during and after
'illing. It keeps best if covered with straw and then several inches of dirt to make
. rounded top to shed water.
An experimental trench silo built in another state was filled with II5 tons
f silage, and a shrinkage of about ik per cent, or one-seventh, was noted. About half
!if this was spoilage. Most of the spoilage occurred at the top, indicating that it is
'lecessary to cover the silage well. When the silo is opened, the silage should be re-
lOved from one end and the silage taken from the entire end section each day so as to
.'educe the danger of spoilage.
More detailed information relative to the construction of trench silos may be
jS'ttained by writing the agricultural engineering department at the College of Agricultur
(ifniversity of Illinois, Urbana.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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©I|p Extension fMeaaenger
7olume XVII - Ko. 31 Page 2
Hail Damage To Corn Crop Hot Always A Complete Loss
Corn struck by a hail storm such as visited several Illinois counties recently
Bay not always turn out to be a complete loss, says G-. H. Dungan, associate chief in
;rop production at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Much depends upon the severity of the storm and the stage of the corn at the
time of the storm. Hail seldom removes all the blades, but more often splits and shreds
the leaves to a greater or less degree. This type of injury is not so serious as com-
plete blade removal.
Experiments conducted by the U. of I . College of Agriculture, in which the
Dlades of corn plants were split as if hit by hail, showed only one-fourth the reduction
in grain yields as compared to corn plants in which all the blades were removed, points
out Dungan. This indicates that as long as a piece of green leaf is hanging on a plant,
it is functioning in the direction of grain formation. For this reason, crop insurance
adjusters usually like to wait as long as possible after a hail storm before appraising
the damage. Time gives the corn plants an opportunity to recover to the maximum extent.
Furthermore, if the storm should strike before the plants are tasseled and if
the growing points are not broken out, corn can recover to a surprising degree. The
emerging tassel brings along with it two or three blades which because of their newness
and excellent exposure to the sunlight are very efficient aids in grain formation.
However, if the corn is fully tasseled at the time of the storm and the hail beats off
the blades, there will be little or no growth of plant or ear thereafter, explains
Dungan,
Plants like soybeans and tomatoes which can send out new growth from buds that
have been dormant heretofore can often show a marked improvement two or three weeks after
a hail storm. Artificial hailing experiments with corn, however, show that it has much
less capacity to survive a hail storm.
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Utility Instead Of Faddi sh Sires Best Profit Makers
Prize-winning livestock fashions may come and go like feminine styles, but
Illinois producers who strive to obtain the maximum returns from their meat animals
should select their breeding stock more along utility lines, says E. T. Bobbins, live-
stock extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Only
farmers who raise the type and size of animals demanded by consumers can expect to sell
their livestock for the highest prices, regardless of the latest mode at the livestock
shows , he says .
At present many cattle raisers are finding that the fashionable little bulls
beget calves that grow too slowly, points out Bobbins. When ready for market these
yearlings will weigh only SCO pounds, while somewhat coarser stock will tip the scales
it half a ton. It is the larger yearlings that are making the most money because they
nore nearly fit the needs and desires of the market. Larger sires will aid many cattle-
nen in producing the larger, more desirable yearlings.
Likewise, early lamb producers are coming to realize that they need rams of
considerable size, if they are to get the largest possible market returns. For this
reason, many farmers are changing to the larger breeds of sheep. In the case of hogs,
lowever, boars weighing considerably less than 1,000 pounds are more likely to fit the
leeds of most producers, rather than the excessively huge sires seen at fairs and live-
stock expositions.
Some breeds of livestock need more stretch while others need more compactness
to supply sires for most farm herds aiid flocks. Thus the breeder who develops his stock
ilong utility standards will render a practical service for the livestock industry,
says Robbins.
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relume XVII - No. 3I Page 3
New Steps Taken To Raise Quality Of Illinois Wheat
A hew drive to further improve the q-uality of Illinois' wheat crop valued at
in average of more than 21 million dollars annually is on, it is announced by J. C.
Jackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
As part of the work, 10,000 bushels of seed wheat already have been signed up
for a new cleaning service that has just been started in five soft winter wheat counties
)f southeastern Illinois. It is estimated that as much as U0,000 bushels of seed wheat
Ln those five counties may be cleaned before seeding time. The 10,000 bushels already
sigied will seed approximately 8,000 acres.
Approximately 375 soft red winter wheat growers attended meetings which the
3xt$nsion service of the agricultural college recently held to launch the wheat improve-
nent program in G-allatin, White, Edwards, Wabash and Lawrence coiinties.
Tliis territory was once recognized as producing some of the best quality soft
urinter wheat in the entire winter wheat belt. In recent years, hoy/ever, the increasing
jjnount of garlic, cockle, cheat and other weed seeds in the grain has lov;ered the
juality and taxed growers with a heavy penalty in the form of price discount of from one
to five cents a bushel.
It was also disclosed during the recent meetings that much of the soft winter
»heat in southeastern Illinois is now infected with the serious disease, bunt, or
stinking smut. In some cases it is so serious that buyers are not making bids on the
»rain but are merely taking samples and offering to try to sell the wheat for the o\'ming
farmer for what it will bring.
Farmers are being urged to have their seed wheat ruji through a fan mill under
I heavy blast of air and then treated with one of chemical dust treatments as a means
)f combatting the smut.
The 10,000 bushels of seed wheat that already has been signed up for the
ileaning service and any that comes in later will be run through special high powered
fan mills equipped to take out practically all the cockle and cheat seeds, shrunken
iiheat kernels and from 95 to 98 per cent of the garlic and wild onion bulbs.
As a further step in the wheat improvement program, growers in the five
JOunties will be encouraged to raise improved varieties with seed obtained from neigh-
)oring farmers having superior stocks.
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Short Peach Crop Does Not Eliminate Cover Crop Need
Although Illinois will market only about 800 cars of peaches this year as
;ompared with a normal crop of some 8,000 cars, growers should not neglect the practice
if supplying a cover crop this fall for soil improvement and erosion prevention pur-
JOses, says M. J. Dorsey, chief in pomology at the College of Agriculture, University
if Illinois.
Where the soil has been cultivated around the trees, the fertility of the
irchard is likely to suffer from soil erosion whether the present crop is large or
imall. Likewise, adding humus to the soil in the form of green manure is always a
;ood way to improve the future productivity of the trees, points out Dorsey.
It is often surprising the amount of cover crop growth that can be produced
letween older trees diiring favorable seasons when the lower branches are not too close
'0 the ground. The success of the cover crop will depend, of course, on the amoiont of
'ainfall following the seeding. However, where the seedir^ can be done as soon as the
p^'ound can be worked after a rain, cowpeas will make as promising a late season crop
•s any.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 22 5
NEW AGR BLDG
U
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
folume XVII Au^st S, 193^ Numter 32
Position Of Soybeans Strengthened Bv IJ. _of i. Tests
Ejcperiment s which the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois has con-
tacted during the past yeeir on the lower cost production of higher quality beef were
ioncluded at the recent annual cattle feeders' meeting, with the best lot of steers
•etuming 30 cents a bushel profit for the corn that was used. Approximately 7OO
.'armers from Illinois and neighboring states attended the meeting to hear the results
fhich Prof. PI. P. Rusk, head of the department of animal husbandry, and Prof. R. R.
>napp, his associate, had obtained in a. series of eight experiments with 200 Texas
Panhandle steers.
Outstanding in the results was the demonstrated merit of soybean oil, an
illinois-grown protein supplement, in comparison with the more common cottonseed meal
for fattening beef cattle. Pasture studies which the college started several years ago
ilso yielded striking results at a time when farmers are putting more land back into
jASture and grass tlian ever before.
Poor results which cattle feeders had obtained last year and in previous
seasons had given rise to the fear that soybean oil meal was to blame, but the experi-
aents this year, coupled with those of previous seasons, indicate that the Illinois-
i^rown supplement is equal to cottonseed meal for producing quality beef at low cost.
iPhe results further fortify the position of soybeans, which are now being grown on an
increasing acreage as a result of the AAA programs and other crop shifts. Illinois is
ithe leading soybean producing state.
j The three best lots of cattle in the experiment were steers that had been fed
'soybean oil meal as the protein supplement to their rations. The top lot of steers,
vhich paid returns at the rate of SO cents a bushel for the corn that was eaten, was so
mtstanding tlmt the appraisal committee of packer buyers and commission men called it
'as good a lot of yearlings as you will see."
These steers were carried on bluegrass pasture from December 22 until April IJ
md then moved to dry lots to finish out the feeding period of 220 days. During the
Bntire feeding period their average daily feed consumption was 12. U pounds of shelled
:;om, l.S pounds of soybean oil meal, 5 pounds of corn silage and I.5 pounds of alfalfa
:iay a head. They were valued at $8.50 a hundredweight in the lot on the college farm oi
^9*25 on the Chicago market. They gained an average of 2.38 pounds a head a day for the
-20 days on feed.
To date the outstanding mixture in the pasture studies which the college
started several years ago has been one including I5 pounds of brome grass an acre, 10
pounds of bluegrass, 7-| pounds of red top, and 5 pounds of white clover. Some volunteei
sweet clover came up in the field. A test plot that was harvested in this pastui-e
/ielded at the rate of 5,120 pounds of feed reduced to a I5 per cent moisture basis,
3r more than 2^ tons an acre. Fifteen beef heifers pastured on the 10 acres for 56 day;
this spring averaged 2.1+S pounds a head daily gain.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Volume XVII - No. 32 Page 2
Strong Soil Will Save Wheat Crop From Chinch Bugs
Wheat production, which has returned Illinois farmers as rmich as 20 to 30
million dollars in recent, more normal years, need not be abandoned because of the
heavy chinch bug infestation this year and the threat of damage in 193 5 » i^^ ^^e opinion
of the State Natural History Suxvey and the agronomy department at the College of
j^riculture, University of Illinois.
||r If wheat that is seeded this fall is put on the more productive soils and the
season is favorable, it will yield fair to good crops even \inder heavy infestations, it
is said. This is borne out by observations made at many points during chinch bug out-
breaks in the past and from a check on many Illinois farms in recent weeks. Care should
be taken, however, to have a well-prepared seed bed, to seed a variety adapted to the
locality and to plant late enoiigh to avoid the Hessian fly.
If winter wheat, spring wheat, rye and barley were entirely discontinued next
year in any area of the state and all the small grain acreage planted to oats, the
latter crop would be heavily infested. Should weather conditions prove favorable, the
chinch bugs woiild destroy the oats. In many sections of Illinois this year the oats
were just as heavily infested as the wheat fields.
For the coming season, however, it would seem a poor practice to sow winter
wheat except on strong land. On worn soils the crop is almost sure to be heavily in-
fested and more or less damaged by the chinch bugs. Furthermore, if the chinch bug
ithreat continues, it would be inadvisable to sow spring wheat or barley in areas \7here
'there is a heavy infestation, since these crops are especially susceptible to chinch bug
attack.
In the northeastern part of the state, including Will, Kendall, Grundy,
[laSalle and adjoining counties, the winter wheat during the past season was largely
Jellied by the over-wintering bugs. This would not have occurred in a normal year with
janything like an average spring rainfall. On the whole, in all other sections of the
[state the fajrmer planting winter wheat on strong ground has had far better returns from
(this acreage than from other small grains.
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Uj^ Drouth Reveals Terraces As Conservers Of Moisture
wm Record-breaking drouth such as has extended over a large portion of Illinois
Siis summer has demonstrated a new benefit of terracing sloping farm land — that of con-
serving the limited amount of rainfall, points out E. W. Lehmann, head of the agricul-
tural engineering department at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Observations made in Bond county, Illinois, in former years of deficient rain-
Tall have revealed that terracing and contour farming improved corn yields as mpj.ch as
15 bushels to the acre. Like investigations in other areas and states have also dis-
closed the water conservation value of terracing. Heretofore, many Illinois farmers
lave thought of terracing mainly as a method of preventing soil erosion, especially in
: seasons of heavy rainfall. Now, however, they are beginning to realize that these
;ame terraces have a value equally as great in years when there is only a small amount
)f rain.
Where terraces are constructed or where planting is done on the contour, a
■arge part of the rain is held where it falls. The water soaks into the ground where
^ .t builds up reserve supplies that help carry crops through periods of long dry spells.
Ihen too, the terraces catch and hold water as it runs off higher ground.
Reports from other states readily confirm the terrace observations made in
Illinois. In some areas terraced land has held back and absorbed from 3 to 200 per
isent more rain water than unterraced slopes.
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•olume XVII - No. 32 Page 3
Spreading Waste Straw Increases Com Crop Returns
Whatever straw they have this year probably will be prized by most farmers,
ut any that might otherwise go to waste can be made to pay handsome retiirns by spread-
ng it over land where sweet clover green maniire crops are to be plowed down, it is re-
iorted by A. L. Lang, associate chief in soil experiment fields at the College of
griculture, University of Illinois. If it were not for the drouth and chinch bugs,
here probably would be thousands of tons of straw go to waste this year. Experiments
ave now proved that it has a high potential value if used on Illinois' million acres
•„£ sweet clover for soil improvement.
f^ At the Dixon experiment field in Lee county operated by the U. of I. College
^f Agriculture, straw when applied to sweet clover ground improved the following corn
'ields from 73 ^° ^2 bushels an acre, or a gain of nine bushels as an average for the
ast three years, explains Lang. Likewise at the Clayton field in Adams county, the
rowth of corn was improved when straw was spread over sweet clover, although no definite
j^ck on yields has been secured as yet.
IP Other studies at the Clayton test plots point to the fact that burning straw
ad stubble after the small grain crop has been harvested with a combine will complet.:ly
estroy any young clover. Then too, it is found that burning straw on sweet clover Ir.nd
ends to reduce the returns from the succeeding corn crop.
The improved retiirns from spreading straw over fields carrying a green manure
irop may be accounted for by three physical and chemical reactions, says Lang. In the
•lirst place, the straw itself furnishes organic matter for the soil — a necessary ingre-
ient to give the proper balance of moisture, temperature and plant food elements.
Furthermore, a heavy growth of green manure legume material when plowed down
lone often releases an excess of nitrogen for the succeeding crop. Straw as a highly
arbonacious material extends the period over which the nitrogen may become available
ad thus prevents excess loss by leaching. This makes a better balance between soil
apply and plant demands.
It is also believed that the straw may furnish the necessary available potash
aat often becomes deficient dvuring the rapid-growing season of the corn plant, espe-
lially on high lime soils and on ground being heavily cropped with sweet clover. This
s particularly true on the lighter-colored soils.
I
Illinois Elms Are Not Attacked By Dutch Elm Disease
Illinois elm trees are not dying this year because of the Dutch elm disease,
otwithstanding widespread and alarming reports to the contrary, according to a state-
3nt issued at the College of Agricultxire, University of Illinois, by L. R. Tehon,
Dtanist of the State Natural History Survey. Dr. Tehon, who has been directing an
avestigation of elm diseases in Illinois for the past four years, says that to date
■Ot a single case of Dutch elm disease has been located in the state.
Root and trunk infections by fungi such as Xylaria or the lack of sufficient
iter are probably responsible for the apparently dying condition of many elm trees in
llinois this summer. The prolonged drouth and the series of dry years have tended to
sraove moisture from the upper soil and to lower the water table beyond reach of the
30t systems. This condition is noted by the browning of foliage over the entire tree.
Sudden wilting and death of elms in the central states is usioally the result
r attacks by one or the other of two fungi. Verticil lium or Geplialosporium, both of
lich are relatively common parasites of the elm, explains Tehon. They produce symptoms
ich like those of the Dutch elm disease.
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Volume XVII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
A-u^st 15, I93U
Numter 33
Illinois I'fey Face Serious xield Seed Shortage
Illinois farmers, who dijrinc the years of 1931 ^o 1933 iised approximately
million bushels of corn and oats and 60 million pounds of tarae hay se'jd to plant
leir crops, may soon face the most severe seed shortaije in the history of the state,
the opinion of crop prodiiction authorities at the Collef^e of Agriculture, Univer-
^ty of Illinois.
Consequently, producers should now anticipate their future seed needs, and
If they do not have sufficient stocks on hand they should take imiTiediate steps to
acquire their needs. The shortages are likely to include oats, clover, alfalfa,
timothy, rye, winter wheat and harley seeds, and in some areas seed corn.
The seriousness of the seed situiition in Illinois "became apparent follow-
in;: the completion of a survey of the seed stocks and prohable needs in 37 counties
in the northern two-thirds of the state made hy the crops extension division of the
'.'. of I. College of Agriculture.
As a result of the drouth, the supply of seed oats is extremely short in
-..any counties, reports J. C. Hackleman, cliief in crops extension at the college.
There are thousands of acres from which no crop was harvested this year, and in
. many cases tlie oats stands were so short that they could not be cut evya with a
! mower for hay. Nunerous farms in the northern half of the state have no reserve
seed oats on hand at the present time and supplies may have to be shipped in from
other areas. The condition is equally true of barley and forage sjeds, particular-
ly clovers. Partherraore, several counties will not harvest eno\\";h corn this fall
to plant their acreage next spring.
The most critical conditions are noted in the western and northeastern
sections of the state, but in practically all counties in northern Illinois it is
apparent that rains and favorable weather conditions have been spotted. In some
areas a few fanners were favored with showers at the crucial time and as a result
harvested fairly satisfactory yields of oats, while on other farms in the d.irae
neighborhood the crop was a complete failure. Fnere those spotted conditions exist,
it is sTJggested that farmers who know of producers having grain of seed quality,
:::et in touch with their more fortunate neighbors immediately.
As an outgrowth of the s\arvey, efforts arc being made to locnte reserve
stocks of seed and to aid Illinois farmers in securing seed for their 193^ spring
;ilantin;';s. It is also hoped tiiat a surplus of seed may be found in certain areas
of the state which can be used to supply other states less fortvmatc than Illinois.
Any farmer who does not have enou^'h seed for his needs and does not know
of a possible source, should see his county farm adviser. Likewise, farmers who
have a surplios of good seed from either 1933 or 193^ crops should list this seed
■■'■ith the county farm adviser or the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
; J'rbana.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford. Director.
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII August I5, I93U Number 33
Illinois May Face gerious Pie Id Seed Shortage
11^ Illinois farmers, who durin;?: the years of 1931 ^o ^93 3 iised approximately
" '12 million bushels of corn and oats and 60 million pounds of tame hay se-id to plant
their crops, may soon face the most severe seed shorta,™e in the history of the state,
in the opinion of crop production authorities at the Colle,'7e of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois.
Consequently, producers should now anticipate their future seed needs, and
if they do not have sufficient stocks on hand they should take iminediate steps to
acquire their needs. The shortages are likely to include oats, clover, alfalfa,
timoti:iy, rye, winter wheat and barle^'- seeds, and in some areas seed corn.
The seriousness of the seed sit^uation in Illinois became apprrent follovv'-
in- the completion of a siorvey of the seed stocks and probable needs in 37 counties
in the northern two-thirds of the state made by the crops extension division of the
U. of I. College of Agriculture.
As a result of the drouth, the supply of seed oats is extremely short in
jnany counties, reports J. C. Hackleman, cliief in crops extension at the college.
There are thousands of acres from which no crop wn.s harvested this year, and in
many cases tlie oats stands were so short tliat they could not be cut evjn v;ith a
mower for hay. Numerous farms in the northern half of the state have no reserve
seed oats on hand at the present time and supplies may have to be shipped in from
other areas. The condition is equally truo of barley and forage seeds, particular-
ly clovers. Furthermore, several counties will not harvest enoU4_";h corn this fall
to plant their acreage next spring.
The most critical conditions are noted in the western and northeastern
sections of the state, but in practically all counties in northern Illinois it is
pparent that rains and favorable weather conditions have been spotted. In some
ireas a few farmers were favored with showers at the crucial time and as a result
irvested fairly satisfactory yields of oats, while on other farms in the d.arae
ttei^hborhood the crop was a complete failui^e. ^fnere those spotted conditions exist,
\t is si:iggested that farmers who know of producers having grain of seed quality,
;t in touch with their more fortunate neighbors immediately.
As an outgrov/th of the survey, efforts arc bein,;; made to loc.-itc reserve
^tocks of seed and to aid Illinois farmers in securing seed for their 193"^' spring
ilantings. It is also hoped that a surplus of seed may be found in certain areas
of the state which can be used to supply other states less fortunate tlvm Illinois.
Any fanner who does not have enough seed for his needs and does not know
of a possible source, should see his coiuity farm adviser. Likewise, fpxmers who
have a surplus of good seed from either 1933 or 193^+ crops should list this seed
■vith the county farm adviser or the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Urbana.
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Prinled in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfobo, Director.
Volume XVII - No. 33 ®fjg Extension MsisenBev Page 3
Silos Save Corn Damaged By Heat And Chinch Bugs
In spite of the damage from chinch bugs and drouth this summer, Illinois
farmers will be able to save much of their corn crop by making it into silage, says
W. B. Nevens, associate chief of dairy cattle feeding at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois.
Immature com that is drying up because of the lack of moisture and chinch
bug injury will make a fair grade of silage, altho\igh its feeding value will not be
quite eqvial to that made from more mature corn. Furthermore, chinch bugs do not seri-
ously affect the palatability of silage.
To insure success in making silage from corn that is drying up, explains
Havens, the plant must have a moisture content of at least 65 percent, and best results
are obtained when the corn contains fO per cent moisture. If it is less than 65 per
cent, water must be added.
To determine the moisture content of the corn, six or eight representative
stalks should be cut into 1 to l-g-inch lengths. A three or four pound sample is then
weighed out accurately and heated in an oven until it ceases to lose weight. This will
usually require three to five hours at a temperature below that which ?/ill char paper.
After the moisture has been driven out of the corn sample, it is reweighed.
The loss in weight of the sample, divided by the original weight before being
heated and multiplied by 100 will give the percentage of moisture in the cornstalks.
If the moisture is higher than 65 per-cent the corn will keep in the silo, provided
other conditions are good. If the moisture content is 60 per cent, 80 gallons, or 666
pounds, of water should be added to each ton of corn put in the silo. If the moisture
content is 55 P^r cent, then 120 gallons of water should be added to the silage. For
each drop of 5 per cent in the moisture of the corn being ensiled, an extra kO gallons
of water is added to each ton.
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Uew Bulletin Is Aid To Illinois Farm Ad.justments
With some 125,000 Illinois farmers adjusting their operations this year as
.< cooperators in the government's AAA corn-hog and wheat programs, an interesting b^jlle-
tin just issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, should prove lon-
usually timely and helpful in making these changes.
Originally written in 1929 under the title of "Organizing the Corn Belt Farm
for Profitable Production," the publication was revised this summer by H. C M. Case,
chief of the college's farm management division, and R. H. Wilcox, associate chief, to
bring it up to date in every respect. The practices, yields and incomes and expenses
of hundreds of Illinois farms have been analyzed in determining the most profitable
factors in farm management.
For example, a study of 67 farms in Woodford, McLean, Tazewell and Livingston
counties revealed that during the five years of 1928 to 1932f the farm with the highest
earnings made an average of 6.98 per cent a year on an average investment of $49,2^7'
This income was the result of years of definite effort by the operator to put the farm
on an efficient production basis.
Tlie least profitable fam in the group, however, lacked $5^3. or 1.28 per
cent, of making any return on the investment after operating expenses were paid. This
difference in the two farms amounts to 8.26 per cent, or $U,UU2 a year on an investment
°^ $53,781, which was the average investment of all the farms in the study.
That better earnings are realized year after year by some farms in a commxinity
than other farms operated under the same natural and economic conditions, is a matter of
common observation, point out the authors. But the causes for these differences in net
incomes are not so generally understood, and it was for this reason that the studies
v/ero made and the bulletin published. Copies of Bulletin 3^9. "Organizing the Corn Belt
Farm for Profitrible Production," may be obtained from county farm advisers or by writing
direct to the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE-UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volme XVII Atigast 22, I93U Wiiin-hpr Jh.
U. of !_. State Fair Booth Aids Seed Survey
Thousands of farmers attending the Illinois State Fair this year took part
in the beginning of a siu-vey of the fann seed stocks of Illinois in an effort to aid
producers in the drouth~stricken areas who have ho m unahle to harvest enough crops
to supply seed for their 1935 plantings.
The survey is a part of the emergency program of the newly-appointed State
Seed Conservation Committee and inaugurates the first steps to locate all available
supplies of field seeds and to ascertain the probable future seed needs of farmers in
drouth areas, explains R. R. Hudelson, assistant dean of the College of Sericulture,
University of Illinois.
As farmers stopped at the U. of I. booth and agricultural exhibit under tlie
grandstand at the fair, they were asl-zed to fill in cards stating whether or not tliey
will have surplus oats, barley, rye, winter wheat and tame hay seeds for sale in the
coming months. The cards were received by L. H. Smith, of the college's agronomy de-
partment, who was in charge of the booth. Later the information is to be compiled and
made available to farmers who will be in the market for field seed.
It is estimated that before planting time next spring, Illinois farmers will
need approximately 11 million bushels of oats and a million bushels of corn to plant
their 1935 crops. In addition, they will need some 2,250,000 bushels of seed for their
anntial legume plantings plus a million bushels of soybeans and cov/peas to be seeded for
the production of grain. Other tame ha,y seed needs v/ill be 12 million pounds of clover
and timothy, 10 million pounds of sweet clover and 1 million pounds of alfalfa seed.
Many Illinois counties, particularly in the western and northern parts of the
state, are threatened with the most serioTis feed and seed shortage in their history,
explains Hudelson,, The oats and barley crops in 19')^'- were the smallest on record,
while the situation is almost as bad in the case of tame hay seeds, particularly
clovers. Furthermore, in some sections there is danger of a dire shortage in good
seed corn.
P' There are counties in the state, hovvever, that were favored with fair to
good yields this year. Even in some of the more drouth-stricken sections, there are
small areas tmt received rain at the crucial time and consequently were able to har-
|#est fair crops. These fortunate farmers v/ill have some seed to sell, and it is the
■ purpose of the survey to locate these supplies for the benefit of less fortunate pro-
I ducers.
^1 The state committee, it is pointed out, will not h-uy or sell the seed. Act-
ing in cooperation with local and county farm groiTOS.it'will be a medium of information
between farrr.ers who liave seed to sell and those v/ho wish to buy it, thereby tendin^y to
conserve available supplies. Later, farmers who do not iiave enough seed for their needs
and do not loiow of possible souxces, will be asked to register their wants with county
farm advisers, v/ho in tirrn will notify the state committee.
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I
Printed in furtherance o£ the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mum.ord. DireCor.
Vol. XVII - No. 3U Sri;:e Exf^natOtt illfSSf ttger page 2
Can Sow Alfalfa, Red Cloyer Now For 1935 Crop
With most of the 193^ seedings of tame hay killed out "by the drouth, Illinois
farmers who have not already taken steps to replace this loss hy summer seedings of
alfalfa or red clover, shoxild do so immediately, s-u^ggests J. C. Hackleman, chief in
crops extension at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Experiments have shown that for test results alfalfa should he seeded during
the latter part of July or early August, hut this year it was too dry over much of the
state to get a good stand at that time. However, where recent rains have supplied suf-
ficient moisture and if favored hy a comparatively late fall, there is still a good
chance for alfalfa sown immediately to come thrcogh the winter and make a crop next
svunmei".
That alfalfa deserves its title as the premier hay plant in Illinois is
attested hy the way it came through the hot, dry weather in much of the state the last
two years. Although it represents only I6 per cent of the tame hay acreage of the
state, it will produce approximately kz per cent of all hay harvested in Illinois in
193^.
However, when seeding alfalfa for 1935 harvest, Illinois farmers should hear
in mind certain ftindamental principles in the production of this legume, points out
Hackleman.
First, the soil on which it is to he grov/n should he relatively sweet; it
' should test medium to strong in availahle phosphorus, and should he well drained.
Likewise, the seed hed should he well piilverized on the surface and compact
in the subsurface. A loose, cloddy soil makes a poor seed hed for any hay seeding.
As another consideration, if possihle, the grower should use a strain of
j seed that is comparatively winter hardy. Northern and northwestern grown seed is
justially considered more hardy than that produced in the west and southwest. But if
lunahle to ohtain these hardy types, that from the central west is generally hardy
enotigh to withstand at least two or three winters. Of course, if the field has not
Iproduced a good crop of alfalfa or sweet clover in the past, the seed sho^old he in-
ioculated.
If these same precautions are tal^en, August— seeded red clover sho\ild also
come throtigh the winter and malce a good hay crop next s"umi-aer, it is said.
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Silage Loss Often Saved By Early Repairs
Repair parts for ensilage cutters that ?dll fill Illinois' 20,000 silos may
be more difficult to ohtain this fall, particularly for the older models that are he-
ing dug out of fence corners for the first time in several seasons, says H. H. Reed,
agricultural engineer at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Manufacturers will, of course, make every effort to supply prompt repair
service for any machine in use, hut farmers should not run a needless risk hy waiting
until the last minute to order a part tliat may have to he made at the factory.
The poor condition of the com as a result of the extreme drouth and heavy
chinch hug infestation, together with the fact that many fields may suffer additional
damage if left too long, makes it more important than ever to have the silo-filling
equipment ready on time.
An experience of an Illinois fairaer several years ago might prove disastrous,
if repeated this fall. He failed to examine his cutter until the night hefore the
"rew was to fill his silo. Several broken parts were discovered and it was two weeks
before the machine was repaired and filling could he started.
The cost of the parts required for the machine and the lahor involved in
making the repairs were the same as if the work had been completed a month earlier,
7et the delay caused a material decrease in the value of each ton of silage made.
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i
Vol. xvil - No. 3U ®Iy« JExttnaton iMeasetigsr Page 3
Illinois Produces Most of World's Hedtop Seed
While most people think of "blijegrass as the major component of all lawns
and pastures, the anniial production and consumption of redtop seed in the United
States has heen nearly equal to that of the famed Kentucl-cy product.
Furthemiore, practically 85 per cent of the world's supply of redtop seed
and 95 psr cent of the total redtop seed in this country is produced in a dozen
counties in southern Illinois.
These and other interesting facts are disclosed in "bulletin just issued "by
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, under the title of "Production and
Marketing of Redtop." Four specialists cooperated in preparing this attractive puh-
lication, the authors heing W. L. Burlison, head of the department of agronomy; C. L.
Stewart and R. C. Ross, of the department of agriciiltural economics, and 0. L. Whalin,
formerly in the department of agricultural economics.
1!h.e concentration of redtop seed production in Marion, Wayne, Clay, Richland,
Edwards, Jasper, Fayette, Clinton, Jefferson, White, Wahash and Lawrence counties —
all in southern Illinois — has heen due to a comhination of economic factors, favorable
climate and soils not so well adapted to other crops.
During the 12-year period of I922-I933 approximately 20U,000 acres of redtop
were harvested annually for seed, with average yields of 5^ pounds to the acre. In
the past three years, however, the threshing of redtop has declined largely due to
the loss in market value. Prices of redtop seed fell to the low of 3.U cents a pound
in 1932 as compared to the high market of 22 -cents a pound in I925 and I926, and the
■^-verage of 12.9 cents during 1923~1932.
Copies of Bulletin UoU, "Producti-on and Marketing of Redtop," may "be ©"b-
tained from county faiia advisers or "by writing direct to the College of Agriculture,
IMversity of Illinois, Urbana.
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One Good Cow Is As Prpfita"ble As U23 Culls
Many Illinois dairymen are, figuratively, milking ^23 cows of lov; producing
lability when one good producer would give tHem the same profit above feed costs, if
records of individual cows on test in the Ogle County Dairy Herd Improvement Associa~
tion can be considered as tj'pical, says J. G. Cash, dairy extension specialist at the
'College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This is revealed in a stimmary of production figures kept by Ogle county
dairymen which shows that there were 20 cows in tlie association last year that aver-
aged only lo7 pounds of butterfat and returned an average of only 12 cents a head
above their feed costs. Such fat production is equivalent to the average for all cows
iin the United States. On the other hand, there were 19 cows on test that produced an
'average of 570. 3 pounds of fat during the year and returned $76. l4 a head above feed
30sts. Thus it wcjld have taken U23 cows like those in the low-producing group to re-
turn as much profit above feed costs as one cov/ in the high-producing group.
Furthermore, the low-producing cows, and there are thousands of them on
farms in Illinois, are daily adding to the burdensome milk surplus. They are steadily
jbreaking down the market prices of both milk and butterfat without paying their
iawners even for the labor and feed they require.
Examples like this one, points out Cash, illustrate the value of cow-testing
"ork to the dairy industry. Only by being members of a dairy herd improvement associa-
tion can f aimers discover which of their cows are returning only a fevi cents a year
ibove feed costs and which ones may be netting as much as $'jG.lk a head.
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■
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VolvxoB XVII August 29, I93U N\m"ber 35
I
Mad-Do £; Davs and Rabies Ifot Confined To A"a<°rast
Althoiigh most people think oi" August as the month of "mad-dog" days, dog
madness caused hy rahies is a year-arotmd threat against the life of men, women and
particularly children wherever simple preventative measures are not taken, says Dr.
hert Grayam, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of Agriculture,
iversity of Illinois.
In fact, statistics show that practically as many cases of rahies occur
luring the months of Jan"uary and February as in July and August, and only hy constant,
rholehearted cooperation between dog ov/ners, veterinarians, health officers and the
lublic in general can tliis highly fatal disease be eliminated. This cooperation con-
sists of voluntary qu?,rantine of dogs, vol^ontary annual vaccination of dogs and the
.e destruction of stray, o\7nerlesG dogs.
Tliat such measures will elimina.te the disease has been demonstrated. In
.928, Chicago public health officers staniped out e. rabies epidemic by the destruction
f 50»000 stra^'' dogs. As a result of stringent measures, no case of rabies has been
eported in England, Ireland and Sweden for years. In two states adjoining Illinois,
rhere an efficient program in the sijppression of rabies lias been carried on^ the
sease has not appeared for one and three years respectively.
In the past lU-|- years, the heads of nearly 1,000 rabid suspects, including
.ogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine and sheep, have been examined at the U. of I.
athology laboratory in Urbsna, and the number of specimens sent in for tests each
•ear has been gradually increasing.
Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of an affected animal, coincident with
bite which allows the virus to enter throu.;^a an abrasion in the sl:in, and rarely by
ihe rabid animal licking the hand of a person. It is not necessary that the wound be
ep, althougji such wounds are considered more dangerous than superficial ones. The
me required for the disease to develop after exposure varies somewhat in the dif-
'erent species, ranging from two weeks to three months. Some cases have been reported,
iwever, in which as raujch as one year elapsed between the exposure and the development
if symptoms.
Since control of rabies is almost exclusively a matter of prevention. Dr.
•raham sug-ests five measures which, if followed constantly, will go a long way in
reventing the many fatalities from this disease. His recommendations are:
Avoid strange dogs or dogs showing symptoms of illness.
Eliminate all ownerless and stray dogs, but do not kill rabid suspects until
definite diagnosis ha.s been made.
Place rabid dog suspects ujader the observation of a local veterinarian as
■ftuickly as possible and consult the local health officer.
If bitten by a dog, see a pli^/sician immediately. The Pasteur treatment is
an effective prophylactic.
Vaccinate all dogs annuallj^ to prevent the development of rabies virus.
If these preventative measures wen follov/ed by all people, Illinois would
not ejcperience the f;ital rabies epidemics that occur all too often in this state,
says Dr. Graham.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
©he JExtetiBion fKpsBertner
Vol. XVII - No. 35 Page
Ik
One Acre Of Bye Will Solve Spring Pig TrouTples
An acre of rye sown "between the first and twentieth of Septemher will solve
the major troubles Illinois farmers have in raising early spring pigs, in the opinion
of W. E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry at the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois.
The chief difficulty that many producers have in handling early pigs comes
from the fact that no quarters away from the harnlot and other animals are availahle
for the pigs soon a,fter thoy arrive in February or early March. A-s a result parasites
and filth-horne infections such as necrotic enteritis attack the pigs so early tliat
they have little chance of making rapid, profitahle growth.
If a clean pasture is provided in a field where hogs have not been grazed
in recent years, the sow and her litter can he hauled to this "new" grovmd where the
pigs can grow without the handicap of worms and disease germs.
On the University of Illinois farm near Urhana, lye seeded in early fall
will usually develop satisfactorily and "be reac3y to graze hj- the first of the follow-
ing March. The fall growth provides for early grazing, while the early spring growth
will he ready to supply forage after the old growth has been eaten. Handled in this
manner, an acre of rye has provided forage for more than 100 head of pigs and their
mothers from the time the pigs begin to eat until they are v/eaned.
It is c\istomary at the university farm to stock the rye at the rate of 12
sows and litters to the acre at first, but by the last of March the rye will support
' l£ to 18 sows and litters to the acre.
The rye can be depended on to provide forage until the middle or last of
April, at which time the alfalfa or clover pasture is usually ready for hog grazing.
If moisture conditions are I'ight, the acre devoted to rye can then be prepared and
planted to corn, or in an unfavorable season it can usually be put in shape in time
to plant to soybeans or silage corn.
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Cattle Hot Injured By CMnch Bvig Infested Silage
Prevalent as chinch bu^s have been this suraner in some JO to SO Illinois
unties, the insects will not affect the quality of the silage made from infested
^rn, according to W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the State Natural History Survey
.d the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Silage made from heavily-infested comstallcs may carry a strong chinch-bug
or for three or four weeks, but this v/ill eventtially disappear, it is said.
Dtixing former chinch bug attacks, particularly the outbreak in southwestern
linois in 1910-1915* a- large nimber of silos were filled with com infested with the
sects. In roDJiy cases the corn was so covered with bugs that the silage had the dis-
" agreeable chinch-bug odor, mal'cing it almost imrpossible to remain in the silos for more
than a short time while they were being filled. After the silage load settled for
three or four weeks, practically all of the chinch-bu^ odor passed away, the remaining
odor being the same as ordinary silage.
There was no question but wliat this silage had a lower nutritive value than
silage made from corn that had not been injured by chinch bugs, but it v/as readily
i eaten by the cattle during the following winter with no reported injurious effects.
"So far as our observations go," says Flint, "there is no danger of feeding
j STich silage and so far as we have been able to learn, no injurious effects have oc-
icurred from feeding such material to either dairy or beef cattle. It is, of course,
possible that some injury might occur, but this seems irrrprobable in light of the past
j experiences of many Illinois farmers."
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Machine Cutting: Both Silaig:e And Hay Most Useful
Vol. X7II - No. 35 Page 3
IV There never has "been a year when it has "been more essential that Illinois
■■Tanners make the test use of every hit of feed on their farms, and for this reason
thousands of producers are turning to hoth vipright and trench silos as a means of
conserving their drouth and chinch-hug damaged com crop this fall.
This increased use of silos is likely to bring ahout greater demand for
silage cutters than in many years in all parts of the sta,te, according to R. H. Heed,
agricultural engineer at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Miile most farmers, who are planning to harvest at least a part of their
com in the foim of silage, hope to use their own old silage cutters, or to hire
cutters from their neighbors, many may he forced to purchase new machines this fall,
it is believed. To such farmers, Reed suggests that they consider the purchase of a
niachine that will cut and elevate hay as well as silage.
Ordinary silage cutters will not cut and elevate hay very satisfactorily,
but most hay choppers will cut ajad elevate silage. Sy purchasing a dualT^purpose
cutter, the farmer will hold down his machinery investment and reduce the unit cost
required in operating two machines. In fact, one of the principal objections to farm
machines in the past has been that many of them could be used for only one operation
and their usefulness was thereby limited to a few days or a few weeks each year. The
newer cutters that will malce silage as well as cut and elevate ha,y into the bam tend
to eliminate this criticism. Returns on a recent questionnaire sent to farmers in
Illinois and other states indicate the grooving popularity of storing hay in the
chopped form.
Having in mind tliat at some future time the farrner may wish to chop his
hay before mowing it away, it would be more practical and economical to purchase a ma-
chine that will sei've both in hay-malcing and silo-filling seasons, points out Heed.
Best Wheat Per Chinch Bug Years Shorn By Tests
With the possibility of another chinch bvig infestation in 1935 and the ever-
present danger of winter killing, Illinois farmers should plant only those varieties
of wheat this fall that have proved the best in tiieir respective parts of the state,
says G. H. DungaJL, associate chief in crop production at the College of Agriculture,
l&iiversity of Illinois.
Where adapted varieties are planted on strong ground, observations indicate
t fair wheat yields can be attained in spite of chinch bug attacks.
In the central part of the state, points out Dungan, Illinois Progeny 2 this
ar again demonstrated its ability to yield well. This variety is a soft wheat with
considerable vdnter hardiness, superior grain quality and high yielding capacity on
'ertile soils, lfn.ea.ts of tlie Turkey type iiave lon^ been considered best adapted to
entral Illinois and a variety that can compete with them has to be a good one. Il-
linois Progeny 2 has done this for eight years in tests in central Illinois.
At the experiment field near DeKalb in northern Illinois, five wheat
varieties stand out in front with better average yields dioring the past three or more
years. They include lotujrk, Illinois Selection I3I, Minturki. Purkof ajid Wisconsin
Pedigree 2, These are all selections from Turkey or a 1-ybrid in which Turkey v/as one
of the parents.
On the Alhambra experiment field in southwestern Illinois, the soft red
winter wheats are the best s.dapted, a.nd here the leading varieties include Fulcastcr,
Hatob, Illinois Selection I3I, Michigan Amber, Red Sea and Fulhio. Of these, Illinois
Selection I3I is tlie only variety not in the soft wheat class.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
M
NEW AGR
BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
7olume XVII September 5, 193^ IfumTDer 36
Corn~Ho^ Checks To Illinois Pass $1,000,000 Mark
B'uying power of Illinois fanners has been increased by more than a million
iollars in the past 30 days as a result of AAA com-hog benefit payments, it is
jfltimated by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Furthermore, within
bl^e next few weeks the total in benefit checks to the 12U,000 corn-hog contract signers
In this state should reach nearly $17,850,000.
The first checks to be received by Illinois farmers cooperating in the gov-
ernment's corn-hog adjustment program began to arrive the last of July and by the
Qiddle of A^ugust the benefit payments aggregated $657*712. Since then checks have
jeen distributed so rapidly that an ■up-to-date total cannot be determined. It is be-
lieved, however, that the total amoimt received by Illinois farmers prior to September
L was well over the million dollar mark.
Present receipts, it is pointed out, represent only about 6 per cent of the
learly $17,850,000 to be received as the first benefit payments to corn-hog contract
signers in Illinois, most of which will be paid by early October. Approximately
^13» 523*000 will also be received by Illinois participants after November I5, v/hen the
second benefit checks became payable. A third and final payment totalling around
^8,671,500, less local administrative expenses, will be made to cooperators in this
jstate after Pebnaary I5, 1935 .
According to the latest available figures, Ford cotmty leads the list in
benefit payments received prior to Avigust I7 with a total of $83,777 • Henderson
Joxmty ranks second with checks aggregating $^3,912, while other counties tliat have
received more than $20,000 include: Greene, $36,007; Fayette, $35,015; DeWitt, $30,236;
Wll, $30,0^9; Logan, $27,633; Clark, $25,106; Boone, $24,390; Macon, $22,SSU, and
:00k, $22,530.
Corn-hog checks are being mailed out of Washington at the rate of nearly
two million dollars a day to contract signers in all of the US states, it is said. By
iiigust 2U, total disbursements by the AAA. com-hog section approximated $U5,550»000,
>r about a third of the total first instalments of some $133,000,000 to be distributed
i^ signers of the 193^ adjustment contract.
■If By mid-Avigust Iowa farmers had received $8,lU3,U90 to head the list of states
"na total benefit money so far, while, payments to other mid-western states included:
tissouri, $U, 81+7,567; Ohio, $!4, 9^0,270; Nebraska, $3,796,950; Minnesota, $2,775,1426;
[ndiana, $2,7^2,038, and Wisconsin, $1,005,820.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
:^-'jl'c-
t - »- -
Vol. XVII - No. 36 Sriie gxtpnaion messenger Page 2
Smut In Wheat Reduced By Either Of Tv/o Processes
In their efforts to protect their 1935 wheat crop from serious injury "by
stinking smut, or ■btmt disease, Illinois farmsFS have a choice of two effective
chemical seed treatments — copper carbonate or Ceresan — either of which will "be a prof-
itable precaution this fall, says Benjamin Koehler, crop pathologist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois*
The copper carbonate may be purchased in either full strength or diluted
forms, but for Illinois conditions the latter containing IS to 20 per cent copper has
been found satisfactory. If the grain is not discolored and does not have an odor,
two o'unces of copper carbonate to each bushel of seed is recommended. However, if the
wheat is discolored and has a foul, smutty odor, then 2|- to 3 ounces should be used.
If Ceresan is used, the directions accompanying the compound should be fol-
lowed. The materials and seed are mixed together in a tight mixing machine, similar
to that used in treating seed corn, until all kernels have been covered by the powdered
chemical .
When comparing copper carbonate and Ceresan, it is found that each Iia.s cer-
tain advantages over the other. In the matter of dosage, there is no danger of damag-
ing the r-^rain by an overdose of copper carbonate, but using more than one-half otmce
of Ceresan to the bushel is injurious. Furthermore, v/heat treated with copper ca,r-
,| bonate may be stored in a dry place indefinitely v/ithout deterioration, while Ceresan
-j causes noticeable damage to the wheat germ after a week's time.
Ceresan, however, has the advantage of not clogging the cylinders of the
, wheat drill as often happens when wheat treated with copper carbonate is allowed to
. remain in the drill overnight in danip weather. Then too, Ceresan does not require as
I thorougii an application as copper carbonate because it acts to some extent as a gas
as well as a contact disinfectant.
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I Cow Families Responsible For Best Dai ry Herds
One or two foundation cows are often responsible for many of the most out-
standing of the 1,026 herds in Illinois dairy improvement associations at the present
time, according to C. S. Rhode, chief in dairj'- husbandry extension at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
These cows, orginally selected for their efficient raillc and butterfat pro-
duction, have become the dams of what are known as "cow families." Their daughters,
granddau;hters and great-granddaughters have proved as efficient producers as the
foundation cows and have been retained in the herds from generation to generation until
now they make up the major portion of the better dairy herds of the state. Gradually
they are spreading the highly desirable influence of the original foundation cows.
Too much cannot be said regarding the importance of the herd sire, points
out Rhode, but at the saDie time it should be recognized that the dam contributes as
jinuch to the offspring as does the sire. The bull, if he has the ability to transmit
■jhigh productivity to his daughters, will steadily increase the efficiency of the herd.
[However, if high-producing dams are also used in the breeding program, the progress is
im'uch more rapid. The wise selection of both sires and dams of heifers for herd re-
Iplacement offers a great opportunity for advancement for the average dairyman.
An example of an outstanding cow family is fo\and in a herd in Kane county
j dairy improvement association No. 2. Pearl Burke DeKol Beets is the fo-undation cow
iSaiid during five consecutive lactation periods she produced an average of 615.9 pounds
of butterfat annually. Of her daughters, one produced 562.8 poimds of fat in a year's
time, while two others have eqtdvalent records. One granddaughter produced 229.7
pounds of fat as a five-year-old, and another 52^.2 pounds. Three great-granddaughters
have records that are equally as good, all of which contribute to the success of the
herd.
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i^
vol. XTII - No. 36 ®''' ExtinBion «Ma0nB« p^ ^
JJow Is Time To Begin Controllin,£; Poultry Pests
Before Illinois farniers begin housing their more than 20 million chickens
for fall and winter production, it will be decidedly profitable to thoroijghly clean
and treat the poultry buildings for lice, mites and other parasitic insects, sxiggests
M. D. Farrar, entomologist of the State Natural History Survey.
Unless effective control measures are talcen at this time, flocks often be~
come so heavily infested with these insect pests that they become unthrifty, egg pro-
dtiction declines and thousands of dollars in poultry profits are lost by producers.
Some of the more economical and effective oils to control mites, bed bugs
and fleas in the poultry house are creosote, kerosene and wasted crank case oil, ap-
plied with a brush or emulsified with soap and water and sprayed on the inside of the
building. Dormant tree spray emulsions mixed at the rate of four or five gallons in
100 gallons of water are also efficient poultry insect destroyers, points out Parrar
in a report to the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Poultry lice spend their entire lives on the birds and thus must be con-
trolled by treating the fowls. Por this a good grade of sodium fluoride is economical.
Each bird is dusted individually by applying a pinch of sodi-um fluoride under each
wing and around the vent, roughing the feathers to allow the powder to sift into the
plunmage, or the birds may be dipped in a solution of one ounce of sodium fl-Lioride in
one gallon of water.
Where it is impractical to handle each bird, painting the roosts vath HO-
per-cent nicotine sulphate is recommended. A line of the disinfectant about one-
fourth inch wide is applied along the roosts just before the birds retire. The
nicotine fumes filter through the birds' feathers, killing the lice. This treatment
should be repeated in 10 to iH days as it does not kill the eggs. All lime or white-
wash should be removed from the roosts before the nicotine sulphate is applied.
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Uew Circular To Aid Farmers Cut Tractor Expense
Whether the owners of approximately 70*000 tractors on Illinois farms derive
the maximum service from their machines depends largely on the care exercised in their
operation and maintenance, points out R. I. Sliawl, author of a circular on "Tractor
Repair and Maintenance", just issued by the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
As a result of proper care and maintenance, a general-purpose tractor at
the College of Agriculture recently completed nine and a half years of service at an
average repair cost of only $59*37 a year. During that time it completed nearly
6,000 hours of general farm work, and it was not until after the first five and a
half years that any major repairs were necessary. The tractor is still good for
several years of work and will not need to be junked until the hour-cost of operation
exceeds that of the newer and better tractors now being made.
It is to aid Illinois tractor owners in holding dovm maintenance costs and
to help them do some of their own repair work that the new circiilar has been prepared.
The publication includes US pages of instructions dealing with common tractor troubles
and their remedy, such as the grinding of valves, adjusting the carburetor, checking
the ignition parts, repair of the cooling system, power transmission problems, lubri-
cation suggestions and a discussion of types of tractor fuels. Well illustrated and
thorou.ghly indexed, the circular provides a practical handbook for tractor owners.
Copies of Circular U25, "Tractor Repair and Maintenance", may be obtained from county
farm advisers or by writing direct to the College of Agriculture, lAiiversity of
Illinois.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AC-R BLDG
M
I
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume ZVII September 12, I93U Num'ber 37
Illinois Farmers Can Have Their Own Shelterbelts
Shelterbelts for certain sections of Illinois would be just as "beneficial
to individual landowners and to the state as the newly-approved 100~mile~wide federal
shelterbelt will he to the country as a whole, says L. S. Sawyer, extension forester
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
In the national project, the belt of trees will extend from the Canadisin
border down throtigh North Dakota, South Dalcota, Nebraska, Kansas and into the Texas
panhandle and Oklahoma. But the things it will do for the entire middle west could
be done on a analler scale on individual farms throughout Illinois, and the beneficial
t suits would be felt throu^out the entire state.
A shelterbelt around the farm home, if not around the entire farmstead,
ints out Sawyer, will make it a much more desirable place in which to live, as the
presence of the belt of trees will break: the velocity of the wind both in winter and
stmamer. In the warm months, checking of the velocity of the wind will have a cooling
effect on the surrounding territory. The presence of the trees will increase the
humidity and, in many instances, the trees can be planted so as to aid in the control
' of soil erosion.
In the wintertime, the line or lines of trees v>/ill supply a number of bene-
fits. The velocity of the bitter, cold winds will be decreased, the home will be
easier to heat and at less expense, and the barn and other buildings will be more
liveable for the livestock.
Establishing a shelterbelt is neither a difficult nor an expensive taslc,
when undertaken on the scale that woiild be required for the average Illinois farm.
Sawyer explains. Neither does such a shelterbelt require a large area of land that
could possibly be used to better advantage for other purposes. The land that is re-
quired and the necessary expense involved would be more than offset by the added value
^ the farm and the improvement in the living conditions,
■■p. Much of the middle west has suffered acutely from the prolonged drouth this
^steimer and the economic and social consequences are serious, it is pointed out. The
dust stoin which blanketed the country from the Dalvota.s to the Atlantic seaboard was
an ominous reminder of the incipient desert conditions of the Great Plains.
Man cannot change all the forces of weather, but he can modify his own sur-
roundings. He can improve the effects of the weather. If the surface velocity of the
wind over a wide area can be broken and decreased even slightly, soil will be held in
place, the moisture of the soil will be conserved, and liavens of shelter v/ill be
created for man, beast and bird.
The development of shelterbelts both on large and small scales is not en-
rely a new or untried activity, it is explained. On the contrary it is based upon
long-time experience of several European countries, particularly Italy, Hungary
and Russia. In those countries where shelterbelts have been used over a period of
years and on an extensive scale, farming eateri^rises have been stabilized and have
succeeded even in the worst seasons when farmers in other areas have suffered serious
losses to their crops through adverse vreather conditions, says federal authorities.
!
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
11
?ol. XYII - Ho. 37 ^ije ExUnaian Mesasn^ev Page 2
(Mk Hew U. of_ _I. Circular Pictures Dairy Cattle T:rpe s
^BP DairjTuen of this state v/ho ovm more than 1,111,000 milk cows and heifers
and who buy, sell and trade thousands of head anntially, will find consideratile as-
sistance for their transactions in a new circular, "selecting Dairj' Cattle," just pub-
lished by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
IK Many thousands of cattle are bought and sold every year for dairy purposes
TOrely \ipon the evidence which their external appearance gives of their ability to
produce milk, points out the circular. In s"ach dealings, the buyer who knows the
characteristics of a good dairy cow ha.s a distinct advantage, while the untrained
buyer may be sadly disappointed in his purchase, once he has had an opportunity to
test the animal's productive ability.
tit is to assist in lessening the number of these disappointments and to aid
raising the standard of dairy cows in this state that the new publication has been
prepared by W. B. IJevens and A. F. Kuhlnan, of the U. of I. dairy department. Che
circular contains some 60 photographs and drawings which portray many of the desirable
and undesirable characteristics to be looked for in dairy cattle. Jerseys, Holsteins,
Guernseys, Ayrshires and Brown Swiss are among the breeds pictured in the booklet, with
separate sections devoted to the selection of bulls, heifers and mature cows. The pub-
j lication makes a practical handbook for teachers and students in vocational agriculture
jfilasses as well as for leaders and members of ^E dairy clubs.
Il| "ICnov/ledge of the characteristics of good type in dairy cattle is important,
*n6t only to the buyer of new female stock, but also to herd owners who v/ish to raise
heifers from their own best cows to replace cows no longer useful or profitable," ex-
iplain the authors. "If the quality of the herd is to be constantly improved, ability
'to judge good type is essential." Copies of Circular U22, "Selecting Dairy Cattle,"
may be obtained from a county farm adviser or by \Yriting direct to the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois, Urbana.
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Local Sales Cut Costs In Year Of Light Apple Crop
With one of tte smallest Illinois apple crops in the past 22 years, growers
who are fortunate enough to have trees bearing this fall will have an excellent oppor-
tunity to dispose of their apples throiogh local markets at a minimum expense, accord-
ing to J. W. Lloyd, chief in fruit and vegetable marketing at the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois.
The state's 193^ apple crop has been estimated at approximately 2,62^,000
bushels or less than a third of the average annual production during the past 10 years.
Only in I92I and in 1932 were the g)ple crops less than is estimated for this year.
?or the United States, however, it is believed that the total apple crop V'/ill amount
to about two-thirds of the average for the past decade.
In seasons of a light crop like the present, the local demand for apples may
well be given first attention by orchardists. Prom the standpoint of the grower, mar-
'<eting locally has several advantages, Lloyd explains. The cost for packages and pack-
ing is much reduced, since the local purchaser visually brings his own packages and no
lacing is necessary. Tiiere are no freight bills nor brokerage charges to be deducted
[from the selling price, because the local buyer provides the transportation and busi-
jness is transacted directly between producer and consumer. Handled in this way, a
ijshort apple crop is likely to net the grower a greater return tlian if the frait vrere
jahipped to the large city markets.
To market apples successfully by this method, it is necessary for the
TiOrchardist to let the people of his vicinity know that he has apples and when they
■Till be available, fading notices in local papers usually serve this purpose
adequately.
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Vol. XVII - Ho. 37 Srije Sxtsnaion iMesspttg^r Page 3
■ Cleaning Hints Por Rp^s And Furnittire Eyplained
With, fall house cleaning time just around the corner, homemakers everjrvvhere
are worf/ing ahout how they can "brighten up the appearance of the living room rug or
remove that 'ugly spot on the upholstered mohair or velour davenport.
To make this part of house cleaning as easy and as effective as possible,
Miss I sate lie Hitchcock, home furnishings specialist at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois",, makes several timely suggestions.
For cleaning rags or cloth upholstered furniture that are not badly soiled,
mild soap flakes should be dissolved in warm water and stirred with pji egg beater
until there is a thick, dry lather, explains Miss Hitchcock. The suis should then be
tested on an inconspicuous place to make sure that the fabric vdll not fade. A
stiff bristle brush should be used, applying the lather only to a small section of
the rug or furniture covering at a time and always working a rotary motion until the
lather is soiled. The soap should then be wiped iip with a clean cloth or sponge
■■jjltmg dry from lukewarm water. A generous application of suds will prevent uneven
'cleaning, but care must be taken to use only the dry lather so that the stuffing in
the ftimiturc will not become damp. Soiled furniture coverings such as tapestrj^,
denim, rep or frieze whach are fast in color may be freshened in the same manner.
Grease spots or oil stains may be removed from upholstered furniture and
rags by using naptha, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride or a detergent. When using
naptha or chlorofomi, the furniture should be moved into the open air. Either of the
j liquids can then be applied to the stain, working from the outer edge to the center
land allowing it to scale in well. A piece of blotting paper is then placed over the
stain and pressed vdth a slightly warn iron. If carbon tetrachloride is used, the
! spot should be sponged thoroughly with a cloth saturated in the solution, using an-
other clean cloth to absorb the soiled cleaning fluid before it evaporates. All
rubbing should be done with the nap.
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Fufil Prepenses Ca.n 3e Saved 3y Small Home Repairs
Illinois farm families who wish to save money on the annual coal bill and
at the same time enjoy warm comfort diiring the cold winter months should begin now to
malce certain needed repairs about the home, s-oggests W. A. Poster, rural architecture
specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Loose-fitting doors, rattling windows, cracks under the baseboard, in floors
and plaster produce drafts that reduce the comfort of the home, cause grief to the
occ-upants and add money to the coal man's purse. All of these are little things which
should be fixed before winter comes and, fortunately, require very little material or
expense. In most cases, a small amount of time and labor are the chief requirements,
points out Foster.
Twenty feet of bronze weather stripping and 3O minutes time v/ill make the
door fit like new. A check of the sash and refitting of stops will improve the
windows and stop the leaks there. Pla,ster repairs not only keep the cold air ou.t of
the house but improve the appearance of the home. Resetting of the carpet strip or
.shoe mold will eliminate many floor drafts, while gun caullcing may be purclaased from
Ithe building materials dealer and applied with a putty Icnife or the screw-tj^pe grease
gun.
All of these minor repairs may be done by the handy man in leisure time at
a surprising low cost. Tiie saving in fuel alone will pay for the materials several
ij times over each year, v;hile the extra comfort and saving in health give added in-
centive to make the repairs. Count the cost of wasted fuel and compare it with the
actual cost of repairs, and then you v/ill wonder why the little tasks were not done
long ago, says Foster.
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Jlume XVII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
September 19, 1934
ITumber 38
Call Ref^ional Meet ings Of County Corn- Ho g Delegates
First steps toward presenting the facts on the present economic situation
fco all Illinois corn-hog producers and for taking a referendum among them on the
lestion of a 1935 adjustment program will be made at a series of regional confer-
ices of official delegates to be held September 24, 25 and 26,
Farm advisers and members of county allotment committees have been called
^0 attend the conferences, which will be held under direction of the extension ser-
Lce, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The sched-ule of the meetings, by crop reporting districts, is: Northeast,
^ptember 24 at Geneva; northwest, September 25 at Dixon; west, September 26 at
icomb; east, September 24 at Paxton; central, September 25 at Bloomin^ton; viest
^outhv/est, September 26 at Carlinville; southwest, September 24 at Pinckneyville;
loutheast, September 25 at Harrisburg, and east southeast, September 26 at Effingham.
Calling of the regional conferences in Illinois is in line v;ith recommenda-
tions made at a recent regional meeting which the AAA held at Indianapolis, Ind. , and
lich was attended by delegates from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and
Tennessee. Attending as the official Illinois delegates were Dean Herbert W. Mumford,
of the U. I. College of Agriculture; Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm ad-
visers, and F. J. Keilholz, extension editor.
Three members of the state corn-hog production control committee also at-
tended, including E. A. Eckert, Mascoutah, master of the Illinois State Grange; J. R.
Folkerson, Jerseyville, and Ray Miller, of the Illinois Livestock Marketing Associa-
tion.
After the 1934 corn-hog contract terminates this fall, there will be no
control program in effect either on feed grains or on livestock unless some new plan
is developed.
The time has come, AAA officials believe, for corn-hog producers to get
the facts about the present economic situation v/ith regard to feed and livestock
and to express their opinion as to whether or not they wish an adjustment program
in 1935 and what kind of a program that shall be.
The regional conferences will be in the nature of training schools for the
county delegates. After their return they will assist in holding coimty meetings to
which all commujiity chairmen of the corn-hog production control association v/ill be
called and at which they will be trained.
One or more teams will then be organized for holding a series of community
meetings throughout each county with the idea of reaching all corn-hog producers.
This series of meetings will be concluded in time for the Illinois vote to be sent
to Washington before October 10.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
)1. XVII - No. 36 _ Page 2
No Shortaf^e Of Seed Corn Likely In Illinois In 1955
Unlike less fortunate farmers in sone other states, Illinois corn growers
should have plenty of seed available from the state's 1934 crop for planting a normal
(l^op of around eight million acres next season, in the opinion of J. C. Hacld.eman,
Hlief in crops extension at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
■ Hard hit as it is, the state's 1934 corn crop will measure up to the seed
^eds for next year if farmers pick enough of the right kind of seed at the proper
time and store it safely during the winter, Eackleman said.
In aroas where sufficient good new corn will not be available for seed,
1933 cribbed corn can be used, but it is less desirable for seed purposes than good
quality 1934 corn, it is said.
Following a trip through 27 northern and central Illinois counties, Kackle-
_jaan reported that whole counties in some sections and favored parts of the other
IJPounties of the state may have an excess of corn for seed this fall. Farmers in
other counties and areas v^here the drouth was most severe may have to import from
2,500 to 6,000 bushels each of seed corn from the more fortunate counties.
A shortage of seed from 1934 corn can be prevented to a large extent, if
j farmers in the more favored areas v/ill select plenty of seed this fall so that it
may be made available to growers in the less fortunate areas, it is believed. It is
recognized that the situation is so serious that it will be necessary for thousands
of farmers to use old corn, but the number of such cases can be reduced materially if
Illinois farmers who have good quality corn will accept their responsibility and se-
lect and store a surplus of seed this fall, Hackleman said.
7/hen selecting seed corn, it is best to pick only those ears that are located
en plants that are well anchored by the roots and are standing erect. The stalk and
parts of the leaves should be green while the husks have turned a straw color. Fur-
thermore, the plant from which seed corn is selected should be free of smut and the
ear should be supported by a sturdy, unbroken shank. Tlie husks should cover the ear
iwell and the ear itself should not be unusually large in circuiaference as such ears
dry slowly. Ears showing mold or insect inj-ury shoiild be discarded.
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Farm Account Roiind-Up To Be Held In Ottawa, Sept. 27
M. L. Wilson, assistant secretary of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, is schediiled to be the headline speaker when farmers from some 40 northern
Illinois cotmties gather for the farm bureau-farm management service round-up to be
held at Ottawa, September 27, it has been announced by the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois. The meeting will be held in the Ottawa High School starting
at 9:45 a.m.
How farmers who are keeping records in the service have improved their re-
turns and put their business on a better basis in the face of conditions prevailing
during the past several years will be discussed by representatives of the farm manage-
ent division of the agricultural college. Approximately 150 farmers in Grundy, La-
~alle, Marshall and Futnani counties are cooperating with the college and their county
farm advisers in keeping records in the service.
I The round-up is a tri-annual event, the first having been held at Normal
1 in 1928 and the second at Blooinington in 1931. AJl farm advisers and farmers in
■j northern Illinois who have been cooperating in record-keeping projects as well as
others interested in farm management records have been invited to attend the meeting.
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vol. XVII - No. 38 g^jyp gxtenatou iWeaaenger ^^se 3
Feed Crisis Puts Freraixira On Shrewd Buyin..^ Of Cattle
Illinois farmers, who have been biiying an average of more than 316,000
^Tocker and feeder cattle annually during the past several years, will have to he
unusually shrewd in their buying this fall if they are to avoid disappointing re-
sults, in the opinion of Prof. R. R. Snapp, associate chief in beef cattle husbandry
IBt the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
*w '.The critical feed situation will make it necessary to bu;^'- feeders on a
different basis than has been the case for the past several years if the venture is
to be a success, he pointed out. Only farmers with plenty of corn will be in a po-
sition to feed calves successfully, while farmers with limited supplies of grain will
be wise to confine their purchases to yearlings and two-year-old cattle, he believes.
It seldom pays, and certainly not this year, to buy cattle because they
"look like a bargain," with little or no thought as to vmether or not they are adapted
to the feed supplies and shelter equipment available for thera at their new homes, it
was pointed out.
Because of the shortage of grain and the low quality of available roughage,
most farmers are not in a position to feed calves successfully. However, the compara-
tively few farmers who are forttuiate enough to have an adequate amount of choice feeds
Ion hand v^ill make relatively good profits from feeding calves, Snapp believes. This
seems likely because of a probable scarcity of choice, lightweight slaughter steers
next summer and fall.
Farmers with limited supplies of grain will do better to confine their pur-
chases to yearlings and two-year-olds, since animals of these ages are well suited to
utilize coarse feeds such as shock corn, soybean hay and corn silage. Furthermore,
current market prices for both slaughter and feeder steers are favorable to the pur-
chase of older and heavier cattle.
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Ii Subsoil First To Lose Plant Food, U. I.. Tests Show
Contrary to popular opinion, the subsoils of Illinois farms lose their
ertility first and more rapidly from continued cropping than do the surface soils,
it is revealed by recent studies made at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Heretofore, it has been generally believed that the top seven inches of
soil was the main feeding area of most farm crops and, where no effort was made to
replace the consumed plant food, that the loss in fertility occurred from the top
downward. This has been found not to be true, says E. H. Bray, soil analyst of the
U. of I. agronomj'- department.
In light of this nevi loiovdedge, explains Bray, it v/ould seem more practical
and economical for farmers to begin replacing plant food either through manures or
commercial fertilizers before the subsoil has been mined. To allow both the surface
and subsoils to decline in fertility before treatment is started means that building
up the productivity of the land will be slow, since it takes a longer time to increase
the fertility of the subsoil than the surface soil. Experiments show that after the
first initial increase in productivity resulting from surface treatment, a gradual in-
crease in productivity occurs which is accompanied by an improvement in subsoil fer-
tility.
When a soil improvement program is being planned, tests should be made of
the subsoil at 10 to 12 inches and at 20 inches deep as well as of the surface soil,
it is said. This is especially important where it is likely that the soils are low
in phosphorus and highly acid, for such subsoils should be given special consideration
in the treatment program.
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Ulf2 iExii^nsioit iH^ss^ng^r
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII September 26, I93U N-umber 39
•
Forage Conservation Flans Under Way In 61^ Counties
Farmers in 6I coimties are in the midst of rounding up 255, OQO tons of corn
fodder and stover as Illinois' quota in the AAlA forage conservation program for the
relief of feed shortages in western states. A total of a million tons of forage is
being sought at the present time in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and other
mid-v/estern states having availahle supplies.
Farmers who are interested in selling fodder or stover under the program
:e application for contracts hy signing up in the farm adviser's office, it was
.ounced. The official contracts have not yet arrived from Washington, hut as soon
they do, preference will "be given in the order in which fanners signed applications
r contracts.
An acre of good com will yield ahout a ton and a half of corn stover, so
t the state quota of 2^^,000 tons will provide an outlet for the product of ahout
0,000 acres of corn. Aside from relieving the feed shortages of farmers in less
fortunate states, the program means cash returns of from one and three quarter million
to two and a quarter million dollars for Illinois farmers. Established prices for the
corn fodder and stover range from $7 to $9 a ton.
Fodder and stover which Illinois laimers contract to sell will not he bought
outright hy the AAA, it was explained by Prof. J. C. Hacklenan, chief in crops exten-
sion at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, who is assisting in the
forage conservation movement in Illinois, The government will act only as inter-
mediary agent between sellers and buyers. Fanners who contract to sell fodder or
stover will be brought together with buyers through a federal feed agency to be estab-
lished in Kansas City, Mo.
In cases where contracts arc not conipleted by ipril 1 of next year, the
government will either buy the material or make satisfactory settlement, provided the
forage at that time grades SFo. 2 or better.
All com fodder and stover will be contracted at definite grades and extab-
lished prices. Grade No. 1 of fodder or stover shall have all or nearly all of the
leaves attached and shall be green to greenish yellow in color, sound and sweet, well
cured and shall not contain more than a trace of foreign material. G'rade No. 2 shall
have the majority of the leaves attached, may be yellow to yellowish brown in color,
shall be well cured and may include not to exceed 10 per cent foreign material. All
grades of fodder and stover must be cut and cured in the shock before being husked.
Tentative prices established for the different grades are: Wo. 1 com
fodder — whole, $g a ton; shredded or threshed, $9; No. 2 com fodder — whole, $7»50;
r shredded or threshed, $S.50; No. 1 corn stover or sweet com stover — whole, $7»50>
shredded or threshed, $S.50; No. 2 corn stover or sweet com stover — whole, $7;
shredded or threshed $S.
These prices are F.O.B., the farmer's shipping point for baled stover or
fodder. The secretary of agriculture will appoint inspectors who will inspect the
fodder or stover before it is loaded at the point of shipment.
i
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVII - No. 39 ®Ij^ Sxtenatntt Mws^nspr P^ge 2
IB _ Illinois Farmers Sifting; Outlook On Feed And. Stock
^Hr Production of both grain and livestock threatens to get out of hand again
NTithin a few years, thereby leaving farmers in another cycle of ruinously low prices
unless producers plan accordingly.
This si32mary of the feed and livestock outlook, which is based on evidence
collected by the Bioreau of Agricultural Economics, U. S. Department of Agriculture,
has just been presented to official covinty representa,tives in a series of nine regional
meetings held by the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Il-
linois.
These regional conferences were the first step toward a series of state-wide
conm'unity meetings at which every corn-hog farmer will have a chance to get the facts
on the present economic sittiation and to cast his vote on the q-uestion of a AAA^ pro-
gram for 1935* After the 193^ corn-hog contract terminates on November 30» there will
by no control program in effect either on feed grains or livestock unless further
plans are made.
Plans for the community meetings in the 102 counties of the state were
started as soon as co'onty farm advisers and members of the coimty corn-hog allotment
committees returned from the regional meetings. Preceding the community meetings, a
county meeting mil be held in each county for all community committeemen of the corn-
hog control association so that they can assist with the meetings in their respective
neighborhoods. These community meetings will be open to all corn-hog producers,
whether or not they are participating in the present corn-hog program.
The economic situation that grain and livestock farmers will face in 1935
•/ill be almost the opposite of conditions that existed at this time last year, it was
pointed out in the regional meetings. Feed supplies have been cut into so heavily
that they are now on the short side. Livestock supplies, too, have been cut very
sharply, but the shrinkage in feed has been so severe that feed prices are climbing
faster than livestock prices.
This has put a premium on feed supplies. On the basis of past experience
this threatens to stiuulate an immediate and large increase in com acreage. This in
turn would bring ruinously low feed prices and lead to an overproduction in livestock
raising. Livestock prices would then collapse, and corn-hog producers might be right
back in another of the disastrous cycles such as ended -with the present season's ad-
justment campaign.
The series of commvinity meetings is being planned so as to get tlie results
of the Illinois poll to Washington before October 10 where it will be considered along
■•ith the outcome of the vote in other states.
[
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Seed Oats Now Being Fed Would Bring Premium In Spring
Hard pressed as they are for feed to maintain their eight or nine million
head of livestock, Illinois fai'mers can hardly afford to continue feeding oats of
good seed quality and adapted varieties, it is reported by J. C. Hackleraan, chief in
crops extension at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Oats of this
kind now threaten to be so scrrce that it v/ill coiaraand a premium as seed next spring,
he said. One county, Champaign, is conserving its supply by sealing oats, as \tc11 as
j wheat and soybeans, under a plan similar to tliat used for the corn loans. Loans on
the sealed oats, soybeans and wheat -rdll be advanced at the rate of 65 per cent of
i| market quotation.
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( 7^1. XVII - Ho. 39 ®I?e lExtpnainn M^saettger Page 3
(K Repetition Of "Leaii" 19"^^ Crop Season Is_ Unlikely
j^Br A repetition of the disastrous crop season of 193^ is not likely in the im-
mediate future, and therein lies hope for the farmer who is planning ahead, in the
opinion of Dr. L. J. Norton, of the agricultural economics department, College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
For the farmer who is looking quite a vvays ahead, the decreased numbers of
hogs, cattle and sheep on accoimt of the short feed supplies means that the balance
between livestock and feed prices is likely to be more favorable to livestock after
the 1935 crops are harvested than is the case at the present time, he said.
In view of this prospect, it will be profitable to maintain good foundation
breeding herds wherever it is possible to do so in any way, even in areas v?here feed
supplies are very short.
Reasonably favorable prices for feedstuffs and for fat livestock are in
prospect for this fall and winter as a result of the short crops of feed grains and
the prospect of short supplies of fat stock.
The balance \/ill likely be in favor of feedstuf'fs, but they vdll not be so
higli in price or in relation to livestock prices as they would have been if produc-
tion had not been so drastically cvirtailed.
"The 193^ crop of feed grains in the United States will yield about 56
pounds for every 100 pounds produced as the annual average from I927 to 1931« The
193^ crop of hay will yield about 67 pounds for every 100 pounds raised in the 1927-
1931 period.
"Although the Illinois corn crop is short, it is good in comparison with
those in states where the midsuumer heat and drouth practically destroyed the crop.
.^ In Illinois, for example, the crop is estimated at 60 percent of the five-year average,
1 while in the five states of South Dalcota, iJebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri,
the crop is only I3 per cent as large as the five-year average.
"In spite of the very short com crop there is a better balance between hog
ntnnbers and feed supplies than would have been the case if there had been no AAA. corn-
hog adjustment program. The 193^ spring pig crop in the Ifeited States was estimated
at about 70 per cent of the average of the past three years and the ntmber of sows to
farrow in the simmer and fill of 193^+ was forecast to be slightly more than 60 per cent
of the average for I93I-I933,
"Usually curtailment in hog numbers follows short corn crops. The fact that
hog numbers already have been greatly reduce'^, will lessen the necessity for the dras-
tic liquidation in hogs which usually occui-s after short com crops and will maintain
a better balance between com and hog prices during this winter than would have been
possible if the control plan had not been in operation.
"Reports to the U. S. Departme?-.t of igriciilture indicate tha.t 30 per cent
fewer cattle will be purchased for feeding this year than in 193^»"
rHigh Feed Prices Fix Doom Of Poor T:/pes Of Animals
Mounting premiumr on feed spell the doom of all the poorer animals among
- eight or nine million head of livestock on Illinois farms, and getting rid of such
stock is the first step in conserving short feed supplies.
This is the recommendation of members of the dairy and animal husbandry de-
partments of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois in a special leaflet
which they have just prepared. It is designed to answer the many inquiries of farmers
who are hard put to make their available feed maintain the livestock on their farms.
Peed not only will be too scarce but also too high priced to waste on low-
producing or inferior animals, the leaflet points out. Not only low-producing' dairy
cows but also inferior animals of all kinds and ages should be disposed of as soon as
possible, it was recommended.
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volme XVII October 3, I93U K-umber kO
Better-Mana,q:ed Farms Netted $1,873 Mprc In 1931-33,
Superior management alone made a difference of $1,873 ^ year over a three-
ar period bet'.veen the average not income of the 30 best farms and the income of the
1 poorest farms out of a group of I60 on which farm accconts have just been summarized
Tor 1931> 1932 axid 1933* ^s accounts were kept by farmers in LaSallo, Grundy,
.Marshall and Putnam counties who are enrolled in the farm bureau-farm management project
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Approximately 1,000 farmers turned out to study the results of the records at
, recent "round-up" meeting of the account keepers held at Ottawa, By keeping the U. of
[. farm accounts hundreds of farmers in the state are learning how their operations com-
)are with that of other farmers in their neighborhood, they are locating the strong and
7eak points of their business and they are learning the practices followed by success-
'vl farmers, it was pointed out by M„ L, Mosher, of the department of agricultxu-al
"onomics*
Mo L, Wilson, assistant secretary of the U. S. Department of Agricult-oro, v/ho
jippeared as the principal speaker at the meeting, declared that the emphasis in farming
(lost continue to be placed upon efficient production regardless of whatever necessity
"".hsre was for adjusted production,
"The rewards for efficiency of production are just as great as they ever were,
jijid we have every reason to believe that they should be greater as time goes on. For
line thing, the efficient farmer will bo preparing himself for the time whem he can
jigain produce without restraint for the world markets which he once had," Assistant
jJecretarj^ Wilson said.
The 30 most profitable farms in the group of I60 enrolled in the farm bureau-
'arm management project realized an average annual net income of $1,38U during the
hree years of I93I, 1932 and 1933, In contrast the 30 poorest farms lost an average
•f $U29 a year, making the difference between their earnings and those of the most prof-
table farms total $1,S73.
Greater returns for feed fed to livestock, better crop yields, lower cost of
lan labor, lower cost of power and machinery, better selection of crops, better prices
'or grains and lower miscellaneous expenses, including taxes, accoimted for most of the
ifference in earnings between the two groups of farms.
Farms that were above average on six or all seven of these more important
'actors had an average net income of $l,0Ul a year, while farms that were below avcr-
•ge in six or all seven of the factors lost an average of $132 a year.
The importance of efficient production was reflected in the fact that the 30
arms vdth the highest crop yields each averaged $S50 more net income a farm a year
lian did the 30 farms with the lowest crop yields. The high yielding farms raised 22.^
ushels more corn to the acre, 19,U bushels more oats, 2,U bushels more winter wheat,
l2,2 bushels more barley, 11.7 bushels more soj'-bcans, almost a half ton more of clover
ay and better than a half ton more of alfalfa hay an acre.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H, W. Mumford, Director.
/oi, XVII - No. Uo ®I?p Extenaiott Msivtn^^t Page 2
Ifc^ Silage Is Prized In 193!4~1.93'5 LamTj-Fceding: Outlook
1^™^ Shrewd feeders, and especially those who have plenty of silage available,
7ill be the ones most likely to cash in on the favorable outlook for lambs during the
jonins; winter, according to W. &, Karnmlade, assistant chief in sheep husbandry at the
:!)olloge of Agric\ilture, University of Illinois,
Feed costs will be high and profits will be eaten up unless the lambs
arc fed to gain fast, he pointed out. Rapid gains generally are cheap gains,
IS they mean good use of feed and a quick improvement in the condition of the lambs,
"Feed costs will be a much more important item in the expense and returns
31 lamb feeding this season than was the case a year ago. Roughages, especially hays,
vill cost at least twice as much, and all grains have advanced so that it will not be
'50 easy to get a m.argin over feed costs,
"Silage is a relatively cheap feed and may be used as the only roughage for
"".ttening lambs, if it is properly supplemented to make up for the lack of protein
/id mineral. When legume hay is not fed in addition to the silage, it is essential
lih&t a protein concentrate such as soybean oil meal, cottonseed meal or linseed meal
1)0 included in the ration. Likewise, some simple mineral supplement should be spread
t>Ter the silage. About one-fourth pound of the protein sxipplemcnt daily for each lamb
' usually enough,
"In a test last year at the U, of I. College of Agriculture, a mixture of
jqual parts of salt and finely ground limestone fed on the silage at a daily rate of
me pound for each l6 lambs, seemed to provide ample mineral for the 90-cla-y period.
Phe average daily ration in this case was about 1 to 1.25 pounds of corn, ,25 pound
i)f soybean oil meal, 2,50 to 2,75 pounds of silage and ,06 pound of salt and limestone,
"Recent rains which have improved fall pastures have also added to the feed-
;r's chances of making a profit. Grass is an inexpensive feed and lambs can't bo
)eaten in utilizing it efficiently,"
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Soybean Sepd Crop Being Threatened By Blight Disease
Welcome as the rains have been in recent weeks, continued damp weather this
1 may play havoc with the estimated crop of 6,369,000 bushels of soybean seed which
inois farmers will harvest this fall, in the opinion of Benjamin Koehler, crop
Pathologist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Exceptional moisture in late summer and early fall is particularly favorable
to the development of what is Icnown as "pod and stem" blight, and already reports have
)Gen received by Koehler indicating that the disease has broken out in soybean fields
In several parts of the state.
The only practical remedy knovm at the present time, explains Koehler, is to
:ake special care to see that the beans are as dry as possible when stored in bins,
Ef there is considerable moisture in the stored beans, the disease fungus spreads
fapidly and multiplies the damage.
Symptoms of the disease are easily overlooked in the vines, but the real
ianage will be readily observed when the bean seeds fail to germinate next spring.
In 1926, when a severe infection of "pod and stem" blight occurred in Illinois, many
3f the seed lots germinated less than ^0 per cent upon being tested at the U, of I.
College of Agriculture, Consequently if the damp weather that prevailed over a large
irea of the state in September should continue, the blight will undoubtedly cause
considerable damage this year.
Vol. XVII - No. ko ®l|^ ExtPtiaion fMcaa^ng^r Pagg 3
Di- pu th-Damag e d Corn Not Likely To H-urt ^arm Stock
There is little danger of poisoning livestock by feeding dxouth-damagcd corn-
stalks this fall, if samples tested at the College of Agricultiore, University of Illinois
are typical of corn thro-ughout the state, says Dr. Robert G-raham, chief in animal
pathology and hygiene,
Inniunerable inquiries recently have been received by the U. of I. pathology
laboratory relative to the possible poisonous properties of drouth corn, as well as
sudan grass, and apparently many stockmen are afraid to feed either of these roughages.
Of the many samples of suspicious drouth corn that have been tested in the
laboratory, to date not a single specimen has proved to be poisonous, Dr, Graham said.
Although it is knovm that sorghum plants can develop fatal amounts of hydrocyanic acid
under arrested growth, the danger in the case of corn seems to be rather doubtful,
■ The poisonous properties of sudan grass have also been recognized during
certain stages of growth, but here again bona fide evidence of injury v/hcn fed to live-
stock was not obtained in one instance. An experimental horse was fed the grass for a
period of three V7eeks without shov/ing any ill effects.
Illness which may be mistaken for food poisoning is sometimes caused by too
udden change in rations, Dr, Graham points out. This is particularly true in cases
where the animals have been on short pasture and are in a rundown condition^ Recent
rains have improved the pastures and as a result cases of laminits have been obsei-ved
in horses that had nothing to eat but bluegrass. This ailment always accompanies an
intestinal disturbance, the cause usually being a sudden change in diet or overfeeding
animals in poor condition,
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Home Fires Spread Heavy Damage Each Fall In Illinois
Nearly $20,000,000 in property is destroyed and many lives are lost each
year in the United States, with Illinois one of the heaviest losers, because people
fail to examine their chimneys, flues and other heating equipment before starting fires
in the fall, says Miss Gladys J. Wa,rd, home management specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Commenting on the national observance of Fire Prevention Week, October 7 to
13, Miss Ward points out that fire caused the death of l,6l5 persons in the United
States in one year, almost I9 per cent of whom were residents of Illinois, In the past
10 years, approximately 4,000 people have burned to death in this state, a third of
them being children under 10 years of age.
House fires which average nearly 1,000 daily in this co-untry have caused
property damage amounting to $l60,000,000 annually, while the total loss from all types
"f fires aggregated more than $300,000,000 in 1933.
Before lighting home fires in the early fall is the time to inspect, repair
nd clean out defective chimneys, flues and fireplaces, if this work was not done dur-
ing the regular spring house cleaning, siiggests Miss Ward, Much of the loss of life
and property also could be prevented, if a fire extinguisher were a part of the equip-
ment of every home. Kept within easy access for quick use and inspected and refilled
ragalarly, a hand extinguisher would quench a large majority of the common home fires
before a great deal of damage were done, A wool blaiikct and a small box of salt or
and near at hand are also excellent aids in putting out small fires that often occur
in the kitchen, while many of the fires caused by spontaneous combustion in the home
could be prevented by keeping oily cleaning clothes in tightly covered metal cans, it
is said,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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2rij0 i£xi^nst0it iU^ss^ng^r
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
1
I^^^E Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
1^^^^ Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII October 10, 1934 IJumDer 41
Increase In "Ag" Students Is Seen As Favorable Sign
Signs that things are looking up in agriculture are seen in the fact that
the total enrollment of 893 students in the College of Agricult-iore, University of
Illinois is the largest since the fall of 1921, it is announced "by R. R. Eudelson,
assistant dean. The total enrollment this fall represents a gain of 173 students
over last year.
Although resident teaching is only one of the three main functions of the
agricultural college, the enrollment of students is considered a fair barometer of
the trend in the financial condition of farm families. The other ttro functions of
the college are its research work on farm and home problems and its extension ac-
tivities through which new teachings are carried to farmers and homemakers throughout
the state.
The increase in the agricultural college enrollment this year is a gain of
24 per cent over last year. Dean Hudelson reported. There is a 24 per cent gain in
tgricultural students alone and a 24.1 per cent gain in home economics students.
The fresliman class in agriculture this year is the largest since 1930, ex-
clusive of landscape architecture students who have been transferred to the College
of Fine and Applied Arts since 1930. The freshman class in agriculture this year
numbers 251.
Not only the freshman class, but also all others in the college show an
increase over last year, indicating that students are not being forced to drop out
of school at the rate they formerly 7/ere. The junior class shows the largest in-
crease of any, with 68 more students than last year.
All but five of the 102 counties of the state are represented among those
10 are enrolled in agriculture and home economics, while 18 other states besides
.linois and five foreign covmtries also have students studying at the college.
The enrollment for the entire university, as of October 1, was 10,616
judents, an increase of 678 over the previous year, or a gain of 6.82 per cent.
.most one-fourth of the gain in the entire university was recorded in the agricul-
'al college.
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AAA Feed-Saving Plan. Extended To Take In Hay Crops
Feed shortages in the drouth- stricken areas are so critical that Illinois
'amers who have surplus hay may now contract to sell it, as well as corn fodder and
stover, under the AAA. forage conservation program. Announcement of this has just
been made by J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois.
The AAA corn fodder and stover program to raise a. quota of 255,000 tons in
Illinois is still underway, but the feed situation in the states farther west has
-econe so serious that a call has now gone out for hay, too. Regional inspectors
■•-ppointed by the AAA, as well as county farm advisers, have been asked to take list-
ings of all available surplus supplies of alfalfa, red clover, soybean, covrpea, les-
1 pedeza and all non-legume hays. In some cases farmers who have corn fodder and
[ stover may be able to keep it for wintering their own stock, thus releasing hay
that might be sold for more than the corn fodder and stover would bring.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
I
©he ^Extension Measenaev
Vol. XVII - No. 41 Page 2
Illinois Farmers Organize To Fij^ht 1935 Chinch Bugs
Corn growers in Illinois are already arming themselves in defense against
a probable chinch b-og attack in 1935, with farmers in southern Iroquois and Vermilion
co-unties leading the way, according to ff. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illi-
nois State natural History Survey and of the College of Agriculture, University of
JLllinois. Farmers in that section are campaigning to eliminate all small grains
■jpaxing the coming year.
At the present time the chinch bugs, which have destroyed millions of
dollars worth of crops this year, are flying into winter quarters. Next spring,
however, the pests will come out of hibernation and begin feeding on small grains,
particularly wheat and barley. It is at this stage that a. large group of corn
owers in east-cenr.ral Illinois expect to defeat the bugs, for there will be no
1 grains for tnem to feed on, if present plans are successful.
Authorities at the U. of I. College of Agriculture do not recommend this
iarticular method of combatting chinch bugs for the entire state, but the movement
illustrates one way of fighting the destructive pests where farmers will organize
in a concerted drive.
Early in September a group of farm leaders in the two cotinties met to con-
sider what coTild be done to protect their 1935 corn crop from the chinch bugs. Sweet
corn is an important cash crop in this area, and almost any method that will assure a
minimum of insect damage is justifiable. Representatives of the U. of I. College of
Agriculture and the Natural History Sujvey were called in to suggest ways and means
of combatting the pest.
As a result of this and subsequent meetings, special agreement forms were
printed, township chairmen were elected to lead the movement and approximately 90
per cent of the farmers in the area are believed to have pledged themselves not to
grow wheat, barley, lye, oats or other small grains in 1335, The acreage formerly
devoted to these crops will be planted to clovers, soybeans and other legumes that
are not eaten by the chinch bugs, as well as some additional sweet corn acreage.
Furthermore, the corn will be planted later than usual. Thus, when the insects
come out of winter quarters next spring there will be a minimum of their favorite
foods on which the first brood of bugs normally develops.
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Illinois Farmers Aided 3y 35-Year-Old Liming Tests
Illinois farmers v/ho had reasonablj'- good stands of alfalfa and sweet clover
this summer, while non-leguminous hay and pasture crops were withered by the drouth,
reaped the benefits of 33 years of experiments in this state dealing with the value
of limestone in crop production, it is revealed in a recent bulletin published by
(the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Alfalfa and sweet clover, because of their deep-rooting characteristics
ill grow well in spite of prolonged dry weather, provided the soil is not in an
id condition. But in many fields the acidity of the soil must be neutralized by
.imestone before a good stand of legumes can be grown. Thus many farmers who have
followed the liming tests conducted by the U. of I. College of Agriculture had hay
and pasture this summer regardless of the drouth.
It was back in 1901 that the first of hundreds of field tests dealing with
soil acidity were begun, explains F. C. Bauer, chief in soil experiment fields and
author of the new bulletin entitled, "Response of Illinois Soils to Limestone."
During the next 17 years more than 40 similar experiment fields were developed in
different parts of the state, 21 of which are still in operation as a source of new
! facts relating to soil management problems.
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^1. XVII - No. Ui ^IfB ^xtettsian Meeetn^ev Page 3
Corn Picker Must Work Efficiently To Fay This Fall
AlthoTjgh Illinois' 193^ corn crop, estinated at some I7? million "bushelG,
d not suffer as badly from the drouth as corn in other states, farmers who use
mechanical com pickers this fall v?ill need to give special attention to the efficient
operation of the machines, in the opinion of A. L. Yoxmg, agricultizral engineer at
r College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Low corn yields always tend to nalce higher harvesting costs for each
■bushel picked. With many of the stalks "badly lodged there is added danger of greater
loss througli corn left in the field this fall. This loss usually consists of corn
shelled at the snapping rolls and ears that the machine fails to gather as it is
«lled across the field.
Tests made hy the agricultural engineering department of the U. of I.
liege of Agriculture show that the amount of corn left in machine- picked fields
averages about five bushels an acre, rangin:;; from 1.2 to 19*3 bushels according to
the efficiency of the corn picker. If the exceptionally high losses could liave been
avoided in a few fields, the average loss in machine-picked fields would have ccnipared
more favorably with the 2^ bushel loss in hand-picked fields.
With modern pickers, shelled corn can be lost onli'- at the snapping rolls.
When the distance between these rolls is kept adjusted properly, this loss is usually
not serious. Adjusting the rolls too closely when the stalks are brittle nay in-
crease the loss of ears, while leaving the rolls too far apart may cause them to
shell an excessive amount of corn.
Ear losses are usijally greater when the stalks and shanks are dry and
brittle, especially if the corn is broken down as it is this year. In such cases it
□ay be practical to restrict machine operations to periods when the staU-zs have
been toughened by dew or rain.
Other causes of leaving ears in the field are: Failure to keep the picker
on- the row, traveling too fast throtigh the field and not keeping the points of the
I gatherers close enough to the ground, especially when the corn is badly lodged.
I
"Forgotten Sires" Will Block Future Dairy Progress
The "forgotten man" has his champions, but too little has been said and
done about the "forgotten sires" of dair.y herds, in the opinion of W. W. Yapp, chief
in dairy cattle at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
By the "forgotten sires" Yapp refers to that large group of young Illinois
dairy bulls whose breeding ability is still an unknown quality but whose progeny will
wield a potent influence on dairy ret'oxns in years to come. These progeny will pro-
duce more than 90 percent of all millc and dairy products consumed i-n the five years
from 1937 to 19^1 Inclusive.
Most progressive dair;y'men would rather use a "proved" sire, as determdned
by the nx-mber of pounds of milk and butterfat the bull's daughters will produce in
a year's time. Yapp explained. This is as it should be. However, under the present
system of proving dairy bulls, only one in fifty is likely to become a proved sire,
and all those not in this select groiip are "forgotten."
More attention needs to be given to tlie physical appearance of these bulls
and to the performance of their daas and sires if the future of the dairy industry is
to be safeguarded, Yapp believes. The physical characteristics of the young ovll
should, of course, be considered carefully, if he is to sire the future producers of
the herd. In addition the dair^TTian should investigate the characteristics of the
bull's sire and dam,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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Volume XVII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
October 17, 193U
Nvaaber kl X..
STew Farm Year To Front At Farm Advisers ' Conferences
With a history-making year nearing a close, farming interests in Illinois
Lll take a look ahead and map out steps for future advancement in three district
inferences of county farm advisers which the extension service of the College of
jriculture, University of Illinois will hold this month.
Dean Herbert W. Mtmiford, director of the agricultural college extension
Service; Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers, and other officials of
^he extension service will be in charge of the program.
Only county farm advisers and members of the extension service staff will
btend the conferences, which are scheduled- for LaSalle, October 23 and 2k, Spring-
field, October 25 and 26, and Mt . Vernon, October 30 and 31*
Whatever the next year may bring, the crop year Just closing has been one
In which, despite the worst drouth in history, the U. S. farmers' cash income, in-
|luding rental and benefit payments to AAA cooperators, is estimated to be close to
billion dollars more than tliat of the previous year.
Widening the margin between farm income and farm expense will be one of
^he prime objectives of the 193^35 extension service program which will be dis-
xssed at the farm adviser^' district conferences. Gains of this kind will be
DXight through extension service activities which redtice production and marketing
)sts. Raising the q^uality of farm prodtiction as a means of overcoming the handi-
cap of sluggish markets and low consumer demand also will figture in the discussions
if the advisers.
As in former years the extension service program which will be planned at
conferences will stress adjustment of production to dejmand, expa-ision of market
itlets for farm prodtjcts and, in general, a more satisfying riiral life.
These objectives will be sought tlirough k-E club work, farm accounting,
dry herd improvement association work, dairy herd feeding schools, adjustment of
"crop rotations to AAA regulations and drouth conditions and other extension service
projects.
Followinf,' the conferences, farm advisers will outline the year's program
of work in counsel with fann leaders of their respective counties.
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Recent Changes In Advisers Affect Several Coimties
W. F. Furnell. former faiin adviser of Fcrd county, ..ho will resi.Ti October
22 to accept a similar position in Ifeicer county, is the most recent addition to the
list of advisers involved in clianges in a number of Illinois counties, it is annonjicsd
by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers, of the College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois.
R. H. Clanahan, former farm adviser in Greene county, began work October
12 as the new adviser in White county, succeeding C. W. Simpson, who is now manager
of a cooperative creamery at OlneJ^i'-. E. H. Walworth, former emergency adviser in
Payette county, is now farm adviser in Warren county succeeding A. A. Olsen.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumforb, Director.
y
vol. xvii~iTo . Ui ®^^ lExi^ttBton m^^^^n^^v ^^^^^ ^
VBeei Cattle Conditions Mow Foreshow Hi,e;her Markets
_ _
Conditions which will result in rediiced supplies and make for higher
ttle markets are reviewed in a oeef cattle outlook statement prepared hy a special
committee of staff members of the Gollege of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
First, there is the great decrease in the cattle population of the coujitry as a
combined result of the drouth, short feed srqoplics and the federal cattle huying
program, and second, there is the smaller numher of cattle Uikely to he fed this
winter on account of the reduced corn crop.
Uumhers of cattle hegan to increase in the United States in 192S, hut the
ntmber of cattle marketed did not increase -ontil 1933 . ^^is follows the usual
tendency for cKinges in number of cattle marketed to lag behind an increase in
numbers in breeding herds. This lag was lengthened out in this cycle by low prices
for cattle which caused owners to hold them back. Once the period of increased
marketings sets in, it has usually run for several years, during which cattle prices,
after a Bharp period of readjustment, have tended to drag along at a fairly stable
level.
Che drouth of this summer together with the cattle purchase program of the
federal government has concentrated into 1935 a- reduction in numbers which would
norraally have required several years. Through September 22, about six million head
had been purchased by the government. The latest reports indicate total piirchases
will be from f^ to 8 million head. Although part of these will be shipped to south-
•am and eastern pastures, the larger proportion have or will be slaughtered for
relief pui-poses. This will reduce cattle numbers in the coiantry by very substantial
amounts. A period of restocking is likely to follov;. More favorable price levels
for cattle may be expected after this liquidation is passed.
Information collected by the U. S. Department of Agriculture about August
L indicated a decrea.se of 30 percent or more in cattle feeding this fall and v/inter
20mpared with a year earlier.' Since that date, however, shipments of stockers and
feeders from the four principal markets have been unusually heavy, the total move~
aent for the three months, July 1 to September 30» "being ^b percent more than that
3f a year ago but approximately the same as in 1931 ^^^ 1932 • In all probability
these shipments include a considerable number of cattle which have been bought prin-
cipally to utilize fall pastures and coarse ro^'oghages. Consequently these shipments
vill contribute much less to the beef supply when marketed next spring and summer
than their numbers might indicate. Following the short com crops of I9OI and I92U,
the supplies of finished steers coming onto the market the following years were
greatly redioced in comparison to receipts of "v^armed up" and "short fed" cattle,
creating a wide range betvreen the prices of the upper and lower grades. Reports
Indicate that a larger percentage of yearlings and a smaller proportion of calves
Till be fed, reflecting, no doubt, farmers' adjustments to shortage of grain feeds.
1 A factor of uncertainty in the markets for all faim products is the outlook
'lot business and consumer incomes. A marked improven^^nt in these would reinforce
-he effect of shorter supplies on cattle prices. On the other hand, if there is
Little or no improvement in business conditions, the advances in price will be much
Less marked. In spite of the setback v?hich has taJcen place in business activity in
;fee last three months, the general trend in activity is probably upward.
Over a period of time chajiges in beef cattle and dairy cow prices show
strikingly close fluctuations and higher beef cattle prices will tend to increase
jrices of dairy cows. Moreover, the inspected slaughter of dairy cows and heifers
In the first part of I93U indicates that marketings were thirty percent larger than
Ln the saiTie period in I933. These conditions point to higher prices for dairj^ cows«
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Vol. XVII— No. Ul S:i|e Extension iraeBSPttg^r p^^^ 3
Roofs Rate First Attention In TEA Repair Activities
Better roofs and fresh paint are the two greatest needs of the $7SO,9^9,
079 worth of buildings on Illinois farms, and now with Federal Housing Administration
funds "becoming availahle is the time to take care of at least the roofs, says W. A.
Foster, rural architecture specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
llinois.
Replacing old worn-out roofs now "before winter sets in will stop the dam-
to the "building and its contents, will improve the appearance of the structure
.d add to its value, Foster pointed out.
The new roof should "be selected on the "basis of permanence, fire resist-
,ce, appearance and appropriateness, as v/ell as on cost, points out Foster. It is
Ise economy/ to lay a poor roof that may "become a liahility in a few years, while
good one will need no attention for I5 j'^ears or longer.
If the roof is to "be made of wood shingles, only those with heavy "butts
id cut from straight-grain cedar or c;npress should "be used. When a metal roof is
ferred, the material selected should "be a type on which the seal of quality is
araped on each piece. In the case of composition roofs, heavy felt em"bedded with
mineral or tough hide-like plain materials usually give the greatest satisfaction.
If composition slate is to "be used for the roof, medium-sized units, rather than
large pieces should "be selected. A little investigation will he helpful in chosing
the roof "best adapted to the particular needs. It should, of course, "be laid ac-
cording to the recom^nendations of the manufacturer.
Better roofs on the farm buildings of the state wo\ild stop more than one
waste in returns and expenses, Foster pointed out.
The leal:y roof menance often destroys more grain, forage and stored arti«
cies than it would cost to make the repairs. Mold and fungus make grain \mfit for
sale or use. Dampness causes rust to implements and alternate shrinkage and swell-
ing to articles made of wood. Moisture also destroys the finish to ?/oodwork, rots
out rafters, damages plaster and brings early decay to fabrics.
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Horses pull High Records Show They ' re L'ot Ihro-ggh
Horses are far from through as a source of farm power judging from the
they came to the front in horse-pulling contests which the College of Agricul-
e, University of Illinois held throughout the state this sunmer and fall. More
linois teams made good records than at any time in the past eight years, it is
Imported by 3. T. Robbins, livestock extension specialist, who was in charge of the
contests.
9 Although the state records established last year remained unbroken, three
■DLlinois teams during the season just closed lifted 3,0OC pounds the full distance
Bf 27I feet, or the equivalent of pulling six 1^-inch plows turning furrows six
inches deep in stubble ground. One of these teaas was a 3,S00-pound pair owned by
"harles Lett, of Sandwich; the second team, weighing 3»930 pounds, was pvmed by
Homer Crawford, of Pontiac, while the third team to pull the full distance was a
pair weighing 3,100 pounds ovmed by Gordon T7arters, of Allerton. This team lifted
97 percent of its own weight. Few teams have set as good a record, it is said.
The all-time records were set in 1933 ^y "^'^'o tearas owned by Willard Hhoads,
of Springfield. In the light class a Rhoads' team weighing less than 3,000 pounds
palled a lift of 2,S25 pounds, while in the heavy class their stalLmates set a record
of 3*225 pounds.
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saia aDv Man
^zz nooH
AavKsn ivannnoiaov
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volme XVII Octoter 2k, I93U Number kz
Ik
AAA Com And Ho/; Plans For 193^ To Be Anno-ujiced Soon
There will "be an AAA. corn-hog progrojn in 1935 > ^^^ officials hope to an-
noiince the features of the plan atout the first of llovemher and to have the contract
■■kself ready for sign-up meetings tefore the Christmas holidays, according to word
wiich the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois
s received from Washington. The 193^ program expires on November 30.
plans for the 1935 program were started as soon as the early returns from
AAA referendim in Ul states favored a contintiation of an agricultural adjust-
;ent program on corn and hogs. Although the final count on the outcome of the "ballot-
is not yet complete, preliminary reports from the principal corn and hog states
snow 3'+5»31C' producers favoring the development of a 1935 program and 153»1S1 casting
dissenting votes.
"The referendum results seem to indicate rather clearly that corn-hog pro-
ducers want a follow-up program," said A. &. Black, chief of the AAA. corn-hog section.
"In viev/ of this indication, it has been decided to offer a definite plan as soon as
the necessary provisions can be worked out. As it was stated during the referendum,
sxich a plan probably will follow the general outline of the 193^+ contract, involving
control requirements and benefit payments with respect to both corn and hogs.
"We are particularly interested in simplifying the administrative procedure
in order to eliminate unnecessary delays and to plug up holes tliat developed in work-
ing out the operations of the 193^ program."
As soon as the preliminarj^ results of the referendum indicated the senti-
ment of producers, a group of corn-hog committeemen and extension workers from IS
states was called to Washington to advise with administration officials relative to
the new prograiQ. Illinois was represented at tiie conference by J. R. Fulkerson, of
Jerseyville: J. Bumgarner, of McNabb, and P. S. Johnston, of the farm management di-
vision of the U. of I. College of Agriculture.
A new corn-hog adjustment program to follow the 193^ contract is deemed
advisable to prevent an excessive increase in com acreage and production and in hog
nianbers during the next two years. Indications are that the present relatively high
prices, resulting from the disastrous effects of the drouth on supplies, will stim-
ulate heavy planting next spring. Against this is the marked reduction in livestock
numbers and hence in corn requirements, since a year ago. A return to the 1932-33
average of 105,500,000 planted acres and normal yields following severe drouths would
-es-iolt in a corn crop at least 300|000,000 bushels in excess of anticipated reqtdre-
-lents, it is believed. Assuming normal or near normal yields, a total com acreage
equal to the area planted in 193^ would meet requirements and would leave a substan-
tial volume of corn for rebuilding reserves.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Muuford, Director.
2ri|$ lExtBttBian Mesaensev
Vol. XVII— IJo. k^ Page 2
Ik
Final Co-unt Of Illinois Ballots Favors AM Programs
Almost 50,000 Illinois farmers voting in the government's nation~vade AAA
com-hog referend"um favored an adjustment program dealing with corn and hogs in 1935
ty a count of 35»2C1 to 13>570 and approved the idea of a simplified, one-contract-..
pe]>-farm program dealing with grains and livestock to hecorae effective in I936 "by a
poll of 30,S21 to 15,55^.
These are practically the final results of the referendum as conducted
througliout the state "by officials of coiuity corn-hog production control associations.
The sentiment among the Ull-,655 corn-hog signers who voted was three to one
fcn favor of the first question of an adjustment program dealing with corn and hogs
1935' A total of 33 » 5^5 voted favorably, while only 11,110 were opposed. Count-
ing the votes of farmers who do not have 193^ corn-hog contracts, as well as of sign-
ers, the vote on this question was ^^,801 favora"ble to 13,570 opposed.
Contract signers voted stronger than tvro to one in favor of the second
question of a simplified, one-contract-per-farm adjustment program dealing with
lins and livestock to "become effective in 193b- A total of 2S,995 signers favored
bhis question, while only 13,30^ opposed it. The total vote, inclxiding "both signers
ad non-signers, was favora"ble "by a count of 3^,821 to 15,55^*
In not a single one of the 102 Illinois counties did the contract signers
rote down the first question, while the second was defeated only in three counties.
)n the "basis of the contract signers' votes. The second question lost I32 to 121 in
^he Boone covmty vote of AAA cooperators, was defeated I76 to 135 ^7 Kane coixnty
^ooperators and vent down, 375 "to 32^, in the Winne"ba,go county poll of signers.
These tl/jree counties also defeated the second question when the votes of
itontract and non-contract signers were added together. The margin was I72 to I30 in
3one county, I90 to lUl in Kane and M+1 to 3U2 in Winne"bago.
Three other counties, G-rundy, Hancock and Schuyler, voted down the second
Jstion when the "ballots of non-signers were added to those of signers. Tlie margin
Has 256 to 219 in G-rundy county, 622 to 55S in Hancock and l63 to I65 in Schuyler.
"However, these three counties were in favor of tlie second question on the "basis of
the vote of AAA cooperators alone .
Even when the vote of non-signers V7as added to that of the signers, the
first question was defeated only in one of the 102 Illinois counties and then "by a
narrow margin. That was in G-rundy where the total count was 2ho opposed to the
first question as compared to 23S against it. Among the contract signers, alone,
the first question carried even in Grujidy county'- by a count of 235 "^o 191 •
In staging the referendum, corn-hog production control associations held
a total of 1,176 community meetings which were attended "by a total of 52>039
fanaers.
Before voting on the two questions, farmers heard an explanation of out-
look information from the "bureau of agrictiltiiral economics, U. S. Department of
Agriculture, showing that the production "bot'a of grains and livestock threatens to
get out of hand again unless farr.iers plan accordingly. Action was held to "be nec-
essary at this time, "because after the 193^ corn-hog contract terminates on lTovem"ber
30, there will "be no adjustment program in effect either on feed grains or on live-
stock
Vol. XVII— No. k2 tEif^ ^xUneian meaasn^tt ^^s^ 3
UHW, Good Seed Curing Adds Millions To Co rn Crop Income
I^^K providing good curing and storac^e conditions for their seed corn this
winter, rather than poor or even average conditions, v/ill "be worth $1C,00C,^G0 on
.ext year's Illinois corn crop, should 1935 ''^^ s- normal year and com prices remain
,t 60 cents a bushel.
This is revealed in eight j'-ears of records kept "by central Illinois farmers
iiirolled in the farm management service condtJcted "by the College of Agricvilture,
iversity of Illinois, in cooperation with county farm "bureaus. In these records,
nvolving the growing of approximately 70,000 acres of com, the difference "between
:ood and poor seed com curing and storage auoimted to 2.3 "bushels an acre in the
esuLting crop. Even average curing and storing conditions cut the resulting crop
iWO "bushels an acre "below what it was from r:ood ciu*ing and storage of the seed. Two
lushels an acre on the average annual Illinois crop of 9 million acres, with corn
orth 60 cents a "bushel, woxild amount to more tl:ian $10,000,000 in corn returns.
By good curing and storage is meant that the seed corn is dried rapidly and
rotected from freezing until the e:xcess moistuxe has "been removed, explains R. H.
.eed, agricultural engineer at the U. of I. College of Agriculture. These conditions
re not met where the corn is hung on the "back porch or in the driveway of the corn-
crih as is practiced on many Illinois farms.
Rapid drying of seed com requires the use of some artificial heat, -unless
the weather is unustially iavora"ble. For small quantities, the ears can "be hmig in
the kitchen, or in an upstairs room around the chii'nney, or over an open hot air reg-
ister. Large quantities of seed com may "be dried in the farm shop, garage or other
"buildings where a fire can be maintained* Care, however, shotild be taJcen to see
that none of the ears is exposed to a temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ventilation is also an important factor in obtaining high qusJity seed corn,
points out Reed. "Unless the air immediately around the ears is constantly changed, "
the atmosphere becomes ladened with moisture, the drying will be much slower and an
ideal condition is established for the development of aolds.
State Vegetable Growers Will Meet ITovember 20 To 22
Protecting Illinois' 12-million dollar vegetable grovdng industry from
"counterfeit" certified potato seed will be among the important problems to be con-
sidered at the fourth annual meeting of the Illinois Vegetable Growers' Association
to be held at Rockford, November 20 to 22, according to L. A. Somers, vegetable ex-
teinsion specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The
organization with its membership of more tlian 1,6C'0 vegetable grov/ers is exnected to
take a vigorous stand against the distribution of potato seed in bjags bearing the
word "certified" as an imitation of the official seal of genuine certification, it
is said.
Nut Interest To Center In New Haven Show On Nov. 1^
Other towns and cities may have their world's fair exi^ositions and their
world's series baseball frames, but little New Raven, famous as the center of the
pecan growing industry of Illinois, will have a distinctive event of its ov,n when
the Tri-3tate Nut Show is held there November I5 • Aimed to further the already ex-
tensive nut-grovdng industry of Gallatin county, the show was started three years
ago by H. C. Neville, co\mty farm adviser, cooperating with the extension service
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. He has just announced plans
for the 1935 show, which is expected to draw entries from soutliern Illinois, south-
western Indiana and southwestern Kentucky.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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NEW AGR BLDG
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3II|^ 5£xi0itsi0n M^sstn^tt
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
)ltime XVII October 31, 193^ F-um"ber U3
Lack Of Demand Prevents G-repter Rise In Farm Prices
Only a lack of demand has prevented an even greater rise than has recently
en made in the prices of farm products, according to an analysis of farm price
ges by Dr. L. J. Horton, of the department of agriculttiral economics, College
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Fortunately, there are a number of factors in the current situation v?hich
int toward further recovery in business activity and demand over a longer period
of time, although the immediate outlook is not for marked improvement, he pointed
out.
jipiong the favorable factors in the longer time outlook are the higher
prices for certain basic staple products, huge and more or less idle bank reserves
and the long period of sub-noiraal activity ?«hich has created accximulated shortagef'
of goods in many directions, it was explained.
With all their recent sensational rises, prices of Illinois fann products
were lower, on a relative basis, than the prices of things farmers must "bvy. Dr.
Norton said. The index number of farra prices was 77 last month as compared to 82
for prices of things farmers must buy. In these comparisons, the averages for
I92I—I929 are taken as 100, both for the prices farmers get and for the prices they
pay.
That present price relationships are not more unfavorable to the farmer
is attributable to the fact that the jump in prices of Illinois farm products from
the low point early in 1933 l^as been about fo\zr times the increases in prices paid
by farmers for the things they bi:iy, it was pointed out.
"Prices of Illinois farm products have averaged about UO per cent higher
during the two months just preceding the present one than they did during the same
two months a year ago. Only four out of a list of 19 representative Illinois
farm products were cheaper than a year ago.
"These were: (l) potatoes, reflecting a larger crop; (2) wool, reflecting
a much slower demand than a year earlier when the textile indu.stries were experience
ing a boom; (3) sheep), reflecting lower wool prices, and (U) milk cows, reflecting
the tendency to liquidate as a res\ilt of feed shortages and high prices for feeds."
Hay led Illinois farm products in the August-September price advances
when it averaged 3S per cent more thaji it did during the same two months a year ago.
There was a 7I per cent advance in the price of barley over a year ago, 5^ per cent
in oats, 69 per cent in corn, U5 in eggs, UU in hogs, 35 in butterfat, 3U in chick-
; ens, 15 in horses, 21 in beef cattle and 11 in apples. So far as many farmers are
concerned these higher prices are more than offset by reduced crops. Hence, income
Hiay even be reduced.
Barley, oats, hay and horses were the only four out 01 the 19 representa-
tive Illinois farm products which had an Au-gust-September price better than the
I92I-I929 average. Under existing demand conditions prices comparable with those
received in I92I-I929 can be expected only in the case of commodities where ncar-
fsuaine conditions exist. Dr. Norton declared.
I
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
U
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Vol. 2VI I—No- k} ^tf^ lExtensxan Meesstxi^st Page 2
Old Cribs Unfit Per Gtoring Higher-Priced Uew Com
Hundreds of Illinois cribs v/hich may have been good enough to hold I5-
cent corn two years ago will not provide adeq-oate storage this fall with corn prices
more than four times their former level, in the opinion of W. A. Foster, rural
irchitect\xral specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Shrinkage, weather damage and losses from rodents caused by poor storage
facilities did not amo'unt to much in dollars and cents when corn was cheap. But
today with a ready market and favorable prices, every bushel saved adds materially
to the 193^ com crop returns. Thus many producers throughout the state will find
it practical to make extensive repadrs on their cribs so that the new com may be
held in the best possible condition.
To furnish adequate storage, a. corncrib shoiild have a firm foundation, a
tight floor, strong side walls and a non-leaking roof, explains Foster. It may be
built in any one of a number of different shapes and sizes, but the most common
cribs in Illinois range from S to IC feet wide and from g to I6 feet high, depend-
ing on whether a power elevator or the back— bresking scoop shovel is to be the un-
loading device on the farm. The length of the crib will depend upon the amount of
corn normally raised and stored on the farm each year. In this state double cribs
with a covered driveway between are popular because they also provide shelter space
;'or wagons and other farm implements.
Since many cribs of 1933 com will be resealed for government loans this
fall, many farmers will be tempted to store the new corn in old, imfit cribs or make-
shift new ones, Foster believes. Rather than follow such a wasteful practice, it
I is suggested tha.t since the old corn is now dry and does not need crib storage, it
may be more practical to shell out the 1935 crop and store it in a bin so that the
best crib space may be available for the new crop.
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Export Sl''Jnp Affects Farmers ' Flans For "Next Season
Any clianges which Illinois farmers are considering in tlieir 1935 produc-
tion plans will have to tal:e into account that the total volume of agricultural
exports is still shrinlcing, according to reports which the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois has received from the bujeau of agricultural economics,
U. S. Department of Agriculture.
ij^ In total volume agriciiltural exports from the United States in the year
fPtoding June 30» 193^i were actually less than the previous year although some im-
portant products showed a substantial increase. The volume index of exports of UU
leading farm products in the past yea.r stands at 83 as compared with ?5 i^ 1932-
1933» when the pre-war period of 1909-191^ is used as a base average of 100. This
index of the volume of agricultural exports in 1933~193^ was the lowest since I909-
I 1910.
II In spite of the decrease in the volume of exports, the value of the agri-
■J(«ltujral products shipped out of this country last year, exclusive of forest products,
^ ''as greater than in 1932-1933, or $787,000,000 in 1933-193^ as compared with $590,
00,000 the year before, the federal btireau explains. This increase in the total
value of the exports was brought about by the gradual rise in coinnodity prices.
Although the volume of exports of many farm products declined, there was
an increase in the exports of several other products of which the United States
regularly produces an exportable surplus. Ilotable among these were tobacco, fresh
.pork, canned pork, bacon, oranges, prunes and certain other dried fruits.
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Vol. XVI I—No. U3 ^Ije Uxtitxsxan Meassttsev Page 3
(^^_ Shrewd Choice Of Beef Cuts Safeguards Parrdly B^odget
^^ Stretching the food bijdget so that it will cover the family's meat needs
Bg not so difficult, in spite of rising prices, if Illinois homemakers "btiy the cuts
of teef that supply the greatest food value for the least cost, says Sleeter Bull,
meats specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Porterhouse and sirloin steal-cs and rib roasts, owing to their limited pro-
portions, are always more expensive. There are, hov/ever, many other cuts of heef
at more moderate prices. In most cases these are just as nutritious as the r/iore
aristocratic stealcs and roasts. Fxirthe rmo re , when properly cooked, they are quite
palatable .
Many families prefer a runp to a rib roast, not only because it sells for
about three-fourths as much as the rib cut, but because there is less waste, explains
Bull. Rumps from old, thin cattle, hov/ever, should be pot-roasted rather than roasted.
Por the same reasons, chuck ribs and chuck arms are often bought by shrewd homemakers
instead of the better-known rib cuts. Being less tender, chuck pieces should also
be pot-roasted.
Round steak, which is usually priced at two-thirds the cost of porterhouse
and about four-fifths as much as sirloin, makes another economical buy. If the steak
is cut tliin, it should be fried, but if a thick cut has been selected, it should be
!| prepared as a swiss steak, thereby overcoming its less tender characteristics.
Savings as great as 5O per cent can sometimes be made in buying stewing
..eats. Heck, p]ate and brisket are quite satisfactory for this purpose and are eco-
nomical as well as palatable.
Hamburger or ground beef is always a practical r.Pat selortion. If (^sppcially
high qimlity hamburger is desired, the housewife can b'uy round stealc and have it
! ground, but more meat of equal quality can be had for the same money by having the
tutcher grind a p.lece of shoulder aim or chuck. The offal cuts such as liver, heart
and tongue are likewise less expensive than other more popular pieces and at the
same time lend variety to the diet.
An. economical featxire of meat, points out Bull, is the fact that it does
not require the a/ldition of butter, cream or mushrooms to raalre it rialatable. Meat is
one of the most savory foods and supplies gravies and soups which add materially to
the palatability of othur less tasty foods.
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Home, Itself, Holds Record ?or Accidents To Children
Fiiile parents may feel that their children are safest at home, more acci-
dents to youngsters occur there than an3'n.7here else, according to Miss Gladys J. Vferd,
home management specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Furthermore, accidents cause more deaths ajnong children of the United States between
the ages of 5 and iH years than any one of the dreaded diseases, she said.
There are three possibilities for lessening the serious hazards confront-
ing children in tlie heme, Miss Ward said. First, parents mij^ht well give greater
care and thought to making home fixtures, fittings and equir.-:.ont safe for children,
oscond, as the youngsters become old enough tliey should be taught the proper use of
matches, sha.rp knives, heating equipment, electrical devices r.nd firearms. It is
better to ejqjlain how and when dangerous articles may be handled rather tlian allow
the child to learn -untaught experimentation. Third, parents may develop safety habits
in their children by setting a proper exaaiple.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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®Iy0 lExt^nsion Mt^stn^tt
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVII November 7, I93U IJ-umber 4U
Illinois Corn In Strong Position To Eetain Honors
Altho-ugh the smallest in 6I years, the Illinois corn crop is "better than
that in many other sections and conseqiiently corn growers of this state have one of
the best chances that they have ever had to win national and international honors,
Lccording to J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist at the College of Agricul-
inre, University of Illinois.
Entries for the Hay and G-rain Show of the International Livestock Exposi-
lion, where these honors will be decided, close November 20 and the corn nmst be in
ihicago by November 28.
The state will make a strong bid to repeat its feat of last year when it
iOok the "corn king" crown of the world on a ten-ear sample of yellow utility type
ihown by C. Worth Holmes, of Joy, Mercer county, Hackleman said. It was the first
lime in I5 years' history of the hay and grain show that the utility type had won
ihe world title, although it has only been within recent years that such corn has
^een recognized with special classes of its own at the show. Development of utili-
ty corn followed years of research work by the U. of I. College of Agriculture
'O control corn diseases and produce higher quality grain.
This year, although the state's corn crop is the shortest in more than
.alf a century, it is of fairly good quality, especially in some sections of the
tate, Hackleman reported. On the other hand, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and some
f the states farther west which have suffered more than Illinois from the drouth
111 be hard pressed to put up their usual strong competition at this year's hay
ind grain show, it was predicted.
Illinois' strongest competition is expected to come from northern Iowa
d from Ohio, G-rowers in the latter state, especially, are out after Illinois'
.aurels in the utility corn classes and a,lso after the grand championship of the
ihow.
The region around Mercer county, where Holmes, the present "corn king" of
;he world lives, is one of those which has a corn crop of prom.ising quality this
'ear, Hackleman reported. Other counties in that area with corn crops of fair qual-
ity are Warren, Knox, Henry, Whiteside and the eastern part of Henderson county
and western B'oreau county.
Some strong samples also are expected to come out of an irregular shaped
area in central Illinois including parts of McLean, Macon, Menard, Lofi-an, Tazewell,
DeWitt, Woodford and Mason cotmtics.
The whole of southern Illinois has a crop of fair to fine quality corn,
Hackleman reported.
Whether Illinois corn growers plan to enter the hay and grain show or not,
it will pay them to save all the seed they can this fall, in the opinion of Hackle-
Man. With the likelihood that seed corn from the 193^ crop will be in heavy demand
next spring, farmers will have a profitable outlet for all the good corn they can
save this fall, he pointed out. Some farmers, when their corn is going into the
crib, plan to pick out all ears that could possibly be used for seed and store them
in a separate section of the crib.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Voi>. XVII—lIo. 44 ' ^ Page 2
Contorir Flowiriie: Prevents SroGJon Cn Sloping' Fields
Pride in straight rows will cost Illinois farmers inestimable losses this
fall and winter in the form of soil erosion on sloping fields that have been plowed
up and down the slope, says Ralph C. Hay, of the agrictilt-ural engineering depart-
ment, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Contoxu- plowing and cultivat-
ing will stop most of this loss, it is claimed,
■■r Plowing and cultivating up and down the slope makes for straight rows of
corn and other crops, but it also speeds up the flow of run-off water and raa.j start
serious gullying, he said.
Contour plowing and cultivating, while it is a radical departure from
straight-row farming, slows up the flow of run-off '.vater and helps prevent gullying
sloping land. In all there are 12 million acres in Illinois that are s^ibject to
istructive or harmful erosion.
Coupled with conto\ir plowing and cultivation in a good soil erosion plan
|,erc must be terracing, the application of limestone and the growing of legumes.
Contour cultivation is so called because it parallels the terraces in
!ong, winding furrows. The corn must be drilled instead of planted in check rows,
but this is quite advantageous because .iiorc soil and soil moisture are conserved
as a result of the run-off water being retarded by ea.ch corn ro-//. Farmers who
practice contour cultivation report that it increases crop yields and but little
jmore time is required than by farming in straight rows. Working the ciu-ved rows
•jwhich are longer than the field compensates for the cultivation of the few pointed
rows between the terraces.
Drilling corn has proved satisfactory where tried in Illinois, particu-
larly if a rotary hoe is used for the first crJtivation, and less time and trouble
are required than for check-rowed corn. F\irthermore, farm work done on rows running
practically level requires less power to ptill the machinery than where the irrple-
ments must be drawn up and down the slopes when going straight up and dowi: a field.
Farming in straight rows over terraces, especially on steep slopes, is
also objectionable. There nay be trouble in getting the machinery over the ridges
and furtherm.ore the ridges may be torn down so that considerable work has to be
done to keep the terraces from breaking over dx'.ring heavy rains, eiqolains Hay.
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Ia- l6 Of =5.000 U-H Pig Club Members On 19?U Honor Roll
i
The equivalent of 73 years of producing pork by the most approved methods
■■'as been put in by I5 boys and one girl vmo have Just been named for the 193^
ilinois honor roll of U-H pig club members by officials of the extension service
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Ten of the boys have been given special recognition by being naraed as
193^ state champions in pig club VTork. These ten and the other six on the honor
roll were picked as the most outstanding among the 5»000 farm boys and girls of the
state who have carried on projects in improved methods of pork production under
direction of their cotmty farm advisers and the extension service of the agricul-
tural college.
The ten state champions are Jake ICrider, 20 years old, Lewistown; Virgil
ffittler, 20, Quincy; Charles Norton, lb, Neponset; JoYai Edward Harber, iG, Streator;
Duane Kuntz, I7, Princeville; Burdell T. Gardner, I9, Chatswortn; Diianc Brett, I6,
Maroa; Calvin Coles, 17, Eldorado; Eileen Cadwalador, I7, Canton; and James llelmes,
16, Cuba.
The six others whose work won a place for them on the state honor roll
are Max Stimmcrs, Curran; Frederic Hoppin, Pa'-vnee; Lawrence Bickerman, Magnolia; Paul
Engel, Washburn; Rudolph Wagner, Dwight, and Leland Roff, Jacksonville.
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. XVII— No. U4 Page 3
Hew Varieties Of Apples Ready For Illinois Orchards
Something new in apples will he offered consujners in a fev/ yea.rs to come
a res\ilt of new varieties which are availahle to ho.ne and coniTiercial fru.it
growers for planting between now and spring, according to E. L. McMunn, associate
pomologist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Some of these
new varieties undoubtedly will be put out by growers who are replacing trees that
died during the summer or who are putting out new plantings this year, he said.
Nurserymen and experiment station plajit breeders have made noteworthy
progress in the last few years, not only in developing new varieties, but in select-
ing bud sports from some of the older and more common varieties of apples. These
new propagations are being tested by the experiment station of the U. of I. College
of Agriculttire and by other investigators and can now be offered to orchardists
with reasonable assurance of satisfaction.
Development of the new varieties marks another step in improving the qual-
ity and increasing the market demand for the state's apple crop, which brought farmers
an average cash income of $2,377,000 during the three years 1931-1933 j McMunn said.
Of these new varieties, many are color bud sports of such well-known standard
varieties as Delicious, Stayman, Jonathan, Mcintosh, Rome and Duchess. Most of them
produce fruit of a much deeper red color than the varieties from which they originated,
jand the color develops on the apples raach earlier than in the case of the standard
Ivarieties, These new characteristics are a distinct advantage to the commercial
grower, because he can harvest the crop somewhat earlier and yet have fruit that will
color up to U. S. No. 1 standard.
All of these sports are well adapted to the regions in which the parent
varieties can be grown successfully, points out McMunn, and are worthy of trial in a
small way either for commercial or home plantings.
Several new apple varieties that are not bud sports are also available to
growers, A few of these include Early Kclntosh, Tioga, Lodi, Newfane, Orleans, Melba
and Red Bird, For the most part these new varieties originated in the northern part
I of the United States, are adapted to reasonably cold winters and can be expected to
iproduce good crops in Illinois,
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Poultry Outlook Encourages Use Of Superior Rations
With the seasonal increase in egg prices and the encouraging outlook for
the egg market this fall and winter, renewed interest is being taken in laying
rations by Illinois poultrymen, whose flocks normally produce some two billion eggs
annually, according to H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
There are, of course, several good laying rations, but one that has given
good results at the U. of I. College of Agriculture consists of both mash and grain
mixtures. The mash is usually made up in 500-pound lots by mixing together 155
-pounds of ground yellow corn, 100 pounds of wheat middlings, 55 pounds of meat scrap,
100 pounds of wheat bran, 20 pounds of dried milk, 25 pounds of soybean oil meal,
i^ pounds of alfalfa leaf meal and 5 pounds of salt. For winter feeding, one pint
I of cod-liver oil is added to each 100 pounds of mash. This is kept before the birds
'in feed hoppers at all times.
The grain mixture, when made up in 100-pound batches, consists of ^0 pounds
of corn, 30 pounds of wheat and 3O pounds of oats. This is hand fed, the chickens
being given 12 to ik pounds for each 100 birds twice daily. Oyster shell, grit and
any succulent green feed that may be available are given the birds free choice.
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Saia H9V MSM.
92S KOOH
AiivHan ivuniinoiaov
t-
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Voltane X7II . Novem'bGr ik, I93U Nunber U5
3eed Corn Btiyers To Watch Illinois At International
With farmers in droiith-Gtricken areas looking to this state for nest year's
seed com, Illinois will have a rare chance at the International Hay and Grain Show to
let the world see what the home state of the international "corn king" has prodiiced
this year, says J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of Agri--
culture, University of Illinois. He will he one of the juiges. The show will he
held as a part of the International Livestock Exposition at Chicago the first week in
Decemher. All applications for entries must he made on or hefore Novemher 20 and the
com must he in Chicago hy Novemher 2(<,
The first Illinois entry has been made hy E. W. Douhet, of Peoria coimty,
■ho was state "corn king" a nirnher of years ago when he won the sweepstakes in the
annual Illinois Seed G-rain and Utility Corn Show held in connection with Farm and
iHbme Week at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Although this year's Illinois corn crop is the shortest in more than half
„ century, it is of fairly good quality, especially in certain sections of the state,
Hackleman said. Already prospective buyers from both eastern and western states
have asked the extension service of the U. of I. College of Agriculture to aid them
'in getting good seed corn. These purchasers say they ai-e primarily interested in
33^ corn that is true to variety name and of good enough quality to be apioroved by
jthe Illinois Crop Improvement Association. These and other probable buyers will un-
doubtedly be watching the exhibits at the International as indicating possible soiirces
jof good seed corn, it is believed.
The fact that other corn-growing sections have been badly da-maged by the
drouth also gives Illinois exhibitors one of the best chances they have ever had to
win national and international honors and to retain the "corn king" crown of the world
which was won last December by C. Worth Holmes, of Mercer county, on his 10-ear sample
gOi yellow utility t^i'pe corn.
iP Being unusually favored by weather conditions this past summer, southern
and southeastern Illinois grovrers are expected to make their first try for honors at
the International this year. Entries are looked for from Edwards, G-allatin, Richland,
oaline, Wabash, Wayne and other cotinties in that area. Strong samples are also ex-
pected from, counties in northwestern part of the state where -che corn crop is of
fair quality. These include Warren. IZnox, Henry, Whiteside and parts of Henderson
^Jid Bureau counties, while central Illinois may be represented by entries from McLean,
'aeon, Menard, Logan, Tazewell, DeWitt, Marshall, Putnam, Woodford and Mason counties.
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Triplett Succeeds Fu^rnell As Adviser In Ford County
H. D. Triplett started work IToveraber 1 as the new fai-m adviser of Ford
^otinty, succeeding W. F. Purnell, who resigned to accept the position in Mercer county,
•t is announced by J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumfcu., DireCor.
VoA. XVII— No. 45 ?age 2
•
Better Handling Of Horses Would Help Their Comeback
Horses are staging a comeback in Illinois, "but some of their value as a
source of economical farm power will "be lost unless they are handled efficiently,
it is pointed out by E. L. Sauer, farm management specialist at the College of Agri-
culture, T]iLiversity of Illinois.
Hext to man labor, the cost of keeping work horses is one of the largest
items of expense on many farms in this state, This is often not realized because
horses are usually fed on fann-grown grains and roughages and no cash outlay is
aecessaiy for their feed.
dm How widely the worth and expenses of horses may vary depending upon their
• fflanageraent is shown in a study of cost account records kept by 33 Champaign and Piatt
county farmers in cooperation with the farm management division of the U. of I.
College of Agriculture. The net cost of keeping a work horse for the year varied
from $2U.23 to $76.9?;, or an average of $U6.5S.
The number of hours of work performed by the horses ranged from 309 to 1,2UU
each, the average being 705 hours. The cost for each hour of horse labor averaged
6.6 cents. This varied from 3,6 cents on the lowest-cost farm to lg»U cents an hoiix
on tlie farm with the highest horse-power cost. The cost for each hour's work was
closely correlated with the number of hours worked by each horse, althotigh the total
cost of keeping a horse varied widely on farms where the horses worked an equal
number of hours*
Peed accoimted for 59 per cent of the average total cost of maintaining the
horses, man labor reqvdred to care for and harness the horses accounted for another
ih per cent, shelter 9 per cent, interest on investment 7 per cent, depreciation 5
per cent, harness U per cent and veterinary, shoeing and incidental costs 2 per cent.
Prom these figures it is evident that the cost for each unit of horse
power on farms can be reduced by cutting down the maintenance expenses and by in-
creasing the hours of productive work done by each horse. The feed given the animals
and the labor spent in caring for them must be governed by the work done, if horse
power is to be economical. Depreciation costs may be reduced and an appreciation in
the horse account effected by raising colts for replacement purposes, points out
Sauer.
The hours of work done by each horse can be increased by adjusting the
number of horses in relation to the amount of horse power required on the farm, by
planning field and other work in advance, by using the horses during slack periods
for such work as fall plowing, by using big team hitches, by having fields properly
arranged and by keeping the horses in good physical condition so that they are able
to stand up under peak loads when necessary.
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Home Insulation And Repairs Cut Doym Heating Costs
Between 30 and hO per cent of the average coal bill for many of the
^1*05,127 homes of Illinois could be eliminated this winter by using PHA funds to
ulate and make minor repairs about the house, it is estimated by W. A. Poster,
'al architecture specialist at the College of igriculture, University of Illinois.
saving in fuel alone would go a long way in paying off the government loan.
Next to renewing and repairing roofs, the greatest need of most farm
dwellings and other homes in this state is to build out the cold, points out Poster.
Boor, loose construction and uninsulated walls an.d roofs are extravagant heat wasters.
Often weatheivstripping a door or window will stop heavy heat losses. The replacement
of a broken glass in a sash or new putty will likewise check bad leaks.
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mi
No Winter Is, Kind To Small Fr.tdts Left Unprotected
Nobody knows what kind of a v/inter it is going to 'be, tut the sa.fest
thing for Illinois small frtdt growers to do is to mulch their plants riglit away
before the first hard freeze comes, according to A. S. Colby, chief in small fruits
at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The state has been producing
l-J million dollars worth of snail fruits during the past several years, btit the
crop next year and the years after depends upon how well the plants are protected for
the winter, he said.
"Mulching also may be helpful in preventing too early growth if the spring
should be abnormally early. Weeds also are kept down and the necessary moisture is
conserved for the plants. Then too, the frtdts a,re us''Jally cleaner than they other-
,m.se would be.
■■' "It is especially iraportant that strawberries be mulched after the plants
mve become dormant and before the first heav;^' freeze. Temperatures no lower than
20 degrees above zero caiise severe injury to uniaulched strawberry crowns and roots.
The thin stand of plants in many sections tliis fall maizes them especially susceptible
to injury. Raspberries, blackberries and bush fruits also are benefitted by a mulch
applied late in the fall.
"Straw, wild or marsh hay, leaves, shredded corn stallrs, sv;eet clover and
oybean hay all can be used for mulcliing material. Leaves must be used with care, as
hey pack. Mulching material should be aa free from weeds seeds as possible, as they
•ill foul the pa,tch next spring. Old straw is preferable, especially if it has been
left exposed for a few months and moved occasionally so that the grain in it has
'germinated.
"For strawberries the mulching material sho^old be spread about two inches
thick over the patch. Most other sms.ll fruits may be miilched in the rows, leaving
the middles to be cultivated during the growing season.
"Some growers have tried a mulch crop of oats sown between the strawberry
rows in the fall and allowed to mat down as it is killed by frost. This is not
recommended because the oats usually malce too heavy a growth, the mulch is not uni-
form and it rots during the winter, making conditions less satisfactory for picking
the following season."
Money Spent For Poxxltry Le^ocosis Cures Only Wasted
Buying so-called remedies to rid their flocks of leucosis disease, which
.cl\:des such ailments as range paralysis, big liver disease, v/hite eye, neuritis
and leucemia, is likely to prove a waste of money for Illinois poultrymen, in the
opinion of Dr. Pranl: Thorp, Jr., associate in animal pathology at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. As yet there is no knovm cure for the malady*
Although comparatively new in this state, leucosis is apparently spread-
ing throughout raajay flocks and threatens to become a serious poultry problem, points
3ut Dr. Thorp. It affects both sexes alike and u.sually occurs between the ages of
5 and 12 months.
In spite of the fact that birds contracting leucosis can not be cured,
research investigations indicate that the disease can be controlled if poultrymen
"fill carry out five more or less preventive measures, it is said. These include
rigid culling to detect leucosis in the early stages of the disease, disposing of
ill diseased birds by killing and burning, buying hatcliing eggs, new breeding stock
3r baby chicks only from disease-free flocks and by following strict lij^giene and
sanitary practices. Sho-old a poultryraan believe that his flock may be infected with
:Lexicosis, immediate diagnosis can be made by a local veterinarian.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
U
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII November 21, I93U Nimiber k6
Popular Simplifications Made In 193'5 Corn-Hoig: Plan
Lifting of the restrictions on all other crops except corn and the dropping
of the "contracted acres" will be the most popular changes with Illinois farmers of
all those that have been made in the new 1935 corn-hog contract announced Monday,
November I9, by the AAA in Washington, in the opinion of officials at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
y. The new contract also requires that farmers adjust their corn and hog pro-
lliiction only 10 per cent below the average of the 193^-33 base years instead of 20
per cent in corn and 25 per cent in hogs, as was the requirement in the 193^+ contract.
In the case of corn, farmers may adjust anywhere from 10 to 3O per cent below the two-
year base average and receive corn benefit payments in proportion.
If Illinois farmers participate in the new program about like they did in
jthe I93U plan, it will mean that they will get between I9 and 21 million dollars in
'benefit payments as a f-urther addition toward having their purchasing power restored,
officials of the agricultural college estimated.
At least four representatives from Illinois who were connected with the ad-
ministration of the 193^ corn-hog program also contributed in an official way to the
Imass of recommendations upon which the new 1935 contract is based. They are J, R.
jPulkerson, Jerseyville, a member of the state corn-hog committee; J. S. Bumgarner,
McNabb, president of the Marshall-Putnam County Corn-Hog Production Control Associa-
tion; E. A. Eckert, Mascoutah, a member of the state committee, and P. E. Johnston,
of the farm management department, U. of I. College of Agriculture and a member of
the state board of review. All four were called to Washington when the 1935 program
was being worked out.
Dropping of the "contracted acres," one of the most bothersome features of
the I93U contract, means that the land withheld from corn production can be used for
growing any other crop for any purpose, officials of the college explained. Further-
more, there is no limitation on the total area devoted to cultivated crops nor on
the total acreage of any particular crop, excepting corn.
The "contracted acres" feature was omitted from the 1935 contract partly to
simplify compliance and partly to permit the greater flexibility in farming operations
that will be essential in I935 on account of the shortage of farm seeds and because
of the destruction of many hay and pasture stands by the drouth.
Funds for the benefit payments under the I935 contract will be raised by
means of a processing tax beginning November 5, 1935, ^^nd continuing through one mar-
Iceting year at approximately the current rate of $2,25 a hundredweight on hogs and 5
cents a bushel on corn. The 1933-3^ emergency programs and the 193^ production ad-
justment program require the collection of processing taxes through two marketing
years, ending November k, 1935.
Dean H. W. Mumford, of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois;
J". C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers, and F. J. Keilholz, extension editor,
will be Illinois' official delegates to a regional conference to be held in Indianapo-
lis soon after Thanksgiving, at which time the new contract and administrative rulings
will be presented. Immediately following this conference, the program will be launched
throtighout the state, through county corn-hog production control associations,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford. Director.
,
"vol. XVII - No. U6 Sri;^ Exifttafon iaifssf tis^r Page 2
1^, Pastiiring Horses In StalJc Fields ffill Be Hazardous
^^m Heavy death losses among horses and mules thjreaten the farmer who tries to
save feed this winter by turning work stock out on cornstalk fields, according to a
warning by Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of
Agricultiire, University of Illinois.
It is true that feed supplies are the shortest on record. Unfortunately,
however, it will be especially dangerous this year to try to get horses and mules
throTOgh the winter by pasturing them on stalk fields. Some of the worst corn-ear-
v7orm damage that the state has ever had, coupled with heavy rains, has caused much
rotting and molding of the ears.
Already reports are reaching the U. of I. animal pathology laboratory of
the widespread occurrence of a disease resembling the old-fashioned cornstalk disease
jiflo prevalent about I5 years ago. The malady, however, is not caused by eating the
'■^rnstalks but by consuming the low-quality corn. Cattle also seem to be susceptible
the disease, although not so much so as horses and mules. Even horses pulling
sking wagons have been known to develop the malady, points out Dr. Graham. Thus,
linois farmers might well play safe by using nose baskets on the horses while they
e being used in cornfields this fall.
If cornstalks are used for feed, as they must be on many farms this year,
gs and cattle can be pastui-ed in stalk fields with less danger than any other farm
animals, it is said. Even then, the cattle should be pastured only a part of each
, day and thoroughly inspected each night for possible symptoms of the disease. When
I feeding this year's low-quality corn, farmers should hand-select the ears for horses,
mules ajid cattle.
The first symptoms of the disease are likely to be nervousness, sluggishness,
or sleepiness on the part of the horses, although the symptoms are not easily detected
without careful observation. When these mild symptoms do appear, however, a veterina-
rian should be called immediately, for only by prompt treatment in the early stages
of the disease can the affected animals be saved. As the disease develops, the horses
begin to walk in circles, stagger and press against their mangers or fences. These
symptoms indicate a brain disturbance that is much easier to prevent than to cure.
This disease should not be confused with hydrocyanic acid poisoning which
some farmers feared might develop from feeding drouth-damaged cornstalks this fall,
or from feeding frosted millet, sorghum or sudan grass,
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Rockford Host To State Vegetable Growers' Meeting
Although Illinois is usually considered as a corn-hog producing state, the
annual meeting of the Illinois Vegetable Growers' Association to be held at Rockford,
November 20 to 22, will be one of the outstanding farm conventions of the fall season,
; says L. A, Somers, vegetable extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, Uni-
: versity of Illinois,
Out-of-state speakers will include J, G. Milward, who is in charge of seed
potato certification work at the University of Wisconsin; I. C. Hoffman, widely recog-
I nized authority on greenhouse vegetable production from the Ohio State University ex-
I periment station at Wooster; Walter A. Marion, of Columbus, Ohio, past president of
J the Vegetable Growers' Association of America, and Harm Drewes, of Detroit, Mich., one
of the leading plant geneticists of the United States,
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Vol. XVII - No. kS ®I|^ Sxt^nsfon iKeaatttser Page 3
1T00 Heavy Cut In Dairy Rations Lowers Herd Profits
Feed prices may be advancing faster than the market value of milk and butter-
t, but Illinois dairymen who attempt to reduce expenses by skimping too much on the
grain fed their 1,111,000 cows may find that they have also lowered their profits,
says C. S. Rhode, chief in dairy husbandry extension at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois.
Some revision in the amount of grain fed should be made on a number of farms
to meet changing price ratios, but vfhere the economy is carried to excess the results
are likely to prove disappointing, it is said.
UL This has been revealed in experiments conducted at the U. of I. College of
■l^riculture in which three groups of cows were fed different rations for a year. One
group received only alfalfa hay and silage. Another group was fed hay and silage plus
one pound of grain for each k,2 pounds of milk produced. The third group was fed
rather heavily on grain, receiving one pound for each 2.2 pounds of milk produced,
but was given only a limited amount of hay and silage.
At the end of the year, it v/as found that the cov/s getting only roughage
produced an average of 22.3 pounds of milk daily, those on limited grain feed gave
2g.3 pounds of milk and the cows getting a heavy grain ration retvu-ned 29.2 pounds.
When the value of the milk produced was computed at $1,20 a hundredweight,
the cows receiving a limited grain ration returned the most profit above feed cost,
those fed only roughage stood second in profitableness, and the group getting the
heavy grain combination netted the least profit over the cost of feed.
Fnen the value of the milk was raised the order of profitableness of the
three groups was changed somewhat. When the milk was figured at $1.50 a hundredweight,
the limited grain cows continued to return the most profit, or $4g.31 each above the
cost of feed. The heavy grain group ranked second vdth a profit over feed expense of
$^5»79j while those fed only roughage netted but $^,23 in excess of the cost of feed.
The grain was figured at $2S a ton, hay at $20 and silage at $5, Thus the
average cost of feed, for the roughage cows amounted to $81,53 each, the limited grain
animals $106,21 and the group receiving liberal amounts of grain $113.5^ each.
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Illinois G-rowers Finishing 25.000 Quality Turkeys
Illinois housewives will not have to depend entirely upon Texas range-fed
turkeys to grace their Thanksgiving Day dinners this fall, for Illinois growers are
now finishing off some 25,000 gobblers and hens that have been raised in confinement
to produce exceptionally high quality meat, says H. H. Alp, poultry extension special-
ist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Illinois has been producing about 91,000 turkeys annually, according to the
most recent census, but most of the turkeys sold to Illinois cons-umers have been
shipped into the state from western range areas. During the past year, however, Illi-
nois turkey growers have been cooperating with the U. of I. poultry extension service
in an effort to produce birds of superior quality to those brought into the state,
Furthermore, they have organized themselves into a state association to educate Illi-
nois consumers on the better quality of turkeys grown in this state. As a result of
jthese efforts, fully 25 per cent of the turkeys produced in Illinois in 193^ have been
raised in confinement under the best of conditions. Housewives who wish to be sure
that their Thanksgiving Day meat will be tender and v/ell finished should ask for an
Illinois-grown turkey when making their purchases, says Alp.
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I
^GB
icu
^°°: Mi^ ^^""^
Ift
m
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volisne XVII November 2S, I93U Nunter k'
I
Chinch.-'Bug-Re sis tant Corn Given Real Test in I93U
As the worst chinch-bug year in the history of the state, 193^ i^-s gone
farther than anj-- other season on record in establishing the resistance of different
varieties of corn to this destructive insect pest, according to W. J. Munm, plant
reding specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Certain varieties of com grov-Ti in areas where chinch bugs liave been
prevalent in the past again lived up to their reputation of producing good com in
spite of the bugs. Even better yields were harvested in the case of a nunber of
hybrid strains tested this year. On the other hand, varieties and strains developed
in parts of Illinois and in other states where chinch bugs have not been a problem
in the past, suffered badly this sunmer. By resistance to cMnch bugs, explains
, is meant resistance to the ravages of second-brood bugs. No corn has been
le to persist under a heavy early attack of the first brood.
Anticipating a heavy chinch bug outbreak this year, the U. of I. agronomy
ipartment and federal research workers cooperated in making va,riety and hybrid corn
Bts in various parts of the state. Of 11 strains planted on the F. V. Wilson fana
'n Effingham county, the highest—yielding one was a hybrid. Champion White Pearl,
which was used as a standard of comparison, was one of the outstanding varieties,
closely followed by Blackhawk, Golden Beauty, Pride of Saline and Moore Yellow Dent.
The hybrid which prod'uced the highest yield was a cross between Moore
Yellow Dent and Inbred U211, an inbred produced at the U. of I. experiment station,
-ioore Yellow Dent itself produced about 5 per cent less tlian Champion White Pearl,
while the cross yielded about I5 per cent more than Champion White Pearl. There
was a fair proportion of barren stalks in the case of the latter variety, whereas
the hybrid prod'uced a good ear on nearly every stalk.
Practically all of the U. of I. corn experimental crosses were made this
year with the view of producing strains that will do well \inder chinch-bug conditions.
Dr. J. R. Holbert's Hy X rU proved particularly good tliis fall, as well as the Illinois
station cross 512O X fell.
At Urbana the chinch-bug outbreaic was severe and susceptible corn was hard
Mt, both in the breeding blocks and in the yield tests. Crosses in v/hich part of
parentage was made up of inbreds from the Two-Ear variety were all susceptible.
same tiling was true of several other inbreds from other sources tliat had been
used quite extensively in hybrid combinations in the past. The susceptible plants
developed molds on the stalks where cliinch bugs had punctured them, and soon after
pBiat the stalks broke over. The ears on such plants were worthless because they
*tJ>oiled during the wet weather in early September. Several hybrids and inbred lines
from Ohio were very susceptible to chinch bug injury. This was attributed to the
fact that they had not been developed under chinch-bug conditions.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mum ford. Director.
Vol. XVII— No. hf Page 2
«ri|0 Extenexan Mtseen^ev
Imrnuni z ing; Baby Fig;s !For Cholera Cuts Ho£ Expense
»^^ Porty-two per cent of the cost of serun and virus used to protect hogs
rom the ravages of cholera can he saved hy Illinois fanners, if they have their
pigs vaccinated at an early age rather than waiting until after weaning tine, says
Dr. Rohert G-rahojn, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
ift loi'aunization of hogs against cholera has long been recognized as good
'insurance, hut producers generally have waited until the pigs weighed kO to ^0
pounds or more hefore having them treated. At this weight more seinm is required
than if the pigs had heen vaccinated when a month old, and consequently the expense
jn£ greater. Likewise, more lahor and difficulty is involved with older pigs.
IBr To immunize 60 pi^s at an average age of one month requires ahout I5 cuMc
centimeters of anti-cholera serum and 3 cubic centimeters of virus for each pig,
plains Dr. Graham. With the serum costing one-lialf cent and the virus two cents
cubic centimeter, the total expense of the materials would amount only to $o.lC.
is is a saving of $6, or h2. per cent, over the cost of treating the pigs after
.ey had become a month old.
That early immunization is practical economy has been demonstrated in
ientific tests as well as in the practical e:cperience of progressive fanners and
terinarians. Over a six year period at the U. of I. College of Agriculture,
190 pigs between the ages of one and nine weeks were vaccinated with potent anti-
olera serum and virus. Upon reaching market a.ge 1,7^9 of the pigs were exposed to
.olera either by pen exposure or injections of virus.
Some of the pigs so treated during the six-year period proved to be suscep-
ible to cholera, but so far as could be determined the age of the pigs at the time
vaccination had no influence upon the length of i::imunity. Instead, it is believed
Ihat the susceptibility to cholera in early vaccinated pigs may have been catised by
.e presence of acute respiratory infections, intestinal parasites and pig typhoid,
ich break down the immunity of the hogs. With the aid of competent veterinary
rvice to diagnose swine diseases and by the use of anti-hog cholera serum and virus
it the proper time, baby pigs can be immunized at less cost than when they are older,
G-rahara believes.
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Mice Moving In; Old Exterminators Will Still Work
This is moving time for mice. They are now swarrjing back into houses,
"bams and other buildings to collect their share of the $200,000,000 toll of damage
which mice and rats cause annually in this co'ontry, according to G. C. Oderkirk,
rodent specialist of the U. S. Biological survey. Fortunately, householders don't
have to T/ait for some new scheme of extenainating these pests, he said. The old
reliable method of using traps and poisoned bait will do it.
If used in a thorough way, common spring traps or poisoned rolled oats
furnish two of the best means of destroying these pests, explains Oderkirk, v;ho is
cooperp,ting with the State ITattural History Survey and the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, in the control of rodents in this state. Where poisoned
bait can be used safely, one-eighth ounce of pov;dc red- strychnine may be stirred
thoro-'Jghly into one quart of dry rolled oats. Pinches of this poisoned rolled oat
bait placed at intervals along walls or put in small flat containers where mice will
I easily find them will give effective control. Caution should be observed, however,
for the bait is equally poisonous to children or animal pets.
Vo. XVII— iio. U7 ^Ife ^xUnsxonmesstttBtv ^-s^
Terraces Are Key To Saving Of Soil On Sloping Land
TTliatever attempts are made to conserve soil resources on some 12 million
acres of rolling land used for the production of cioltivated crops in Illinois will
fail unless terracing is made the first step, according to Ralph C. Hay, agricultural
engineer at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This fact, which figures in the present ?/ave of sentiment for soil
conservation, has nowhere "been demonstrated more strikingly than on the farm of
"heodore Reuss, Belleville, St. Glair county. Hay said.
Terraces carefully laid out and properly tuilt are always good insurance
Jor the successful start of a lime and legume program on sloping, erosive land, it
was pointed out. They remove the dan^^er of having expensive limestone, fertilizer
and seed washed away by the fall and spring rains before crops can get started. If
a terraced field is imraediately planted to legumes, the terraces become well settled
and established so that they will hold the soil from serious erosion when corn and
small grains are later planted.
Nine years r^o Reuss had a badly eroded field in a lov/ state of fertility
as a result of sheet erosion. It v/as so cut up by several s^ullies tliat crossing the
I leind v/ith farm machinery was difficult. Ivlanure, lime and legume seeds washed down
, the slopes when attempts were made to build up the productivity of the soil.
Acting upon the suggestion of the U. of I. extension agricult\rral engineer,
j Reuss built five terraces across this field in I925 'to prevent soil washing, seeded
I it to alfalfa and secured a good stand. Fiien this land was later planted to wheat,
the yield from the field was twice what it ha.d been before terracing.
In the beginning, this St. Clair county farmer had some trouble with his
terraces, but he now considers them well worth all the effort required in construction
and maintenance. At the gullies the terraces broke through seversil times and had to
I be rebuilt with a slip scraper. Today the gullies are filled so that the entire
'field may be farmed as one unit. There was also serious washing in the outlet ditch,
but properly built brush dams soon controlled this trouble. By cultivating this
field on the contour and by back-furrowing to the ridges each time he plows, Reuss
,ow has no difficulty in maintaining the terraces in good condition.
Hot School Lunch Minimizes Colds In Ru-ral Children
Illinois' UUYjOOO rural school children wo-old have fewer colds and maize
tter grades this winter, if all of them could ha\'e at least one hot dish with
ir noon-day lunches, in the opinion of Miss Glenna A. Henderson, foods specialist
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Only compa,ratively few of the rural schools in the state serve hot lunches
in spite of all that lias been done and said for this practice, she reported. In
recent years some rural teachers and jmrents in various parts of the state have been
cooperating with the U. of I. home economics department in developing plans for
providing hot school lunches with the minimum amount of time, work and expense.
Studies made in these schools show tliat the hot lunches fully repaid the
teacher, the parents and the pupils in many ways for the small airaount of extra work
required. Fewer colds, improved work and better dispositions on the part of both
pupils and teachers have been noted. Teachers also reported better attendance,
increased interest in school activities and higher scholastic records. The hot
: lunches have also offered a practical means for teaching good standards of nutrition
land food liabits, especia.lly when the children assune much of the responsibility of
I food preparation and service.
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i
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
^oltme XVII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
December 5, 193^
K-umTDer US
Investment Jfede in '30 Still Pays This Fanner
PoTor years ago, just when other investments were shaky, Carl Bormet, a
5ook county farmer, put some money into an investment v/hich he says has turned out
bo "be the best one that he has ever made.
He invested in limestone and rock phosphate, just as hundreds of other
farmers have done who have followed the teachings of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois on the testing of soils, the spreading of limestone and
phosphate and the growing of more legumes.
This year in spite of the severe drouth, his 120-acre farm produced
plenty of home-grown feed for has Uo head of dairy cows. Twenty-five acres that
ire limed four years ago produced ahout two and a half loads of alfalfa hay to the
;re for two cuttings this year, which will he eno'ugh to carry his cows through
bhe winter.
Like hundreds of other farmers who have applied limestone to acid soil
In order to grow alfalfa and sweet clover, Bormet is reaping the advantages of a
irery practical kind of drouth insurance, it is pointed out hy C. M. Linsley, soils
extension specialist of the U. of I. College of Agriculture. Less fortunate
farmers in the state were compelled to 'buy feed even during the late spring and
ner "because they had no alfalfa or sweet clover pasture and many will have to
sontinue to buy hay during the v,'inter. The limestone and rock phosphate program
Sarried on in Cook county in past years, however, has meant the difference "between
iving hay to sell and having to hiay liay in the case of many fanners, reports
Farm Adviser 0. G-. Barrett.
The testing of Bormet 's soil for acidity and available phosphoins by
M. E. Tascher, assistant farm adviser, was a money-saving guide in planning the
alfalfa crop. One 11-acre field produced a good stand of alfalfa with limestone
alone. Soil tests made in this field showed that there already was a good supply
of pho spho rus the re .
An adjoining field, however, lacked both lime and phosphorus. In time all
but three acres were limed and in addition half of the field was treated with
1,000 pounds of rock phosphate to the acre. In 1933 that portion of the field which
had received phosphate yielded five tons of alfalfa to the acre, while that which
got only lime produced three tons. On the three acres where neither limestone nor
phosphate had been applied the alfalfa was a failure. This year the phosphated
land made a ton an acre more of alfalfa than the rest of the field.
The limestone and phospliate continued to return dividends this year even
tho-ugh it had p^id for itself the first year. Approximately $5 worth of limestone
produced three tons of alfalfa the first year worth at least $36. The 1,000 pounds
of rock phosphate, costing $0, used in addition to limestone, produced an additional
two tons of alfalfa worth $2U.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
oi fii
©Ijc Extension Meseennet
Vol. XVII— No. Us Page 2
Fruit Q-rowers To Meet At Urbana, Decem'ber 12-ll|
1^^^ Compliance with federal regulations and codes as they affect fruit
growers of this state is to he the kevnote of a nurnher of discussions, \7hen niernhers
of the Illinois State Horticultural Society hold their 'Jlth annual winter meeting
■■t Urhana, Decemher 12, I3 and lU, according to word received hy the College of
■■Bpic^l^'i^'J^j University of Illinois.
l^F For several years increased government restrictions on the amount of spray
residue that may be left on apples packed for interstate shipment have heen a
problem with Illinois growers. To assist the society's members in coping with this
difficulty, W. A. Ruth, cliief in pomological physiology'' at the U. of I. College of
Agriculture, vdll appear on the program to tell of the experimental work done in
residue removal. In addition, Albert Weber, of the Nev/ Jersey Agricult'oral Experi-
ment Station, will discuss the services f^urnished growers in his state in helping
them meet the federal regulations.
Progress of the federal aptjle marketing code authority and its possible
.ture influence on Illinois growers will be reviewed by F. H. Simpson, of Flora,
st president of the International Ji:ople Shippers' Association and a member of the
de authority.
imong other spealcers on the three-day program will be K. J. Kadow, U. of I.
sistant pathologist; W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Natural
storj^ Survey and of the U. of I. College of Agriculture; H. M. Ifewell, superin-
tendent of the state division of standardization and markets, and Fred Heaton,
prominent apple grower of New B\imside .
Officers of the state association who will be in charge of the convention
include: George Shoff, Peoria, president; G-. L. Sm.ith, Holine, first vice president;
Fred Heaton, New Burnside, second vice president; Arthur Holt, Springfield, secretary,
and W. S. Perrine-, Centralia, treasurer.
Empty Stall In Dairy Barn t.lay Protect Profits
Empty cow stalls that have been emptied ''oy culling out the lower producing
cows have never been as profitable for Illinois dairymen as they will be this viinter,
says Prof. C. S. Eliode, chief in dairy husbandry extension at the College of
igriculture, University of Illinois.
With the price of feeds continuing to rise faster than the market value of
dairy products, only the better producing cows will be profitable enough to rate a
stall, Prof. Siiode said.
Some Illinois dairymen are even malcing more money now than they did a year
ago because they have checked up on the production records of their cows, have culled
out the lov.' producers and left their stalls empty, it v;as reported.
Tills is true in the case of at least one member of the JoDaviess County
Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He millied an average of IS cows with a butterfat
average of 27I pounds during 1933 . '^his year he culled the low producers and raillced
an average of 12 cows with an average of 30S pounds of butterfat. As a result of
emptying six of the stalls in his barn, this dairyman has netted $66.29 i^ore above
I feed costs from the 12 cows in I93U than from the IS animals in 1933*
It is not the number of stalls that are filled but the kind of cows that
ai^ in them that determines the dairy income, Rliode pointed out. At present the
■ relative price of dairj'- products as coiTrpa-red to grain is not as favorable as last
[year. Moreover, in some sections dairj'men are faced with a serious shortage of feed,
aiicl if grain or roughage must be shipped in, it is bound to be high priced. Under
^j these conditions, it is practically impossible to maize a profit from low-producing
cows.
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Vol. XVII— Ho. Ug ®Ij0 JExtcnaion £HessEnger Page 3
Claris tmas Often Da..v Of Accidents As Well As Joy
Christmas is usually the happiest day of the year, but at the sa.:ie tine it
a day in V7hich many serious home accidents are likely to occur, unless certain
icautions are taken, says I.iiss Gladys J. Ward, hone nianagement extensioxi specialist
kt the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
In fact three tines as many fatalities caused hy conflagrations occur in
icember than in the month of July \7hen the nation celebrates with firecrackers,
iman candles and the like. About twice as many people die from burns, scalds and
:plosions, excepting conflagrations, diu'ing the last month of the year as compared
th July, and there are twice as man;y' firearm fatalities in the homes this month as
lere are in July.
Small lighted candles may add beauty to the Christmas tree, but they also
.d one of the most serious fire hazards of the holiday season, points out Miss Ward.
,ght-v/eight materials, tree decorations or even "Santa Claus" himself may catch
fire from the candles.
Candles burning in v/indov/s with loose curtains are equally dangerous as
'ire hazards.
The growing popularity of toys to be operated by connecting them with
.ectric floor and wall sockets has also added to the dan^.-^er of burns and fatalities
the hone.
Falls from icy steps and walks, especially when they are covered with snow,
among the most common accidents of the yuletide season. Although it may give an
[attractive appearance, scattering ashes or sand over the ice may prevent a broken
arm or leg.
Sharp and bullq/- toys left on the floor, stairs or in a doorway frequently
cause injuries to those stepping on them v/hen the room is dark. Sone mothers have
eliminated this danger by having a regular toy box in which the children place their
playthings before going to bed each night.
Highly-polished, waxed floors and icy shoes form a combination that increases
the danger from falls.
Fatigue from keeping late hours during the holiday season and the hurry
associated with Christmas preparations are likewise conducive to home accidents.
Box Elder Bugs Best Killed By Mcotine Sioray
Although box elder bugs entering Illinois homes each fall do no damage to
foods or fabrics, they are a nuisance that can be eliminated best by the use of
nicotine sulphate spray, according to a report made to the College of Agriculture,
IRiiversity of Illinois, by W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the State ifetural
History Survey.
These little red and black insects are usually most numerous and annoying
in a dry season. More frequently tha,n any other common insect, they attempt to
crawl into houses to find shelter from the approaching winter weather. They only
wish to obtain suitable protection until next spring when, in the normal course of
events, they will leave the house and retuj:Ti to the box elder trees to mate and lay
eggs for the 1935 season's brood.
The fact that the bugs do not feed upon materials in the house makes them
tl the more difficult to eradicate, explains Flint. Only by hitting their bodies
th a contact spray can they be killed in any large num.bers. The best spray for
this purpose, because it kills all the bu^s hit by it, is made by mixing one table-
spoonful of ^'-per-cent nicotine sulphate in two quarts of soft water in which
(has been previously dissolved one-half ouiice of any good laundry soap. Hhe spray
I should be thorouglily mixed and applied immediately to get the best results. A
(Strong nicotine dust is also effective a.nd is sometimes easier used, says Flint.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from tlie Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volwae XVII December 12, I93U Ifenber kS
Hevival In Industry Like ly To Continue Into 1935
Altliough it is laazardous to make predictions, it seems probable that the
revival which has taken place in industry during recent months vjill be continued
into the early part of 1935» i^ 't^ie opinion of Dr. R. W. Bartlett, of the depart:nent
of agricultural econoraics, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Sub-
stantial gains which heve recently been made in p-.ircl-iasing power shov7 a fundamental
1 improvement in the business situation, he said.
IB, Incomes of Illinois factory workers in the three months of July, j\xigust
' -^nd September of this year were 5S per cent higher tiian in the sane period in 1932j
,.mle their living costs advanced only h per cent in the corresponding quarters,
r. Bartlet said.
The $1|;5,U00,000 income received by Illinois factory employees during the ..
third quarter of 1^3^ was $23,200,000, I7.5 per cent, higher than in the same months
last year. These figures clearly indicate that at least a larger portion of the
consumers of the state are now enjoying greater returns, along with the improvement
in farm incomes, it is pointed out.
When the purcliasing power of Illinois factory "P8,^Tolls was determined by
malcing corrections for the changes in the cost of living, it was found to be 56 ppi* cent
higher in July, August and September of this year as compared with the same months
in 1932. The Illinois payroll index in October, I93U, was 50 per cent of the I925-
1927 average, or laalf of the base period.
In living costs, the prices of clothing have advanced the most, or 20 per
cent higher this year, v/hen the tliird qiiarters of 193^ and 1932 are compared. Pood
prices were 12 per cent higher than two years ago, while fuel a.nd light costs were
jpnly lir per cent higiaer. Rent, or the cost of housing, was actually S per cent
iwer. This rediuction is largely responsible for the fa,ct that living costs in
neral v/ere only ^ per cent higher.
When Dr. Bartlett summarized corresponding figures for the entire country
liiring the third quarter of I93U as compared with the same months in 1932, it was
revealed that the incomes of factory workers was kS.h per cent higher and purchasing
power kS per cent higher. The index of consuiier puj-chasing pov/er in the United States
in October, 193i|- was 59.2, or slightly less than three-fifths of that for the base
period of I925-I927.
In eight Illinois cities factory payrolls in October, 193^5 ^"ere Mgher
than the state average. Factory payrolls in Peoria in October were the highest of
^:ny city in the United States for which payroll data were available, being 12 per
cent higher than those of the base period of December, 192S. High payrolls in Peoria
can be attributed primarily to the development of indtistries resulting from repeal
of the prohibition amendment. The seven other cities above the state average were:
Blooraington, East St. Louis, Qmncy, Springfield, Danville, .Sterling-Rock Falls and
Decatur .
1
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfohd, Director.
Voi^ xvii— iio. 1+9 ®J|^ Extension iUeBBctiser ^^s^ 2
Depression Was Prosperous Era For Gtored Grain Pests
Although most people thinl: of recent years as the "depression era," to
^Insects that feed on stored grain mid seeds they have "been prosperous times that
;riay continue into 1935 » unless Illinois farmers taice raeas\ires to protect their
stored crops from fyxther pest damage, says H. D. Farrar, entomologist of the
State Natural History Survey.
Large quantities of grains have "been held on f arras for one, two and even
tliree years with the hope of gaining tetter prices. These long-filled oins and
cribs liave provided ideal "breeding places for a,ll insects attacking such products,
and as a result vjiusually large nvimbers of tliese pests are found in all sections of
state. Thus extra precautions v/ill he needed this winter to prevent heavy
TOge to next year's seed crop, points out Farrar in a report to the College of
icultTire, University of Illinois.
When seeds are being stored away they should be carefxilly exainined to
termine if insects are present. To neglect tliis simple precaution may result
severe dai^iage to stored beans, corn, wheat, oats, barley a,nd some garden seeds,
t is said. If the seeds are free of insect infestation and liave been pronorly
led, they can be stored in a cold room where little or no injury may be expected
rem the pests. At teinperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenlieit, insect life progresses
very slowly.
Where ear seed corn must be stored in a place where it may be subject to
insect dajaage, it cnja be protected over long periods by dipping the ears in a 10-per-
cent solution of white oil emulsions.
Small quantities of pe?.s, beans and similar seeds infested with weevil
Can be cleaned by funigation with carbon bisulphide in a tight container such as a
well-covered barrel or tub. By this method the liquid may be poured directly onto
the seeds at the rate of one-half ounce or 3 tpanpoons of carbon bisulphide for each
cubic foot of seed in the container. There will be no danger of dajnaging the seed,
but tlie treatment should not be done near a fire as the chemical is highly inflam-
mable.
Wliere large bins of grain are infested with insect life, they may be
cleaned by proper funigation with carbon disulphide. Complete directions for this
method may be obtained from a co\mty farm adviser or by writing direct to the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
—Ill -
Different Cheeses Will Add Touch To Holiday Dinners
Novelty, color and a cheap form of food proteins can be added to Christmas
dinners in Illinois homes this month by housewives who talce advantage of the score
or more of different hinds of cheese available on the market, sviggests H. A. Eviehe,
head of the dairy hxisbandry department at the College of Agriculttire, University
of Illinois.
Americans have never token fiill advantage of the opportunity to improve
' their diet by the use of cheese, averaging only about h-'}j; potaids annually for each
person in this country, points out Ruehe . In Sv/itzerland the average individiial
yearly consvunption of cheese is approximately ?£ pounds, while in other European
countries it will vary from K to ik pounds.
There are at least ten more common cl:ieeses in the list of those that may
be purchased during the holiday season, Dr. Ruehe said. These are cheddar or
American, Swiss or eramenthal, edam, bergquara, pineapple, limberger, brick, roquefort,
Stilton and isigny. In addition there are inany kinds of processed cheese sold under
various trade names. Most of these are made by grinding ripened cheese, adding a
, small araoimt of moisture and pasteurizing to produce a smooth, plastic mass.
I
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1^1. XVII— No. U9 ^ije Extension Mesaens^v Page 3
-^-. Wet Spring Will Bring Loss From Ifei":lected Drainage
1^' Should the spring of 1935 l>ring an ■onusue.l r,-;io\-u-it of rainfall, faming
■districts in many parts of Illinois where drainage systems liave "been neglected in
IpBcent years are likely to suffer serious losses, in the opinion of E. W. Lehnann,
head of the agricultural engineering department at the College of Agriculture,
diversity of Illinois.
Because of the severe econOinic depression and a series of dry seasons,
Ittle has been done in the way of maintaining efficient channels in some of the
xainage districts in the "best farming areas of the state, says Lehraann. In a
lumber of instances the drainage ditches arc in a poor state of repair, hut the
ieriousness of their condition will not he rea.lized fully until one or more wet
easons result in large crop losses. In a few districts no systematic and effective
lethod of maintaining outlet drains has ever heen followed.
In view of tlie possible crop risks, individual farmers might well afford
0 talce the tine and trouble to inspect their drain tile outlets to see if they are
Brorking effectively, it is suggested. If the ditch has filled in to the extent th^at
(he tile does not discharge freely, it should be cleaned out. In some cominunities
[onsiderable drainage cliannel improvement was done during the past year by Irnnd by
lief Tiforkers. Such repairs will be of inestimable value to the farmers in those
.istricts. However, v/here the work must be paid for by the farmers in the territory,
ihe use of djaiajtiite or modern ditching machinery is usually less expensive.
The continued successful cropping of drained land requires not only proper
maintenance of the larger drainage ditches, but also individual farm drainage improve-
ments. Wliore farm drains and outlets are not kept up adequately, the adjacent land
gradually becomes less productive and farming becomes more liazardous. The lack of
maintenance of open ditches usually results in the tile outlets from individual farms
"becoming filled and sometimes completely submerged, thereby impairing the degree of
drainage .
Bu.ying By Label Will Inspire (Quality Christmas G-ifts
Longer use and grerter enjo^Tnent will be gained from Christmas gifts this
year, if Illinois shoppers will look for the manufacturer's qviality label instead
of merely the appearance of a,rticles they buy, says Mrs. Kathr^na V. Burns, state
leader in home economics extension a.t the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
The label is the buyer's protection a,gainst pn,ying a high price for cheap
merchandise made up attractivel.y. It should tell what the article is made of, whether
the colors are fs-st and if the material lias been pre-shi'^i^n^.— all of which are
important in determining the wearing qualitj^ of the article.
Blanlcets, for instance, are often sold under the general description of
"part wool," explains Mrs. Burns. This term has been known to mean only one wool
! thread in the selvage, but the label should state whether the blanlcet includes 10
per cent, 20 per cent or all wool.
Labels on such Christmas gifts as underwear, neckties and even dresses
and dress goods may bear the insignia, of the sillc guild as a guarantee that the
article is ma,de of pure sillc. Dovm-filled and wool-filled comforts may be mislead-
ing, unless the maker's label specifically describes the kind and q"uantity of iiiaterials
used in the bed cover.
All manufacturers do not label their goods, bu.t if women shoppers will
insist upon knowing the qu/xlity of the things they buy and v.-ill shov/ an interest in
accurate, descriptive labels, they are more likely to get their money's v/orth, it is
said.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVII December 19, 1934 Il-jmber 50
LeguTies Repair Hitrogen Losses Of Millions In Corn
■r' Although Illinois' corn crop this year was the smallest in 61 years, it
Removed so much nitrogen from the soil that it would take more than 21 million dol-
lars' worth of nitrate of soda to replace it, according to F= H. Crane, assistant
chief in soil fertility at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. For
every 75 "bushels of corn that are taken off the land, a quarter of a ton of nitrate
of soda costing around $10 would be needed to put back the nitrogen that had been
removed. This year's corn crop is estimated at 160,816,000 bushels.
Fortunately, farmers do not have to buy this 21 million dollars' worth of
nitrate of soda, for they can replace the lost nitrogen cheaply through the use of
ieguines for soil improvement or for feed crops, provided the manure is taken care
of in the latter case, Crane pointed out.
In fact, the economic solution of many problems of soil management depends
almost wholly on making full and proper use of the assistance plants can give, he
explained.
Legumes are a means of restoring lost nitrogen. Likewise, there is no
feasible commercial source of organic matter for the general farm. Yet this organic
Blatter, which is valuable in many ways as a soil conditioner and in keeping a soil
in good working tilth, can be easily added by the roots and tops of plants. When
cornstalks or any other plant materials are plov/ed under, 95 per cent or more of
the weight represents an addition of new material to the soil. On the other hand,
if the cornstalks from a 75-bushel crop are burned, the loss of nitrogen from the
sail is increased 50 per cent, in addition to the loss of organic matter.
It is fortunate that man can not remove the roots, explains Crane, for
this part of the plant is the only practical means of getting organic matter into
the soil below plow depth. Likewise, the binding power of these roots is an impor-
tant factor in preventing soil erosion and in reclaiming areas already eroded. The
loss of plant food in the drainage water is partially controllable by having living
plants covering the soil as much of the time as is possible to take up the fertiliz-
ing elements.
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Most Hog Rations Deficient Only In Salt And Calcitim
I
l|r Contrarj' to a widespread belief, most rations fed to the more than 4,000,000
ffcead of hogs found on Illinois farms at this time of year contain all the minerals
necessary for profitable growth, except salt and calcium, says W. E. Carroll, chief
in swine husbandry at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Too many
producers have felt that so long as they feed a mineral supplement they can safely
neglect other fundamentals of good production, explains Carroll. There is no sub-
:5titute for sanitation, balanced rations, good breeding and efficient management,
he points out. Minerals are essential, but with the exception of common salt and
jjcalcium they are found in ample portions in most hog rations.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfoed, Director.
"■r'-.^v^r-
W61«
XVIl-Fo. 50 ^if^^xUnBxonme^senB^t ^^^ ^
U. Of I_. Develops Uew Greenhouse Tomato Varieties
ITew and improved varieties of greenho-ase tomatoes will soon "be ready for
discriminating Illinois consumers as a result of plant breeding work carried on at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is announced by W. A. Huelsen,
associate chief in olericulture.
In spite of the large quantity of southern-grovm tomatoes shipped into this
state, those produced in Illinois greenhouses during the v/inter and early spring are
in greater demand than ever. The new varieties soon to be introduced to the public
are expected to add to the popularity of those grown under glass, it is said. Green-
house tomatoes have a flavor all their own in contrast to the rather tasteless soiithern
product, a difference which consumors soon discover.
In developing the nev; varieties, American types were crossed with tomatoes
from China, Palestine, Australia and Hew Zealand. Besides producing well, they a,re
resistant to Fusarium, a serious greenhouse disease to which many types of tomatoes
are susceptible.
Years ago greenhouse operators confined their efforts to such ordinary field
varieties of tomatoes as seemed to be best adapted to indoor conditions. Bonny Best
:nd Globe were the most popular for this purpose at that time, but their fall and
early v/inter crops were rather scant.
To assist producers with tliis problem, the U. of I. horticultural department
jrossed a prolific, small-fruited forcing variety v/ith several well-known field varie-
ties. The Blair Forcing and the Lloyd Forcing are the results of 14 generations of
selections out of these crosses. Both of these varieties are producing at the rate
of 1.5 pounds of fruit to the square foot of greenhouse space between December 1 and
February 1, v/hich is more than twice the yield obtained from ordinary varieties planted
in the same house. .The tomatoes average a little better than three ounces each in
weight. In the spring the fruits are larger, averaging four ounces each, and the
yields to the square foot are doubled to three pounds.
The success of this early breeding work stimulated further efforts at the
U. of I. college, resulting in the new varieties soon to be available to the public.
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Orchards Hit By Scale Doubled In Course Of A Year
San Jose scale, always a constant threat to the profits of Illinois fruit
growers, has increased so alarmingly during recent seasons that nine times as many
orchards novif have m.oderate to severe infestations as compared to conditions two years
ago. The number of orchards moderately to severely infested is twice as great as it
was last year. This v>ras discovered in surveys which S. C. Chandler, assistant ento-
mologist of the Illinois State llatural History Survey, has just completed in coopera-
tion with the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Only thorough applications of oil or lime-sulphur sprays this winter will
prevent the insect from taking a heavy toll in the state's 1935 fruit crop, it was
said.
Forty-two per cent of the apple and 71 per cent of the peach orchards which
■vere surveyed showed a moderate to severe infestation of San Jose scale. This 'was an
average of 56 per cent of orchards irifested, or nearly twice as many as were found in
the 1933 fall survey and nine times as many as in 1932. The increase is believed to
be the result of the moderate winter in 1933-34, to too much economj' in spraj^inj dur-
ing the past year and to a long, mild breeding season this fall.
irol. XVII— No. 50 ^ ^ Page 3
r
Brain Is 'Worth Fotir Times Bravm In 2Tet Farm Income
A farmer's head may easily be worth four times as much as the rest of his
body, v/hen it comes to producing a net profit for his labor, according to F. S. John-
ston, of the farm management division, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Farmers who wish to prove this for themselves can do so by enrolling during
this month and next to keep simple farm accounts during the coming year, he said.
Schools to help beginning farm account keepers get started will be held in all parts
of the state by the farm management division of the agricultural college. Farmers
can enroll through their local farm advisers.
1^ G-ood farm hands can be hired for aro-ond $500 each a year, '.vhich represents
"'^8 value of the physical labor that a farm operator can perform, Johnston pointed
out. However, when this same amount of labor is combined in the same person with
good managing ability, the farm may produce an annual net income of $2,500 or more.
jiw. This has beeii established by the results of fan.! a,cco-ants which 1,800
f Jbrmers in 89 counties of the state completed last year in cooperation with the col-
lege and their county farm advisers. In one central Illinois county, for instance,
records on 36 farms indicated that there were 12 farms which had an average net in-
come of $2,986 a farm as contrasted with 12 similar farms with an average net profit
of only $313 each. At least $2,000 of this difference was the result of superior
management, thus demonstrating that a farmer's head may be worth at least four times
as much as the rest of his body.
After a farmer has kept a record of his operations for one year, his ac-
count book is checked, summarized and analysed by a representative of the U. of I.
College of Agriculture. The book is then returned to him so that he can note which
phases of his farming operations have been the most profitable, which may have been
losing propositions during the year and how improvements can be made, Heports are
also prepared for various areas in the state \Yhich shew each faimer how his business
compares with the average of all cooperators in the area.
Farmers Warned of S. A. Red Oats Jor Seed Purposes
Tihen Illinois farmers start their search for oats seed for their 1935 crop
it will be well for then to remember the warning of federal authorities that South
American red oats are not dependable for seed purposes in this country, says J. C.
Hackleman, chief in crops extension at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Because of the dry weather last spring, the 1934 Illinois oats crop was
the smallest in 58 years. Consequently majiy farmers did not harvest enough oats to
fxirnish seed for planting this coming spring and are forced to hey seed oats grown in
Other localities.
Although the South American red oats looks very much like the well-known
d Rustproof oats produced in this country, the U. S. Department of Agric-olvjire re-
rts that it is actually Red Algerian seed which has been tested at experiment sta-
ins and found unsatisfactory,'. It lacks the v5roT and prodxictiveness of the native
Rustproof variety. The imported oats, however, can be fed to livestock in place
domestic oats.
Red oats imported from South America is said to be selling at ports for
about 55 to 60 cents a bushel and at interior points for eno\igh more to pay the
freight.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
R 0 0 M 2 2 5
NEW AGR BLDG
l'
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Toiume XVII December 26, I93U K-umber 51
illl Easiness Activity May Continue Upward In Near !Fut-ure
^P One of the cheering signs for Illinois farmers is that the trend in business
activity and demand is likely to continiie upward in a moderate degree during the near
future, in the opinion of Dr. L. J. Norton, of the department of agricultural econom-
ics, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
If the total volume of consumer income had been higher during the closing
Tonths of 193^> ■tl^e shorter supplies of certain meats and dairy products would have
xad far more effect on farm prices than they did have, he explained.
in Even as it was, prices of Illinois farm products in October and November
"averaged about Uo per cent higher than for the same months of the previous year, ac-
cording to an analysis which he has made.
Wool and potatoes were the only two of I9 selected products vifhich were
cheaper. Subsidence of the 1933 toom in textiles explained why wool ?/as lower, while
the larger crop of potatoes accounted for their slump, Dr. Norton said.
Corn and hay led in price advances registered during October and November,
the analysis shows. In general the biggest increases were made by crops which were
reduced by the drouth and to a lesser extent by the AAA. adjustment programs.
Hay and corn were a little raore than tv/ice as high in price in October and
[November as they were during the same two months in the previous year, while oats and
barley were 75 ^^^ S!l per cent higher, respectively.
Wheat, on the other hand, was only 25 per cent higher in spite of the short
crop. Hogs, beef cattle, horses and butterfat were 20 to 25 per cent higher. Chicken
prices were up nearly 50 per cent. Smaller increases were registered by other prod-
ucts.
Shorter crops and either actual or prospective shorter supplies of livestock
«7ere the principal factors operating to cause the rise, Dr. Norton said. Also con-
tributing to the increase was a slightly cheaper dollar and slightly higher consumer
incomes. Factory payrolls averaged 57.5 per cent of I923-I925 in October-November,
1933, and 60,7 per cent in October, 193^4-, or about 6 per cent higher than a year ear-
lier.
Compared with those of the tvro previous months, prices of nine of the I9
products were lower in October and November after allowance was made for seasonal
(variations. Eight were higher and tv;o were the same.
Real improvement in consumer income, which has a strong bearing on farm
prices, niust wait i;^on genuine revival in the construction industries, Dr. Norton
predicted. As yet these have shown only very moderate signs of reviving. The high
level of construction costs probably acts as a bralce here, he said.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
voi. XVII— llo. 51 Page 2
Baffling Stall- Disease Is Hot Tied Up With Botulism
Contrary to the suspicions of some fanners and veterinarians, the so-called
"cornstalk disease," which has "been killing hiuidreds of horses in Illinois this fall,
is not "botulism, or food poisoning.
This has "been established "beyond reasona"ble doubt in la"boratory investiga-
■:ions made "by the College of Agriculture, "University of Illinois, it is announced "by
jr. Ro"bert G-raham, chief in animal pathologj'' and liygiene.
Although the exact nature of the disease has not yet "been determined, it
-.as "become so serious that ^S Illinois veterinarians recently reported they had
Treated 1,00U cases of it vdth an average mortality of 60 per cent. Botulinis
.ntitoxin has "been used in some cases in the hope of checking the disease.
Hov^ever, la"boratory examinations of 27 horse brains and 10 different
sanrples of moldy corn and fodder, together v;ith cultures of five different samples
of horse blood, failed to yield any evidence to suggest that the disease is in any
-ay related to botulism, Dr. Graham reported.
"If these findings are confiimed in subsequent examinations, there is no
scientific basis for using polyvalent botulinus antitoxin in the prevention or treat-
^:ent of the disease," he added.
"In the meantime, the safest v;ay for farmers to prevent losses from the
disease is to keep horses and mules out of cornstallc fields. If cornstallcs are used
if or feed, as they must be on many farms this year, hogs and cattle can be pastured
in stallc fields with less danger tlian any other farm animals. Even then the cattle
hould be pastured only a part of each day and thoroughly inspected each night for
jpossible symptoms of the disease. Hien feeding this year's low-quality corn to horses,
'mtLLes and cattle, farmers should hand select the ears. Even then the disease may
still develop."
Feeders Balancin,^ Cheap Roughage s With Soybean Hay
As beef prices lag behind the rapidly-rising prices of grain and forage,
ilinois cattle feeders a.re balancing their cheap roughage with the m.ore plentiful
ybean hay to hold costs down as much as possible this winter, says E. T. Eobbinsj
livestock extension specialist at the College of Agricultujre, University of Illinois.
As a resu.lt of the past sumjaer's drouth, clover and hay crops were almost
3or.iplote failures on many farms, while late-planted soybeans produced reasonably
Sood yields. Northern Illinois has more soybean hay tlian ever before, a,nd many
"attlemen are feeding it for the first time, reports Robbins.
Rather than feeding the bean hay alone, many feeders are "stringing" it .
ilong as a supplement to silage, corn fodder, straw and other roughages of that class
that may be available. Being high in protein, the bean hay helps balance the ration
*vhen other poorer roughages are fed->
Robbins tells of the practical method followed by John Snyder, of Kane
-■OTinty, who turned 60 range calves into his stall: fields to get them accustomed to
bheir new surroundings. Each night they are given a good feeding of soybean liay.
Later they will get corn, cottonseed meal, silage and soybean hay as the fattening
ration.
George Daubermaji, prominent Kane county farmer, is feeding a large nijmbcr
3f heifers only silage and soybean hay. They appear to be doing quite well, but
are not getting as fat as they would with grain in the ration. Dauberman, ^ however s
believes the silage and bean hay make a good combination of balanced, nutritious
jPOughage at a minimum cost, explains Robbins.
-L'l-
V,
~-^. XVII - N3. 51 S^t|0 {Extension i9a?a90tiser ^^.^e 3
!!• 2L I* Friininp; Plan Adds Years To Ap-nle-Tree Life
It may seem like a long time before some 1,500,000 yo-un^ apple trees in
Illinois come into bearing, but the cash retiirns v.'hich ^-rowers receive in 1937 ^o
19^+0 will depend in part at least ■upon hov/ well these j'^oung trees are pruned bet^veen
- and early spring, says V. W. Kelley, horticultural extension specialist at the
i ogc of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Apple profits are partially govei-ned by the number of years a tree vzill
'!-"■. Furthermore, the length of life of a tree is in t-'irn dependent upon the prun-
i:. it gets the first two or three years after planting. Large crops, snow and ice
place great weight on the branches of apple trees, and only those which have been
pruned to develop a strong framev/ork can survive to produce future crops. Branches
forming narrov/ angles from the trunk of the tree should be eliminated, and the num-
ber of main framework branches should be limited.
To increase the Icni'rth of life of young apple trees, horticulturists at
the U. of I. College of Agricolture have designed a pruning system. 1-aiown as "disbud-
ding to groups of buds." It consists of planting long, one-year-old whips without
iing back. Groups of three or four buds are left at intervals of eight inches
ro framework branches are desired. All other buds are cut off with a sharp knife
and the whip is allowed to grow undisturbed for one year.
Before grov/th starts the second season, a selection of laterals for frame-
work branches is made at each point where groups of buds were left the previous year.
One lateral which is considered best for the framework branch, iron the standpoint of
laMze, angle and direction, is chosen at each location. All other vigorous laterals
He removed. Slow-growing horizontal laterals are left because they do not conrpetc
Bth the selected framework and their leaf surface will aid in noua-ishing the young
■rec.
By this method, four or five v/ell-spaced and properly-directed branches may
G secured the first year after planting, providing a strong, permanent framework
n
-.vhich will be an important factor in determining the length of the tree's lif^^.
Depression Puts Svfcet Clover To The Pore As A Soil Crop
Once considered a weed, sweet clover has had to bear the brunt of protect-
fertility levels on thousands of acres of Illinois farm lands during the depres-
ion period when farmers have not had the cash for mineral fertilizers, it is pointed
,t by L. 3. Miller, associate in soil experiment fields at the College of Agricultirrc,
versity of Illinois.
Untill 1929 the use both of commercial fertilizers and of sweet clover was
the increase in Illinois. That year some 3S,SS4 tons of factory-processed ferti-
zer were applied in the state. The sweet clover acreage then was something less
than goo, 000 acres.
||i Since the depression set in, however, the applications of comjaercial fcr-
"tilizers have declined to a fourth ci the peak year, while sweet clover acreages have
continued to increase. By I93I a total of 856, 000 acres in Illinois were devoted to
growing sweet clover, largely for soil improvement purposes. With the coming of the
government's adjustment programs in I933 and 193^, wherein AAA contracted land could
be sov/n to legumes and at the same time get benefit payments, sweet clover acreage is
telieved to have reached tlie million mark.
W' Inoculated sweet clover provides an efficient fertilizer factory on any
T&Tm having sweet soil and a fair supply of the major mineral plant foods. Besides
I its value as a green raanui'c, the lGf?;umc is well knoi^-m for its ability to provide
abundant pasture, or it m.ay be harvested for seed.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AC-R BLDG
^'
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
)lume XVIII Jan-uary 2, I935 Nttrnter ^2
Agriciilt-ural Outlook For 1S35 Seems More Proaising
■wen for the past few years, but there are still a nimilDer of dark spots in the pro-
spects, according to the anntial state outlook report released today hy the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
There promises to he some increase in prices of livestock and livestock
products in 1935j ■the report says. Grain prices should be fairly well maintained
laitil the new crops are available. Consimers' incomes probably will show further
improvement, and this will contribute to better prices for farmers. Burdensome sur-
pluses have been eliminated by the drouth and by the adjustment programs; the report
adds.
On the other hand, unemployment is still at a high level, and improvement
in the construction industries, where unemployment is greatest, will apparently be
jslow, the report predicts.
A brief simraary of the essential features of the outlook report follows:
Farm family living — More money available for replacement of much-needed
(supplies and eqvilpraent. No great changes anticipated in prices of goods for family
use.
Feed crops— Production expected to increase iTiaterially. Feed available,
a head, is now much below average. Acreages of chinch-bug resistant crops, such as
soybeans, likely to be increased. Spring grains should be seeded early.
Corn — Some acreage increase anticipated. With average yields and fewer
livestock, corn prices may be expected to decline with the new crop.
Oats and barley — Production of these, particularly barley, precarious,
because of chinch bugs.
Wheat — Average yields will create an exportable surplus. This may drop
prices to the world level, and large quantities probably would be fed.
Soybeans — Some increase in 1935 acreage is to be expected. Increased
production and larger supplies of feedstuffs, which will be available if growing
conditions are normal, will tend to lower prices on the 1935 soybean crop.
Dairy products — Long-time outlook is for a gradual increase in prices of
dairy products as consumer incomes increase. Marketing of dairy cov/s is now tending
to reduce size of herds.
Poultry and eggs—Poultrymen in position to stay in business should profit
from the reduction in flocks that may occur as a result of high feed costs.
Hay and pasture — Retention of old meadows and pastures of fair stands is
sijggested on account of failure of 193^ seedings.
Forage seeds — Supplies of grass and clover seeds are about 50 per cent
•smaller than in the five-year period of 1928-1932. Timothj^, millet, Sudaji grass,
alsike clover, red clover and sweet clover seem to be the most seriously reduced.
Hogs — Numbers of hogs for slaugliter in I935 will be the smallest in 20
years. With average yields for the I935 corn crop, the hog-corn ratio should be
favorable to hog feeding in the last few months of 1935 ^^d- i^^ 193S»
(Continued on Page 2)
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
1
ijO~S.-~ ',' .<"^ "•••"''' jV'".;"' r'
vol. XVIII-llo . 52 ®^^ Exf^naion M^as^ns^r ^^^^ ^
Beef cattle — N'um'bers reduced to approximately the low point in the last
production cycle. Low supplies of feed will prevent the usual amount of feeding
and will result in higher prices for well finished heef in 1935« Maintenance of
established hreeding herds tlaat can "be carried on home-grown feeds and roughages
desirable ,
Sheep and wool — Some increase in prices is expected during 1935 compared
with the last half of 193^* Sheep numbers have been reduced by drouth conditions.
Horses and mules — Prices for good horses and mules have continued to
advance. The rate of decline in n-umbers is being checked. A good demand for chuiiks
and light draft horses is likely for several years.
Illinois Dairymen J-ug:gling Feeds To Lower Expenses
With grain and hay supplies both scarce and high priced, Illinois dairymen
have to juggle their available feeds into unus'aal combinations to keep their
111,000 cows in economical milk production this winter, says W. B. Nevens, associate
ef in dairy cattle feeding at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
In sections where the supply of good legumes is limited, better results
11 be obtained if farmers will feed small amounts of it each day during the winter,
ther than give liberal amounts at the beginning and end of the season, points out
vens.
When silage is plentiful and hay is scarce, the silage may be used to replace
h of the liay. Likewise, if the hay is ample and the silage limited, the hay may
used as the sole roughage.
When larger than common quantities of silage and stover are fed T/ith some
gume hay, the grain ration should contain about I5 per cent total protein. When
od q\xality alfalfa or clover is available, the grain mixture need not carry more
12 to ih per cent total protein. If the cattle receive only a low-grade, non-
gume hay and stover or straw, the concentrates should contain from I6 to 20 per
nt total protein.
Feeding tests at the U. of I. College of Agriculture indicate that cattle
not utilize ground roughage any better than they do the unground.
If plenty of corn is available but the supply of good leguune hay is limited,
grain problem is largely one of selecting the high-protein feeds. Cottonseed
al and soybean oil meal are about one-fifth more valuable than linseed meal as
lources of protein, while ground soybeans are practically equal to linseed meal. Thus
ihe price of each will be the factor determining the choice. However, it may be well
to add some other feed such as wheat bran or middlings, says Nevens,
ll When grain must be purchased, dairymen should bear in mind that corn and
"wheat are of equal value, pound for pound, in dairy cattle feeding. Oats, '"oy weight,
has about five-sixths as much value as corn. Wheat bran is the best substitute for
oats and may be cheaper in price.
Farmers who are able to buy v^et brewers ' grains should consider the fact
J that they contain considerable water and usually about one-fourth the nutrients con-
ined in the dried grains.
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Freventing Falls Would Llake 19'^5 Happier New Year
A New Year's resolution every Illinois homemalcer might well put at the
bead of her list would be to help prevent falls in the home, which in one year liave
killed as many as 13,700 people, it is suggested by Miss Gladys J. Ward, home
Juanagement specialist at the College of Ji^riculture, University of Illinois. Many
falls in homes which in one year killed 13,700 people might have been prevented,
Kiss Ward believes.
.riij^
vol. xvilI~iJo. 52 ^ife ^xUtxixnn mess^m^v p^^^ 3
Sirpply Of Forage Seeds Only Half Of Pive-Year Average
Only about half as nruch grass and clover seed as in the five-year period
12S-I932 will he available to farmers in Illinois and other states when the spring
anting season opens, according to J. C. Hackleraan, crops extension specialist at
le College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
About 297 million pounds of such seeds are used annually in the United
ates, 35 million po-unds being sown in Illinois. The 193^ production plus the
Tryover from the old crop, however, totals less than I32 million pounds, or about
per cent of normal needs, it v/as reported.
Timothy, millet, sudan grass, alsike clover, red clover and sweet clover,
the order named, seem to be the most seriously reduced.
The outlook for the supply of grass and clover seeds as summarized in the
inual state outlook report just released by the agricultural college follows:
Alfalfa — Supplies of seed will probably meet normal planting needs, despite
193^+ production well below average and an unusually small carryover. An unpre-
ledented heavy seeding of alfalfa wa.s made in the late summer of 193^> with the "
irobable result that a somewhat smaller than normal seeding will be made during the
iming spring. If spring seedings are normal there will be a deficit of about 3
illion pounds of native seed.
Red clover — Available supply lacks 20 million pounds of meeting the average
inual consumption in this country. The 193^ production amounted to 36 million
lounds as compared with 59 million in 1933 ^^^ 79 million in 1932.
Alsike clover — 'An unusually small carryover and s. short 193^ crop have made
the supply of this seed extremely small. Prices are likely to hold fairly high.
Sweet clover — Although stocks are the smallest since the crop began to be
grown extensively, the available supply is considered about equal to the average
annual consumption. Prices will remain strong, but not so high relatively as either
alfalfa or red clover seed.
Lespedeza — Seed production in 193^ is estimated to be one-third less than
in 1933* Seedings last spring were much larger than in previous years, but the
increased acreage was used largely for hay and pasture and less seed was harvested.
Timothy — It is estimated that approximately S million pounds of this seed
were harvested in this country in 193^ ^^ compared with the four-year average pro-
duction of something less than 69 million pounds. The available supply is some 36
million pounds short of normal annual seed needs.
Kentucky bluegrass — Seed supplies seem to be sufficient to meet normal
sowing requirements. The 1933 carryover was large enough to overcome the small 193^
crop.
Redtop— Seed is ample to meet all normal sowing demands.
Millet and sudan grass — 'Supplies for I935 seedings are among the smallest
on record. Available sudan grass seed is around I3 million pounds or about 55 per
Cent of average annual consvimption.
The outlook report suggests the retention of old meadows and pastures
where stands are fair and the conservative use of short seed supplies. There
probably will be a deficiency of hay produced in 1935, owing to drouth and close
grazing of meadows in I93U and shortages of seed with v/hich to make new seedings.
Forage resources will be further depleted by probable early grazing of pastures
next spring, the report points out.
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AGR-I CULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDC-
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
lume XVIII January 9, I935 Nunber
Wet May .And June The Only Hope Aj^ainst Chinch Bugs
h
^^P^ Chinch bu^gs, which took an estimated toll of more than 3I million dollars
1^ the 193^ Illinois com crop alone, threaten to be v/orse over most of the state
in 1935 "unless May and June are cold and wet enough to kill them off, according to
l^ficials of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
IP W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Natural History
Survey and of the agricultural college, has outlined three lines of attack which
fairners can be preparing to follow in combatting the btigs.
The first step, he says, is to plant the maximun acreage of crops on
ich the chinch bugs do not feed, such as soybeans, alfalfa, clover, cowpeas,
■heat, rape and other non~grass crops.
Second, crops on which the bugs do feed should be so arranged as to avoid
ofar as possible small grains and com in adjoining fields. This will reduce
6 a mininun the nunber of rods of barriers that will be needed between small grain
^.d corn fields when the small grains are harvested.
ITiird, Flint says, legumes not only should be planted by themselves
rever possible but also should be planted in com.
The 1933 chinch bug infestation, the worst on record, not only destroyed
million bushels of the Illinois corn crop but also played havoc with wheat, barley,
and oats.
Up to the present time there has been no natural development to materially
duce the numbers of chinch bugs in the state, Flint reported. Furthermore, there
little likelihood that the weather of the winter will kill the insects in their
bernating quarters. There has never been a case where more than 10 per cent of
,e bugs were killed by winter weather, he said.
With one exception the bugs are still very abundant in nearly all of the
ea infested in the summer of 193^. The exception is a small area in the western
linois primary drought section comprising parts of the coujities of Calhoun, Jersey,
eene, Pike, Adams and Schuyler,
There is also a very small area in the extreme northeast part of the
state in JoDaviess and Stejjhenson counties where it is not likely that any serious
damage will occur, Flint said.
Over the rest of the state, from Handolph, Perry, Jefferson, White and
Lawrence counties on the south up to the Wisconsin line the bugs are more abundant
.n they were last year. In many places from two to three times as many bugs
e now in hibernation as was the case on the same date in the fall of 1933*
The bugs are now generally scattered through protecting shelters. Many
nore of them than is usually the case are found in bluegrass.
There is very little hope of doing any effective burning before the
first of March, and it is doubtful if the best burning that could be done v/ould
ilstroy as much as 10 per cent of the bugs over an area as large as a tovmship or
.Iteunty, it was said. With the numbers now known to be in 'winter quarters, a 10
i|er cent reduction will not make any appreciable decrease in crop damage this
coming year, the authorities say,
-M-
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
7ol. XVIII— llo. 2 Page 2
Lespedeza Sovm In G-rains Makes Good Smer|9:ency Hay
Faced with the problem of providing an emergency hay or pasture crop in
1535> because of the drouth last s-oinmer, Illinois farmers may find the solution
by seeding Korean lespedeza on winter wheat or with oats early this spring, suggests
J, J, Piej^er, associate chief in crop production at the College of Agricult.Te,
University of Illinois. Although the production of lospodeza seed in 193^^ was ahout
a third less than in 1933, there is probably enough to supply all demands in 1935,
it is believed.
More than 100,000 acres of lespedeza were grown in Illinois in 193^, or
approximately 3OO pei" cent more than in the preceding year, it is estimated. Thus
iwith such a large acreage increase in the state, this comparatively new legume has
become one of Illinois' rapidly growing crops.
Korean lespedeza may also be sown alone on land that is not too v^eedy.
This is especially true on the light-colored soils of southern Illinois where weeds
are not serious. In this case the crop is seeded on disked co\Tpea stubble. Where
j^spedeza has not been grown before, the seed should be inoculated,
IH To make a hay crop the first season, lespedeza should be sown at the rate
oi 25 pounds to the acre, either with or without a companion crop. This may be done
;in early March on winter grain or at the time spring grain is planted. When seeded
in small grain about one-half ton of hay may be expected the first summer, while if
sown alone the hay yield may total two tons or more.
When Korean lespedeza is seeded on winter wheat or v/ith oats, the grain
niay be cut as hay or allowed to ripen. If he needs it, the producer will have two
lemergency hay crops, the wheat or oats in May or June and the lespedeza in late
suimer or fall,
Wliere lespedeza was grown in 193^^ 3-^<i ^ good volunteer stand is probable this
lyesj, the field may be disked and planted to oats, wheat or other small grain this
'spring. Tests at the U. of I, College of Agriculture have proved that the disking
will increase the yield of lespedeza materially, while the companion crop may be
planted and harvested as usual. Thus the farmer may produce two crops on the same
land in 1935 with but little preparation and expense other than the cost of the
grain seed.
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Garden Failures Often Caused gy Lack Qf, Planning
Lack of planning is the indirect cause of all too many failures of Illinois
dens, which if properly managed might easily be the most profitable area on the
•rm, says L. A. Somers, vegetable garden extension specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Detailed plans made well in advance of planting time mfikc it possible to
take advantage of favorable weather conditions, give more efficient use of the garden
T.rea and often reduce the labor required, all of which add to the profitableness of
the garden.
Proper planning can best be done when the January seed catalogs begin to
arrive. A pleasant evening or two can be spent in selecting the varieties desired
ind in making out the seed order. Then when April comes, the gardener is rcad,y to
take advantage of the first good planting days.
In January a drawing can be made of the plot, showing the location of the
different vegetable s as they are grouped according to their climatic and cultural
requirements. The succession of greens, salads and boiling vegetables can be deter-
mined as well as the needed quantity of each. The garden can also be planned in
view of the crops to be canned, those to be stored and those to be used fresh,
-M-
. i~».-.
Vol. XVIII-— No. 2 ^ Page 3
|l^ stopping Insect Damage Softens Rise In Food Costs
1^^^ Any increase in the cost of food which the futiire may bring can be paxti-
'«ily offset "by stopping the waste now being caused by insect damage to dried food
prodticts in homes, stores and other heated buildings, says M. D. Farrar, research
entomologist of the Illinois State Katujral History Survey,
Contrary to the belief held by many people, under certain conditions the
damage done by insects to stored beans, peas, rice, breakfast foods, peanuts and
all dried fruits may be just as great in winter as summer. In fact it is difficult
to find a home, grocery, warehouse or factory that does not liave at least a small
infestation of insects feeding upon dried food products at some time of the year,
Farrar pointed out in a report to the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A forgotten candy bar, a cake of chocolate, a bag of peanuts or a slice
of dry bread will furnish ideal breeding material for several of the most trouble-
some household pests. Examining a food package to nake sure that it is free of in~
sects before placing it in a cupboard is a good precaution. Sealed packages may
contain insects, but this is less common than in the case of bulk goods. Insects in
any food product can be destroyed liy heating the raD-terial in exi oven for three hours
'it a temperature of I25 degrees Fahrenheit,
When possible. Large q\i.antities of food products should be stored in tight
containers in unheated rooms or buildings. Low temperatures prevailing throughout
the colder months of the year will reduce the activities of most insects.
Beans and peas to be \xsed for seed can be protected against weevil damage
by mixing the seed with hydrated lime at the rate of 10 pounds of lime with each
bushel of seed. When large quantities are stored in tight bins, mixing a heavj'" de-
posit of lime into the upper six inches of the beans will protect them from insect
damage. The lime does not affect the germination and may be washed off of the pfas
or beans before they are used for h-uman food,
-M~
Winter Pasture An Aid In Utilizing Poor Roughages
I In spite of the fact tliat fall and winter pastures in Illinois have ex-
Eceeded all expectations, livestock producers will do well to conserve them as sxipplc-
nentary feed to cheap roughages that may be available on the farm, according to E.
r. Robbins, livestock extension specialist at the College of Agriculttr c. University
of Illinois,
After the arrival of generous rains in late Aug-ast, pastures made un-
usually heavy growth during the fall, and when not covered with snow will still supply
considerable winter feed. Furthermore, livestock getting pasture can use poor
roughages to greater advantage th.an when given the low-quality feed alone, points
Dut Robbins. Cattle will graze stalk fields more closely and do better on them, if
the animals have the run of an old pasture at the same time.
Farmers are v;arnod, however, that too miich dependence on winter pasture
ight prove to be false economy. There will probably be a deficiency of hay produced
-n 1935, a-s a result of the drouth, too close grazing during the summer and the
shortage of seed with which to make new scedings. Thus conservation of old meadows
uid pastures is an important consideration this winter. Many pastures were grazed
too closely in I93U, and too heavy grazing during the coming spring months might
add further to the destruction of forage resources.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
K
p
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Itolume XVII January 16, 1955 Kiim'ber 2
Dairy Signs Show Practices IJeeded In Coning Months
Although the dairy outlook for the coming year in Illinois may not be hi^jhlj--
imistic, better times undoubtedly lie ahead for producers who plan their 1935 op-
Iffations to include some half dozen good management practices, in the opinion of
■ W. Yapp, chief in dairy cattle at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
■ On the basis of the present outlook, it is highly desirable for dairjinen to
!lll out of their herds, on the basis of production, all milk cows and other animals
)f doubtful value, -furthermore, only those heifers should be raised that are from
;ood cows and sires and which may be expected to raise the average production of the
d.
The future months v/ill also be a good tine to cull out all diseased animals.
years of tests at the U. of I. College of Agriculture show that herds reacting to
tagious abortion yield at least 17 per cent less milk and butterfat than non-react-
or clean herds.
Good cows should be fed liberally and according to production, for even the
ter animals must be fed adequately to return a profit. Dairymen short on perennial
leadows will need to plant enough soybeans and co'-wpeas to supply their roughage needs,
^en too, large pastures should be divided into smaller areas so that some areas may
'est while others are being pastured. Whenever possible, bluegrass should be manured
;his winter.
These recommendations are suggested by four "sign posts" which indicate
omething of the road ahead. Dr. Yapp said. They include reduced supplies of dairy
iroducts in storage at the close of 1934; a marked tendency to reduce the number of
'dry cattle since last June; a decidedly diminishing feed supply for the first six
onths of 1935, aiid an unfavorable relation between the price of feed and the prices
f milk and other dairy products,
■ As the year advances there will likely be a gradual though not large increase
p the prices of dairy products, explains Dr. Yapp. Likev/ise, the relation betvireen
pie price of grain and the price of milk will gradually become more favorable. After
Koper cow culling the price of the remaining dairy cattle should gradually rise, and
e margin of difference between the price of grades and good purebreds will become
lOmewhat wider.
I
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Brighter Outlook Encourages Farm Building Repairing
With a brighter outlook for 1935, Illinois farmers feel encouraged to adopt
tte of two policies in improving their buildings once valued at more than $780,000,000
Sys W. A. Foster, rural architectural specialist at the College of Agriculture,
'niversity of Illinois.
i»Iany farm owners will probably take the longer, conservative, more expensive
,:aurse of "paying as they go." They will make the more pressing repairs first while
i'ther improvements will be made as cash becomes available. Others will select the
iheaper, progressive method of doing the repair work now with funds from the Federal
iOlising Administration which can be paid back over a period of years.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
^nl. XVII — No. 3 * =* Page 2
Alfalfa G-ains New Popvilarity Thro-ggli Drouth Record
Alfalfa, sometimes called the "queen" of forage crops, will he even more
popular in Illinois during the coning season as a result of its performance in the
1934 drouth, according to L. B. Miller, associate in soil experiment fields at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Last summer's dry weather kept the
state's total crop production down to the smallest in more than 30 years, hut it seems
to have been a tonic for Illinois alfalfa fields, he said.
Despite the drouth, alfalfa was practically normal, with some fields actually
yielding more than the average for the past two decades. It is estimated that there
7;ere more than 375,000 acres of alfalfa in the state last year, and on many farms it
proved to he a life-saver for dairy herds.
Records at the Mt. Morris soil experiment field in Ogle county, operated by
he U, of I. College of Agriculture, reveal that in a rotation in which alfalfa is
continued for four consecutive years, the average yield for the past 20 years has been
3.81 tons to the acre a year. The 1934 alfalfa yield was 3.89 tons. These results
were secured on land which had been limed and manured.
Under sim.ilar soil conditions at the Mt. Morris field, the long-tim.e average
-'or red clover has been 2.82 tons to the acre each 3^ear. In 1934 the red clover
Harvest fell to 1.61 tons. This was an unusually good red clover yield under the
'drouth conditions of northern Illinois last summer, where few fields produced more
'than a ton to the acre. Even the higher yield at the Mt. Morris field was only 58 per
ent of the long-time average for red clover, while the alfalfa crop turned out to be
Detter than the 20-year average.
An excellent prodxicer in normal seasons, alfalfa v/as so outstanding in 1934
.3 compared with most other crops that many farmers who never before paid much atten-
ion to this legume became enthusiastic boosters. Success with alfalfa, hov/ever,
equires a well-drained soil that is sweet and amply supplied with available phos-
horus, Miller pointed out.
— iVi—
Plant Houses Are Replacing Outmoded Manure Hotbeds
Plant houses are rapidly replacing old, inefficient hotbeds as Illinois
eners prepare to start their seedlings for the 1935 growing season, according to
A. Somers, vegetable gardening extension specialist at the College of Agric^ilture,
iVersity of Illinois,
For many gardeners an 18-by-lO-foot house has been found to be a satisfac-
-ry size. It requires six standard sash on each side of the roof and three placed
-engthwise to form each side wall. The houses are located to receive all sunlight
Possible, and usually run from north to south. The north end is often constructed
Iaitirely of boards, while the south end is nearly all glass, with the exception of the
bor.
i Heat is supplied by an inexpensive stove set up at the north end of the
foiose. The pipe rises straight to the ridge roof and then runs the length of the
lOuse to emerge at the south end. Houses longer than 18 feet are ordinarily heated
ith electricity, if the available current is not too costly. Otherwise, a small hot
ater system or two stoves are used. Being 10 feet wide, the house furnishes room
or two benches 4 by 18 feet each, except as adjustments must be made at the north end
OT the stove. This amount of bench space may be supplemented by wall shelves set on
irackets during the geiTnination period. Soils, flats, pots and other equipment are
tored under the benches.
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©I|e iExfenaton fMeaaettgct?
ii. XVII~lJo. 3 Page 3
Early Marketing To Yield Highest 1935 Lanib Prices
I
I^^P Lamb prices may be some higher this coning spring than in 1934, but Illinois
i producers who want to be sure of obtaining top returns will feed and manage their
jflocks so as to get their early lambs on the market just as quickly as possible, says
!W. G. Karamlade, assistant chief in sheep husbandry at the College of Agriculture,
niversity of Illinois,
In view of the decrease in lamb feeding this winter, the advance in fed-
lamb prices may be expected to continue through late winter and early spring, it is
said. Further improvement, however, will depend in part on changes in consumer buy-
ing power.
Sheep raisers who have their lambs dropped in January and February stand
the best chance of getting higher prices, if they are able to market the lambs before
summer, points out Karamlade. Early lamb production is generally more e;q)ensive, but
the lambs usually bring higher prices. On the other hand, profits may dwindle if
arketing is delayed until after July 1. At that time or shortly before, there is a
jeaconal decline in lanb prices which often lasts ■until winter.
To raise early lambs successfully, the flock owner must have ewes of good
ize that are well fed, Kammlade explains. Milk is the most important food in secur-
ag rapid growth, but the ewes can not do their best in developing their lambs unless
-ley come to the close of the pregnancy period in good condition and well fed. To be
well fed they must be given good roughages and grain. Grain feeding may not be so
»cessary before lambing, but it is particularly important afterwards.
The lambs must also be well fed, for if thin they are severely discounted
on all markets. They should be given feeds in addition to their mothers ' milk, v/hen
they are about two weeks old. Lambs are especially fond of a mixture of whole or
rolled oats, cracked corn, wheat bran and linseed oil meal. Such a mixture, together
ith some choice legume roughage and silage will keep them doing well until they are
ready for market or until pastures make a different system of feeding possible.
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Higher-Q^iali ty Carrots Are Key To Larger Returns
Illinois now ranks fifth in total carlot shipments of carrots in the United
tes, but gardeners in this state might get an even larger share of the market re-
ns if they could overcome the prejudice against the stored carrots which they
'Oduce and sell, in the opinion of J. W. Lloyd, chief in fruit and vegetable market-
at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The winter demand in northern markets is supplied partly by fresh bunched
carrots shipped in from the south and west and partly by stored carrots produced
principally by local growers. Many consumers in the cities show a preference for the
fresh, young carrots over the stored product, even though the latter may be sold for
)ne-half the price of the former.
This prejudice against stored carrots may be overcome in local markets by
)ffering a high-quality product put up in an attractive manner, Lloyd believes. He
IJiggests -using a high-quality variety, planting it so late that the roots will be
(Wing and tender when harvested for storage in the autumn, growing the crop on a sandy
)r muck soil so that the roots will be smooth and symmetrical and using irri,5ation to
iroraote rapid growth if the weather is dry.
The roots should be stored under favorable conditions so that they will re-
aain firm and crisp. When the carrots are prepared for market, all overgrown,
)leniished or misshapen specimens should be discarded and only raedixim-sized, attractive
mes packed. Tlie roots should be washed thoroughly and neatly packed in clean
Jontainers.
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^yxi
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
U
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Ruiiu ][VIII Jauuai-i;' as, IgpS Itonbtiiv ■ A
Corn Suppl anent la Pig Feeding Pa^ys Higher Prbmi-um
I
I^^B With corn hovering axooind a dollar a bushel, there will be an added premium
tffre winter and sprinf^ in using a good protein supplement with any corn that is fed to
fattening hoga, says W . E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry at the College of Agri-
ulture, University of Illinois. Skillful use of a good protein supplement is still
:he hog feeder's greatest chance to save corn, he said.
One hundred pounds of a good protein supplement like t;inkage, which would
cost about $2,75, will save 11,5 bushels of corn in the dry-lot fattening of pigs
weighing arovuid 60 pounds each at the beginning of the feeding period, according to
'results of tests conducted by the agricultural colletses. Starting with 130-pound pigs,
100 po\inds of tankage saved 6,7 bushels of corn in an 84-day feeding period. Tankage
for youni]; pigs also prevents luathrif tiness and runts.
In some years it is practical to let the pigs have all the tankage they want
from self-feeders, explains Carroll. However, when the corn is of poor quality, as it
is in some sections this year, there is danger tliat the pigs will eat more tan]cage than
they actually need for economical gains. Under such conditions it is better to limit
Ithe amoTxnt of supplement by mixing the correct proportions of tanlcage with the corn,
by mixing some unpalatable feed such as oats with the tankage, or by hand-feeding the
tankage alone.
For most farmers hand-feeding of the supplement will be the most economical
method, but there should be ample trough space for all pigs to eat at one time so that
all will have an equal chance. Likewise, it is advisable to feed the pigs in groups
according to sizes, for the lighter ones need a higlaer proportion of supplement in
i|beir ration than do the larger pigs,
I* When tankage is hand-fed, pigs woigiiing 50 pounds or less should get from
10 to 12 pounds for each bushel of corn constaned by them. Ho^ weighing from 50 to
100 pounds should be fed 8 to 10 pounds of tankage, 100- to 150-pound hO:5s 6 to 8
pounds of tanlcage, and 150- to 200-po\md hogs from 3 to 4 pounds of tankage for each
bushel of corn.
At present prices a supplement composed of 3 parts tankage and 1 part alfalfa
meal by wei^^'ht will probably be the most economical, according to Dr. Carroll. Certain-
ly the high price of all the oil meals must be figured in choosing a protein supplement
to feed this winter. Tlieir contribution to the value of a mixed supplement is not
great enougli to warrant including them when they cost as much as ta^ikage.
If the mixture of 3 parts tanlcage and 1 part alfalfa meal by weight is used
as the protein supplement, it should be fed at the rate of 18 to 19 pounds for each
bushel of corn for pigs weigliing up to 50 potmds. Those weighing 50 to 100 pounds shoilld
get 13 to 15 pounds of the supplement for each bushel of corn, 100- to 150-pound pigs
should get from 8 to 9 pounds of the supplement for each bushel of corn and those
teighing 150 to 200 pouiids should get 4 to 5 pounds.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfoiu), Director.
ol--.--
®h^ Extension Meassttaev
iVol. XVIII— No. 4 Page 2
New Experinaents May Help Revive Red Clover Growing
What was once the principal and about the only legume crop in Illinois may be
headed for a comeback as a result of new experiments being conducted by plant breeders
of the College of Ae'riculture, University of Illinois. Red clover is the crop. The
plant breeders are uncovering new possibilities for improving it so that it can withstan
the hazards which have slowly been killing it out.
Illinois was once one of the greatest states in the production of red clover,
but plant diseases, insects and adverse weather have cut production so severely that
hhe state hardly ever has even enough seed to meet its own needs. Red clover failures
,30 have brought on feed shortages with subsequent losses to dairymen and stockmen.
Preliminary work by plant breeders at the U. of I. College of Agriculture has
r-evealed that there are extreme differences among red clover plants in characters that
re important from the standpoint of successful production of the crop. Hardly any
two plants have been found to be alike. Also the difficulties in red clover improvement
rork have been more clearly recognized. However, it is believed that plants can be
selected and new strains built up that will be superior and useful in overcoming present
jiazards, it is reported by Dr. C. M. Woodworth, chief in plant genetics at the college.
! In the past plant breeders have avoided the red clover crop because it is so
lard to propagate under conditions of controlled pollination. The plants are almost
ijatirely self-sterile, insects being depended upon for pollination under field conditions.
Iland pollination can be done on a small scale, however.
Evidence of neglect of this crop by plant breeders is seen in the few distinct
strains now existing. Red clover seed is a conglomerate mixture as to color and will
)roduce all types of plants. When the plants are spaced so that their distinguishing
;haracters can be observed, they are seen to differ in leaf markings, flower color,
growth habits, winter hardiness, resistance to disease and persistency.
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Orderin^ Garden Seed Early Cuts Production Exp ens es
Always a good practice under normal conditions, ordering garden seed early
;akes on greater importance this year in view of the possibility of a scarcity of a
nimber of Iregetable seeds, says B. L. Weaver, olericultural specialist at the College
f Agriculture, University of Illinois. Weather conditions were none too favorable
or garden seed production last s-umrner. This not only will make it advisable to order
;arly but also to check up on any holdover seed that may be on hand from previous
easons. Suoh seed sometimes gives a higher germination test than new seed.
It is impossible to predict the hazards of the coming season, but if the
itality of the seed is known, it will be possible to get an adequata stand at less
xpense than would otherwise be possible. Higher germinating seed itiay be sown thinner,
bus making a material saving in the cost of seed as well as in the expense of thinning
ut the rows later on. Ordering early allows plenty of time for testing and adjusting
n case the seed is of low quality.
Gardeners have likewise found that keeping a seed inventory is helpful in
.eterraining the seed needs each spring. Wlien seeds are purchased the date is written
a the packet, and in an inventory book is entered the name of the variety, amount of
eed bought, the cost, the name of seedsman and the date of purchase. A glance at this
ist in January reveals information that will assist in making up the present year's
eed order.
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1. XVI II-— No. 4 Page 3
Leaf Curl Spray Will Protect Peach Crop Prospects \
Bloom buds on Illinois peach trees this winter give prospects for the largest
harvest since 1931, and growers can protect their chances for a crop by spraying or-
chards now to ward off possible leaf curl damage this spring, says Dr. H. W. Anderson,
.ief in poraological pathology at the College of Agriculture, University of Illirtois,
Ihe 1931 crop totalled 4,300,000 bushels valued at $2,150,000.
Early spraying is essential because the fungus which causes leaf curl lives
3ver the winter on the bud scales and may start infection during warm days in February
before the buds are completely open. Dr. Anderson pointed out. The spray can be applied
it any time when the temperature is above freezing and there is no danger of a cold.
nave. Some freezing at night will do no dajnage, A lime-sulph-ur spray at the rate pf
me gallon of the liquid concentrate to eight gallons of water may be used, but an oil
»ray in Bordeaux mixture is preferable.
When 100 gallons of the oil emulsion-Bordeaux spray is prepared at home, t^ie
tank should be partially filled and eight pounds of powdered copper sulphate added
rhile the agitator is rurjiing. Eight pounds of hydratecL lime is then mixed with a
Little water in a pail until it forms a thin paste, after which it is stirred into the
;ank. In another container three gallons of stock oil emulsion is mixed with an equal
anount of water and poured into the tank. Enoiigh water is then added to make up 100
:;allons. Pollowing a few minutes agitation, the spray is ready to use. Every twig on
;he trees should be covered with the spray to insure complete control.
If spraying is neglected and the weather turns favorable for the development
>f peach leaf curl, the bright outlook for 1935 peach returns might easily be turned
.ato complete failure. If it is cold and rainy as the buds expand this spring, the
.nfection is likely to be severe, while if dry, warm weather prevails for a week or
;o, no great damage will be done. Since it is not possible to predict the weather
accurately, it is never safe to omit leaf curl spray. This year it is especially im-
portant to apply a dormant spray, for San Jose scale is abundant in many Illinois or-
:hards and the same application may be used for both scale and leaf curl.
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Forest Expansion for Illinois Woiild Eel ieve Jobless
Hon— competitive work could be furnished for thousands of Illinois people now
; -a relief roles, if much of the staters potential woodland was converted into Virell-
t lanaged federal, state, municipal or privately-owned forests, in the opinion of L. E.
aijyer, forestry extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of
llinois and the Illinois State Natural History Survey.
Illinois has more than nine million acres of submarginal land that is better
4apted to the production of trees of commercial value than it is to growing strictly
r cultural crops. If properly managed as forest land, this acreage would in time
only pay satisfactory returns on the investment but also would relieve the un-
Jployment situation in certain areas of the state. Sawyer said.
On federally-owned national forest purchase units in southern Illinois, more
1,000 men are being kept at work improving roads, keeping down fires, erecting
ire towers, constructing telex^hone lines and improving the composition of existing
tands of timber. If the remainder of Illinois' potential forest land could be
qpially as well administered by the state, by counties, by municipalities or by pri-
ate owners, thousands of men now out of work could be given permanent employment in
h,e forests..
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;.3:
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
il-ume XVIII January 30, 1935 IJ-uinber 5
Evidence Found That Local Markets Hurt Hog Prices
Despite reports to the contrary, there is ample evidence that the raach-dis-
sed local livestock markets, with their attendant "direct marketing," have weakened
general level of hog prices, according to reports of studies which have just been
published in a new bulletin by the experiment station of the College of Agriculture,
iversity of Illinois.
The size of the Illinois farmers' stake in the question is indicated by the
Ct that in 1932, the year when most of the field work was done in the study, the
ceipts of Illinois farmers from hog sales totalled $47,894,000. These receipts have
eraged as much as $130,836,000 at:nually in a more normal period such as 1924 to 1928.
E. C. Ashby, associate chief in livestock marketing at the college, who con-
ted the studies, is author of the new bulletin. It is titled, "Local Livestock
arkets in Relation to Corn-Belt Hog Marketing."
Too few stockmen realize how fast livestock marketing has been decentralized
ring the ten years that local markets have been developing, Ashby points out. As the
tuation stands today, stoclanen are supporting and maintaining two sets of markets —
cal and terminal — the latter steadily giving waj^ to the former, he adds.
Local markets have weakened the general level of hog prices because they
e reduced hog receipts at terminal markets and sent a larger and larger proportion
hogs direct to the packers, they have lowered the quality of hogs received at the
nal markets and they have reduced b-'o^'ing competition at the terminals, Ashby
.eluded after his studies. Tiiere has been a further price-weakening tendencj'" in the
t that interior packers, enjoying favorable freiglit rates on fresh meats, csJi under-
1 packers operating elsewhere, he found.
Along with the tendency to weaken hog prices, other major disadvantages of
al markets are less assurance of accurate weights under non-competitive sorting and
ing, no guarantee of payment, often no facilities for the disposal of cattle, calves
sheep and failure to pass on to stockmen their full share of the savings made throu^j
al marketing operation.
Advantages of local markets, as found by Ashby, include convenience, prompt
lurns, some apparent saving in marketing expense and the avoidance of risk of price
.nge while the hogs are on their way to market.
Stockmen and stockmen's organizations occupy a minor position in the operatior
and control of local livestock markets, Ashby found.
"Stockmen could solve their livestock marketing- problems if they were suf-
ficiently well organised and agreed on a m,arketing program. Unfortimately they are not
30 organized.
"Terminal marketing costs could be reduced in tvro ways: (1) by concentrating
Livestock consignments in the hands of a much smaller number of commission firms,
isnabling the remaining ones to operate both more economically and more efficiently,
|Jnd (2) by persuading stoclcyards companies to reorganize their bu.sinesses, using only
Ibhe amount of facilities required by present-day livestock receipts and releasing the
jponainder for other uses.
(Continued on page 2)
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVIII— No. 5 Page 2
^ "Local marketing costs can be reduced hy decreasing the number of local
kets. With present-day road and truck facilities it is sheer waste to raaintain
as many local markets as the livestock industr^,^ is now supporting.
"Railroads could aid in the solution of the local mai'ket problems "ay granting
inninal markets in-transit rates with privilege of chan^^e of ownership. It is ir-
bable, however, that such action will be taken.
"Packers could probably correct inequalities in hog prices were it not for
conflicts of interest between important packer groups. Moreover, from the standpoint
of the stockmen, it is desirable that the problem be solved by other means.
"Finally, the U. S. Department of Agric-olture, under provisions of the
^ricultural Adjustment Act, could doubtless initiate such measures as m.ight be neces-
rj to deal with existing unsatisfactory conditions. There is no prospect of early
edy from other sources."
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Soybean Oddities Prav/ing Attention As Crop Exprjids
Illinois' rapid rise to the national leadership in soybean production and the
ospects for a still further increase in acreage during the coming year are drawing
attention of farmers and plant breeders to narked differences between varieties of
this crop, according to Dr. C. M. Woodworth, chief in plant breeding at the College
of Agriciilture, University of Illinois.
The record crop of nine and a half million bushels in Illinois in 1934 was
valued at more than eight million dollars and represented 54 per cent of the national
production.
Soybean varieties have been found to vary not only in seed color but also in
many other characters affecting their commercial production. Dr. Woodv/orth said. These
differences will become increasingly important as the production of the crop expands, he
pointed out.
"One of the important characters in which varieties differ is in the number
of seeds a pod. There are some pods with only one seed, some ydth two seeds, others
with three and still others with four. Usually there are very few one-seeded fjid
four-seeded pods in a given variety. Varieties also differ in the proportion of the
different-sized pods. The Ito San, for instance, is predominantly a two-seeded type
and the Illini, a three-seeded type.
"In experiments on breeding soybeans a type was found with a very high per-
centage of one-seeded pods. Two or three newly introduced varieties from the U. S.
Department of Agriculture show a higher proportion of four-seeded pods than any com-
mercial varieties now being grown. Tests prove that these varieties breed true for
the particular proportions found, indicating that the character is inherited.
"Contrary to what might be expected, the varieties having a high proportion
of four-sseded pods are not as good yielders as many varieties Y/ith a majority of two-
seeded pods. The four-seeded types usually produce small plants bearing a much smaller
number of pods than the taller-growing, higher-yielding two-seeded varieties.
"Furthermore, it is difficult to combine the four-seeded character of a vari-
ety with the good characters of another vojriety. This is only one of the complications
in improving soybeans for a still more important place in American agriculture."
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i
Srije Extension Messenger
fciu- XVIII— llo. 5 Page 3
Home-Butchered Pork Is Seldom Cut Up ^n Best Form
Farmers in Illinois have heen butchering as much as 15 million dollars'
of their own pork annually during recent years, hut the knack of cuttin/-:; up a
hog carcass to the best advantage is still a mystery to many of them, says Sleeter
Bull, associate chief in meats at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
"Many farmers still spoil the best cut of pork, the loin, by splitting the
carcass dovm both sides of the back bone v/ith an ax or cleaver. The better way is to
split down the center of the backbone with a meat sai,? v/hilc the carcass is still ^.'arui.
"The carcass should then be allov/ed to cool out thoroughly for at least
24 hours before it is cut. This is best done in a cool place where the meat i.7ill not
freeze. The head is first aut off by making a square cut through the atlas joint
where the head joins the neck. The jowl is cut from the cheek bone, flattened out by
being pounded with the flat side of a cleaver or with a board and then squared up
with the knife for bacon or for bean pork.
"The half carcass is then laid skin down on a table and the feet cut off
just above the loiee and the hock. The shoulder is cut off with a square cut between
the third and fourth ribs. The neck bones and the ribs are then taken ou.t. The upper
part of the shoulder, or the 'Boston, ' is cut off ty.'o fingers above where the shoulder
blade shows on the rear edge of the shoulder.
It "The 'clear plate, ' a layer of fat on top, may be cut off and used for lard
cured for bean pork. If it is to be cured, some of the lean should be taken off
th it. The Boston may be cooked fresh as a roast or chops, it may be cui'ed or it
nay be boned and used for sausage. The lower part, or 'picnic, ' may bo boned for
lusage or cured. The entire shoulder may be cured without division, but the results
ill be better if it is separated into Boston, clear plate raid picnic.
"The ham is cut off about three fingers in front of the pelvic, or the
■-bone, the saw being held perpendicular to the line of the hind leg. The ham is
:.en trimmed so that there are no loose, thin, ragged shreds of meat on it. The tail
ind flank also are trirnmed off. If the ham is verj^ fat, the skin and some of the fat
lay be removed from it. However, about one-half inch of fat should be left over the
j^n. Hams are usually cured.
IB "The leaf fat is then stripped out of the carcass for lard. The back, in-
"uding both the loin and the fat back, is cut from the belly by sa.wing across the
'ibs from the point just below the back bone where the shoulder was removed to the
>oint just below the large muscle where the ham was removed.
"The 'fat back' is removed from the loin with a sharp knife, a thin layer
leing left over the back muscle. The fat back is used for lard. The loin may be used
'or roasts or cut up into chops. In thin hogs the fat back may be left on the loin,
back bones end ribs removed and the boneless back cured as Canadian style bacon.
"The spare ribs are cut from the belly and used fresh. The belly is then
naned so that all corners are square, all e^ges are straiglit and all ragged meat
s removed. Enough meat is trimmed off the lo7/er edge to remove the nipples. The
ront or brisket, the flank and the upper part of the belly piece are often cut off
nd used for sausage and lard. The trimmed bellies are cured for bacon. All fat
rimmings should be used for lard and all lean trijnrangs for sausage. No bloody
rimmings should be used."
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 2 25"
NEW AGR BLDG
K
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Jolvme XVIII FeTjnjary 6, I933 Uijm'ber 6
Secret Of Butter Flavor Simplified In U^ Ll Tests
I
^^T' The secret of enhancing the flavor and aroma of "butter, a practice which
iBs been in use for almost 50 years, has heen worked out in the lahoratories of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is anno-unced by Dr. H. A. Ruehe,
head of the dairy department. Tlie principle can now he applied in. a More direct
and more effective method than has heretofore heen possible, he said.
Believed to have "great possibilities," the method event-ually may
profoundly affect the billion and a half pounds of creamery butter manufactured
anmmlly in the United States. Plans are being made to patent the method and give
it to the dairy industry for whatever benefits it may bring producers and consxmers
in the way of a higher quality and more desirable product, Dr. Ruehe said.
Working with him in the discovery of the new method was R. J. Hamsey,
a member of the college dairy maji'ufactures division. The process involves the
distillation of the ordinary "starters" used in butter-making. Concentrated
qiiantities of the volatile flavoring principles which impart the desirable aroma
or bouqust to butter are obtained in the distillate.
Their finding is another and the latest improvement in the use of cultures,
or "starters," in cream, a practice which has been employed for many years to
develop flavor and aroma in butter. The Danish bacteriologist, Storch, who began
his work in lS8h, was the first to investigate butter cultures. Four years later
the use of such cultures in cream "ripeniri;"" became a part of the commercial
butter~making process.
Subseqtiently other investigators established the fact that two other
organisms beside the one comraonly present in starters were necessary for success-
ful results. Still later it v;as proved tliat these organisms changed the citric
:acid of milk into acetylmethyl carbincl. Tliis in turn was converted into the
(volatile chemical compoimds which produce the aroma and flavor.
However, attempts to intensify the flavor of butter by the addition of
rsynthetic compounds of this chemical ha,ve been branded an adulteration and there-
of ore an illegal practice.
The method developed by Ruehe and Ramsey not only makes it possible to
f Isolate the flavoring principles from a starter but also to increase the content
; 3f them in that starter.
j When the distillate obtained in the process is added to cream, the flavor
. md aroma are greatly intensified without increasing the acidity, or citric acid
I Jontent, of the cream. Sweet cream treated in this manner produced a butter that
J Tad the high aroma and flavor of that made from ripened cream, yet had low acidity,
j Phe distillate can be added directly to the butter to obtain similar results.
m
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Prinled in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
®I?e ?Extensinn fHpsacnger
vol. XVIII— No. 6 Page 2
Early Searchers May Find Needed Oats Seed Supplies
Finding 10 million "bushels of oats with which to seed an average acreage
of this crop in Illinois this spring may not he a hopeless search after all, if farmers
do not delay too long in starting the hunt, says J. C. Hackleman, crops extension
specialist of the College of Igriculture, University of Illinois.
The 1934 crop was the shortest in 6C years and totalled only 33,319,000
bushels. Geed will he scarce enough, "but more than S00,000 "bushels have "been located
in the hands of Illinois farmers and local county elevators, Hackleman reported.
Farmers in most counties who are still without seed oats will he a"ble to
find good local varieties for all their needs, he believes. Furthermore, the federal
seed stocks committee has tentatively assigned 5C'0,000 hushels of seed oats to Illinois
and will hold it until a"bout the middle of Fe"bruary. Eiis seed will "be sold mostly in
northern Illinois cotmties where local stocks can not he found.
"Every fanner who does not have his seed oats or know where he can get it
should immediately contact his county farm adviser. These men are now compiling the
inal listing of their needs which must "be turned in soon to Walter Miller, assistant
urector for Illinois AAA. drouth service, I3I9 South Michigan Aventie , Chicago.
"Buying seed oats from neighhors near at hand as a rule will he hotter than
"tting it from local elevators or from fanners in another sta,te or section of the
country. Geed from elevator "bins may he hadly mixed with all varieties commonly gro^vr.
in the community, while that from more distant points may he unadaptedj of inferior
l^jality and may even contain noxious weeds.
"Local supplies which will he available in different Illinois counties will
Igive farmers the choice of a half dozen or so of the better varieties e These will
Mclude Gopher, lowar and Iowa I03 for northern and central Illinois and Kanota,
liolimbia and 3urt for central and southern."
IP' Illinois has averaged almost U, 000, '^00 acres of oats during the past five
years. There may be some cut this year owing to the threat of chinch-bug damage, but
*:he crop will still be one of the m.ost important small grains in the state because
1 its place in crop rotation systems and its utility as feed. A more saving rate of
seeding probably will be practiced this year because of the scarcity, but even so the
total requir«ment will be in the nei"hborhood of 10 million bushels.
I
Geed Catalogues At Tines Ifey Be "Forbidden" Books
If the reading of new seed ca,talogues were outlawed until after a suitable
Irawing had been made of the garden area, there would be more good gardens in Illinois
luring the coming year, in the opinion of J. "!?". Lloyd, chief in vegetable gardening
11^ the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
* Without such a drawing of a garden plan suited to the area available, all
;he enthusiastic reading of seed catalogues and the early ordering of seeds may go
"or nothing, Dr. Lloyd pointed out. Hf course, he addedi once a good plan has been
g-ald. out, the sooner the catalogues are read and the seeds ordered^ the better it is.
K. "No matter how tempting the seed Catalogue may be» there is no economy in
%ing more seeds than there is room to plant, and this is where a good plan protects
lie grower. Furthermore, good, reliable varieties known to be adapted to the locality
■hould make up the major part of the seed order. A few new kinds, of cotirse, may
'Bll be grown each year to add spice to the gardening operations,"
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: . • - ■)-;■
•i^t-f ir>[,.e^-
„ , .„,T.TT >T« c 2ri?e Sxfettaion fHesaengsr
Vol. XVIII — No. b "^ Page 3
Neither Luck IJor Moon Are Factors In Curing Meat
I^H^ Although some people are still superstitious, neither the stage of the
moon nor luck have anything to do with success in the home-curing of the I50 million
povinds or more of pork which Illinois farmers "butcher annually, according to
Professor Sleeter Bull, associate chief in meats at the College of Agriculture ,
University of Illinois. Much does depend, hov/ever, upon the method which is used,
he said.
The ideal temperature for curing meat is several degrees ahove freezing.
Usually a cold room in the "basement is the "best place. The cuts most often cured
are the hams, shoulders or picnics and tellies cr "bacon. Other cuts which may he
(jured are jowls, or hacon sq"us.res, clear plates, Bostons and boneless loins or "backs.
iSt A standard recipe for sweet pickle is 12 pounds of salt, 3 pounds of either
"jrenulated or hrcrwn sugar, 5 otmces of saltpeter and 6 gallons of water for each IOC
povinds of meat. The salt, sugar and saltpeter are mixed together and a, coating ruhbed
all over the meat, after which it is allowed to lie in a cool place over night. The
remainder of the salt mixture is then added to the 6 gallons of water, boiled and the
jUaterials allowed to dissolve. After the solution has cooled, the scum is skimmed offi
■ft The meat is packed as compactly as possible, skin side do\¥n, in a clean,
^Raided stone jar or hardwood barrel. The top layer of meat should be placed skin
.side up. Hardwood sticks are then placed across the meat and weights put on» The
brine is then poured on, care being taken to see that the meat is completely covered.
Hams and shoulders should remain in the brine three days or a little longer
for each pound they weigh. A I5— pcund ham will be nicely cured in 5O days. Smaller
:uts, STOch as bacon, picnics and Bostons, should be given a milder cure by being
removed after two days has been allowed for each poimd. The meat should be overhauled
and repacked at the end of the first week and again at the end of the second week,
jhe same brine being \ised each time fcr the repacking.
As soon as it is removed from the cure, all meat should be soaked two to
'three hours and thoroughly scrubbed to remove the excess salt. This is important.
Che meat should then be smoked, strung in the smoke house and allowed to dry over
ight.
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I
Too Many Skinny Cov/s Soal:ing Up Profit In Dairying
About three-fotLrths of the dairy cows in the "United States are too thin to
)roduce milic and butterfat at the most economical and profitable rate -under present
'eed prices, according to observations iriade by Professor ¥. J. Fraser, professor of
Iftiry farming at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. In some sections
Ml high as 90 per cent of the cov/s are too thin, he said.
With feed as scarce as it is now, dairymen should do just the opposite of
fljat many of them have been doing during the hard times, he recommended. Instead of
diking more cows in an effort to bolster a scant income, dairymen should get rid of
ill but their better cows, he said.
"If the cows that are naturally poor producers were sent to the butcher
iOd the feed thus saved were given to the underfed good cows, they would produce so
iiuch better that the herd profits frequently would be doubled and trebled. Yet many
'aimers continue to feed their good and their poor cows alike even with feed as
iicarce and as high-priced as it is now."
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ROOM 225
^^^ AGR BIDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
ilmie XVIII February I3, I935 ll-umter J
lejgrujTie Crops Drain Heavily Upon Minerals In Soils
The record corn crop, which is usioally anticipated on a field that has
duced high yields of alfalfa or other legumes previously, is sometimes disappoint-
On the Lebanon experiment field, a yield of clover-alfalfa hay of I.5 tons in
931 on the raanirre plot was followed by a 76-hu.shel corn yield in 1932, hut the
manure-limestone plot which produced 3 tons of hay in 1931» produced 7I hushels of
corn in 1932» In many cases such results are no doiibt the result of a deficiency
of moisture for the corn on the highest-yielding legume plots, if the seasons con-
cerned are dry. On the other hand, legumes are heavy feeders on the mineral plant
foods, lime, phosphorus and potash. l-Io one recognizes this more than the livestock
man, who appreciates the valtiB of legumes as a source of minerals for his stock.
The heavy witiidrawals of these minerals 'by large crops of legumes may
deplete the supply of available minerals for the following grain crops, v/hich do
not have the strong foraging abilities of legumes v/ith their deep, extensive root
systems. Four tons of alfalfa removes calcium equivalent to nearly ^00 pounds of
limestone, phosphorus equivalent to ^OQ pounds superphosphate and as much potash as
there is in more than 200 pounds of muriate of potash. The removals by other legtmies
are similar. The continued removal of large yields of legume crops from a field for
several years increases the need for ninoraJ. fertilizers on many soils not only to main-
tain the legijiiie yields hxxt also the j'ields of subsequent grain Crops.— .P. H. Crane,
assistant in soil fertility, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
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Farm Exports Little More Than Half Of Pre '-War Total
American exports of farm products at this time a year ago were running in
the aggregate slightly above pre-war. Since then, the exports of some products liave
approached a vanishing point, and the total is little more than half the pre-war
volume, according to reports which the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
has received from the U. S. Department of Igriciilture .
The bureau of agricultural economics reports that exports of cotton in
December v/ere the smallest for that month since 1917* that exports of wheat includ-
ing flour were about one-sixth the pre-war level, that exports of fruits were the
smallest in more than a decade, and that exports of hams and bacon were only I5 per
cent of pre-war.
The index of volurae exports of forty-four farm products in December was 62
compared with 109 in December a year ago, and with II6 in December, 1932. 'The I909-
191^ five-year period equals 100.
The index of exports of grain and products v/as 16 in December corapared with
63 a year ago; of animal products, 35 compared with 72 a year ago; dairy products
■nd eggs, 7U compared with 7^; fruit, I9I com.pared with 329; cotton fiber, including
.inters, 'jh compared with 120; wheat, including flour, 17 corapared with 76; luiraanu-
factured tobacco, 97 compared with I9I; hams and bacon, I5 compared v/ith 23, and lard
^1 compared with I39.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVIII— Wo. 7 Page 2
So.v"beans Meeting EiTiergency In Wintering Para Horses
Many thotisands of Illinois horses have had their first taste of soybean
ly this winter. They are on farms where soybeans were grown last stunmer for the
'irst time. These horses have thrived on soybean hay just as other thousands of
Illinois horses have kept sleek and healthy upon it in the past. A few Illinois
farms have used soybean hay almost exclusively for the horses during the past 20
rears. Results have been uniformly good. The only precaution is to feed only a
lOderate amount of this rich hay, so that the horses eat all but the coarsest stems.
Soybean hay has helped greatly to maintain horses this winter. In some
:ases the horses have had plenty of this hay and have come through the winter in
rery good condition. This year's cornstalk fields appear to be very dangerous
irse pasture, and the college has repeatedlj'' warned against their use for horses
this season. In normal seasons horses which have had the run of stalk fields did
itter where soybeans had been planted in the corn. It is noticeable, too, that
lorses which are getting stallc field picking, straw or dried grass which is still
.eft in the fields thrive much better if they can have a small feed each night of
soybean hay or other legu'ne roughage.
One of the difficulties this vdnter is the thin condition of many farm
lorses because of the scarcity of good feed. Tlie use of soybean hay or other legtane
ly from now on through the season will help these thin horses to improve. Also by
larch 1 it will help the horses very much if they are stabled at night and fed a
.ittle grain. If they get no soybean hay it will help them to feed a small amount
)f threshed soybeans during Iferch, The night stabling at that time and the feeding
)f soybean hay or beans helps the horses to shed their long loair earlier and to be
,n better condition for spring work. By getting the horses accustomed to some grain
short time before hard vrork begins horses will have more strength, more endurance,
Wre flesh, and stand the spring work better, — ^E. T. Robbins, livestock extension
specialist, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
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Superior Varieties Ifow Boon To Small~Fr"ci.it G-rowing
ITow is the time for those who have an interest in small fruit growing to
establish a plantation. Probably never before in horticultural history has there
been such a nu:iber of high-class small fruit varieties available. For a nunber of
years small fruit breeders have been at work, and their results are now becoming
available. Exceptionally hardy and vigorous and productive varieties bearing iaigh-
q-uality fruit and adapted to particular purposes may be secured and planted and, if
i^ven good cultural care, may yield both pleasure and profit.
^ Some of the new varieties of promise include: Alfred blackberry; Red Lalce
-currant; Poorman gooseberry; Fredonia (early black), Portland (early white),
Caco (mid-season red), and Sheridan (late black) grapes; Chief, Latham, and Newburgh
red raspberries; Logan and Quillen black raspberries; Potomac purple raspberry;
Blakemore, Dorsett, Fairfax, and Rockhill (fall bearing) stravi/berries.
Several of these varieties are rather high in price at present because the
supply of nursery stock is low. However, a few night be purchased and more
propagated at home for an extensive planting. It is advisable to start with a small
lanting, gradually increasing the acreage if soil and climatic conditions are foimd
0 be favorable and a discriminating market demand built up. — A. S. Colby, chief
small fruit c-uJLture, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
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©he Extension Meastnwt
f Vol. XVIII-No. 7 ' ^ Page 3
Repairin|g; Hofbed Sash I-Iow Will Lighten Spring Rush
It is ■unfortiuiately a common occurrence to see vegeta"ble gardeners working
feverishly in I.farch to repair hofbed sash v;hich were oroken dtiring the previous
season. Often after failing to get the sash repaired, some gardeners put them on
the hotoeds with shingles or cardhoard covering the hroken places. This is both a
dangerous and a costly thing to do.
Use the pleasanter days of January for this vv-ork. Have the glass, "brads,
nails and putty on hzmd and ready for use. Then when a pleasant day comes, "bring
up the sash systematically one after another. Replace all "broken glass and secure
it with "brads and putty. IText look over the frai'ae to see if any repairs are needed.
Use nails of the proper size for each piece of work. Finally, give the sash a
thorough washing so all the sun's heat will "be admitted. A dirty sash will admit
only a small fraction of it.
The life of a sash depends aLmost entirely upon the care given it. Cyrus
Plotts, of Ealcam, has sash that have "been in continuous service for more tlian forty
years. Many others have sash completely worn out after ten years' use,
Fe"bruary is the time of repair and preparation. See that the hofbed
frames are in working order. Repair and adjust the tools and machinery. Oil and
repair the harnesses. See that the pumps and water supply are in good shape. Test
all seed on h;xnd for germination and vitality.~-Lee A. Somers, vegetable gardening
extension specialist, College of AgricultuTC, University of Illinois.
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Carryover Of Wlieat May Be Only Half Of Total In ig^U
The carryover of wheat in the United States on July 1, 1935 i^ expected
to total 1^+5,000,000 "bushels or less, as compared with 289,000,000 hushels on Jvly 1,
193'+» according to reports which the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
hp.vo roccivGd. f ron the hureau of agricultural. economics, U. S. Department of Agricul-
ture.
Net exports of wheat from January 1 to Jxily 1 last year tota.led 17>000,000,
Kid there was a domestic disappearance of 2535000,000 "bushels. Feeding of v^rheat
p5 likely to "be mxuzh heavier this year tlian last. The report says tlmt "after raaic-
plg allowance for a small total of exports and a considera'ble total of imports
(mostly feed wheat) it seems likely tliat total utilization of domestic wheat and
of wheat already imported may amount, during the period Jantixiry throtigh June, this
jrear, to ahout 275,000,000 "bushels."
The "bureau says that present estimates indicate the su.rplus of v/heat
availa"ble for export or carryover in the principal exporting countries, together
with port stocks and quantities afloat, was ahout 220,000,000 hushels less this
luary 1 tloan last. "Wlieat for export or carryover in the Danube Basin on January 1
s ahout 15,000,000 hushels less than on January 1, I93U.
Tlie Continental European deficit of v/heat for the 193^35 ."/ear is now
estimated by the bureau at around te'O, 000,000 bushels. The report says that since
'most of the import countries loaving refrained as much as possible from importing
luring the early part of the season in order to use up v/heat from the domestic
ip and carryover, it seems likely there will be a heavier import movement in the
'Cond half of the year and that this factor will exert its influence towards
roving the world wheat market condition-,"
Preliminary reports of winter v/heat sowings in 11 countries v/hich last
ar represented nearly ^40 percent of the Northern Hemisphere v/heat area, excluding
sia and China, indicate an increase of 5 :oercent in acreage over sowings last
ar, says the bureau. Reports for Europe indicate o.n increase of U percent.
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AGRlCUlTUrAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
l^EW AGR BLD'
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
%l\me XVIII March I3, I935 Utimbers g, 9, 10 and 11
» Hybrids Promise Hew Advances In Production Of Corn
New possibilities for growing higher quality corn at cheaper costs through
the use of hybrids are foretold in the latest bulletin just released by the e:cperi-
aent station of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. During the past
five years the state's com crop has had an average annual value of approximately
LOO million dollars. Results such as those reported in the bulletin open the way to
the widening of the margin of net profit on the crop.
"Illinois Corn Performance Tests — Results for 193^i " is the title of the
;ew bulletin. The authors and the specialists who were in charge of the tests are
T. H. Dungan, associate chief in crop production at the college; J. R. Holbert, senior
igronomist, U. S. Department of Agriculture; W. J. Munn, associate in plant breeding
it the college; J. H. Bigger, field entomologist, Illinois State Natural History
iOTvey, and A. L. Lang, assistant chief of the college's soil experiment fields.
Leading varieties of the ordinary open-pollinated types of com were far
;)ehind the best commercial hybrids in the tests. What was considered more important
;rom the standpoint of future corn improvement was that the best commercial hybrids
^led to measure up to the better experimental hybrids.
For the first time in the official history of com improvement efforts, the
ieties of com were tested and rated not on yield alone but on the basis of four
ferent factors entering into the profitableness of the crop. The four "yardsticks"
re: (l) lodging resistance, (2) general quality of the grain, (3) total yield and
) sound grain. The average score on these four points was taken as the "perform-
e rating" of the variety in question.
Of the 177 different kinds of com included in the I3 field tests in 12
Lifferent parts of the state, U5 were open-pollinated varieties and I32 were hybrids.
On the ten fields where comparisons were possible, the five best experi-
jental hybrids had a "performance rating" of 96.5, the five best commercial hybrids
)6 and the five best open-pollinated varieties a rating of fl'l
The average yield of sound corn from the experimental hybrids was U6.3
lushels an acre, from the commercial hybrids 39 bushels and from the open-pollinated
'arietie$ 33. U bushels. Many of the hybrids stood up outstandingly well against the
leat, drouth and chinch bugs of the 193^ season.
The search for com of better quality — com better suited to the uses to
toch it is to be put, whether for feeding on the farm or for commercial purposes —
be expected to lead eventueilly to a more intensive study of the chemical com-
Bition both of grain and stover, the authors of the bulletin predict. The tests
orted in the new publication are a part of the coordinated corn improvement pro-
being conducted cooperatively by the College of Agriculture, University of
inois, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Illinois State Natural History
lirvey.
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Prin;ed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
®I|p Extsnsxan MesssttsBV
. XVIII— No. S, 9, 10, and 11. Page 2
Oats Loss Best Made Up By Usini": Superior Varieties
About the quickest way for Illinois farmers to recoup their oats crop
losses of the past year will "be to start out this spring with improved and superior
varieties, in the opinion of George H. Dungan, associate chief in crop prod'uction at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The 193^ Illinois crop of
,319,000 "bushels was the smallest since IS^h and was valued at only $15,993>COO as
mpared to a high of $13^,550,000 in a year like I917.
Good quality seed oats will "be scarce this spring, "but v/henever additional
ed is "botiChtk it v/ill pay the farmer to maize an extra search for an improved variety
pted to his locality, Dungan pointed out.
"Furtheirnore, v/ith seed scarce and many farmers having to buy their supply,
re will "be a tendency to sow oats thinly to make the same outlay of cash go far-
mer. This will "be hazardous in the face of the chinch "bug threat. The pests are
nruch worse on thin crops than they are on thick ones. The danger of thin seeding may
be avoided to a great extent by preparing the seed bed extra well and seeding on
fertile soil which will favor free stooling of the plants. Seed also can be saved by
sowing with a drill. Two bushels an acre seeded with a drill are equivalent to three
bushels sown broadcast.
"The best varieties for the different sections of the state are being sin-
gled out in tests which the college is conducting at DeKalb in northern Illinois, at
Urbana in central Illinois and at Alhambra in southwestern Illinois.
"In northern Illinois lowar, Columbia and Gopher are leading varieties.
Coltimbia is an early, stiff-strawed oat, suitable for growing as a feed crop. lowar
and Gopher are white oats suitable either for feed or market use.
"Leading varieties in central Illinois are Columbia, Gopher, Burt (Nebraska
293) and Illinois lUO. Burt (Nebraska 293) is an early, high-yielding oat, but it is
not as stiff-strawed as either Colui:ibia or Gopher. Illinois lUo is a new variety
diBveloped as a selection from Sixty Day. There T/ill be a small amount of seed of this
oat for distribution to a few farmers a year from this spring.
"Varieties at the top on the Alhambra field are Binmker, Columbia, Franklin,
Burt (Nebraska 293) and Illinois lUC' . Brunker is a red oat which was developed for
dry-land conditions in Colorado. V/liile it is a good yielding variety, it has a weal-c
straw and for that reason may not be a better choice than the Columbia, pranlilin is
also a red oat. It is later maturing tha.n Columbia and Brunker."
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Fewer Livestock May Check Svils Of Over- Pasturing
With almost a fourth less livestock on Illinois farms than a year ago, this
will be a good season for farmers to break away from the evils of overstocking their
pastures, says R. E. Snapp, associate chief in beef cattle at the Colleg-e of Agri-
I culture. University of Illinois.
In the past corn belt farmers have been guilty of greatly overcrowding
pasture, he said. Even distinctly superior pasture should carry only one cow or work
I horse for each 1-^- acres, while bluegrass pasture that is poorer than average should
carry only one cow or horse for each two acres, he reco-imended.
"At this rate of stocking, few farmers will have enough permanent pasture
to meet their needs. The solution is to set aside enough legumes for temporary or
] emergency pasture. Here again, however, overstocking must be gimrded against."
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/ol. XVIII— No. S, 9, 10 and MU^ ExUtisxan Mssisen^et Page 3
■H Seed Diseases Of Corn Threatening Heavier Damage s
l^^F'- Fanners who hope to cash in on any 1935 increase in the price of com are
getting ready now to protect their crop against threatened heavy damage by corn
diseases, says Benjamin Koehler, associate chief in crop pathology at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. Seed corn not only will he scarce this spring
but also will he more seriously infected with destructive diseases, he reported.
During the past 61 years the annurJ value of the state's com crop has
ranged from a high of ^UUU, U00,000 in I917 to a low of $58,056,000 in I932. This
year com diseases will play a more important role than ever before in determining
the fate of the crop, Dr. Koehler said.
"Seed infections known as dipoldia and fusarium were both unusually prev-
alent in the state last season. 1i7hile these fungi cause rots and kernel discolora-
tion, there are many infected seed ears which shov; no signs of infection until a
gennination test is made.
"Certainly when seed ears are shelled this spring, it will be more im-
ortant than ever to inspect the shelled grain from each ear to make sure there are
.10 discolored kernels. Eliminating such grain will solve part of the disease prob-
lem.
"The best means of control will be to cull the seed er,rs closely, make a
germination test of every selected ear so that those which show poor vigor or
disease infection can be eliminated and then treat the seed with a good disinfectant
especially prepared for this purpose. Farmers who are not equipped to malce a ger-
mination test and do not wish to go to the expense of having it made will still prof-
it by -carrying out the other two measures, that is culling and seed treatment.
IHiese may be done at home.
"Com seed infections do most damage in early-planted corn when germina-
tion is slow. As corn is a long-season crop it must be planted in the first half of
May in most parts of Illinois in order to make the best yields and the best quality
of grain. If for some reason planting must be delayed until later, then seed treat-
ment may or may not prove of value, depending upon the season."
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ITe glee ted G-rape Vines 'Jill Repay Careful Handling
The grape is believed to be the first frmt in liistory to hr.ve been culti-
vated, but nowadays neglect and improper pruning too often cut down the possibilities
of the crop in a state like Illinois, according to Dr. A. S. Colby, chief in small
fruit culture at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This is the
time of the year to start restoring this fruit to its rightfixL place, he said.
Many long neglected or improperly pruned grape vines will respond satis-
factorily to heavy pruning and may be made profitable producers if the root system
is healthy and vigorous and care is used in building the new top. Dr. Colby pointed
out,
I "Grape seeds have been found v;ith mummies in Egyptian tombs at least 3,000
jyears old. Perhaps the long period over which the fruit has been cultivated and
peve loped accounts for the fact it will respond wonderfully to proper pruning and
l^aining. Furthermore, the grape is so highly developed that it will malce little
growth and bear only a small crop of poor qu-ality if neglected.
"Many neglected vines may be rejuvenated even though they are tangled
Basses of old canes, poorly placed v/ith unwieldy tops and a few good fruit buds."
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AGRICULTUHAL LIBRARY
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JTol-ume XVIII March 20, 1935 N^mter 12
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
pie
Swine Grov/ers To Have Meetinpi; At U. Of I. A'pri 1 12
Rising hog prices and the more favorable market outlook are expected to sv/ell
attendance of farmers at a special swine growers ' day to be held April 12 at the
lege of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Unlike most other swine growers' meetings, this one will featiire the sow
nd litter phase of the hog business instead of the finished product — the fat market
ig, according to Dr. W. E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry.
Studies made by the college show that there is a wider variation in the cost
producing po];-k up to the time the pigs are weaned than there is after they are
.ned. In other words, farmers seem to be more expert with pi^s after they get them
t the weaning stage than they are before that time.
Since the cost of bringing a pig up to the weaning stage represents one-third
the total cost of raising him, the methods which the fanner follows in the early
stage have an important bearing on his final returns.
At the time 01 the meeting new facts on the feeding of sovi^s and litters will
DC available from five different experiments which the college has conducted on this
Droblem. Visitors will liave an opportunity to inspect the results first-hand at the
college swine plant. Ffirmers also will have an opportunity to inspect rye and alfalfa
3astures by means of which the college has extended the hog pasturing season one
md a half months. Improved methods of feeding and handling sows and litters in the
rarrov;ing pens will be explained. An approved tjrpe of farrowing crate also will be
3n display.
Folloring luncli at the stock pavilion farmers will hear Prof. H. P. Rusk,
lead of the animal husbandry department, in an address of welcome. II. P. Garrigus, a
nember of the sv/ine division, will report results of experiments on feeding sows
luring gestation, and Dr. Carroll will explain restilts of experi.nents on feeding sows
md litters.
The future of the hog market will be discussed by R. C. Ashby, associate
:hief in livestock marketing.
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Disease And Bt-^s Threatening Daiuage To Tomato Crop
Now that the tomato has become the second most valuable trucJ: and garden
3rop in Illinois, diseases and insects attacking it can run up a heavier toll than
3ver before if they are not controlled. Tliese facts are brou£;ht out in a new circular
just issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. It is entitled,
"Tomato Diseases and Insect Pests: Identification and Control."
Disease-free seed, clean soil, soil sterilization and crop rotation are
important factors in keeping diseases out of the plot, and are discuased as general
ontrol measxircs.
Tv/elve of the most serious diseases are dealt with in the section on
iiseases prepared by K. J. Pladow, of the department of horticulture.
Control of nine different insects is explained by L. H. Shropshire, field
sntomologist for the Illinois State Natural History Siirvey.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act appt&red by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
II
Heavier Hatching Is Eiis; Factor In Po-gltry Outlook
rol. XVIII— llo. 12 Page
Wm Future returns from Illinois poultry flocks will have to lie figured on the
l^ospect that there will he a "big increase in the nvunher of chicks hatched in the
United States this spring as compared ?/ith the numher hatched a year ago. This is
shown in reports which the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois lias received
agK>ni the U. S. Department of Agrictilture.
llr The prospect of increased chick hatchings is "based on the January report
from the "big commercial hatclieries of the country. This Janiiary report is said to be
Wgood guide as to what the hatchery and poultry industries are planning to do.
Thirty-three per cent more, or about a third more, baby chicks were hatched
in January this year by 397 ^ig commercial hatcheries than was the case last year,
according to the report. Advance bookings in January were nearly Us per cent higher
than they were a year ago. At least some of the increased bookings are the result of
the fact that under the NRA code, hatcheries are now encouraging chick bviyers to place
more of their orders in advance.
Increased hatchings are the result of several factors, according to the
authorities. First there were the advancing egg prices in December, January and early
"-"bi-uary. Second, farmers have had the prospect of higher eg^ prices this spring than
.aey had last year. In the third place heavy marketings both of young and old chicli-
ens as a resTilt of last suirier's drouth and later as a result of feed shortages re-
duced the ntimber of chickens on farms to the lowest figure since the U. S. Department
of Agricultiire started keeping records 10 years ago. Farmers have started out to re-
build their flocks in the hope that feed supplies will be something like normal by
next fall. That will be the time that early-hatched chicks v/ill begin to lay.
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Fewer Cows And Poor Fas ture s Help Hold MilJi Prices
An estimated decrease of 3 "to U per cent in the number of milk cows on farms
loupled with the poor condition of many Illinois pastures this spring may shorten the
[aimisal spring drop in butterfat prices.
However, this annual decline in butterfp.t prices is only one of the spring
^irorries of the cream producer. Others are the lowering of cream tests, a decrease in
the quality of cream and the appes.rance of objectional flavors in the milk because of
certain weeds which the cows eat, according to Dr. H. A. Ruehe, head of the dair;>' de-'
"artment at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Despite the damage to pasture in 193^j "the return of spring pastures will
iring an increased flow of miUc and a probable decrease in butterfat prices, he explain-
ed.
The quality of cream can be maintained in the spring to a large extent by
lore careful handling, Dr. Euehe believes. He emphasizes cooling the cream promptly to
i temperature of 65 degrees fahrenheit and marketing at least three times a week. By
observing these and other precautions, dairymen will be able to market quality cream
fhich will command good prices.
Wild onions, abundant in many Illinois pastures in the spring, impart an
)bjectional flavor to cream, causing it to be graded down. The infested area shoiild be
'enced off or, in the case of bad infesta.tion, the pasture should be abandoned until
-ater in the spring virhen the onions have died.
Cream tests usually decrease in the spring owing to growth of pastxires and
'reshening of cows. However, the increased voltime of raiUc v/ill usually more thaji
•-orapensate for the decreased test. Dr. Buehe says.
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!
®I|^ Extcttatntt Meaasnaev
?6l. XVIII— No. 12 Page 3
Apple Men Speeding Winter Cleanup Of Codling; I.ioths
ft
IV 'i'Tiether or not the codling moth collects its aniaual toll of ahout a million
dollars from the 1935 Illinois apple crop liinges largely on how thoroughly grov/ers
wind up the winter cleanup of this pest. This is the opinion of two different author-
ities, S. C. Chandler, field entomologist of the Illinois State Uatuj-al Historj'- Survey,
and V. W. Kelley, horticultural extension specialist of the College of Agriculture,
Iftiiversity of Illinois.
So serious was the pest in 193^ that an estimated one-tenth of all the
apples produced in the state were infested with codling moth worms. The avera,ge annual
igilue of the state's apple crop has "been about 2v,- million dollars, and one of the most
kstly limits to this value has "been the codling moth.
r A thorough winter cleanup is one of the most telling ways of comhatting the
est, the authorities pointed out. At the present time the insects are in the over-
wintering cocoon stage. Each pair of moths emerging from winter quarters and producing
50 eggs might yield 1,250 worms hy the second "brood and 31»250 "by the third "brood.
This would "be enough to enter I56 "bushels of apples. If the attack upon the pest is
delayed until the end of the second "Drood, the destruction of a. pair of moths a,t that
stage means preventing only enou.gh worms to infest a"bout one peck of apples.
Cleanup work should start in the packing shed, especially if the grower raises
fall and winter varieties. If it is possi'ble the entire shed should "be screened and
kept closed until the moths liave emerged and died. One grower who screened his shed
witli "brown canton cotton prevented the escape of 3*^01000 moths into his orchard at a
ost of only $21 a year.
If screening is impracticable, the next "best thing is to place all orchard
crates and old used "baskets and eq-ulpment in a closed room ?/hich is moth-tight. Crates
and baskets can be dipped in kerosene or in boiling water until all parts are penetrated.
In the orchard itself the trees should "be scraped during the winter preparatory
to putting on the codling moth bands during the follo?dng simimer. The rou^h bark which
is scraped off should be burned. Priming out pimlr^/ wood, split branch ends and par-
tially rotted knots destroys the codling moth in one of its favorite hiding places.
Burning the prunings is important. Pruning so as to open up the centers of the trees
will make it possible to get the codling m.oth sprays into the inner branches.
From 7 to 10 per cent of the wonns in an orchard are found in or on various
objects on the ground under the trees. Consequently the cleanup is not complete until
eveiy piece of old basket crate, fertilizer sack and all other trash is burned.
Chick Sexing 'So Mystery But It May Prove Expensive
"Sexing" baby chicks, the latest innovation in modern poultry raising, is no
longer a fad or a mystery, but it may be of limited valiae to the general run of farm
flock owners, according to H. II. Alp, poultry extension specialist of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. Interest in the question is at the peak now
ith the baby chick season at its height, he pointed out.
Bu^/ing sexed chicks so as to get only pullets and no cockerels may be
.justified in certain instances. Alp said. On the other hand the flock ovmer should weigh
the increased initial cost of the chicks, the heavier losses from mortality as a result
of the higher cost of the cliicks and the loss of income from the sale of cockerels.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
»luine XVIII March 27, 1935 IT-umber 13
Tariff Cut Would Kelp Fanners At JIo Ri sk To Workers
»^ Lowering tariffs as one means of reviving international trade and restoring
^Ist markets for Illinois farmers holds little if any threat to the welfare of Yia.{;e
earners. This fact, which refutes the claims sometimes made in aany quarters, is 'borne
out in a report just received by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois
Xrom the Agricultural Adjustment Administration.
IBf Briefly stated, present high tariffs are held to be a barrier to the revival
of foreign markets because they make it impossible for foreign countries to trade their
^ods for U. S. farm products.
As far as the wa,;e earners in this country are concerned, only a small part
of them have their employment protected by these tariffs, it is shown in the report.
In 1929, for instance, there were nearly 50 million gainfully employed workers. More
than half of these were employed in non-manufacturing industries with which imports can
not under any circumstances compete. That is, they were engaged in such industries as
internal transportation, gas and electricity, banking and insurance, building, public
service and others.
Of the remaining half, a considerable number were employed in industries
for which profitable outlets exist in export markets. Another important group was
employed in industries which could not substantially be affected by imports. These
include various purely doaestic industries, such as most printing and publishing
industries producing bulkj' materials which are largely protected against foreign
countries by high freight costs and industries using methods of mass production in
which foreign competition can not undersell the efficient American producer.
It is estimated that not more than one American vi^age earner in six is conv
. peting directly with a foreign wage earner. In making tariff adjustments the problem
of what is to become of the workers whose industry depends to some extent on tariff
protection must obviously be considered carefully.
On the other hand, while some industries might contract their production if
tariff reductions permitted an increase in international trade, others would expand
■under the ncv opiDortunities. Jobs in those industries would consequently become
available.
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Vocational Association Plans April Meet At U. of I.
Approxinatcl.y 550 high schools of the state are expected to have 1,000
teachers and other representatives at the University of Illinois for the annual s-oring
convention of the Illinois Vocational Association on April 19 and 20, it is amiounced
by Prof . A. B. Mays, a member of the association board of directors and professor of
industrial education at the university.
Marking a new advance in the field of vocational education, the convention,
for the first time, 7?ill bring together the Illinois Association of Vocational Agri-
ffolture teachers and the Illinois Industrial Education Association. The new set-up
(nil be known as the Illinois Vocational Association. Vocational education interests
represented in the new group will include art, commercial work, a-^ri culture, tra.de and
jlndustrial education, part-tine education, home economics and guidance.
)
■' Printed in furtherance of tie Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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^e xviil-uo. 13 ®^* extension fK^aa^ng^r p^, 2
Pastures Holding Fate Of Illinois Dairy Returns
Few things will have as much bearing on the returns from Illinois' 1,178,000
dairy cows this season as the solution of the pasture problem resulting from last
summer's hot, dry weather, saj'-s Prof. C. S. Ehode, of the dairy department, College
I^, Agriculture, University of Illinois.
IBi ' There are at least three' mixtures that are suitable for replanting permanent
or rotation pastures, he said. Mixture No. 1 contains 4 pounds of bluegrass, 4 pounds
of orchard or brome grass, 3 pounds of timothy, 2 pounds of redtop and 2 pounds each
of alsike, red, sweet and white clover. Mixture No. 2 is the same with the exception
fat no redtop is used, the timothy is reduced to 2 pounds and 3 pounds of lespedeza
e included,
A third mixture contains 3 pounds of red clover, 3 po-unds of s?;eet clover,
2 pounds of alsike and 4 pounds of timotliy. Amounts included in each mixture are
sufficient to seed one acre of land. If the soil is acid, sweet clover should not be
used in any of the above mixtxires.
These mixtures may be seeded early in the spring along with two bushels of
oats to the acre. The oats serves as a nurse crop and also furnishes some early pas-
ture. The ground should be disced before and after the oats are planted. The grass
seed is sown after the ground has been firmed with a corrugated roller. The rolling
operation should be repeated after seeding has been completed.
Oats also make a good early emergency pasture. Two bushels of oats to one
id one-half bushels of Canadian field peas make a good emergency pasture after the
.rly oats are gone.
Another good emergency pasture mixture is 2 bushels of oats and eight poijnds
sweet clover or alfalfa or a legume mixture including red and alsike clover. For
ture during the hot, dry season, 10 pounds of sudan grass and 1^ bushels of soybeans
usually satisfactory. This mixture should not be sov/n until after corn-planting
18 and may even be planted in the middle of the summer,
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Slump In Exports Shows Wisdom Of Balancing Output
Steps which Illinois farmers are taking to adjust their production appear
re sound than ever in view of the further slump in farm exports from the Un.ited
States. The most recent available figures show, for instance, that in Janu>?iry the
smallest volume of farm products in more than 20 years was shipped out of the United
States, according to a report just received by the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois from the U. S. Bureau of Agricultural Economics. The January, 1935, index
for farm exports was 57 as compared with 62 in December and with 93 in January a year
ago.
All products except fruits were exported in less than pre-war volume in
lanuary. The index figure, as compared with 100 for pre-war, were: grains and pro-
ducts 17, animal products 33, dairy products and eggs 59, fruit 189, wheat and flour
14, tobacco 97, hams and bacon 18 and lard 45.
Exports of T/heat and flour, including flour milled from Canadian wheat, v;erc
L, 310, 000 bushels in January, one of the smallest monthly exports on record. Total
sxports of v/heat and flour from July 1 to January 31 were 14,830,000 bushels compared
;»ith 18,607,000 bushels during the corresponding period of 1933-34.
Index of cotton exports in January v/as 68 compared with 109 in Januarj'' last
['ear. Exports this January were 486,000 bales against 782,000 bales a year ago. Total
iJXports for seven months ended January 31 were 3,325,000 bales compared with 5,929,000
pales during the corresponding period of 1933-54,
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Volume XVIII — No. 13 Page 3
Better Days Are Seen For Production Of Small Fruits
r^ Handicapped and neglected for 20 years or more, small fruit growing is now
iJlPitl^ its day, according to Dr. A. S. Colby, chief in small fruit culture at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This is a good time for those v/ho have
-V. interest in such crops to establish a plantation, he said.
One thing v/hich ha,s stimulated interest in small fruit growing and hastened
the new day for such crops is the present trend toward adjusting and balancing farm
production, Dr. Colby explained. Then too, both local and distant markets for quality
fruit are expanding rapidly. Hazards from insects and diseases are being overcome
through Teseojrch.. Probably never before in history has there been such a number of
high class small fruit varieties available as there are now.
Exceptionally hardy, vigorous and productive varieties now available include;
Alfred blackberry; Red Lake currant; Poorman gooseberry; Fredonia (early black), Fort-
land (early white), Caco (mid-season red) and Sheridrai (late black) grapes; Chief, Latham
and Newburgih red Logan and Q;uillen black raspberries; Potomac purple raspberry; .-.md
Blackmore, Dorsett, Fairfax and Kockhill strawberries.
Several of these varieties are high in price because of low supplies of nurseiy
stock. However, a fev/ might be purchased and more propagated at home.
Best results will be obtained if the varieties chosen are adapted to the soil
and climate particiilar to the locality. It is advis^.ble to start v/ith a small acreage
on a site suitable to the needs of small fruit growing.
The plants require the best of seasonal care and must be sprayed if they are
,to maintain their vigor and high-yielding qualities. If fruit is to be sold on the
'market, it must be picked and graded properly and placed in clean packages of the size
;:d style demanded by the trade. It should be moved rapidly and carefully to mtirket.
Small fruits work well in connection with chickens, a vegetable garden and
even a cow.
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I Farmers War On Rats, Their No. 1 "Public Enemy"
Rats rate as public enemy No. 1 on the farm at this season of the year, for
jthey not only kill thousands of baby chicks but also destroy feed and other property,
laccording to G-. C. Oderkirk, of the U. S. Biological Survey. He is cooperating on
irodent control in this state with the State Natural History Survey and the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Powdered red squill is the best poison for fighting rats, since it is deadly
them but comparatively harmless to domestic animals and humans. The squill should
he mixed with some bait such as canned salmon, hamburger or a mixture of moistened
rolled oats and corn. One part of poison to 16 parts bait by weight is the correct
proportion. The different baits should be put out in teaspoonful quantities so that
the rats may enjoy their preference.
Even though red squill is comparatively harmless to domestic animals, care
should be taken to prevent chickens, cats or dogs from eating large quantities of the
poisoned bait.
Calcium cyanide fumigant is another rat exterminator which may be used
successfully, especially in burrows, under concrete floors and other places where the
gas can be confined. It should be applied with a foot purrp duster made especia,lly for
the purpose. The operator should avoid breathing the poisonous f\imes.
Other steps which will help rid the premises of rats include burning of
rubbish and piling lumber and boxes so that there is a space underneath. Cooperative
community rat campaigns during which poison is distributed all over the community at
the same time are also effective.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII April 3, I935 Numter ik
Illinois Coordinatos Soils Proi^rams In New Project
b Foreseeing the day when Illinois may have its own dust storms or a soil
conservation problem that is even worse, officials ?iave mapped out a new attack
to save the land for futiore generations,
A coordinated soil conservation and improvement program has been set up
to combine the forces of all state and federal agencies now engaged in such work
in Illinois. Supervision of the new plan will be in the hands of the College of
Agriciilture, University of Illinois, of which H. W. Mumford is dean and director.
;i, L, B\i.ckardt, recently appointed chief erosion extension specialist of the college,
is to be in immediate charge of the program.
Of first concern to the agencies which have combined their forces is the
fate of no less than Ig million acres of Illinois land subject to erosion of one
degree or another. The agencies include the agricultural college, its experiment
station and extension service; the extension service, soil erosion service and
national forest service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture; Illinois State De-
partment of Conservation; Illinois State Department of Agriculture; rural rehabili-
tion division, Illinois Emergency Belief Commission; Illinois State Natural History
vey; the Illinois State Department of Public Works and Buildings, and the Illinois
ate Planning Board.
A special committee of the agricultural college staff members engaged in
oil , conservation and improvement work set up the details of the new plan under
direction of Dean Mumford.
The new Illinois plan is in keeping with similar governmental action where-
all federal soil erosion work in the United States has been consolidated in the
ipartment of agriculture.
All the experience and the success which the College of Agricultiare, Uni-
rsity of Illinois has had in working closely with soil erosion problems since as
ly as 1906 is to be mustered into the new program.
A more recent development, the regional soil erosion service of the U. S.
.government under the direction of F. A, Fisher, is one of the units brought into
the nev; Illinois plan.
Of the Ig million acres of Illinois land nov/ subject to erosion, there
i'e three million so threatened that they should never be farmed, it is shov7n by the
soil survey findings of the agricultural college. More than three million additional
acres are subject to serious erosion and are suitable only for orcharding, permanent
pasture or timber. There is an additional 12 million acres where erosion control
practices are necessary to maintain the productivity of the land,
Features of the new Illinois coordinated program include a survey of soil
erosion problems, the adoption of proper soil management practices and the adaptation
of land use to the problems of soil conservation and improvement.
Farm advisers, members of the extension service staff of the agricultural
college and representatives of other agencies now involved in soil erosion and con-
I servatio-i projects in Illinois will be brought together in a series of regional
nectings, April 9 to 2U to discuss further development of the new coordinated program.
1
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
,,, „ ^ . 5ri|e ?ExfMtaton Messenger ^ „
XVIII — No. 14 ' * Page 2
Farmers May Lose Selling Their Stock To Speculators
Rising livestock prices have sent a swarm of speculative buyers into the
i\mtry, it is reported by E. T. Robbins, livestock extension specialist of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Farmers run the risk of losing much
of the benefits of the price boom if they sell to these buyers instead of consigning
eir stock themselves to the central markets, he said*.
"Farmers have nothing to fear from honest, legitimate buyers, but in times
.ke these it is more important than ever that producers be sure of their ground before
,ng a deal on their stock« Only by visiting a market frequently and noting the
quality of cattle and the kind of prices they bring can any farmer realize the changes
ch have taken place. Many grades of cattle are twice as high as they were a year
"Speculative buyers now swarming the country may quote a price which looks
itractive to the farmer but which may still keep him out of an additional return that
might get by selling some other way. Farmers have even been called out of bed in
,e eagerness of buyers to offer them practically as much for their stock as it would
•ing on that day's market. The activity also has extended to the buying of hogs,
lich have advanced considerably since the first of the year,"
Although the market does not always operate to make this possible, the
ler, shipping his own stock to the central market, stands the same chance of making
profit as does the speculative buyer, it was pointed out.
"In the long run farmers probably get the most money for their stock when
ley consign it to the central markets or have their local cooperative marketing
sociations do it for them. At these central narkets the animals sell strictly upon
leir merits at prices set by competitive bidding. It is not necessary for the farmer
to be fully informed upon the last day's values in order to sell his stock as high as
it can be sold. The commission men take care of that."
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New Standards In Apple Cooling Set By U. I. Tests
■■ New standards for the refrigeration of apple shipments have been set up as
m result of further experiments by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois
to reduce present heavy losses in fruit marketing. Reports of the latest studies
are given in a new bulletin just issued by the experiment station of the college under
the title, "Factors Influencing the Refrigeration of Packages of Ap-ples," by J.. W.
Lloyd, chief in frait and vegetable marketing, and S. W. Decker, associate.
Findings made in the study have an important bearing on the marketing of
the Illinois commercial crop, which amounts to nearly 60 per cent of the state Is total
estimated crop of 5,000,000 bushels-*
The experiments were carried out with special apparatus which the investi-
gators constructed to prodoc© ccaaditions similar to those found in refrigerator cars.
Use of the lined tub bushel, bushel hamper or ventilated corrugated bushel
box as an apple container allowed fairly rapid cooling of the fruit to the desired
45 degrees Fahrenheit. Unventilated corrugated boxes or the lined western apple box
retarded cooling, as did also the use of oil vo-aps around the individual apples.
In addition to this information regarding the relationship of the package
to rate of cooling, the experiments showed that size of the fruit had little to do
with the rate of cooling but that the velocity of the air was an important factor
idien it got above 100 feet a minute. Fre-cooling was shown to have a decided in-
ifluence in preventing spoilage.
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§ XVIII— llo. 14 *^ ' ^ Page 3
Beef Cons-umers Can Blame Woes On Ravages Of Drouth
Increasing complaints atout the price of beefstealc going up while the quality
IS going down are just another result of the 1934 drouth and neither the farmer, the
packer, nor the "butcher can be blamed, according to the College of Agriciilture, Uni-
versity of Illinois.
Fortunately, there is still plenty of nutritious beef to be had, provided
(onsumers know what to look for, it was pointed out by Prof. Sleeter Bull, associate
kief in meats. The housewife can still get her money's worth if she will put a
tttle added skill into her selections of beef, he said,
[ "Prices of beef have been forced up by the drouth because short feed and
►ter supplies compelled farmers to sacrifice livestock as quickly as possible with
he res-uLt that today there are fewer cattle to go to market. At the same time the
eneral quality of beef has been temporarily lowered as an aftermath of the drouth be-
luse -underfed cattle yield meat that is less fat and tender.
"Consumers in some markets may be able to get beef that is graded for
ity and if so, these grades will assist them in making a more satisfactory selection
meat. For all consumers, however, there are a number of tips which will enable them
do their own grading when they go to the butcher shop or meat market.
"In looking for 'prime' beef, consumers are likely to find that it is very
oCarce, even when fat animals are plentiful. The color of the lean in such beef ranged
from bright pinlc to bright cherry red with tiny v/hite lines of fat called marbling
running through it like vines. The meat is covered with a thick, even layer of firm,
iwi^te fat. Cut surfaces are smooth and firm.
"'Choice' beef has about the same characteristics as 'prime,' but is not so
fat. 'Good* is considerably above the average and good enough for most people in the
st of times, 'Medium' and 'common' are not so well fleshed, the lean is a dark red
color with no marbling and the fat is thin aind yellow. Such meat usually comes
m older cattle of dairy or scrub breeding. Hov/ever, it is quite nutritious and if
'Operly cooked is also palatable,
"Color and marbling are the easiest items for the anateur grader to remember.
lean should be bright cherry red with at least some marbling running through it.
^e fat should be white or creamy white."
Sound Program Uow Needed In "Boom" Of Small Fruits
With small fr^aits staging a comeback in Illinois, a sound program, of variety
"election, planting and culture is needed to head off disappointments which would come
"rem a too hur:.-ied rush of farmers into the small fruit field, according to a nevi
circular just issued by the Colle^^e of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Entitled,
"Bramble Fruits," the new circular explains new .and improved methods of grov/ing rasp-
lierries, blackberries and dewberries in Illinois.
Cultural practices are de,alt with in a section by Dr. A. S. Colby, chief in
small frait culture; bramble diseases and their control in a second section by Dr.
f. Anderson, pathologist in the pomology division, and insects and their control
in a third section by W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the college and a" the State
(fatural History Survey,
The value of sanitary measures, in the '^ult-orp of brambles is stressed in
tne circular, larxd a recommended spray scheavle is included.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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NEW
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
lol-one XVIII April 10, I935 H-umber I5
%
Farmers Re-?Arndng To Check Losses From Chinch Bugs
Proper choice of crops and constriaction of protective barriers will be
.armers' chief weapons in preventing rec-urrcnce of the $40,000,000 loss suffered by
;i Illinois gi-ain growers in 193^ from chinch bugs, according to a circular .just issued
by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
f "Fighting the Chinch Bug on Illinois- Farms," is the title of the new
^Ciilar, In it the best knovm methods of combating the pest are outlined by W. P,
int, chief entomologist for the Illinois State Natural History Survey and the
college; J, H. Bigger, Natural History Survey .entomologist, and G. H. Dungan, college
CTOp production specialist.
The cheapest and most effective method of fighting chinch bu^;s is to plant
-s Isxge an acreage as possible of crops that are immune to btig damage. Alfalfa,
..|red clover, sweet clover, alsike clover, lespedeza, soybeans, coTrpeas, flax, sugar
■jbeets, potatoes and rape are among such crops. Comparatively large acreages of these
"rops cut down the food supply of the bugs and reduce their activities,
Su.itable rotation systems also keep down the infestation of bugs by re-
idtacing their feed supply.
Properly constructed creosote or paper barriers such as are described in
:.e circular will do much to prevent the bugs from getting into the corn fields early
■jin Ji.ine, That is the time i,7hen the yo-uj2g, wingless bu.gs start their nivgraticn from
•■he ripened and harvested small .grains to the corn fields.
Since the biogs do not like shady, moist, surroundings, the planting of soy-
ibeans or similar crop with the corn will increase the density of vegetation and assist
in cutting down the damage from bugs that have sxicceeded in getting through the
t*"'"riers.
There are some bug-resistant varieties of corn that help reduce chinch bug
age. For that part of Illinois south of Siaringf ield, Decattir, and Tuscola,
Chcunpion White Pearl, Pride of Saline, Golden Beauty, Black Hawk and Mchav;k are
suitable, Waddell Utility White Dent and Waddell Utility Yellow Dent, developed
'dcently by Elmer Waddell of Taylorville, arc also proving satisfactory.
; Progress is being made in the development of bug-resistant hybrids for
'central and northern Illinois. However, the seed of these hybrids is scarce.
Just because chinch bu^rs are bad one season does not necessarily mean that
they will take a vacation the next year, the circular points out. Outbreaks some-
times last five years cr longer, although the infestation may subside after a single
season.
At their worst chinch bugs may, and often do, practically destroy the corn
croT) ever an infested area. By using methods that have been tested and are kno\m to
be effective, farmers can avoid 50 to 75 per cent of the damage. Such a saving may
mean the difference between a farmer's raising enough feed for his own needs and
having some grain to sell and having to buy practically all his feed.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
)1. XVilI-No. 15 ®^^ Sxt^nmott iU^aa^ns^r ^^^ ^
Good Oils Would Add lUo.OOO Years t£ Tractor Life
As much as lUo,000 years and possibly 210,000 j'^ears of service might he added
0 the 70,000 farm tractors in Illinois throiagh proper crank case oiling .and main-
enance, says R. I. Sha'jl, of the department of a^'jri cultural engineering, College of
iculture, University of Illinois. Seven years is the average life of a tractor,
fhile machines given proper care are still in service after nine or ten years, he
aid.
Importance of using proper crank case oil in prolonging tractor life has
een brought out in studies nhich the college has been conducting since 1928. A
iardinal principle established in these tests is to pick the lightest grade oil of
the highest quality that can be used vTithout increasing oil consumption or crank
lase dilution. Such an oil, it ha.s been proved, will be the cheapest, will last
ongest, cut dotm repair bills and save time, in addition to prolonging the life of
.e tractor.
Three samples of heavy oil have sho\Tn excellent resistance to heat and
rank case dilution. However, these oils have proved too heavy to give proper
(Ubrication except where the pistons and cylinders were badly worn. Making needed
epairs is more satisfactory than the use of extremely heavy oils when the motor
ecomes worn, Shawl believes.
Two samples of light oil showed good lubricating qualities, but were too
-light to prevent dilution and excessive oil consumption. A slightly heavier grade
A gave mach better results,
IK Cheap oils used in the tests proved unsatisfactory. They did not give
1 proper protection to working parts nor did they resist heat and dilution. Some of
the cheap oils thinned out under excessive heat, while others thickened to the extent
that they could not reach to points of friction.
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Seed-Type Soybe-ans Are Best Bet For Record Acreage
Record plantings of 1,6S2,000 acres of soybeans which are indicated for
Illinois this year are likely to yield farmers the best harvest of hay or of beans
if they are made with the varieties that ordinarily are thought of as grain producing
types, according to W. L. Burlison, head of the department of agronomyj College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Experiments which he and his associates, J, C. Hackleman and C. A. Van
Doren, have conducted for five years show that the grain producing types of soybeans
also have superior hay producing qualities. The grain, or seed, types averaged 3.'^1
, tcnB of hay to the acre as compared to 3.07 tons for the hay varieties.
Where several late-matTiring hay type soybeans are being compared with seed-
type varieties, the latter have continued to outyield the hay types for hay as well
as for seed.
While the seed tjrpes may not produce more forage than the hay types in all
sections of Illinois, crops specialists believe the dual purpose qualities of the
seed types may make them worthy of consideration.
The seed types used in the five-year tests were: Dunfield, Mansoy, Manchu
and mini. The hay types were: Kingwa, Peking, Ebony, Wilson V and Virginia.
Farmers who intend to plant either to seed or hay type varieties this
spring should get their seed supplies as soon as possible, Burlison said. About half
of the 193^ soybean crop of Illinois V7as sold by December 1, I93U, leaving approximately
5,000,000 bushels in the hands of growers.
At least 2,000,000 bushels will be required to plant the anticipated 1935
■acreage in this state. Increased seed demands from states where the drouth has reduced
feed supplies v/ould indicate that soybean seed may be scarce later in the season,
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i:?:>i- ':^Ti-T'v
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p^l. xviii-No. 15 ®Ij^ SxtcnBton MesB^ns^r Pa^e 3
Gains In Control Of Fruit Enemies Held By Spraying
Advantages gained by Illinois fr-ait growers in 19 3 '^ through the destruction
insect Dests and diseases may "be followed up at a profit this year "by prrper
jraying, says the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Latest formulas
id methods are outlined in a new circular, No. ^29, which the college has just
ssued under the title, "Directions for Spraying Fniits in Illinois." It was pre-
yed by H. W. Anderson, chief in fruit diseases, said W, ?. Flint, chief entomologist
the Illinois State Natixral History S'o.rvey and of the agricultural college.
Prospects for favorable fruit markets during the coming season increase
iG importance of spraying as a means of preventing losses, the authorities point out.
Last year some apple growers v/ho followed the recommended spray schedule
Jeduced codling moth infestation in their crop from 60 per cent in 1933 to less than
k per cent in 193^- Insects and diseases attacking other fruits wore similarly
controlled where proper sprays were applied. While it is too late for the dormant
sprays, the later applications will do much to maintain the control gained last year,
Anderson and Flint believe,
"Public enemies" of the fruit grower and the fru.it consujner for which con-
trol measures are outlined in the circular include the codling moth, San Jose scale,
plum curculio, scurfy scale, oyster shell scale, aphids, ffJigous diseases of apples,;
leaf spots, pear scab, sooty blotch of peo.rs, brovm rot, bacterial spot, slu.gs, leaf
spot, antliracnosc, red spider and all of the other diseases and insects that prey
on fruit and plants.
Spraying sched"ales are included for apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums
and the various small fruits grown in Illinois,
There is also a complete section on the preparation and use of oil emialsions,,
bordeaux, zinc s'o.lphate and lime and oil dusts. G-eneral directions for q^raying as
well as precautions to be observed are included.
Improved Poultry Houses Will Help Fortify Profits
Any profits resulting from better poultry and egg prices may be more certain
if good hen houses are provided, in the opinion of W. A, Foster, rural architect in
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This spring, when housing and
building projects are being pushed, is a good time to start getting the buildinc^s in
shape for the fall and winter season, he believes.
To assist Illinois farmers and poultrymen in building better houses, the
college has assembled some 26 blue-printed plans for poultry houses and equipment.
These plans are supplemented by college circulars No. Ul2 giving directions for con-
I struction.of the straw-»loft house, and No, 36S with instructions on building the shed-
iToof type. These plans are also included in the blue prints available,
I All of the plans are based on observations made by Foster in cooperation
with the poultry husbandry division. They include information on the construction of
^'houses, feeding equipment, water apparatus, laying boxes, and brooding houses and
equipment.
Reduced farm incomes during the past few jears have caused many poultrymen
to neglect making repairs on their buildings and equipment. This has added to the
demand for information on repairs and alterations. The popularity of poultry as a
means of adding to the income of low paid workers and subsistence families has also
created a demand for cheap but satisfactory poultry equipment, built, if -nossible,
from used lumber.
AGRICULTURAl LIBRARY
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NEW AGR BIDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volxmie XVIII April 17, 1935 Number lb
t|- k^E Club Girls Uphold Hopes for Yo-ongcr Generation
f Many of the worries about "this younger generation" and what is going to
appen to it can be quieted by inspecting the record of some 11,42/ Illinois farm
nd small town girls enrolled in k-ll club -nrojects, says Msry A. McKee, jujiior cliib
ecialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The depression has not dimmed the spirit nor lowered the morale of these
rls, she reported. This spring finds them preparing to go ahead with a new zest
d enthusiasm, she added. While many of these club girls carry on during the entire
year, the spring season marks the forming of new clubs, the enrolling of new members
and the starting of new projects.
As an illustration of what may be expected from these yoiong ladies this
year, they made more than 26,000 garments in 193^» I^ addition, they mended 17,000
garments and darned 22,000 pairs of stockings.
Activities of club girls are not limited to clothing work. They took
complete charge of 11,500 family meals last year, preparing the food, serving the
meals, washin-; the dishes and clearing the kitchens after those meals. In spite
of a dry summer, they canned more than 4,000 quarts of fruit and vegetables in 1934.
They braved hot kitchens to bake some 26,000 pieces of food.
Home furnishings also come under the classification of 4— H club projects.
Approximately 430 articles of the home furnishing type were made by club girls of the
state last year. They added to the comfort, beaiity and serviceability of l45 rooms
through their efforts.
All club work is done in the members' homes where they ha-vc a definite
responsibility and where their accomi3lishments are subjected to the acid test of
being practical from the standpoint of every day use.
Girls who wish to enroll in clubs this year or start clubs in their com-
iDunities, should see their home or farm advisors. Miss McKce says,
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J, H, Brock Successor To W. A, Herring ton In McHenry
W, A, Herrington, formerly farm adviser in McHenry county, and J. H. Brock,
farm advisor in Bond county, figure in the two most recent changes in the ranl:s of
Illinois farm advisers, it is annoimced by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state loader of
farm advisers at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Mr. Herrington resigned April 1 to accept a position as fieldman in the
farm bureau-farm management service of the department of agricultural economics,
Mr. Brock v/ill succeed Mr. Herrington and will tsize up his new duties in McHenry
county on May 1,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
i Vol. xviil-No. 16 ®^^ ^xUnsian Messcnsf^t p^^^ 2
F-UTther Delay In Getting Soy Seed Will Bo Too Risky
Farmers intending to plant soybeans this spring will do well to obtain their
seed supplies before the last minute, in the opinion of J. C. Kackleman, crops exten«'
sion specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. An estimated
21 per cent increase in the national soybean acreage indicates that there may be a
seed shortage, he said,
t Factors pointing toward increased soybean acreage are: Danger of chinch bug
fcstation; new land available for soybean planting through provisions of 1935 corn-
hog contracts; a favorable seed price; the need for legume hay; increased capacity of
processing plants; and increased uses for soybeans.
In addition, it is expected that sead demands from the drouth areas will be
^strong.
■H With millions of chinch bugs coming out of winter quarters, many Illinois
Tarmers will find soybeans valuable this spring because of their bug-proof qualities.
Then too, Hackleman explains, last suminer's damage to hay and pasture has increased
the need for leg'ijne hay which may be grown on land taken out of corn production.
The chances are, he says, that soybean seed prices may be somewhat lower
than during the January and February peaks, but they v/ill still be high enough to
fford the grower a profit. Additional processing plants were built in 193^ ^^d. more
c.re planned for this year. These plants arc needed to take care of the demand arising
from soybean drinks, breakfast foods, macaroni, noodles, ice cream and dozens of
other new products made from this crop,
Ijk Eecord Planting Puts Premium On Soybean Inoculation
f With Illinois farmers preparing to plant a record soybean acreage this
spring, L, E, Allison, Assistant in soil biology at the College of Agriculture,
tUniversity of Illinois, points out that inoculating the seed bed with nitrogen-fixing
"bacteria is one of the two or three main essentials for success with the crop. Good
inoculants bought from a reliable firm will be cheap crop insurance for soybean growers
this year, as in every other year, Allison said.
Nitrogen is necessary for the satisfactory growth of soybeans. The cheapest
available source is the free nitrogen in the air, but it mu.st be fixed by the bacteria
before it can be used by the plants. Acid soils or those on which legumes have not
been grown for some time are usually void of the needed bacteria, and, consequently,
produce very j)oot soybeans unless inoculated.
The best inoculation method, Allison says, is that of adding the bacteria
to the seed just previous to planting. Through this method, the bacteria cling to
the seed and penetrate the roots as soon as the seed germinates. Inside the roots
they form nodules which arc soon filled with more nitrogen-fixing bacteria,
A plentiful supply of nitrogen is essential to high yields of soybeans
as well as to high protein content of the beans. The feed value of both the hay
and beans is increased by high protein content.
Another important point stressed by Allison is that plants supplied with
plenty of nitrogen are better equipped to withstand dry weather.
Commercial legume inoculants may be purchased in two types, the pure
culture or jelly type sold in bottles, and the type having either a humus or soil
base.
1
oi. XVlli-No. 16 ®^^ Sxt^naion Meaaensw p^^^ 3
Pullor-um Disease Toll Is Undermining Poiiltry Bet-urns
Farmers and poultrymen who are losing baty chicks at this season of the year
and thereby sacrificing future returns can more than likely lay the "blame to pullorujn
i disf^ase, or bacillary white diarrhea, according to a new circular on this malady just
issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This year, when poultry
prices are rising and the outlook for the industry is more favorable, the disease is
a more costly threat than ever, it was pointed out. Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal
athology and hygiene, is author of the new circular,
First of ten practices which he outlines for the flock owner's defense
against the disease is to avoid buying eggs or breeding stock from infected flocks,
"he disease is one of the few affecting adult fowls that may be transmitted directly
■hrough the egg to the chick.
Other safeguards in the ten-point defense set up by Dr. G-raliam are: (2)
i Disinfect incubators, brooders, ho\iscs and equipment; (3) do not hatch eggs from tested
and non-tested birds in the same incubator; (k) arrange to grow newly hatched chicks on
lean grass range which has not been occupied by fowls for a period of one year or break
up the old ground frequently; (5) brood and feed chicks carefully to maintain vigor and
resistance to disease,
(6) Avoid feeding infertile, uncooked eggs; (7) destroy all dead chicks by
burning; (S) test annually all breeding flocks that have been freed from the disease
and test infected flocks monthly until all reactors are detected; (9) promptly remove
all reactors, and (lO) keep houses and water and feed containers clean and disinfect
once a month or as often as necessary to hold the disease in check,
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Fowl Pox Lurks As Threat To Illinois Poultry Flocks
No matter how high poultry prices may go next fall and winter, the new crop
layers which farmers arc now building up will never be profitable if fowl pox gains
foothold, according to a new circular on the disease just issued by the College of
jriculturc, University of Illinois. Designed to arm growers against losses from the
iscasc, the circular was prepared by Dr. Robert Graham, chief of the animal pathology
nd hygiene division, and Dr, E. H. Bargcr, assigned to that division from the state
department of agriculture.
Outbreaks of fowl pox, if promptly diagnosed, may be suppressed by proper
cleaning and disinfection of the premises and by destruction of all infected birds.
If a large number of fowls arc infected, destruction is not so practical a measure
's sanitation coupled with vaccination, according to the circular.
All birds in the flock should be vaccinated if symptoms of the disease
arc detected or if there is danger of fowl pox being introduced into the flock. Either
fowl-pox or pigeon-pox vaccine may be used, but pigeon-pox vaccine is less effective
according to the circular. Its use is best limited to cases where a severe reaction
may cut egg production or injure weak birds. Methods of vaccinating are given in the
publication. Immunity to the disease la.sts from six months to the life of the bird.
The best time for vaccinating flocks on infected premises is in late sn-mmcr,
at least two months before the birds begin to lay. Pullets that arc to bo vaccinated
should be given sufficient time to recover completely from the effects of the handling
and treatment before entering production,
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'\3B^^
LlBK^^"^
Bl.^<^
1ft
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE-UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
al-ume XVIII April 2U, 1935 N-umber 17
Inferior Seed Is Barrier To Come'back Of Corn Crop
Chances of the Illinois corn crop making a come'back this year are being
imdGrmincd "by the fact that considerable seed corn of unknov/n vintage and ■uncertain
germination is being offered for sale at comparatively low prices, according to J. C,
Fw^^klcman, crop extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of
inois.
Any money which farmers may save at the time by buying such seed will be lost
y times over through poor yields and low quality grain, he pointed out.
Not for 61 years has the state had a corn acreage that was as small nor a
crop that was as poor as was the case in 193^> Hackleman said. The intended acreage
of corn for harvest this year is g,01g,000 acres, and no small part of the success of
the crop hinges on the kind of seed farmers use, he added.
Proof of this is shown by the fact that top-quality seed of adapted varities
produced an average of nearly four bushels more to the acre last year than did seed of
uncertain quality. The tests were made on the farms of farm bureau-farm management
I service members in McLean, Livingston, Tazewell and Woodford counties,
' Tests conducted by state agricultural colleges d^uring the period from 1930
to 193^ inclusive, showed an annual average net income of $11,55 an acre from corn
where good cultural methods and quality seed were used. On land where poor seed corn
TO.S planted and the crop was cared for less carefully, an average loss of $U,Uo an
acre was recorded,
While it cost about $1,65 an acre for top-quality oats this spring, $1 an
acre should cover the cost of the highest^ quality seed corn in the state, Hackleman
said.
Up-to-date lists of quality seed corn available in Illinois this spring may
le found in the offices of all farm advisers. These lists give nsuncs and addresses
)f growers, the variety, amount for sale and the year produced,
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Black. New Chief In U. S,. Bureau, Is_ Illinois Man
One of Illinois' native sons and a graduate of the College of Agriculture,
iversity of Illinois has been brought into new prominence with the recent appoint-
"ment of Dr. A, G, Black as chief of the bureau of agricultural economics, U. S.
« Department of Agriculture. He succeeds Nils A. Olsen who resigned April I5,
I* Dr, Black was born in Peoria on April 2, I896, the son of Mr, and Mrs,
3^dson H. Black, He was graduated from the U, of I, College of Agriculture in I92O,
oliortly after his graduation from the University of Illinois, Dr. Black was appointed
an agricultural economist for the Federal Parm Loan Bureau at Washington, D. C. He
remained at Washington until 1922 when he became associated with the Joint Stock Land
Bank of Dayton, 0. It was in I92U, that he left this position to become assistant
jrofessor of agricultural economics at the University of Minnesota, Prom I92U until
1929, Dr. Black taught at Minnesota and did graduate study. In 1929, he became head
of the department of agricultural economics at Iowa State College. He was called into
jWashington, D, C, in June, 1933 1 ^° serve as chief of the AAA corn-hog section. On
February 5, 1935j he was placed in charge of all livestock work, including that in-
volving corn-hogs, cattle and sheep, ron.r«, Mav 8 1914 H W. Uv^rou^. Director.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act aporoved by Congress May 8, 1914.
:51. XVIII—No. 17 Page 2 _
2. Million Less Acres Needed For Corn In This Plan
Three million fewer acres would "be requ.ired to produce Illinois' average
lual corn crop if all farmers used limestone and either barnyaj-d manure or green
mure in a good rotation, includirg clover, according to L. B. Miller, associate in
ill experiment fields at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Such a change would cause a direct saving of many millions of dollars each
lar in production costs. It also would greatly reduce the annual losses from erosion
and leaching and in the end would prolong the life of corn belt soils for future
generations, he pointed out.
The estimate that the total size of Illinois corn fields could be reduced by
ee million acres is based on ten-year average results from 2h soil experiment fields
ilch the agricultural college maintains in different parts of the state. Corn yields
these fields were improved I5 to 18 bushels an acre by the use of limestone and
ther barnyard manure or green manure in a crop rotation system including clover.
In contrast to these results, mineral fertilizers have improved corn yields
;ly 2.U bushels an acre. This is the average for ^95 trials which the college made
in farmers' fields ujider many different soil conditions. There were a few special soil
conditions where mineral treatment was profitable, owing to potash deficiencies, but in
the more normal soils the response from mineral fertilizers u.sually was not enough
to justify the expense and the trouble.
Interest in fertilizing the corn crop to get the most efficient and the most
profitable yields is reviving this year because of the higher corn prices. Miller
pointed out. If money is to be spent for this purpose it is best spent for limestone
and for seeding soil improving legumes, he recommended. Corn needs a soil high in
organic matter, and this can not be bought in a fertilizer sack. It can, however,
be produced on the farm as barnyard manure or as crop residues and green manure.
The average annual yield of Illinois' nine million acres of corn has been
approximately 35 bushels an acre with little variation during the past Uo years. The
benefits of new varieties and better cultural methods have just about balanced the
increasing damage done by plant diseases, insects and soil depletion,
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Old Clover May Make Profitable Seed Crop This Spring
tWith a 20-million-po-and shortage of red clover seed supplies in prospect
is year, Illinois farmers may be able to reap extra cash by saving any three-year-
old red or mammoth clover fields which they have, it is pointed out by J. J. Pieper,
associate chief in crop production at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Although it is not generally known, either red or mammoth clover that was
planted in 1933 ^^ capable of producing hay and seed this coming summer if there is
still a good stand of the crop, Pieper says. Red and mammoth clover are both perenni-
als, but arc usu.ally killed out by the clover root borer during their second year.
This borer destroys many of the roots and weakens the plants to the extent
that they usually winter kill during the second winter. For some unknown reason, the
root borers have not been effective in Illinois recently. Consequently, there are
many three-year old fields of red and Majnmoth clover in good condition this spring.
These fields, ujider normal conditions, should produce one good hay crop and
a good seed crop this coming summer, Pieper believes.
The national s.verage production is 60,000,000 pounds ennually, with 193^
production doiwi to 36,000,000. This amount plus lU, 000, 000 "oounds carryover is still
20,000,000 pounds short of the average annual consumption.
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^vi. xvlll-No. 17 ^^^ Sxt^naion iMcsB^ng^r ^^^^^ 3
Poisonous Weeds Worse Threat To Stock Thi s Spring
Danger of livestock losses from poisonous plants has been heightened in
Jlinois this spring by short pastiores and the lack of feed with which to finish the
inter' season, it is reported by Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal pathology and
Srgiene at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Requests for information on the treatment of farm animals poisoned by
lorled milkweed and other poisonous jjlants have already started coming to the college.
Ith winter feed supplies lower than usual, he expects early grazing to result in a
:eater than usiial number of horses and cattle being poisoned this year.
Quite often the farmer is not aware of the danger xmtil he finds some of his
limals dead, Dr. Graham said. This is especially tr'ae where poisoning has resu.lted
:ora the first growth of cockle b\xrrs. This weed is highly toxic in the early stages
Sf its growth and works rapidly. However, cockle burrs do not appear vmtil later in
le spring.
In many cases, the farmer may notice such symptoms as weakness, paralysis,
Abnormal sleepiness, rapid loss of weight or a tendency to stiunble and fall. As soon
\s such sjTuptoms are noticed, a graduate veterinarian should be called to administer
stimulants and purgatives. With the slower acting poisons, prompt treatment by the
jterinarian may often result in a cure.
The best measure is to keep poisonous plants out of reach of the stock, says
Graham,
Ripened seed pods of the so-called coffee bean tree, as well as pods from
Slack locust trees cause considerable poisoning in the spring, according to J. J,
?ieper, associate chief in crop production at the college. Several reports of poison-
ing from these sources have come to the college this spring. The best preventative is
keep the stock away from the ripened pods, says Pieper,
Leaves of wild cherry trees are also poisonous and care should be taken to
ilesun. up fallen branches after storms or heavy winds.
Some of the more common poisonous spring weeds of Illinois are: I>atchman*s
'eeches, larkspur, buttercup and the roots of vater hemlock. The roots of the hemlock
re often uncovered by gully washing and apparently have an appetizing flavor. They
:e exceedingly toxic and cause death in a comparatively short time.
While ripened pods of honey locust trees are not ordinarily considered
Soisonous, there are indications of some danger from these pods so it will pay to keep
them out of reach of livestock.
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Food Costs Jump Only Half As High As U. S. Payrolls
Food prices, frequently discussed these days, may be going up, but during
the past two years factory payrolls in the United States have increased nearly twice
as fast as retail food prices, it is pointed out by R. W. Bartlett, of the department
of agriciiltural economics, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The total cash income of factory workers in February, 1935* the most recent
month for which figures are available, was $613,000,000, which was an increase of
$258,000,000 over the amount for February, 193^. This was a net increase of 73 Bor
cent. Du-ring this same period food prices increased only 3^ pe^ cent.
The total cost of living during February of this year was 13 per cent higher
than during the same month of 1933 • The very small increase in fuel, light and hous-
ing costs during the two-year period accounts for the very moderate increase in living
costs.
For the city consumer, fuel and light costs went up about l,k per cent.
Hotising costs increased approximately 2.3 per cent. Clothing costs showed a greater in-
crease with prices climbing 2^,4 per cent during the two years.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
B 0 0 M 2 2 5 •
13 rw AC-R BLDG
IV!
■blvHne XVIII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
May 1. 1935
ITomiber IS
Yotmg People See New Goals After ]l^ of_ 1. Conference
h
^F" Rural youths oi Illinois are fortified with new ohjectives and higher spirits
■bllowing the second annual young people's rural life conference held April 27 at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. A total of 5^2 delegates, accompanied
■^^ county farm and home advisers, attended from 75 o^ ^^ 10- counties of the state.
I^P Rural young people made it plain during the discussions at the conference
IH|at they are looking for something to advance themselves socially, educationally,
and culturally. Furthermore, whatever form the prograin taices, the yoimg people would
,ke for it to "be something tloey can do themselves.
Thinking and action a,lready under way among rural young people in the state
fast approaching the formulation of definite programs embracing social, educational
cultural featui'es, it was "brought out during the da-y. Sounding the keynote of the
ference. Dean H. W. Mumford explained timt the meeting was desi.'-ned to further the
rk which the agricultural college is doing with and for young people to mal:e a better
al Illinois.
Eight suggestions for building county programs which will meet the needs and
.ts of rural young people were brotight out dviring the day's discxissions. These were:
) Formation of county-wide committees or councils of rural young people representing
img people 's interests; (2) conducting of tra.ining schools for those interested in
le development and carrying out of young poeple's programs; (3) making of surveys
determine needs, wants and possibilities; (U) carrying on of an educational program
acquaint the general public with the meaning and scope of rural young people's work;
) assistance from the extension service of the U. of I. College of Agriculture in
ading up the program; (b) enlisting the cooperation of all interested agencies;
7) preparing material for use in connection with different kinds of young people's
'ograms, and (S) setting up specific objectives for the group.
From the standpoint of young people's interests, the two greatest deficiencies
at the present time in the rural comnrjnities of Illinois are the lack of leadership
and the lack of a smtable meeting place, the delegates brought out in their discussion
groups .
Spirits of the delegates were brightened by Dr. 0. E. BaJcer, senior agri-
cultural economist from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C., who
•old the young people that the future for them is bright with promise.
* "Farming," he said, "offers you the probability of better food than in the
city, better health and longer life, greater accumulation of property, greater Joy in
yoxir work and a better family life.
"I would that rural yoiith could see in front of them the opportunity to
IJUild not an urban but a new rural civilization — a civilization founded not en self-
ishness but on brotherly affection in which the economic objective is to prodiice
sufficient for everyone while conserving the natural resources and in which the social
objective is service rather tl:ian vanity."
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford. Director.
Rtiral Comimjjiities Becoming Center Of Farra Planning
m
^
Illinois farmers and Iiomemakers are doing more and more of their own group
ilanning right in their conmtmities, according to D- S. Lindstrom, rioral sociology
extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Meetings
were held in 1,000 rural communities in 193^ 'to assist in improving agriculture and
imeraaking through hetter adaptation of programs and projects offered "by the extension
rvice of the agricultural college. This year the idea of group planning "by rural
commiaiity units is going ahead with new enthusiasm, he reported.
Hew community units are "being organized to supplement these already e.stab-
ished and county wide meetings are heing initiated as a means of correlating the plans
the various units. In all of these activities the main theme is the use of organ-
xation to make extension work in farming and horaemaking more effective in the com-
ity.
As an example of the planning activities going on over tlie state this spring,
line county community workers, in cooperation with the college, will hold a series
three meetings in each of eight communities during the spring and summer.
The first of the series will be held in May and will he devoted to discus-
ions of AAA. work and livestock marketing. In July, a second series of meetings will
held during which the outlook for grain prices as well as the future of agricul-
al planning will he londer discussion. The September series v/ill emphasize com-
ity organization and will also consider the livestock price outlook.
Interest in county-wide meetings was illustrated recently when 5OO people
t together in Rock Island county to lay further plans for the organization of com-
ity units, to correlate comi-nunity plans and to enjoy a recreational program. A
milar meeting is planned for Union county with eight communities scheduled to or-
ize this spring.
Five communities in PuJaski and Alexander counties will soon hold meetings
discuss the many problems relating to extension work and to learn more about pre-
nt and future AAA programs.
Units of longer standing which are serving as guides for the newly orgo-nized
•oups include 2U in Champaign county, I7 in Henry, I5 in Shelby, I3 in Randolph, 12
Sangamon, 11 in Ogle, 10 in Livingston, eight in Pord, seven in Kankakee and a range
from three to I5 each in 70 other counties.
The coraintmity unit is the ideal organization for promoting better farming
homeraaking and community betterment, Lindstrom believes. Activities this spring
.dicate a definite trend among rural folks of Illinois to do more of this kind of
lanning, he said.
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ITo Magic Methods Or Short Cuts For Red-ucing Weight
Wom.en, a,nd even men, Y-iho succumb to the popular urge for reducing will find
^Pihat there are no safe short cuts and no magic methods by which v/eight may be lost,
according to a new circular, "Sane Reducing Diets and How to Plan Them," which has
just been issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Miss Harriet
T. Barto, assistant professor of dietetics, is author.
vFnile there is no magic method, it is not necessarj'' to resort to semi-
starvation or to peculiar combinations of food entirely unlil:e an ordinary diet in
order to lose weight. Miss Barto explains. Planning a sane red'.icing diet is simple,
j for such a diet differs from an adequate diet for a. person of so-called normal weight
OSly in the number of calories it supplies, she said. Reducing mentis for an entire
week are printed in the circular.
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STh? Extension Mssssnnev
y/)!. XVIII— I'To. Ig Page 3
lb
Limited C-ra-zing After May 1 Will Hot Hiirt Pastures
Even tho\agli drouth and hot weather damaged pastures in many sections of
Illinois last year, moderate grazing can te started at the regiilar time of about May
1, says J. J. Pieper, chief in crops production at the College of Agriculture, Ijhi-
versity of Illinois. However, farmers in drouth sections should not over-graze their
loastures this spring.
VJliere the drouth and hot weather damaged hlt^grass pastures in 193^> excessive
grazing may do further damage to the grass. Moderate grazing rather than delayed
grazing is the "best treatment for damaged pastures, in the opinion of Pieper. Delayed
grazing, he explains, will allow the grass to mature and "become i.inpa.lata'bel. Moderate
grazing, started early in I.fa,y, will keep the grass in a growing state longer and still
not injure the past\ire .
Blticgrass pastures in many sections of the state are stunted this year he-
cause of the lack of wann ra.ins. Consequently, they v/ill prohaoly mature faster and
■become woody. Under such circumstances the farmer who delays grazing this spring will
prohahly lose much of the feed value of his pasture.
Bare spots and thin areas are showing up in many of the pastures because of
last year's drouth damage. Moderate grazing and mowing to keep v/eeds from developing
seed arc the best mea.sures to restore such pastui-e this spring, Pieper states. YJhere
reseeding wa.s not done early this spring, fall seeding or early seeding next spring
v.'ill be beneficial.
Where the supply of pasture is not sufficient, emergency pasture crops may
be seeded to relieve damaged pastures. Sudan grass sown at the rate of 20 pounds to
"he acre from May I5 to 20 will produce good pasture by July 1 to 1^. Soybeans and
Sudan grass seeded after com planting time at the rate of 20 pounds of grass to 1-J
bushels of soybeans to the acre is another good mid-sirnmer pasture.
Ordinary field corn seeded at the rate of 2 to 3 bushels to the acre anytime
from May to July is another crop which will provide pasture after four to six weeks
growth and until fall.
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An Extra $50,000 Is Within Reach Of Wool Producers
Prospects for wool prices are none too bright now that the shearing season
at hand, but an extra $50,000 for their crop is not out of the range of possibility
tor Illinois farmers, according to W. G-. Kammlade, associate chief of the sheep
bandry division, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. All that sheep
isers of the state would have to do to add this amount to their gross return Would
to grow, handle and market their average clip of five million pounds in such a way
to add a cent a pound to its value, he pointed out.
^ The quality of wool depends, first of all, upon the breed of sheep from which
■ "it came and the care of those sheep. Hov/ever, the best quality wool may bring a poor
« price because of improper care dviring and after shearing, says IfeuTimlade .
I Before being shorn, sheep should be kept as clean as possible. Shearing
should never be done when the wool is wet. This may permanently injiure the fleece.
The use of sisal or jute twines for tying up the wrool is discouraged by Karaiulade .
Fibers from, these twines may remain in the wool to cause im.perf ections in the cloth
made from the clip.
Wool should be prepared for market imjiiediately after shearing. It is at
its best then, and the full value can be determined on a basis fair both to the farmer
and the buyer. Storage of "the wool for a considerable time may result in a variety of
'damages to the clip, Kammlade points out.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
^ol-ume XVIII May g, I935 N-umber I9
Wheat Acreage Slightly Increased In Foreign Nations
While farmers in Illinois and other narts of the nation are preparizig to
rote on the future of the AAA wheat program, 2k foreign countries are reporting a
iotal of 163,00^,000 acres of winter wheat as compared to l60,2Uo,000 in 193U, an
icrease of 2 per cent. Official figures on the foreign situation have just been
deceived by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, from the bureau of
icultural economics, U. S, Department of Agriculture,
Three countries, Portugal, Morocco and Tunis, reported decreases, but the
jgregate for the 2k countries showed a gain of 2,764,000 acres. Russia, not included
the list, has reported a winter wheat acreage of 31,800,000 as compared to
,900,000 acres in 193^1 ^^Ji increase of G.k per cent.
Prospects for the winter wheat crop in the western Mediterranean Basin are
lod, according to the foreign crop reporting service of the department. The outlook
.s especially favorable in France and Italy. Fair prospects arc reported for
Tunisia and eastern Algeria,
Lack of rainfall is apparently doing some damage to the whea.t crop in
western Algeria, Morocco and the principal producing areas of Spain,
Wheat markets of the western Mediterranean Basin are showing little
activity. Some wheat is being imported into Italy, but mostly through agreements
with the importing countries. Sales for export from Franco have been quite heavy,
amounting to 19,^7^,000 bushels from August, 193^, through February, 1935. England
and Denmark constituted customers for a considerable portion of denatured wheat,
exported as feed wheat by France,
A new storage plan has not yet relieved the market in Spain where a sur-
plus of about 22,0^+6,000 bushels is complicating affairs.
Altogether, there seems to be little indication of import demands by
countries in the vvestcrn Mediterranean Basin, Better prospects come from the Shanghai
market which is showing some improvement, but the improvement is too slight to justify
any great expectations.
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Spread Of Cattle Disease Prompts Warning From U . I_.
Increasing prevalence of paratuberculosis, or Johne's disease, in cattle
herds of Illinois has prompted a warning to farmers from the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois. A new circular, "ParatubcrcuJosis of Cattle," has just been
issued giving complete information about the disease, its sprc';d and control. Dr.
fiobert Grahpjn, chief in animal pathology and hygiene, is joint author of the v/arning
circular along with Frank Thorp, Jr., associate, and J. P. Torrey, assistant patho-
logist of the Illinois State Department of Agriculture,
Protection of the state's 2^ million head of cattle against mounting ravages
of paratuberculosis hinges upon farmers cooperating with their local veterina-rijins in
the diagnosis of the disease, prompt elimination of reactors, strict sanitation in
stables, clean pastures, feed and drinking water and insistence that all animals added
I to the farm come from herds that do not react to the tuberculin test, it is recom-
mended in the circular.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumforb. Director.
Vol. XVIII--N0. 19 ' Page 2
Young People's Work To Be FTirther Advanced By U, !_.
Work with rural yovjng people, one of the newer activities of county farm
home advisers and the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University
Illinois, has been given new impetus in an announcement by Deaji H, W. Mumford,
Two staff members of the college, G. S. Randall and Miss Cleo Fitzsimmons, formerly
«-H club \7orkers, have been delegated to give their full time and attention to work
ith rural young adults.
Programs for rural yoijjig "oeople are well under way in 38 different counties
f the state as a result of work already done by the extension service of the agri-
cultural college and county farm pjid home advisers. Ntmerous other coTinties are
planning to start such activities, judging from the turnout at the recent second
BrfPnual young people's rural life conference held at the college.
If Planning and inaugurating programs for rural young adults is one of the
most significant developments in extension service work of the agricult-ural college,
Dean Mumford said. The programs are designed to meet the needs and wants of young
people beyond the U—H club age who are out of school but not yet married.
IB Holding of the recent second annual young people's rural life conference
^t the agricultural college was a step in the development of the proposed programs.
A total of 522 delegates from 75 counties attended.
;■ A n-umber of projects already have been set up or are being arranged by the
[Blctension service of the agricultural college from which young }23ople in the different
Mounties can make selections for a program of their own liking. In their discussions
Bt the recent conference the young men and women expressed interest in programs cover-
ing such things as land, finances and other matters to be considered in S'^tting up
farming, soil conservation, book reviews, recreation and farm planning,
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Heglect Tops Jire As Destroyer Of Illinois Buildings
At the present rate, it would require 25O years for fire to destroy all of
the farm buildings in Illinois. Neglect would do the job just as completely in one-
fifth the time, or 50 years, declares W. A. Foster, rural architect at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Neglect, while less spectacular than fire, does far more damage to Illinois
buildings every year, states Foster. One of the most important things neglected is
the proper use of paint. Paint is an excellent preserver of both woods and metals.
It is even \iseful in preserving stone by protecting against moist-ure and the conse-
quent damage by freezing and thawing.
Properly applied and in the right colors, paint not only adds to the life
of farm buildings but also adds to their beauty.
Good roofs and prompt repairing are also factors in preserving the life of
the buildings. A good roof prevents damage by keeping rains and snow from reaching
ithe inside timbers. In addition it protects the hay, feed and other things stored in
tJle building. As to prompt repairing, a damaged portion of a building is like a
rotten apple. If it is promptly removed by repairing, the damage will not spread, but
neglect will cause the damage to increase.
Wind takes its toll of biiildings in the state, but even this damage can be
decreased thro-ugh proper design and management, Foster points out. Buildings should
be placed so that large flat surfaces will not be exposed to prevailing winds. Keeping
the doors carefully closed keeps the wind from "getting ijnder" the building a.nd
possibly VTTecking it or at least wrenching the frame work.
Since buildings, like automobiles, are bound to go out of date, they can be
kept modern only by careful remodeling and the installation of modern equipment,
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1^.
rol. XVIII— Fo. 19 ^If^ ^xitnsxan MBseen^et Page 3
Termites Collecting Heavier Tax Than Are Chinch Bugs
While the chinch bug topped the list of tax collectors with an estimated
issessment of $Uo,000,000 against Illinois agricialt-uro in 193^> the termite outdoes
fhc chinch bug in point of average annual cost to citizens of the state over a period
if 10 years. That is charged by ¥. P. Flint, entomologist of the College of Agri-
Culture, University of Illinois and the Illinois State Natural History Survey.
Termite infestation is especially bad in southern and central Illinois where
[louses, barns and fence posts arc being destroyed year after year by these insidious
Uttle wood-eating insects.
Unable to exist in bright sunlight, the insects make their entry into the
looden parts of buildings and other structiires from the ground. The parent or main
Jest is always in the ground, and it is from this nest that the termites enter the
building. Consequently, the use of concrete or metal stops in the foundations will
Isually prevent infestation.
Keeping the premises free from old lumber, tumble down buildings and dead
ttumps also will help in protecting farm buildings against the termites.
Infestation is often first indicated by swaxms of dark bro?m, flimsy-winged
isects about a third of an inch long which suddenly appear in some part of the build-
ing. These are the adtilt males and females or young kings and queens. They fly from
bhe nest to start new colonies. If they appear, the premises should be searched, and
phe nest cleaned out if possible.
Building codes should contain provisions for the protection of buildings
from termite damage, Flint believes, Hov/ever, since such provisions are not contained
^n the codes, bmlders should specify that the contractor construct the building
lermite-proof . Additional information on the control of termites can be obtained
^rom the agricultural college or the Illinois State Natural History Sirrvcy,
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Leaf Hopper Losses To Beans Can Be Reduced One-Half
It is too early in the season to determine V7hether or not bean leaf hoppers
ill be plentifii.l enough to cause serious damage to the bean crop this year, Hov;ever,
the hoppers frequently reduce the crop by 50 per cent, and adequate preparations for
dusting or spraying the beans with a copper compotuid will be good crop insurance,
according to L, H. Shropshire, assistant entomologist of the Illinois State Natural
History Survey,
Unprotected beans yielded 50 per cent less than those that had been sprayed
or dusted in tests conducted at the Cook cotmty branch experiment station of the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A copper dust: containing tobacco and gypsum is one of the dusts and sprays
that has proved effective in controlling the leaf hopper during the tests. It was
applied at the rate of about 20 to 25 pounds to the acre. Applications were made five
times, beginning as soon as the plants were well above the ground and continuing until
five applications were made.
The 3-6-50 Bordeaux spray also proved effective, but was not quite as good
as the dust. Nicotine sulphate spray had little value in controlling leaf hoppers.
Bean leaf hoppers do not hibernate in the garden regions of Illinois, but
migrate to the beans late in the spring. They constitute one of the worst enemies
of beans and frequently infest Illinois gardens in heavy numbers,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII May I5, 1935 Niomber 20
Heavy Oufbrcak: Of Army Worms Threatened In Illinois
One of the most severe outbreaks of army worms that Illinois has had in
cent years is threatened within the next three to five weeks, and farmers should he
guard to protect their crops, according to a warning by W, P, Flint, chief ento-
logist of the Illinois State Natural History Survey and of the College of Agri-
ture, University of Illinois,
Although the outbreak will be spotted and will not occ\ar in all sections of
.e state, severe damage will be done in many areas, Flint said. It will be well to
keep careful watch on all heavy stands of grain or heavy bluegrass pastures during
l^fce next month and get the worms before they cause serious damage, he said.
IH While amy v/crms may destroy entire .areas of bluegrass pasture or fields
IHt small grain or young corn in a short time, they can be completely and cheaply con-
' trolled by the use of poisoned bran baits. The bait that has been most generally used
has a base of 1 pound of paris green mixed dry with 25 pounds of bran. When this is
thoroughly mixed, there is added 3 gallons of water in which 2 quarts of cheap
molasses, preferably black strap, has been thoroughly dissolved.
A newer bait, with which J. H, Bigger, field entomologist of the Illinois
State Nat\iral History Survey, has been working during the past year for cutworm con~
trol, uses oil instead of water and molasses. This bait is made by thoroughly mixing
the 25 pounds of bran and the 1 pound of paris green or white arsenic. Then 2 quarts
of a light grade oil of an S. A. E. 20 viscosity is added. Ko water or molasses is
Maed, However, the bait should be thoroughly mixed so that the oil gets on every
particle of the bran. Tests have shown that this bait is equal to the molasses one,
is easier to make and is somewhat cheaper. However, it has not been tested against the
army worm.
Whichever bait is used should be applied evenly and uniformly over the ground
at the rate of approximately 10 pounds an acre. If the worms are on the move, the bait
should be sown over a strip about 100 feet wide across their line of march. The molas-
ses bait should be broadcast at dusk of the evening. The oil bait can be put out
earlier in the day as it does not dry out as readily as the molasses bait.
Either of the baits may be used on cattle pastures without danger if no more
than the 10 pounds an acre is put out and the bait is not applied in lumps. An end-
gate seeder may be used for distributing the bait or it can be sown by a man on horse-
tack having boxes of the bait attached to the sides of the saddle.
Warnings that a severe outbreak of army worms is iimninent are based on the
heavy flight of adult moths during the past month. The female moths will lay their
!©ggs in heavy stands of grain such as wheat, oats and rye or in heavy bltiegrass pas-
ture. Each female lays about 800 eggs. The worms hatching from these eggs are very
tiny at first and usually feed for ten days to nearly two v/eeks v/ithout being noticed,
|!Hien they begin to gro¥/ very rapidly and their appetities increase enormously. In
this stage they sometimes destroy all the food in the fields where the eggs were laid,
aad the growing worms march out seeking new sources of food. They feed on all kinds
of grasses and to a slight extent on leg-Limes, talthough they \isually do not cause any
serious damage to red clover, sweet clover or a.lfalfa.,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
vol. XVlll-No. 20 ®^^ ^xUn^wn Mess^nB^t ^^^^^ 2
Merits Of Zinc Sulphate Established In U. I_, Tests
Possibilities of zinc sulphate as a preventive for the damage that widely-
used arsenical sprays cause to Illinois' four million peach trees have now been more
fully established as a result of three rears' experiments by the College of Agri-
culture, Universitj'" of Illinois, Results of the experiments are reported in a new
bulletin Just issued by the college, "The Role of Zinc Sulphate in Peach Sprays,"
by K. J. Kadow and H. 1, Anderson.
Although the tests demonstrated the value of zinc sulphate a.s a corrective
agent in spray mixtures, they also revealed that this chemical has little valiie as a
fungicide or bactericide for combating the diseases now menacing the state's peach
raising industry. Neither did the material show conclusive evidence of having value
as a ylant nutrient under Illinois conditions, except on laboratory testsc The real
value of zinc sulphate insofar as the Illinois peach grower is concerned is in its
ability to reduce injury to peach trees from lead arsenate— lime sprays.
The lead arsenate-lime spray mixture has long been \ised a,s an effective
weapon against various insects which attack peaches and peach trees. Hoviever, this
i'" mixture may cause severe injury to the trees \inder certain conditions. The injuries
'• include bud killing, ler.f injury, twig cankers c'Jid often the indirect killing of the
< entire tree, according to the bulletin.
This injvu-y is caused by the liberation of injurious arsenic acid through
I the rapid carbonization of the line. The addition of zinc sulphate to the spray mix-.
'■■ ture cuts down the speed of carbonization and greatly reduces the formation of arsenic
\ acid, which is the direct cause of the injury. The zinc sulphate also precipitates
i, an insoluble zinc arsenate whenever arsenic acid is formed,
F The recommended formula for the peach spraying mdxture containing the pro-
t tective zinc sulphate is 6 pounds zinc sulphate, 6 pounds hydrated lime and 3 pounds
}- of lead arsenate to 100 gallons of water,
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Soil Testing Protects Increased Seeding Of Ieg'-''jues
With seed scarce and a larger acreage of legi^mes planted on Illinois farms
this spring, thousands of farmers took the guesswork and gamble out of their plantings
by testing the soil for acidity, it is reported by C. M. Ldnsley, soils extension
specialist at the College of Agricultixre, University of Illinois.
Prominent among those who tested their soil -jere UOO farmers of Whiteside
county, according to a report from Fejrm Adviser ?. H. Shuman. Another leading co^onty
in this work was Madison county. During March, 10,000 tons of limestone were used to
sweeten the soil for alfalfa and clover planting, said Farm Adviser T. W. May.
These farmers have learned, along with thousands of others in the state,
that the chances of getting a good stand of alfalfa or clover are much better if the
soil is tested and sweetened with limestone if necessary before being seeded. This is
especially true di-'ring- dry seasons such as ISS*^* Ldnsley saido
Occasionally, when there is plenty of rain, alfalfa and clover may make a
fair stand even though the soil is somewhat souro D^'xing average seasons, however,
these crops will burn out on acid soils. The weather -o.sually gets the blame when the
soil conditions really were at fault, adds Linslcy.
IThere the soil is tested and sweetened, as was done by the InThiteside county
farmers, vigorous drouth-resistant plants are produced, and there is a good chance of
getting a supply of feed in years when the corn and oats are stopped by dry weather.
This was well illustrated in 193^? Linsley said,
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fol. xvill~No. 20 m^ExUttaionMessttiBev Page 3
Skillf\\l Feeding Gets Most Out Of Hi|S;hei- Hot^ Prices
With hog prices approximately $U,39 ^ h^ondred pounds higher than they were
year ago, Illinois hog ra.isers are in a position to meJce some profit from their pigs,
^specially if they cut feeding costs throu.gh the u.se of alfalfa pasture and protein
applements, in the opinion of W. E. Carroll and W. P. Garrigus, of the sv?ine division,
^ollege of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The possibility of cutting feed costs through the use of alfalfa pasture and
j>rotein supplements is shovm by figures, recently computed from feeding tests conducted
>t the college experiment station.
In six lots of 20 hogs each, the cheapest gains, on the basis of current
prices, were made by the lot fed corn and protein at the rate of I5 pounds of corn to
of protein supplement and having free access to alfalfa pasture. The cost for 100
founds gain, considering feed at this spring's price levels, -.las $7.2U. The lot fed
ration of corn and supplement bvit not having access to the pasture was next with a
Jost of $7,30. However, the added value of alfalfa hay, amotinting to an average of
^5 tons to the acre, cut from the hog pasture served as additional income.
Allowing the hogs free choice of corn, protein supplement and alfalfa cut
lown the supplement cost but increased the cost of corn, with each 100 pounds gain
Sosting $7.95» Corn and alfalfa alone were cheaper, amounting to $7.66 a hundred, but
the hogs were between lU and 21 days longer in finishing. This is an important item
since early sales often hit the best market during the fall.
The most expensive ration, on the basis of the present ratio between corn
"and protein supplement prices, was that using a minimum of supplement, more corn and
no alfalfa pasture. At present prices, this ration cost $S.22 a hundred pound gain -and
required from seven to 12 days longer to finish the hogs.
Generally sperking, the 15-to-l corn and protein supplement ration along
with alfalfa pasture appears to be the best ration, Carroll and Garrigus stated. The
cost is comparatively low, gains are moderately rapid and the alfalfa hay gives the
producer some income above the sale of his hogs.
Horse Comeback Brightens Outlook For Colt Hajsing
Colts now being produced by Illinois farmers are almost certain to find a
good market at profitable prices by the time they are matured and ready for work, in
the opinion of E, T, Robbins, animal husbandry extension specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Horse numbers in the United States have been decreasing steadily for the past
17 years. During most of that time the decrease amounted to about a half million a
year, but has slowed down recently with last year's decrease amounting to 136,000.
With the horse price cycle averaging about 3O years, indications are that prices will
continue to be good for another few years.
The decrease in numbers came about as a result of high-priced feed and the
replacement of horses and mules by tractors and trucks. During recent years, however,
feed prices have been low, ranking the horse a cheaper so\u-cc of power than the tractor
on many farms. This becpjne more important as cash incomes of farmers decreased.
Higher prices have been received at the markets this spring, and more horses and mules
have been sold than for several years. Horses are scarce and the farmers need them,
as shown by the fact that most of the horses are going to the couaitry, Hobbins said,
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?I
^'ai3 UDV A13N
SS5 wooa
^VHflililOlaQy
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
■I
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII May 22, I935 Nimber 21
New Bait Offers Cheaper Control Of Cutworm Damages
Cheaper control of the hordes of army worms, cutworms and grasshoppers which
may infest Illinois crops this summer is promised through the use of a new poisoned bait
which has been tested by the Illinois State Natural History Survey, it is reported by
IB' ^* Bigger, assistant entomologist cooperating with the College of Agriculture, Uni-
' rersity of Illinois,
With army worms and cutworms threatening to be worse in the state this year,
fnew bait will save farmers money as well as crops if it proves successful under
inois conditions. Bigger pointed out.
The new bait, which gave good results in 1933 and 193^ tests, is a variation
of the time-tried poisoned bran mash. The main difference is that lubricating oil is
j substituted for the water and molasses. The bait is made by combining 25 pounds of bran,
'1 pound of either paris green or white arsenic and 2 quarts of lubricating oil of S.A.E,
0 or 30 viscosity.
In this bait the oil replaces two quarts of molasses and three gallons of
water. It is easier to mix and handle, may be applied any time of day or night and is
cheaper. A 15-cent oil of the right viscosity was found, during the tests, to be en-
tirely satisfactory, but used crankcase oil proved to be useless.
Wliile the oil bait is still in the experimental stage, it was tested side by
I side with the regular poisoned bran mash during 1933 ^^^ 193^ ^nd gave just as satis-
! factory results against grasshopper infestations, Big^^er said. In 193^ "t-"^-© hait was
tried against cutworms in Sangamon, Morgan and Pike counties with good results. While
he new bait has not been thoroughly tested against army worms, experience v/ith other
oaits leads Bigger to think that the oil bait would also be satisfactory against these
ests»
Destruction Of Corn Weeds Helps Check Flea Beetles
Thorough destruction of weeds in corn fields is the only effective means of
"Protecting the young corn from flea beetles, which threaten to be plentiful this spring,
according to J. H, Bigger, Illinois State Natural History Survey entomologist, cooper-
ating with the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Abundant rainfall and
heavy weed growth before the corn was pl<anted has encouraged the beetles, since they
live on weeds until the corn starts growing.
The flea beetle is a tiny black or greenish insect and derives its name from
its habit of jumping like a flea when disturbed. Until the corn is up, the insect feeds
on such weeds as purslane, lamb's quarter, ragweed and smart weed. As soon as the corn
appears, the beetle turns its attention to the corn leaves, eating small round holes
in them.
Where the flea beetles are ntmierous, they chew the corn leaves so seriously
that the plants loose vitality, turn yellow and often die.
Keeping weeds out of the field before and after the corn is planted will do
■ich toward controlling the insects, since they make their homes in the weeds until the
corn appears above the ground. Vigorous, fast growing corn will often outgrow the
oeetles. Hence, it is advisable in many cases to delay planting until the ground is warm.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act apptm-ed by Congress May 8, 1914. H. VV. MuMrORD, Director.
Vol. xvlll-No. 21 ^tieExUttexanmessBUBBV ^^^ 2
Higher Prices For Horses Enliven Pulling Contests
Higher prices and the increasing demand for good v;ork horses are adding
interest to the Illinois horse pulling contests which will be held again this year for
the eleventh season by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is
ftnnoimced by E. T. Robtins, livestock extension specialist.
Eleven contests are already definitely set, and four more will be held if local
arrangements can be made, Bobbins reported. The opening contest this year will be at
the Chicago Tribune shovT at Wheaton, June 1^„ Aiogust, however, seems tc be the favorite
nth v/ith six shows scheduled. Competitions will be held at the Perry County Fair,
Pinckneyville, August 13; Edwards County Fair, Albion, August 15; Iroquois County Fair,
Wilford, August l6; Illinois State Fair, Springfield, August 20 and 21; Warren Cc\uity
ir, Roseville, A\igust 23, and the St. Joseph Agricultural Fair, St. Joseph, August 27.
Jthcr contests are scheduled for the Hancock County Fair, Augusta, September 3; DeKalb
County Fair, Sandwich, September U; Lawrence County Fair, Bridgeport, September 6, and
DeWitt County Fair, Farmer City, September 10,
The contests are used as a means of studying body measiirements and other charac-
teristics which influence the pulling power of horses and mules. Since the events were
started, the college animal husbandry specialists have taken measurements and records on
more than 1,500 horses. Pulling power of the teams is accurately raer>-sured by moans of
the university dynamometer.
Pulling contests have become regular features at many fairs with the interest
jof both team owners and spectators just as great as when the contests were first started,
iOompetition is divided into two classes, one for teams weighing less than 3jOOO pcvrnds
and the other for those weighing 3>000 pounds or more.
The light class state championship, made by Willard Rhoads' 2,920-poxmd team at
Puscola in 1932, still stands as a challenge to teajrns of less than 3,000 pounds. These
norscs lifted 2,S25 pounds 272" feet on the dynamometer to establish the state record.
Shoads livest at Springfield.
Homer Crawford, of Potomac, owns the team that holds the nev/ state record in
bhe heavy team class. This record was made at the Century of Progress contest in
nist, 193^* These two horses, weighing a total of 3»920 pounds, lifted 3,250 pounds
-('2" feet on the dynamometer. This is equivalent to starting a 21~ton wagon several
times in succession on a granite-block pavement or pulling seven lU— inch plow turning
furrows six inches deep in stubble ground,
Fowler ' s Solution Found In,jurious To Animal Health
Fowler's solution, often used to fit show stock, has proved injurious to
als after a six- year test conducted by Drs. E, Roberts and W. M. Dawson at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, Fs-cts concerning the experiment and
the results are contained in the recently published college bulletin, "Effect of
i'owler's Solution on Animals."
The solution, which contains arsenic, has been used by some persons in
.'itting show animals for the ring in the belief that it aided in putting on fat and
nving the hair a more glossy appearance. The tests, however, showed that it distinct-
lowered the reproductive capacity among the experimental rabbits which were used in
- study.
In addition, the mortality of the young was more than doubled where the dams
rare given Fowler's solution. Growth of imrivature animals was also retarded through the
ise of the solution. The effect, however, v/as probably caused indirectly through in-
:reased^ susceptibility to disease.. Treated animals v;ere found to be more suscortiblc
'0 respiratory diseases, and the solution ca'.;ised injury of the kidneys and liver.
7ol, XVIII — No. 21 ®Ije Extpnainn Mpsoengpr Page 3
Four Shifts Arp Made Among Farm And Home Advisers
m
With the appointment of Miss Bernice Smith as home adviser of Greene coxinty,
tO Illinois coimties are now carrying on organized home economics extension work imder
direction of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, it is announced by
Mrs, Kathryn Van Aken Burns, state leader of home economics extension.
Three changes among the 96 farm advisers who are serving 100 of the 102
counties of the state in agricultural extension service work also have been announced
by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers.
Miss Smith, the new home adviser of Greene county, was graduated from the
"nivcrsity of Illinois in 1930 and has "been teaching school at Illiopolis. She is the
•:hirty-fifth home adviser in the state. Some of them have two counties, which accoxmts
Jor the fact that a total of ko counties have this service,
^l* In the ranks of the farm advisers, E. 0. Johnston has been employed as farm
""i-dviser in Piatt county to succeed S. S. Davis, who resigned April '}0, Du-ring the past
-wo years Mr. Johnston has been serving as emergency agent in the corn-hog program
and mere recently has been connected v;ith the office of A. J. Surratt, state agricultiu'a!'
statistician, Springfield, Mr. Johnston started work on May 1.
H. H, Gordon, farm adviser for Pulaski-Alexander counties, resigned April 22
to accept the position of assistant project manager in the AAA land policy section, Ea
■•'ill be in che-rgc of the southern Illinois forest project and will have headquarters a.t
-uina,
W. E. Gould, Johnson county farm adviser, resigned May 1 to become project
Manager of the Eobbs project, Robbs, for the Illinois Rural Rehabilitation Corporation,
Successors to Mr. Gordon and Mr. Gould have not yet been selected,
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Added Nitrate May Be Heeded By Cabbage This Season
With rainfall in most sections of Illinois above normal, it may be necessary
apply nitrate of soda to many cabbage fields this spring, in the opinion of B, L.
leaver of the vegetable gardening division, College of Agricultuj-e, University of
.linois. The lack of nitrates in the soil will be evidenced by the yellow color and
itcd growth of the young plants.
This shortage of nitrates is especially apparent when the weather is cool as
jll as damp. Stich weather slows dowri the activity of soil organisms and is one of the
lin causes for a nitrate deficiency. On the other hand, hot weather and lack of
'moisture, sxich as was the case in 193^ bring about an accumulation of soluble nitrates
on the surface of the soil. Any addition of nitrate fertilizers under such conditions
will probably damage the crop,
|K Wherever yellow color and lack of growth indicate shortage of nitrates this
iBar, the deficiency can be supplied through the use of nitrogen fertilizers such as
IBltrate of soda. Weaver said. It is usually most satisfactory to make tv/o applications
over a period of several days with the total amounting to about 200 to 3OO pounds to
_lhe acre,
IfB Fortunately, the lack of nitrogen docs not permanently injure the cabbage
■'lants if the deficiency is taken care of before the plants go too long. Inorganic
-litrates such as are contained in the fertilizers dissolve readily and arc almost
ioncdiately available as plant food provided there is sufficient moisture present.
Cabbage plants supplied with nitrogen fertilizers have produced higher yields
and have matured earlier than the same varieties grown without the nitrogen fertilizer
in tests conducted at the college experiment station.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII May 29, I935 Niraiber 22
New Illinois Mark In Dairying Tops 2 5- Year Records
Despite \inpreccdented drouth and feed shortages last year, a new state
standard which tops anything for the past 25 years was set up for milk and hutterfat
production by Illinois dairy cows, it is announced by Prof. C. S. Rhode and J, G,
Cash, dairy specialists at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The highest average production in the 25 year's history of dairy herd
improvement association work was made in 193*+ ^Y the 895 herds belonging to these
associations, it is shown in the annual report which Rhode and Cash have just released
on the work of these groups. The average for each cow was SjUyO pounds of milk and
32^,9 povinds of butterfat.
During the same year the average production for all cows in the United
States slipped to the lowest level in 10 years. The estimated average production of
all cows in the state is estimated at about ISO pounds of butterfat.
By comparison with these marks, the new state record for the association
-lords is a tribute to the progress which the member dairymen are making toward more
profitable production through better feeding, breeding and management of their herds,
Hliode and Cash pointed out.
More than two- thirds, or 606, of the association herds had an average of
^GO pounds or more of butterfat for each cow.
Out of all the 20,U2U cows that were tested for milk and fat yield by the
I associations, the highest producer was a purebred Holstein in the herd of Mooseheart
! Farm, Mooseheart, that produced 12^ tons of milk and 83^ pounds of butterfat during
the year. The Ellwood & Nelson herd, DeKalb, had the second highest-producing cow;
Mooseheart, third and fourth; Rock River Farm, Byron, fifth; Ellwood & Nelson, sixth;
Mooseheart, seventh; N. G. Priess, Altamont, eighth; G-ahlbeck & Lange, Woodstock,
ninth; and Mooseheart, tenth.
The highest producing cow in the grade-cow group also was from Mooseheart.
She had a record of 25,187 poiuids of milk and 780 pounds of fat. Zimmerman Dairy,
Washington, had the second best cow in the grade class; Illinois State Penitentiary,
fateville, third; F. S. Priess, Caledonia, fourth; and Alexander Guernsey Farm,
oomington, fifth.
As to herd averages, Mooseheart Farm and the Palanois Farm No. 2, Palatine,
tied for first place with butterfat production averages of 556. 8 pounds a cow. This
IJs the fourth consecutive average of more than 5OO pounds for the Palanois herd. Both
m£ the top herds were in the class of those having more than 10 cow years. Other high
■erds in the class included the herds of C. J. McCord, Newton, third; John Ellsworth,
parvard, fourth; and Gahlbeck & Lange, fifth.
p In the class of herds having from five to ten cow years, the herd of Oscar
Anderson, Somonauk, was first with an average of 502.3 pounds of butterfat, C. W.
Guthrie, Charleston, was second; N. G. Priess, third; J, G, Busboom, Gifford, fourth;
and Keenan Brothers, Leland, fifth,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director,
vol. xviii-No. 22 ®Ij^ Ext0n0fon MMB^tts^r ^^^^ ^
t
Better Supply Of Milk Is_ Memorial For Jane Addams
Among the many memorials to the late Miss Jano Addams, famed Hull House
founder and social settlement leader who died recently in Chicago, will be the
nioneering work which she did almost Uo years ago in conjunction with the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois for the improvement of city milk supplies.
Present high standards enjoyed by consumers in Chicago and even in other
comrminities have their foundation in this early work, it is pointed out by Dr. P. H.
Tracy, associate chief in dairy manufactures at the college. Indirectly, this work
md its subsequent developments have benefited milk consumers in many other cities,
he said.
Alarmed at the quality of milk being offered to residents in the vicinity
of Hull House, the late Miss Addams in 1898 enlisted the cooperation of the experiment
station, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. When the work was completed,
she, with Dr. H. S. G-rindley, professor emeritus of animal nutrition, reported their
findings in Circular No. I3 , published in December, 1898, by the experiment station,
on the subject, "A Study of the Milk Supply of Chicago."
"Overwhelming proof" that the milk supply of Chicago was remarfebly poor
was presented by the authors, they held that this was an injustice which should be
remedied immediately and urged that immediate action be taken to improve the poor
;ilk supply then going to Chicago people.
Since then there has been steady improvement in the supply, the most recent
idvance being the adoption of the Kelly milk ordinance which is modeled after the U.
S. Public Health Service standard milk ordinance.
Almost kO years ago when the late Miss Addams and the agricultural college
"ere pioneering for an improvement of Chicago's milk supply, the chief concern was the
matter of "Watering," or adulterating milk.
The college's first work on the Chicago milk supply, in which the late Miss
Addams figured, has been followed by other studies and publications, all of which have
played a prominent part in establishing the high standards of the present day, Prof.
Tracy said.
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Chopping Hay May End This Season's Storage Yforries
With a record soybean crop in prospect, Illinois farmers are casting about
r means of reducing hay storage space to make room for the expected soybean seed as
11 as for the additional hay from the beans. Chopping hay is a practical way of
.cing the barn room needed for storing livestock feed, according to P.. H. Peed of
e agricultural engineering department, College of Agriculture, University of
linois.
Chopped hay required from one-half to two-thirds less barn space than long
ay. This extra room may be used for other ijurposes if the barn is strong enough to
carry the added weight. Not only does chopping the hay makie available more space for
the storage of other feeds, but also waste is reduced, Reed said. With long hay, tests
have shown that as much as 3O P^^' cent may be wasted. Where chopped hay is used,
waste may be reduced to a majcimum of 5 psr cent.
Convenience during the winter feeding season is another advantage of chopped
hay. It is easier to pitch down from the mow than long, tangled hay. Since chopped
^-ay has less bulk, a da,y's supply or more can be placed in the feeding chutes or
-angers at one time.
The cost and speed with which hay can be stored by chopping varies with the
individual farm. Where a hay chopper with adequate feeding mechanism is available,
^the hay can be put into the mow faster than by other methods. An ordinary ensilage
tter does not speed up the process, Reed said. With the equipment available on most
IDs, the cost of storing chopped hay is about the same as for long hay,
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Vol. XVIII— No. 22 ^IfB ExUnsxan Mssssn^et Page 3
^ state Has Chance To Lead In Raising Q,-uality Poultry
While Illinois farmers may not be in a position to compete vvith the com--
mcrcial egg~producing areas, a plentiful supply of corn offers them the opportunity
of becoming leaders in the production of market poultry, in the opinion of H. K. Alp,
poultry husbandry extension specialist at the Colle£:e of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Corn, the major grain crop of the state, has been found to be the ideal
feed for producing high-quality poultry famous for its delicious flavor, he reported.
IThe fat produced by corn is distributed thro-ughi the meat in a way similar to
"marbling" in beef. Wheat produces the poorest quality poultry, it has been shown
by experiments in Canada. Both oats and barley are less satisfactory than corn. Corn
not only m.ade the best-flavored poultry meat but also, when supplemented with 6 per
cent animal protein, produced the best gains. Alp reported,
*In addition to the needed corn, recent good prices offer further incentive
to farmers of the state to e"cel in the production of quality market poultry. During
the week of April I7, the New York price of a five-pound dressed fowl reached 2b cents,
the highest quotation since December 7, 1931» -^ almost mythical figure of 25 cents
a pound for the four-pound size was also reached during April, according to market
reviews.
With good prices being paid for quality birds and the all-importa.nt feed
available in the state's corn crop, the future looks bright for the poultryman who
feeds for the poultry market, Alp said. It is even possible that the brand, "Illinois
Fattened," could become a symbol for premi-ujn poultry. Too often all the emphasis in
poultry husbandry is placed upon egg production, with little attention being given to
the prodiiction of quality meat a.nd its sale in an appetizing manner, he pointed out,
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j Sanitation Will Prevent Ropy Milk And Save Business
Ropy milk, one of the dairyman's spring bugbears that lowers the quality of
his product and loses him customers, can easily be prevented by sanitation and pasteuri-
zation of milk, according to Dr. H. A. Ruehe, head of the dair;^ department at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Prevention of ropy milk is all the more important this spring because dairy-
^ men do not want to risk losing customers in the face of rising feed prices and higher
liproduction costs, it was pointed out by Dr. Ruehe.
While ropy milk is not harmful as a dairy food, many consumers object to usin^
, it. Consequently the dairyman or distributing nlant selling milk in that condition
! is bound to lose customers. The ropy condition is caused by a bacteria, Bacterium
viscosum.
The little bacterial cells form gluey capsules about themselves, thus cling-
ing together to form the ropy textuxo of the milk. Since these organisms are present
in dirt, surface water, streams, dust and hay, they usually enter the milk shortly
after it has been drawn. They will not develop in so\ir milk because the lactic acid
prevents their growth.
If the cow's flanks and udders are sponged with a mild chlorine solution and
.the milker's hands disinfected, the chances of the bacteria getting into the milk will
'fbe greatly reduced. All u.tensils should be sterilized with steam, boiling water or
chlorine solution, Dr. Ruche said.
Pasteurization will prevent the formation of ropy milk, crovidcd the milk
is not exposed to contamination after it has been treated.
Where milk is lumpy or stringy when drawn, it is an indication that the cow
' is suffering from mastitis, or garget. In such cases, the milk should not bo used.
^
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
t;EW AGR BLDG
r."
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII June 5, 1935 H-umDer 23
ScJpnce Max Breed New Farm Merit Into One-Time Weed
■ Sweet clover, one-time weed that is now grown on approximately 900,000 acres
in Illinois, may rise to an even more prominent place as a soil building crop if it
continues to be improved in experiments now being carried on by the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
Already several experimental strains have been developed v/hich show desir-
able variations in maturity or which are able to withstand hard winters, dry weather
and disease. In general new strains are being sought that virill be better adapted to
soil and climatic conditions of Illinois than are the existing types.
Heretofore little work on sweet clover breeding has been done in the
United States, with the result that very few strains have definite breeding back of
them.
One of the facts determined from the college tests is that common biennial
sweet clover is cross-fertilized to a large extent by bees and other insects. This
accounts for the ;vide difference in date of maturity, habit of growth, leafiness and
susceptibility to disease, Tlfhile cross-fertilization caused these variations, it
also proved to be the means of developing desired strains of sv;eet clover.
By selecting the plants which had the desired characteristics, Woodworth
and his associates v/ere able to start the tedious process of developing pure strains.
The flowers of the desired plants were covered with bags, paper parchment, glassine,
cheese cloth or mineralized Tiffany cloth bags, thus preventing cross-fertilization
with plants of less desirable characteristics.
In 1934, v/hen common biennial check plants were compared with those selected
r late maturity, the check giants began to bloom 10 to 14 days before the late-
.turing variety, Woodworth said. This demonstrated the possibility of selection and
If-fertilization as a means of developing new strains. However, no new strains
tve been developed to the point where they are ready for farm use.
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llrre Tloan 1.100 Illinois Farmers Keep Herd Records.
There was a time when any cow that gave milk could qualify as a dairy animal,
.t during 1935 those on at least 1,150 Illinois farms must prove their vrorth or re-
linquish their places to more worthy successors, said J. G. Cash, dairy husbandry
cialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Recent organization of dairy herd improvement associations in Will, White-
ide and Franlclin-Jackson counties has brought the total for the state up to 60
associations with a membership of 1,150 farmers as compared to 25 associations and
607 farmers in 1925.
The purpose of these 60 associations is not to increase the total milk and
■Initterfat production of the state, but to encourage the keeping of fewer and better
Cows, Cash explained. This is accomplished through careful records on each cov; and
tlie culling out of those v/hich fail to show a reasonable profit,
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J. Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
r. '■*
IlL.
vol. XVIII-Hc. 33 «'"' «==*'""»» «^»=«'n9»r ^^^ 3
Terraces Demonstrate Value During High Rainfall Of May
With the past month recorded as one of the wettest liays in Illinois in 47
ars, well-maintained terraces have given a rare demonstration of their value in
nserving soil and moisture on farms throughout the state, according to R. C. Hay,
ricultural engineering extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois.
However, poorly-maintained terraces v/ere net satisfactory in stopping soil
shing, even though the rains for the most part were of the drizzling variety, Hay
, said.
1^ Keeping field terraces in good repair is as important as it is simple, in
■^^e opinion of Hay. If they were originally constructed at the proper grade with
wide, flat channels and v^rith ridges of sufficient height and width, terraces cam he
Kintained with little lahor and at small cost.
As an example, only a few hours extra work were required this spring to
store the effectiveness of terraces built in 1931 on the farm of George Hayes, near
Galva in Henry county. In brealcing up the field preparatory to planting it, Hayes
back- furrowed along the top of each terrace ridge and used a V-drr?^ to open the
terrace channels. Now his terraces are in better condition than when first built.
Terraces on cultivated land can not be ignored during plowing and cropping
-^Derations, if they are to be properly maintained. Plowing, planting or cultivating
icross the ridges rather than with the terraces may destroy the whole system in one
year. Hay declared. Such a practice will allow water to run through the ridge during
heavy rains and small gullies will be rapidly formed.
Farming terraced land on the contour, that is following the terraces, really
mounts to terracing the entire surface. While the regular terraces perform the big
job of conserving soil and preventing run-off, the crop rows, following the terraces,
I act as small terraces.
The "first cost of building terraces, vmile not exorbitant, amounts to a
considerable investment. To plant and cultivate the field \.'ithout regard to the
terraces is to waste practically all of the investment. The terrace investment should
be protected just as the farmer protects his livestock, buildings and machinery.
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Old Customs Hot Necessary For Success In Gardening
They may be old garden customs, but the pulling off of sweet corn suckers
. and the cutting of sweet potato vines do not rate a place in the list of profitable
i garden practices, according to B. L. Weaver, of the division of vegetable gardening,
College of Agricultui'e, University of Illinois.
Contrary to a long standing belief, pulling off the suckers does not in-
crease the yield or quality of the sweet corn. Consequently, the labor is wasted.
In addition to wasting money, time and labor, destroying the suckers also reduces
the fodder crop.
Another garden custom which has been found useless is that of lifting
sweet potato vines off the groxmd to prevent them from taking root at the joints.
The only object in lifting the vines is to cultivate under them and kill the weeds.
Weaver stated.
Cutting the sweet potato vines is another practice which does not pay. In
fact this practice may do more harm than good, since it v/ill destroy many of the
necessary leaves.
Leaves perform a vital function in the life and production of any garden
plant by converting raw materials into a usuable form. Sweet potato leaves convert
raw material into starch, sugar and other plant foods which build up the potatoes
and make them grow.
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I
Vol. XVIII— No. 23 ©lye Extension Messenger Page 3
Breeding Tests With Artichokes Will Aid Hew Crops
Any possibilities which the Anerican artichoke holds as a new crop for
I Illinois farmers are expected to be opened, up thro-ugh experiments which the College
" of A^ricultTire, University of Illinois is now condvucting on improved methods of
propagating the plants.
While the artichoke h£-,s possibilities as a livestock feed or as a cash crop
for fanners in this state, it has not beon introduced except in experimental plots
T-nd, t<^ a very limited extent, on farms, according to C, M. Woodworth, chief of the
olloge plant genetics division.
I One advance that has already been made in the experiments which the college
* has been conducting during the past three years is the discovery that hill selection
is an ineffective way of propagating the plants. Since artichokes cross-fertilize,
I the resulting seedlings var;,'' greatly as to height, nximber of branches, mildew in-
I fection, leaf blight, resistance to frost, stem color, and yield, size, shape and
i color of tubers. When rropagated from the tubers, however, the plants a,re very uni-
I form.
: This discovery has opened up the possibility nf developing adapted strains
i by crossing desirable self-fertilized plants and producing the crop with tubers secured
i f rom the superior hybrids. While no seed was produced during 1934, the tests are be-
k ing continued this spring with tubers from more than 100 seedling plants, Woodworth
I stated.
The artichoke is a good feod for hogs, cattle and other livestock, it has
been demonstrated by experiments. In addition its value as a h-uman food has been
proved. ITot only can the plant be eaten as a vegetable but also it can be processed
to produce both sugar and syrup,
Levulose sugar, produced from the articlioke, is a better preservative than
cane sugar for canned fruits and is a very effective sweetener wherever sugar is
needed. Syrup, produced at the college, was considered of very good quality by those
who tried it.
I
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This Is The Year To Deal Codling Moth A Death Blow
This is the year to deal the codling moth a death blow, said V. W. Kelley,
horticultural extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illi-
nois. Codling moths, which have damaged Illinois apple crops to the extent of a
million dolla.rs some years, were defeated in 1934 by hot, dry weather and effective
spraying. They must be kept on the run this year by effective spraying or they will
reorganize and return with a nev7 attac": in 1936.
Like an artillery barrage, the spraying mo^t be done thoroughly this sijmmer
so that every possible hideout of the moths will be reached by the deadly mist. In
addition the entire surfc.ce of every apple must be covered with the spray if the fruit
is to be protected.
The codling moth larva has no jjreference to sides., It is just as likely to
enter the apple from the side toward the center of the tree as from the outside. Con-
sequently, it is necessary to cover the surface of the fruit on both sides. This can
be done only by the use of proper spray guns in the hands of workmen who know the
problem and are conscientious in their efforts to do a good Job of spraying, Kelley
stated.
After the spray has dried, any spots that have been missed can bo seen. By
climbing the tree, the orchardist can inspect the surface of the fruit next to the
center as well as the top part of the tree. Finding the tmsprayed parts and giving
them a dose of the spray will go a long way toward assuring production of unblemished
I apples this year.
With large trejs the spray should be applied both from the inside and the
outsidec
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AGRICULTURAL LIBI^ARY
RCOM 22 5
KEIV AGFi BID;
»
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII June 12, 1935 N-umter 2k
Cold, Rainy Spring Gives Apple Crop Severe Setback
I
■ Cold, damp weather in May and in some cases the lack of adequate spraying
BLvc combined to seriously injure the Illinois apple crop, which during the past five
;Baxs has had an average farm value of $3,213,000, according to reports of the horti-
TOltural department, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The injury is
especially marked in the southern and northern sections of the state.
Other fruits, with the exception of peaches, appeared to be in good shape
on June 1.
Prospects for the apple crop have suffered because conditions during May
were ideal for the development of aprile scab, a fungus disease which attacks both
■;he foliage and the young fruit. With prolonged rainy weather it was impossible for
orchardists to apply sprays in many cases. This v;as especially true in the southern
and northern regions where the farm crop vvill be about 10 per cent of normal and the
commercial crop between 65 and 75 P^r cent, it was estimated by K. W. Anderson, fruit
.thologist.
Conditions are better in the v/estern sections where last year's drouth re-
.ced scab to a rainimiim, it was reported by K, J, Kadow, assistant pathologist.
Rainy weather is also blamed for the poor set observed in many apple
chords, since bees were not active during such weather and pollination was poor.
Ihilc most of the peaches missed frost damage, peach leaf curl, another
gus disease, has been riddling unsprayed orchards in the southern p,art of the
ate, according to V. W. Kelley, horticultural extension specialist. Trees sprayed
'uring the dormant season show very little injiiry, but the leaf curl is playing havoc
with the vinsprayed trees.
■■e Strawberry growers received both benefit and damage from the cold, wet
spring. The weather reduced the quality in some cases, but prolonged the season, in-
creasing the total yield. In some cases, yields were doubled even though acreage was
30 per cent less,
II- """"
K Eradication Of Moles Till Hasten Comeback Of Lawns
V Comeback of lawns and gardens after the drouth of I93U will be ^lastened if
^les are eradicated, said G. C. Oderkirk, of the U. S. Biological Survey, who is
cooperating with the College of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Natural History
Survey.
While various preparations will keep the moles away from the lawn or garden
temporarily, trapping is the most effective method of getting rid of the pests, Oder-
kirk said. The traps should be located along the main burrows or those which appear
to be fairly new. The traps should be reset frequently, especially during the early
forenoon and late afternoon when the moles are most active. The choker and scissor
type traps are the most efficient, although the prong type is satisfactory if 1* ^^
firmly anchored in the soil and the trigger is set in contact with the s^ face of the
rmway. In setting-any type of trap, the operator should first ^*^P^ ^^^Mly on the
sijrface of the runway and then locate the trap with the trigger m close contact ^atn
the soil, Oderkirk said.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Sl^t;e Extsnaxan Meaeengtt
Vol. XVIII— No. 2k Page 2
Bang* s Disease "Cures" Outdoing Chain Letter Racket
Chain letters have had their day, "but fake cures for Bang's disease of
cattle are still being sold to farmers for $5 to $g a pound, according to Dr. Robert
Graham, chief in animal pathology and hygiene, at the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois,
Just as there is no sure "get rich quick" scheme, there is no ciore for the
costly Bang's disease, in spite of the claims made by agents selling these cures, he
said.
One typical "cure" recently examined in a case before the federal co\irt was
found to be ordinary corn starch with just enough potassium permanganate added to
make a pink solution in water. A pound of this combination costs only a fev/ cents,
yet the manufacturer was selling it to farmers at from $5 to $12 for packages v/eigh'-
ing from a pound to a pound and a half. Not only was the price exorbitant but also
the mixture was absolutely worthless. Dr. Oraham stated. Pink cornstarch will not
-Cure Bang's disease, but at $5 to $12 a package will help keep down the pocketbook,
■ Since Bang's disease causes great losses to herd owners each year, mojiy
farmers are willing to try some "medicine" which, agents claim, will eliminate the
disease from the herd. Some credence is given to these claims by the fact that some
cows develop a resistance to the disease, causing the symptoms to pass away. Often
the quack remedy is given credit for this natural occurrence.
Even though the symptoms pass away, the animal retains the disease and is
capable of spreading it to the rest of the herd. Only by finding the reactors and
eliminating them from the herd can the farmer rid his farm of Bang's disease, Dr.
Graham explained.
For details of Bang's disease tests, livestock men should commun.ica,tc vifith
state or federal livestock sanitary officials or the college, it was recommended. At
the present time the federal government is carrying on an eradication campaign in
Illinois and other states which offers indemnities to owners for cattle removed from
the herd. In addition, the college is continiaing a project which for several years
has been giving farmers a chance to test their cattle and eliminate reactors,
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Pressure Cooker An Econom:/, Not An Expensive Luxury
Ear from being an expensive luxury, the steam pressure cooker will be an
economy to Illinois housewives who plan to reduce next winter's food bills by canning
f3ru.it and vegetables this summer, says Miss Glenna A. Henderson, foods extension
specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Pressure cookers can be bought for as low as $8 although the average price
ranges from $10 to $25. By using a cooker, the homemaker will be able to provide the
family with safe canned foods and also prevent spoilage, especially of the non-acid
vegetables and meats, thus saving majiy times the cost of this -oiece of equipment.
Since there is practically nothing to wear out, the equipment will last for years.
The pressure cooker operates on the simple principle of increased heat with
increased pressure. With the hot-water-bath method, the temperature never goes higher
than 212 degrees fahrenheit at' sea level. With the cooker, however, much higher
tenroeratuj-es can be reached because of the steam pressure generated.
Non-acid vegetables may spoil in the can unless they are subjected to the
high temperatures possible only in the pressure cooker. In some cases the spoilage
is accompanied by the formation of Clostridium botvilinum, a bacterium which gives
off poison. While fruits may be processed in the pressure cooker, the high tempera-
j tiires are not necessary for the successful canning of these foods.
i
Sri|« Extension Meaatn^t
Vol. XVIII— No. 2k Page 3
Danger Of Heavy Damage To Peaches Can Be Prevented
Saving the peach crop in those Illinois areas infested with peach leaf curl
11 be possible only through an immediate application of some quickly available nitro-
m fertilizer, in the opinion of V. W. Kelley, pomologist at the College of Agri-
ture, University of Illinois.
Foliage is rapidly being destroyed by the fungus disease, especially in the
>uthern part of the state. The application of a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer may
!lp the trees to grow new foliage, thus saving the fruit crop.
Calcium nitrate and sodium nitrate are both suitable for such emergency use,
lince the nitrogen is already in a usable form. The fertilizer should be sprinlzled on
\h.e soil xmder the tree at the rate of one-fourth pound for each year's age of the
free. The material becomes effective just as soon as it is washed into the soil by
'ain.
While the nitrogen preparations are beneficial to the foliage at any time
Ing the summer, they must be applied at once if the new foliage is to become effec-
live in saving this year's fruit crop, Kelley stated.
Peach'growers who applied a dormant spray are having very little trouble
dth leaf curl, but this fungus disease has practically destroyed the leaves on un-
sprayed trees. Had the spring been less rainy, the fungus might not have gained such
headway, but the cold, rainy weather was ideal for the growth and spread of the disease,
Happily, no more attacks will be suffered this year. Hence the second
foliage growth will not need a protective spray. However, peach growers should not
forget to s-nray early next spring, Kelley warned. With the start made this year,
peach leaf curl might ruin the entire peach crop in 193^ if spraying measures should
be neglected.
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Not All "Ants" Are The Destructive Wlaite Termites
Wliile the termite is one of the heaviest tax collectors in Illinois, many
home owners become unduly alarmed by the presence of winged ant-like insects swarming
around the premises early in June, said W. P. Flint, entomologist of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. Often the insects are ants which do no damage
^0 buildings,
m. By learning to recognize termites and to distinguish them from ants and
similar insects, the home owner will know when to take measures for the protection of
his buildings.
Although the termite is often called a "white ant," it is no relation to the
ant, Flint stated. The wings and the waistlines are the distinguishing features of
the two insects. Termites have practically no waistlines, and their tv/o pairs of
transparent wings are almost identical in size and shape, being slender and about
twice the length of the insect's body. Ants, on the other hand, have slender waistline
which almost cut them in two. Their inner wings are smaller than the outer pair.
Termites are about the same size as some ants, that is, three sixteenths of an inch
long. Termites are usually black, as are also some ants, but ants may have reddish
IJlack, yellow or brown bodies.
The worker termites that do the damage are creamy white, thus accounting
for the term "w?iite ant" often applied to these insects. These white workers are not
among those found swarming in the early summer.
Where insects are identified as termites, immediate steps should be taken
to rid the premises of these pests and to protect the biaildings from f\irther infes-
tation,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
K
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
JTolime XVIII June I9, I933 dumber 25
Swine Malady In More Herds Than Many Owners Realize
Many herds of hojs on Illinois farms are harboring Traun's disease, or in-
ctious abortion, without the owner's knowledge, according to a newly revised cir-
ar which the College of Agricultiire, University of Illinois has just issued to
Ip farraers overcome this drain on their profits. The circular is entitled,
rucellosis in Swine," and v;as prepared by Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal path-
logy and hygiene, and Miss Viola H. Michael, first assistant.
Twenty-six cases of the disease have "been found in 22 different counties of
.e state during the past several years, hut many more herds than this undoubtedly
rry the infection, the circiilar points out. Heavy losses from premature hirth of
l^igs are traceable to this disease.
Only careful testing, elimination of reactors and sanitation are effective
keeping down the disease, according to the animal pathologists. Wo cure has "been
found for the infection.
The disease may exist in the herd without the farmer's 1-mowing it because
infected sows may farrow healthy litters and show no signs of harhoring the malady.
On the other hand when a sow or gilt looses her pigs, the cause may not necessarily
"be infectious abortion. Often the purchase of bred sows from supposedly clean hut
actually infected herds has been the means of spreading the disease from herd to herd.
The disease is spread through contamination of premises, feed and water and
from infected boars to sows during the breeding season.
Two dependable tests are available for ascertaining whether or not hogs are
infected with the disease. The blood agglutination test, if positive, is a definite
indication that the animal lias the disease. Even more definite is the finding of the
microorganisms causing tlie disease. This is accomplished thro\agh microscopic ex-
aminations of discharges from the suspected hog.
A number of breeders are having their herds tested for infectious abortion
with the view of having them accredited. Herds under the supervision of accredited
veterinarians and enrolled in project IOI46 of the Agricultural Experiment Station,
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, and which give two anntial or three
semi-annual tests are accredited free from brucellosis by the Illinois Department of
Agriculture.
Along with the testing and elimination of infected animals, the pens, hog
houses and equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A Jt-ver-cent
solution of compound creosol is satisfactory for this purpose.
Man is susceptible to Uiidulant fever caused by infection from hogs having
Traum's disease. Since the infection ustially enters through a break in the skin,
great care should be taken in handling infected animals or parts of carcasses.
-U-
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
V^. XVIII— No. 25 Page 2
Imprope r Mai 11 n,*; o£ Bugs Blocks Control of Pests
Of the hiindreds of insect specimens which worried farmers and other citizens
,t to the College of Agricultures University of Illinois each week for identification,
are so badly damaged in shipment as to make identification impossible, according
W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the college and the Illinois State Natural
Mstory Survey.
IB One danger in this is that if some new or rare insect should he fo\.md in
some part of the state and then be damaged beyond identification in shipment, there
rt be costly and needless delay in combating an outbrealr of the pest.
There are more than 20,000 different kinds of insects occurring in Illinois,
all of which have at least three distinctly different forms or life stages. To be
^|U.e to recognize any one insect from this group, it is necessary to see various
Ij^ngs on the insect's body, such as color, shape, mouth parts, wings and legs. When
these structtires are destroyed by crushing in the mails, it often is impossible to
a||ke identifications.
H The damage is caused by the insects being sealed in ordinary envelopes or
'flimsy paper boxes and then being smashed when the mail goes through the stamping
-achine. The entomology staff is more than glad to assist farmers, gardeners and
.Draemalcers of the state in identifying insects, Flint stated, but that is almost im-
possible when the "bug" arrives in the form of a sticky smudge vath only a part of a
leg or wing intact.
One of the best systems of mailing specimens is to drop the insect into a
in tobacco box, wrap and tie the box secuxelj'- and mail it. With especially fragile
(■BCimens it is sometimes a good idea to use cotton packing inside the box.
B j\nother good method of shipping insect specimens is to place them inside a
B^tle and close the bottle with a cotton stopper. The cotton is preferred, since it
islldom shakes out as will a rubber of cork stopper and at the same time allows air to
Dass into the bottle and prevent the decay and putrefaction of the insect. The bottle
:- harder to wrap and address than the tin box, since it must be packed inside some
sort of container to prevent breakage.
Whatever kind of package is used, the sender should address the package to
the chief entomologist at Urbana, using plain accurate lettering. If the package is
sent by parcel post, as is usually done, there should be no writing other than the
ider's name and address in the package unless it is sent first class.
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Yellows Gains Headway In Some Strawberry Plantings
Blakemore yellows, at one time considered a virus disease affecting Blalce-
nore strawberries, is especially prevalent in Illinois this year and should be com-
bated by immediate roguing of mother beds, according to H- W. Anderson, chief of
fruit pathology at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The yellows is apparently a characteristic introduced in the original cross
Df the plants just as some Delicious apple trees produce deep red sports. Any BlaJce-
jaore strawberry plant, whether green or j^ellow, may produce a yellows runner or plants,
(but a yellows mother plant always prodxices yellow progeny.
Consequently, only such mother plants as show no signs of having the so-^
lalled disease should be used for setting a new bed, Anderson stated. By eliminating
the individual plants showing signs of yellows, the gardener will be able to avoid
I setting out yellows plants next spring. The yellows plants should be taJcen out of
the bed during June when they are large enough to spot easily but before the runner
J. plants have formed.
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iCi
ii
Vol. XVIII— No. 25 Page
I
Roosters Ceji't Crow About Ef;g Loss Of Five Millions
Roosters have notliing to crow atout for the rest of tlie stiinmer, for they
,111 cause a loss of from $30 to $U0 in every poultry flock of 100 hens unless they
ire taken out to prevent fertile eggs, says H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. This loss from fertile eggs
that spoil in hot weather is a conservative estimate hased upon cxirrent feed and egg
prices. It represents 25 to 30 per cent of the annual egg income from laying flocks,
said.
The direct loss of $30 to $U0 that roosters cause the farmer throxigh fertile
^s that spoil does not include tlie loss of feed used in producing the spoiled eggs,
said. Altogether it is estimated that roosters cause a loss of ahout $5,000,000
Illinois farmers each year.
TiTlhere egg huyers candle and grade eggs, the loss is direct, since spoiled
sggs are culled out hefore the dealer makes the purchase. Faile grading and candling
is not practiced hy a large percentage of dealers, those v/ho huy on the count "basis
are forced to pay a smaller price, thus causing an indirect loss to the farmer. This
3 well illustrated hy the fact that several Illinois poultrymen v;ere ahle to get
■^ cents a dozen for graded eggs on a Hew York market, v;hile their local "run of the
.^ock" price was I9 cents. The spread "between graded and count-"basis prices is grow-
tmk wider as the weather "becomes wanner.
1 .. Roosters are necessary during the breeding season v;hen eggs must "be fertile
to hatch, "but at other times of the year should be sold or confined. Alp said,
specially desirable birds or yo^ong cockerels may be held over if they are kept away
I^Kn the laying flock.
H As egg and feed prices go to higher levels, the loss from fertile eggs be-
Hbs greater. However, the secret of Mghest cash income from eggs at any price
"les in good breeding, proper feeding, better housing and the production of infertile
.£gs which are ravich less likely to spoil.
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tProuth-Damai-Ted Trees Have Small Chance For Comeback
Few of the many trees ruined by last summer's drouth can be saved, L. E.
.er, extension forester at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, said
in discussing numerous inquiries from Illinois people as to what should be done with
drouth-ridden trees. The best procedure inmost cases is to cut the trees for fire
iMod. or lumber.
tK ^There only a part of the top is dead, careful management may tide over the
tree until new top growth and foliage are sufficient to support life and growth. The
ground under the tree should be spaded up to make a good soil mulch and this supple-
mented by three or four inches of barnyard manure. All of the dead wood should be
cut out of the top. Where dead trees are removed this stramer, plans should be made
Miff replacements next spring.
Ik Damage done by the drouth drove home the fact that livestock shov^ld be kept
IW: of the wood lot, Sawyer said. Livestock damage to trees is not apparent in v/et
"Sars, but the acciimulated damage of many seasons shows up in dry years like 193^'
;•: fact, the worst damage last year was invariably in wood lots used as livestock
pasture. Livestock keep the secondary growth eaten and tramped down, letting winds
get a better sweep close to the ground. This causes the ground to dry out rapidly.
In addition, the ground is packed liard by the constant trampling, and organic matter
and natural m-ulch are destryoed. The result is that the rainfall r'lns off the
groxmd rather tlian soaking in. Evaporation is speeded up by the lack of mulch.
ft
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOU 225
NEW AGR 6LD6
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
folurae XVIII June 26, 1935 N-umber 26
Hi^h-'G-rade Land Leads Way In Upturn Of Farm Values
With the recent gain in farm incomes in Illinois, high-grade farm land is
ting the pace in the increase in farm real estate values, according to C. L, Stewart,
ef in land economics at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
High-grade land has shown an average of between 25 and 37i" per cent increase
e 1933 ^s compared to 12^ to 25 per cent for the medium and poor grades. With a
large share of the top-grade land located in the central part of Illinois, farmers in
that section were favored with greater valuation increases than were those in the poor-
land sections, mostly in the south and the medium grades in the northern sections.
Ilk This widening of the gap between high and low grades of land is the reverse
■ff what happened in Illinois and other states between I92O and 1933 when prices of
farm, land were falling. The falling values served as a leveler of prices on good and
poor land.
Approximately ^1.7 per cent of the farm land in Illinois is rated as top
grade, according to a recent five-grade classification of all land in the United States.
The second, third and f oxt th grades amounted to about 18.3 pe^ cent each, while the
i^th, or poorest, grade was only 2,9 per cent of all the farm land in Illinois.
IBT For the entire nation, farm land falls into the five grades in the following
proportion: First grade, 5.3 per cent; second, 11,1 per cent; third, 1S,1 per cent;
fourth, 19.1 per cent; and fifth, U6,U per cent. Only Iowa outranks Illinois with a
larger proportion of grades one and two combined.
While tax rates on Illinois farm land are still burdensome in relationship
to prices received and paid by farmers, omission of the state levy in recent years has
lightened the load considerably. In fact, this may have had more influence in increas-
ing farm land values thcUi the increased prices for farm products, Stewart believes,
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Falling Of Leaves Is. Caused By Anthracnose Damage
Spotting, withering and falling of leaves from sycamore, oak and nr.ple trees
f^t is now causing so much comment is the work of the anthracnose disease, says Dr.
L. R. Tehon, botanist of the Illinois State Natural History Survey, cooperating with
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Almost complete prevention of anthracnose can be obtained by spraying sus-
ceptible kinds of trees with bordeaux mixture. The first spray should be applied while
the leaves are unfolding. If Y;et weather continues, the spray must be repeated at
intervals of five to ten days in order to prevent the occurrence of new infections.
Sven if the first spray is omitted, much of the infection can be prevented and the
beauty of shade trees largely preserved by beginning to spray as soon as anthracnose
infection is observed. Trees that have suffered severely can often be induced to make
good growth if they are supplied with a nitrogenous fertilizer.
An epidemic of the disease is always to be expected in wet cool springs. As
a- rule trees suffer very little permanent damage from the -anthracnose attack.
-M-
Printed in furlherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congreas May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumforb, Director.
m
Insects Brighten Chances For Seed Crop Off Clover
This may be one of those rare years when insects will come to the aid of
mors and give them the benefit of a cash seed crop from the first cutting of red
iVer, according to W. P. Flint, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Natural
tory Survey and of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
In answer to numerous inquiries, he is recommending that farmers let the
first crop of red clover stand for seed if eno'ugh heads have bloomed to produce a
profitable crop of seed. However, if heads are so scarce that only a light seed crop
»n be expected, farmers may as well follow the usual practice of cutting the first
I Dp for hay and letting the second crop stand for seed, he said.
Shortages of clover seed following the 193^ drouth and the increasing
reages of legumes throughout the United States have combined to put a premium on the
pduction of seed crops, it was pointed out. Success of the clover seed crop, how-
er, depends largely upon the presence of certain insects that pollinate the seed
— ,ds, Flint said.
This year it just so happens that there are rather large numbers of clover
linators present. Farmers can expect a good set of seed in the heads that bloom
'for the first crop. Ordinarily only the second crop of clover is used for seed, be-
cause by that time there are nearly always enough bumblebees to insure a good set of
'^ed, although this seed may later be destroyed by other insects.
The chief threat to seed from first-crop clover this year is the clover bud
weevil. It has destroyed so many of the clover buds that it is doubtful if enotigh
■leads will form in many fields to make a profitable seed crop in the first cutting.
Any seed that the farmer can get from the first crop undoubtedly will be
TOrth saving, inasmuch as there are several seed-destroying insects that are fairly
iib\mdant this year and that are likely to cause more or less injury to second-crop
Iseed, Flint said.
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Danger Of Deadly "Stalk" Disease Still In Old Corn
With sporadic outbreaks of the so-called cornstalk disease still occurring
in Illinois, farmers can not afford to take chances feeding either grain or fodder of
ithe 193^ crop to their horses, said Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal pathology and
;Kygiene at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The outbrealt which was at its peak during the past winter is estimated to
have caused a loss of nearly half a million dollars among farmers in the central sec-
tions of the state. Estimated loss during the winter period amounted to approximately
5,000 horses.
No definite conclusions have been reached as to v/hether the grain or the
fodder has been the cause of the trouble. The disease was reproduced experimentally
by placing horses in a 55-acre corn field in Champaign County during the winter. Con-
firming observations by veterinarians and stockmen indicated that damaged corn, such
as that grown during the drouth of 193*+ ni^iy, in some way, be responsible for losses
of horses from the disease.
Old corn has been fed with safety to hogs and cattle on the same farms where
the horses died.
Since there is a strong indication that the I93U corn is at the root of the
trouble, oats should be used as a horse feed until a new corn crop is available,
according to Dr. Graham,
Early treatment of the diseased horse by a local veterinarian will often
iresult in a cure. The first symptoms are sluggishness, staggery gait and evidence of
'Sleepiness and blindness. When any of these first symptoms appear, the veterinarian
^should be called. After the horse goes down and is unable to rise, death usually
follows.
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©tyc Extension Messenger
.. XVIII— No. 26 Pa^e 3
^ Tiny Bacteria Are Worst Enemies Of Milk Producers
■ Even though it woiild require about eight billion bacteria of average size to
nal the size of an ordinary cigarette, these little organisms are the dairyman's
Rrst enemy when it comes to lowering the market quality and value of milk, according
0 J. M. Brannon, dairy bacteriologist at the College of Agriculture, University of
llinois. The toll taken by these bacteria will begin to mount as soon as the weather
;ets hotter, and yet there are many who still doubt that anything like ba.cteria, exists
n milk, he said.
They not only are guilty of souring milk but also change its color, flavor
nd consistency. Souring is especially prevalent during the svimner months, because
Ixe bacteria involved in the case thrive at the temperatures at which milk is generally
:ept during that season.
Cleanliness and immediate cooling of the milk after it is drawn are the only
ff active ways of combating sour milk which, until the coming of modern refrigeration
Jttd sterilization equipment, was the bane of every dairyman. Incidently, the bacterium
causing sour milk is used to an advantage in producing buttermilk, acidophilus and
lulgaricus milks, as well as butter and cheese, Brannon stated.
Some changes in milk actually injure its food value, others spoil its appear-
ince and nearly all of them caused dissatisfied users. While a few of the bacteria
.hrive in low temperatures, prompt cooling, sanitation and sterilization will go a
ong way toward keeping the milk in the best condition,
Wise Strawberry G-rowers Prepare Now For 193b Crop
With one of the best strawberry seasons ever recorded in Illinois drawing to
: close, growers can protect their improved position by thoro\:ighly renovating their
matches this summer, it is pointed out by V. W. Kelley, fr^-iits extension specialist at
■he College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. To rest en the good season they
lave just had may mean that they will have a record poor crop next year, he said.
Renovating or "working out" the strawberry patch each summer helps to pro-
rate more vigorous runner plants for the coming year and also keeps in check the
'axious insect and disease pests that attack strawberry plants.
Each spring the mother plants send out runners on which a part of the fruit
:rop is produced. If the old plaiits are not reduced and thinned, the patch will be a
langled mass of old and new runners which will yield inferior berries. After the
latch has been renovated by a thorough mowing, raking and burning, the old rows should
le "barred off" with a plow or disc, leaving a ridge of plants only a few inches wide.
)hen the old plants can be thinned to a distance of nearly three feet apart.
After the patch has been renovated and thinned, it should be cultivated to
:eep down the weeds and to prevent the formation of too many muiner plants, Kelley
stated. If fertilizer is needed, it may be worked into the soil near the row during
iultivation.
Each row should be held to a width of about IS to 20 inches. New plants
:cming from each mother plant should be limited to six to ten for each square foot.
Jach vigorous varieties as the Blakemore should be held to even less.
Along with thinning the plants, the renovation process will help clean out
;he diseased plants and discourage insects. Because of this strawberries can usually
)e grown successfully without the use of sprays. Not more than two crops should be
prown on the same ground in succession unless the vigor of the plants can be main-
tained at a high level.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
U
:.n.
I
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Ifolume XVIII July 3, I935 Number 27
r
Drouth Broken But Bugs Still Cost Growe rs Fortune
While Illinois gardens are not "being rained 'oy drouth this yeoTf gardeners
and vegetaole growers still stand to lose "between four and five nillion dollars from
insects if the season is average. This is pointed out in a nev/ circular, "Saving
Jarden Crops Prom Insect Injury," which has just "been published 'oy the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Insecticides are essential in tlie control of injurious insects, but cul-
tural practices are also of great "benefit in reducing the damage, according to the
fular, which was prepared "by L. H. Shropshire, field entomologist, and C. C.
ton, associate entomologist, Illinois State Natural Historj^ Survey, who are
erating with the college.
Some 5^ insects which commonly attack garden plants are listed in the cir-
r. A description of each insect, its habits, method of injury, life history and
and the best means of control is given. Illustrations are included to help gardeners
recognize the various kinds of injurious bugs.
Insects attacking each of the major vegetable and tru_ck crops are grouped
separately and control measures outlined for each of them. There are separate sec-
tions for insects attacking cabbage and related crops, potatoes, sweet com, tomatoes
and eggplant, vine crops, onions, peas and beans, p.sparagas; beets, spinach, lettuce,
;elery and dill; carrots and parsnips, horse radish and sweet potatoes.
With insecticides playing an important part in the control of garden in-
sects, the circular explains the composition, the kinds of insects against which each
;type of poison is effective and the precautions which must be observed in handling
;the insecticides. Arsenate of lead and the fl-uosilicates are not recommended for
.plants where the treated portions will serve for food, since there is slight danger
Df poisoning.
The two general types of insecticides, stomach and contact poisons, are
scribed in the circular and directions given for mixing, applying and handling them,
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Safety In Homes Would Reduce Bill Of 6OO Millions
With home injuries costing people of the country 60O million dollars a year.
Fourth of July is a good time to start an intensive safety campaign in every Illi-
s home, in the opinion of Miss Gladys J. Ward, home management specialist at the
lege of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Homes seem to be getting more dangerous instead of safer on the basis of the
dence that there were 3,000 more fatalities from home accidents in 193^1- than there
in 1933, she said. Tlie total for the past year, according to figures from the
:tional Safety Council, was 33,000, the largest since the council started mailing
38tira,ates of homo injuries and deaths.
The estimated total of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in the home during
WbB past year was U, 200,000. The cost of these inj\iries, including wage loss, medi-
cal Care and overhead expense of insiirance amounted to 60O million dollars.
i.
Primed ill furlherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Dircclnr.
^1 XVIII— ITo. 27 Page 2
Threshing Season Is Welcome Belief To Stock Feeders
Opening of the threshing season in Illinois is more v/elcome thrji ever this
wear, for it means the end of drouth feed shortages for stockmen v/ho have "been forced
to biiy com, said 5. T. Roohins, livestock extension specialist at the College of
AgricTolture, University of Illinois.
V?hen com is worth $1 a bushel, wheat is worth a dollar for general feeding
ourposes, rye 80 cents, "barley JO cents and oats 5O cents. This difference l(et^veen
bhe price of com and of small grains allows for the grinding of small grains in most
:ases. The "best results are usually ohtained where the small grain is coarsely grovind,
Etobbins stated.
For fattening cattle not more than half of the ration should he composed of
\ny one small grain. Equa.l parts of wheat and oats form a satisfactoiy cattle fatten-
ing ration, especially when supplemented with one pound of cottonseed meal to each
seven pounds of grain along v/ith clover hay.
Such a ration has been fed to steers at the college with good results. The
steers averaged 2,36 pounds of gain daily for three months. At that time com was 77
;ents a bushel, wheat 70 cents and oats 30 cents. A greater profit was returned on
khis ration than where com or other grain combinations were used with the same sup-
plements.
Pigs growing and fattening on pasture do well even though v/heat replaces all
3f the corn in the ration. A ration of whole wheat and tanlcage, free choice, and
pasture has also shown good results. The addition of a small criount of v/hole oats
jr "up to one-third of the grain content in ground oats improved the ration.
Guernsey Field Day Is Set For July 10 Hear Wl:icaton
Recent encouraging upturns in the dairy industry are expected to help swell
the turnout of Guernsey cattle breeders for the annual field day of the Illinois Guern-
sey Cattle Breeders' Association which will be held on the St. Jrmes Farm, near
Hheaton, on July 10.
Approximately 5OO probably will attend, according to those in charge of the
program. Prof. C. S. Rhode, of the dairy department, College of Agriculture, Uhi-
/ersity of Illinois, will be master of ceremonies for the day's program, and E. I.
Pilchard, boys' ^-H club specialist of the college, will be in charge of a Guernsey
jtidging contest open' to teams of ^H club members from any part of the state.
In addition to the contest other features of the program will include an
Inspection of the St. James herd, wMch is one of the best representatives of the
juemsey breed in the state. Outstanding animals as well as methods of feeding, breed-
itCi and. managing the herd will be attractions.
L. R. McNeil, Tuscola, is president of the Illinois Guernsey Cattle Breeders'
tosociation, which is arranging the field day. H. C. Homeman, Danville, is secretary-
treasurer, and directors are H. W. 7/inker, Belleville, R. E. Muckelroy, Carbondale,
aid L. C. Studer, Roanoke,
Plans for the meeting have the advantage of being laid at a time v/hen Guern-
sey breeders and other dairymen are taking stock of a number of encouraging features
in the industry. Prices of dairy products are markedly higher than they were last year,
and with the short storage stocks and a fairly steady demand should maintain a reason-
ably firm position, economists believe, pasture is much improved over what it was a
year ago, thereby easing the feed situation, while butter imports, which amounted to
iO million po-'jnds during the first five months of the year, have largely ceased owing
bo the disappearance of the import margin between New York and London prices.
®1|» Extension UJcBsengsr
X '/1 1 1— No. 27 Page 3
Fanners Are Out To Save Timothy And Red Clover Seed
With supplies of red clover and timothy seed much smaller than usual and more
such seed "being used for soil conservation and crop adjustment purposes, there will
be an added premium on all tlie red clover and timothy seed that Illinois farmers can
manage to save this season, in the opinion of J. J. Pieper, crop production specialist
«the College of Agriculture, Universit;,' of Illinois.
Fortunately, enou;^ clover pollinating insects mny he present tliis year to pro-
duce seed in the first cutting of red clover. Ordinarily, however, the first crop is
cut for hay and the field then left for seed. 'The amount of seed produced hy this seo-
ond crop depends largely upon bees. Since the pollen of rod clover is heavy £>jad sticky,
the crop will not fertilize -unless there are plenty of insects to scatter the pollen.
Bvinble "bees, the large solitar;/- bees and the adults of cutworms and aimy worias arc the
,best carriers of pollen.
■K Hed clover should be cut for seed when the most rips heads are on the plants
■'SW.d Pieper. If the crop is cut too early, the seed will shrivel. Late cutting means
■jtfei.t a lot of the seed will be ;vastcd by shattering.
|H While there is both a seed and hay shortage of timothy, the hay shortage will
Be the easiest to make up, according to Pieper. A large acrea/^o of soybeans as well as
recently seeded alfalfa rjid other forage crops will help supply the hay. Consequently,
,9BDUgh timothy should be left to supply at least the f aimer's ovm needs for seed next
The best time to harvest timothy seed is when most of the heads have turned
pwn and the seed is just beginning to shatter from the extreme tips of a small portion
.the earliest heads.
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Heavy Bains Show Need Of Efficient Water Equipment
Heavy rains in Illinois during the past few weeks have emphasized the need for
iper construction of livestock watering places to keep them from becoming mud holes
ifilled with dirty, unpalatable water which is a costly menace to livestock health, said
•A. Poster, rural architect at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Keeping plenty of clean, fresh water in every pasture .?jnd feed lot is a basic
nciple of good livestock management and one practical safe^^uard against spread of
disease . The supply may come from a well, spring or stream, but the actual watering
place should be so constructed as to protect the water from contpjaination.
Where the source of the water is a pond, the v/ater v/ill recede as the dry se.i-
son of the year approaches. This will necessitate the livestock wading knee-deep through
aud to reach the stagnant, impure water unless special provisions are made to avoid t.Ms,
,_r One of the best watering systems for a permonent pasture can be made by building
■UBhoi't concrete trough in a spring nmaid providing a corrugated concrete approach. This
'arrangement makes the water easily accessible for the herd and does avyay V7ith the mud
hole menace.
Watering places which prevent contamination, formation of mud holes and waste
of water are not only useful during wet seasons such as the present but are also well
worth the monej;- during dry seasons such as the stimmer of 193^'-»
Where plenty of gravel or stone is available, either of these materials may be
substituted for concrete in the construction of approaches. However, sharp rocks should
be avoided, since they may injure animals' feet.
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'V . . .,
. SS3 WOOH
Auvuan ivHriiinoiaov
iWLvme XVIII
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
July 10, 1935
Ntimber 2g
Welcome Rains Destroy Millions Throvigh Soil Erosion
(
Welcome as they have been, record rains throvi^out Illinois this spring have
t farmers millions of dollars in soil erosion and left damage which will take years
repair, it is estimated by Dr. W. L, Burlison, head of the department of agronomy
chairman of the soil conservation committee, College of Agriculture, University of
inols.
Fortunately, farmers and the general public have been so struck by the dam^t
,t there is now a more concerted effort than ever before to halt erosion and keep
m lands and valuable soil fertility at home, he said.
Streams and rivers filled with muddy water, fields striped with newly formed
lets, gullys that have widened and deepened and ditches that have been silted fuU
partly full have all served to bring home the unreckoned damage which erosion has
e to -unprotected fields, according to Dr. Burlison.
In May alone almost double the normal amount of rainfall was reported by lOl
ther stations of the state, Dr. Burlison said. The average was 7.78 inches, whereas
normal amount is U»l6 inches. Flood damage has been reported in 25 of the 102 coun-
s of the state.
Erosion this spring was at its worst on three million acres of Illinois land
j||p>t should never be farmed, Dr. Burlison said. Less severely hit were another three
iSllion acres that are subject to serious erosion and that are suitable only for or-
iprding, permanent pasture or timber. There is aji additional area of more than
&6lS,000 acres in the state where erosion lowered the productivity of the land unless
P was protected, and little of it was, he said. Soil washing even added to its toll
k 16,000,000 acres of relatively flat land in the state where erosion occurs on the
^^teer slopes,
B Erosion was all the worse during the heavy rains because of the after effects
iBthe 193^ dry weather, Dr, Burlison pointed out. In many fields the earth was dry
K powdery when the heavy rains came, and tons of val-uable top soil went down rivers
Sd streams to make them still muddier than they already were, he said. With the top
toil washed away, valuable fertility elanents were lost and the raw subsoil was brought
learer the surface. Once erosion has advanced to the place where the subsoil is ex-
)Osed, Nature can build it into tillable top soil only after thousands of years, Dr,
IJurlison said.
The fact that many fields also were stripped of vegetation sis a result of
193^ drouth made erosion losses heavier this, year, Dr, Borliscn said.
Seriousness of soil erosion this spring has given new impetus to the work
ch the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois has been carrying on for years
., help farmers cope with this problem. One of the most recent developments in this
rork has been the inaioguration by Dean H, W, M-umford of the state coordinated soil con-
servation and improvement project which brings together the forces of all agencies now
ive in this field.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
I
IF Sl^tjf iExtetiston Mesaen^st
Vol. XVIII— No. 28 Page 2
Harvesting Skill Of Farmer Taxed In Season Like This
A little special equipment and a lot of patience are the only means for farm-
ers to overcome lodged straw and imiddy fields in harvesting the state's crop of
2,209,000 acres of wheat, rye, oats and "barley this season, according to A, L, YoTing,
ifcricvilt-ural engineer at the College of Agricult-ure, University of Illinois. Heavy
iHins have made harvesting a far more complicated problem than it -usually is, he said.
■ Suitable drive-wheel lugs and a power take-off will usually solve the muddy
iKeld problem for the farmer who uses a tractor and power binder. The owner of a horse
Wnder, whether he pulls it with horses or tractor, has a different problem to meet in
a muddy field, since the bull wheel of the binder skids and the binder will not work.
■B The only satisfactory solution to this problem is the use of a small gasoline
"ttgine attached to the binder and coupled to the cutting and binding mechanism of the
machine , Young stated.
!■ Lodged straw offers a difficult problem at the best, said Young. Extension
^a.rds attached to the regular guards of the binder are of some help in picking up and
straightening the straw. Varying grain conditions also call for frequent changes of
reel. If the grain is badly lodged, it may be necessary to cut only in one direc-
tn, that is opposite the way the straw lays.
Cutting with a mower and raking is not a satisfactory method, but may be used
,th some success for small fields and where the straw is so badly lodged and tangled
to prevent binding.
During rainy years, such as the present, it is advisable to set the bun-
s up in long, narrow shocks to give them plenty of opportunity to dry out. It is
so best to delay cutting until the grain is fairly ripe and make small b-ojidles that
11 dry readily,
Fireworks Trash Harbors Danger For Farm Livestock
FoTirth of July, with all its popping firecrackers, swishing skyrockets and
beautiful firework displays, is over, but danger lingers on for farm livestock that
nay eat the remains of fireworks, said Dr. Robert G-raham., chief in animal pathology
and hygiene at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Many varieties of fireworks contain yellow phosphorus, a highly poisonous
substance. The remains of firecrackers and other Fourth of July explosives often con-
tain a small amount of this poison. When these remains are eaten by cattle, hogs,
poultry and other farm stock, there is a possibility that the animals will die from
the effects of the yellow phosphorus.
A striking example cf the danger is shown in the case of a farmer near Cham-
paign who, two years ago, lost $150 worth of hogs because the animals ate the remains
:f 15 cents worth of exploded torpedoes. The stomachs and livers of the dead hogs were
examined and traces of yellow phosphorus found.
The rest of the herd were treated '.vith appropriate doses of copper sulphate
■nd potassium permanganate and showed no symptoms of chronic poisoning.
Practically all the danger from this source can be eliminated if the remains
of exploded fireworks are cleaned up from the premises and burned, Dr. Sraham declared.
It may seem like a tedious job, but when I5 cents worth of torpedoes may kill $150 -jorth
of hogs as they did for the Chaanpaign county farmer, it is a job worth while, he pointed
out.
i
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S^i;0 Hxtsnsxan MeB»Bngsif
Vol. XVIII— No, 28 Page 3
Good Fast-ures Do Nojt End Bisk Of Snakeroot Poison
Heavy rains which have made Illinois pastirre lujcuriant this year have not
ded the danger of white snakeroot poisoning to man and to livestock d-uring the com-
few months, according to a warning in a newly revised circular, "Wliite Snakeroot
bisoning," which has just been issued by the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Even though pasture grass is abundajit, animals may eat the leaves of the
poisonous white snakeroot weed from time to time. Overstocking pastures, even if they
arc good ones, increases the risks from the poisoning, which occurs every year in
Illinois, the circular warns.
Persons using dairy products or meat of animals affected by "trembles," as
g lite snakeroot poisoning is known, may contract milk sickness, an ailment which runs
rapid course and has a high mortality rate.
Keeping livestock away from white snakeroot and eradicating the weed from
istures and woodlots are the only s\ire ways of preventing the poisoning, according to
le circular. Treatments thus far developed are far from satisfactory. Tremetol is the
ixic agent in the plant and is absorbed into the animal's system when the plant is
iten, according to the circular, which was v;ritten by Dr. Robert G-raham, chief in ani-
il pathology and hygiene at the college, and his assistant, Miss V, M. Michael.
The plant is a tall, slender perennial herb which usually grows in partially
, eared woodlots, swampy areas, shady ravines and in groves along streams. The grcat-
it danger is from July until late in the fall . This is especially true during dry
lars when pastures are short and dry. White snakeroot can generally be recognized by
;s broadly oval leaves, set opposite each other and having sharply-toothed, or ser-
■ted, edges. The non-i3oisonous varieties usually have narrower leaves.
In small patches the weed is best eradicated by pulling each plant by the
ots. In large patches proper cropping is the most safisfactory means of eradi-
,tion. Livestock should be kept out of pastures containing any of the weed,
' Weakness, loss of appetite, constipation and a trembling of the voluntary
nuscles when the animal is forced to move are among the early symptoms of poisoning.
When these symptoms are observed the stock should be taken from pasture and a reli-
able veterinarian called. The immediate attention of a physician should be given to
cases of milk sickness among humans,
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Chinese Elm Is Not As Stocky Shade Tree As Believed
A new threat to shade trees in the form of a trunk canker affecting Chinese
elms has just been found in Illinois, while a, root rot has been reported attacking
this partic\ilar type of elm throughout the Great Plains region, accordin.j^' to Dr. J.
C. Carter, tree disease specialist with the Illinois State Natural History Survey, who
is cooperating with the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
These developments axe a warning, he said, that persons who plant Chinese or
other Asiatic elms in place of the American elm may be disappointed if they expect these
new varieties to be entirely free from disease attack.
The Chinese and other Asiatic elms, while resistant to the Dutch elm disease,
are susceptible not only to the two recently reported diseases but also to several
others. Among the more common diseases which affect Chinese elms are root and basal
trunlc cankers and a number of leaf spotting diseases,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
m
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VOLUME XVIII July 17. 1955 Nomber 29
Chinch Bugs Gone In All But A Few Scattered Areas
Chinch hugs have now been nearly wiped out in Illinois for this season and
ohably will not recover from the setback for four or five years, according to W. P.
mt, chief entomologist of the Illinois State Uatui-al History Survey and of the
illege of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Except in a very few scattered areas over the state there are not many chinch
s left, he reported.
By putting an end to the farmer's chinch bug worries for this year, the
avy rains which came just at the right time have been worth more than 40 million
lars to Illinois grain growers for this purpose alone, Flint said. Damage to this
amouat was done to the state's corn, wheat. and oats by the 1934 infestation, and if
e weather had not been unfavorable to the pests, the toll this year probably would
;ve been even larger, he said. More old bugs carae through the past winter to start
new infestation than was the case in 1934, he pointed out.
Only in a few scattered places in the state are the bugs thick enough to
e it worthwhile for farmers to build barriers for protecting corn fields against
migration of the pests from small grain fields at harvest time, Flint said.
Farmers of the state last year built more than 22,000 miles of creosote
riers, without which the 40 million dollar toll taken by the bugs would have been
in higher.
There could be no more striking demonstration that the weather is the most
ortant factor in the control of chinch bugs than has taken place this year, Flint
inted out. Cool weather early in the season kept the old bugs in winter quarters
thus delayed mating and egg laying. Later the heavy rains drowned the old bugs
beat the young ones into the grotmd where the;, were "mudded" in and died. Damp-
ss and high humidity were favorable to the spread of the white fungous disease which
tacks the bugs.
The few bugs that were produced and siirvived from the first brood are now
cornfields or soon will be, Flint said. If they have not already done so, they
11 very shortly grow wings. There will then be a general flight and the bugs will
tter over the cornfields, usually picking the thinner stands of corn in order to
avoid dampness and shade.
During the next three months the bugs from the first brood will remain in
the corn. During this time a second brood will be produced.
Wet weather in August will greatly reduce the second brood and thereby
lessen the danger of dam?ge ne?:t year, Flint pointed out.
Any bugs that survive from the second brood "/ill start their flight from the
cornfields to winter quarters about the last of August. The movement will be com.pleted
ty the first of November or earlier.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
)1. XVIII— No. 29 Page 2
More Seeding Of Alfalfa Likely On Illin-iis Farms
There will be a wave of new plantings of alfalfa and similar crops in
linois this fall, and many farmers already are laying their plans for seed bed prep-
aration, according to J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist of the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois^
Hay shortages resulting from the 1934 drouth, as well as the loss of alfalfa
seedings from late cutting last fall and from ice sheets in the winter, have made new
lantings more urgent this year, he said.
In the northern sections of Illinois alfalfa does best if seeded between
July 20 and August 15. In the central and southern sections August 1 to 20 is the
oast period, Hackleman stated. This means that seed bed preparation must begin
Lmmediately after the sm.all grain has been removed from the field.
Proper seed bed preparation is one of the most important factors in the
successful raising of alfalfa, Hackleman believes. The ground should be well pulver-
ized, firm and settled. If neither alfalfa nor sweet clover has been grown on the
field before, inoculation is a necessity. All soil should be tested for acidity
Defore being seeded to alfalfa. Where limestone is needed, the safest method is to
Tork it into the soil late this summer and then seed the alfalfa next spring. This
ijethod will give the limestone plenty of time to sweeten the soil.
IB In choosing seed, the farmer should consider his locality, normal climatic
"londitions, and the possibility of bacterial wilt. Variegated varieties such as
;'Jardigan, G-rimm and Canadian variegated are generally better adapted to the northern
sections of Illinois, since they are extremely resistant to cold. However, they are
isiiort-lived in the face of wilt. Where bacterial wilt is known to be in the soil, a
jjood quality western-grown common will be winter hardy for two years, which is the
Uverage length of life for alfalfa in wilt-infected soil, regardless of the variety,
IThere the winters are not too severe, the northwestern common alfalfas
-rown in Montana and the Dakotas, as well as Nebraska and Kansas commons, will be
satisfactory.
With the exception of Hardigan seed which is limited, seed of most of the
varieties can be obtained without difficulty. However, growers should obtain seed
)f known origin and quality, preferably that which has been certified, Hackleman
stated.
Twelve to 15 pounds of seed to the acre is the best sowing rate for Illinois
Jonditions. This is on the basis of good quality seed having a high germination test.
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Good Oats Crop Will Help End Feed Worries For Hogs
Prospects for a better than average oats crop as the harvest season opens
ire more cheering than ever to many Illinois farmers this year, since there will now
)e plenty of hog feed to supplement the sliort corn supplj'- from the 1934 crop, accord-
ing to W. E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry at the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois,
Oats is worth 90 to 95 per cent as much as corn for hog feeding, if the oats
!iakes up only about one-third of the ration. This has been shown in extensive feed-
ing tests on the college farm. Consequently the present price ratio between oats and
iorn makes it profitable for most Illinois farmers to replace at least a third of the
!orn in their grains ration with oats. Where oats and protein supplement are fed
Jxclusively, the oats are worth only 70 to 80 per cent as much as corn, Carroll stated.
Jains are slower as the percentage of oats in the ration increases and more total feed
i-8 needed for a given amount of gain.
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r
XVIII— No. 29 Page 3
Hecord Soy"bean Crop Will Build U'-p Reserves Of Hay
A record acreage of soybeans offers Illinois farmers an excellent way of
rebuilding hay reserves this year, and the problem of rainy weather hay making will be
minimized if the beans are cut at the right time, according to J. C. Hackleraan, crops
extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The beans may be cut for hay any time from the forming of the seeds in the
pods until they are about three-fourths developed. The best time, weather being
■favorable, is when the seeds have developed just enough to touch each other in the
pods. At this time there are few if any dry leaves at the base of the plants, and the
farmer will get the maximum yield of good quality hay.
K Since soybean hay is slow to cure after the fall weather begins, it should
cut as early as possible aftor the seed begins to form, Hackleman said. For most
of Illinois the last week in August is generally the most ideal time for putting up
soybean hay. The weather is usually dry and fairly hot, and the heavy dews and cooler
days of fall have not yet come.
Bean hay may be cut either with a mower or a grain binder, although the
mower is usually the most satisfactory for Illinois conditions. If cut with a mower,
the hay is generally allowed to cure to some extent in the swath and then raked into
irindrows before the leaves are dry enough to shatter. Some farmers, however, prefer
to rake the hay immediately after mowing and allow it to cure in the windrow. This
has been found an excellent method if the weather is dry and hot,
A grain binder can be used in dry weather, but the bundles must be small
and loosely tied. If fall rains occur as they did in 1934, each bundle will probably
'develop a moldy core about two or three inches in diameter.
Rainy Weather Making Lespedeza A Popular Hay Crop
Lespedeza, the legume which has spread faster than any new crop introduced
jinto Illinois in recent years, is gaining added popularity in a season like this
iwhen farmers are beset with the problem of curing hay between rains, according to
W, B. Nevens, dairy cattle feeding specialist at the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois.
Being light stemmed, later to matiire and comparatively quick to cure,
lespedeza fits into a summer like the present when frequent rains hamper the putting
ijp of alfalfa and similar crops which require a longer time to ctire properly and must
be cut early in the season.
Tests at the college have shown that Korean lespedeza and alfalfa are
practically equal in feeding value. The only noticeable difference is that the cattle
show a slight preference for alfalfa when both hays are available.
Lespedeza, cut at the fioll-bloom stage, has been found to have 60 per cent
ileaves and to show 13 per cent protein and 3 per cent lime. Good quality alfalfa hay
is slightly less leafy, registering 49 per cent. However, alfalfa has 16 per cent
protein and 4.5 per cent lime.
Milk production is practically the same whether cows are fed alfalfa or
i lespedeza. In college tests average daily production has been approximately 45 pounds
of 4 per cent milk for each cow regardless of which hay has been fed, Nevens stated.
Nor have the two hays shown any variance in their ability to produce gains when fed
to young dairy cattle.
To make the best quality hay, lespedeza must be cut at about the full bloom
P stage, which is late A\igust or early September in Illinois. As the seed stage
approaches, the hay loses its palatability. Korean lespedeza reaches the ideal cutting
stage in southern and central Illinois in late August or early September,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Tolxjme XVIII Jtdy 24, 1935 Number 30
Cross-Cultivating In Laying By Corn Checks Erosion
Destructive erosion on more than 5-| million acres of Illinois farm land can
materially reduced during the remainder of the year if farmers will only cultivate
ss the slope when thej'^ "lay "by" their corn for the season, according to H. L,
ckardt, chief soil erosion extension specialist of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois.
More than 75 per cant of the estimated 7,589,000 acres of corn in Illinois
this year is on land whore erosion will wash away top soil, drain off valuable fertility
and jeopardiza future crops unless proper protective measures are taken, he said. If the
com is cultivated across the slope at the last cultivation, each shovel mark will serve
as a miniature terrace to help check the flow of run-off water, he pointed out.
Experimental results at Bethany, Mo., show that as much as 74 tons of soil
an acre may be lost annually from land sloping 8 per cent that is growing continuous
corn and that is cultivated up and down the slope, Buckardt reported,
"The common practice in Illinois is to check the corn rows the long way of
the field, which in many cases results in corn rows running up and down slopes. Con-
sequently after the corn is cultivated, each row serves as a surface drainage unit
for the slope.
"The one-time favored opinion that crops should be planted up and down the
slope so that each row could take care of its own water is no longer a desirable one,
Iho best practice is to plant and cultivate corn so that the rows run across the slope.
Each row ridge then helps check the flow of run-off water and thereby reduces the
losses from erosion.
"While cultivating across the slope is always sound erosion prevention, it
is most important when the corn is laid by at the last cultivation. The field will,
in most cases, remain without further cultivation throughout the simmer, fall and
following spring. If the common practice is followed, the plow ridges and furrows
up and down the slopes during this long period of time will create ideal conditions
for serious losses from erosion."
Cultivating across the slope is only one of the practices which must be more
generally adopted if soil erosion is to be controlled, it is pointed out by special-
ists of the college. Seriousness of the problem is revealed in the soil survey re-
ports of the college which show that there arc more than three million acres of Illi-
nois land that are so subject to destructive erosion they should never be farmed.
Iherc are another three million acres that are subject to serious erosion emd are««
suitable only for orcharding, permanent pasture or timber. There are more than
12,000,000 acres where erosion control practices are necess?.ry to maintain the
-productivity of the land.
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U. Of I. Station, W _I L L, Reporting Grain Market s
A five-minute report of the Chicago grain market is now being broadcast
tolly except Sunday at 8:55, 9:55 and 10:55 a.m. by the University of Illinois radio
station, WILL. It broadcasts on 890 kilocycles,
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I
I Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford. Director,
®J|e iExtensfon Mtsaen^et
' XVIII~lTo. 30 Page 2
Wet Weather Daring Haying Heightens Daii^er of Fire
An estimated annual loss of one million dollarn in Illinois from fires caused
by the spontaneous combustion of wet hay may be increased this year unless farmers take
extra measures to prevent the heating of haj' which has been dampened by the frequent
rains, according to S. W. Lehmann. He is head of the department of agricultural en-
gineering at the College of AgricixLture, University of Illinois.
Hay which goes into the barn or stack while it is damp from rains or dew is
almost sure to heat. In many cases the temperature only gets high enough to spoil the
hay, but there are frequent cases where enough heat is generated to start a fire. The
heat is caused by bacterial and chemical actions which are speeded up by the presence
of excess moisture.
The best preventive is to avoid putting damp hay into a barn or stack. How-
ever, frequent rains this summer have made that impossible in many cases, Lehmann
said. If the moisture is only slight, the sprinkling of salt on the hay as it goes
into the barn or stack will usur^Ily slow down the heating enough to prevent combustion.
Not more than 20 pounds of salt should be used to each ton of hay.
Spreading the d.-^mp hay out in a thin layer will allow it to dry more rapidly.
However, such hay should not be placed on top of dry hay, as the dry hay v;ill burn much
more readily and may catch from the heat of the damp layer on top.
Where long hay begins to heat, it is dangerous to move any of it until the
whole pile has been thoroughly soaked. A slight disttirbance may admit enough oxygen
to Cause the hay to burst into flame. Chopped hay crji be liandled readily provided
enotigh water is handy to sprinkle any burning portions which inp.y be removed from the
jpile,
I A lealcy roof is a possible source of danger as well as the means of spoil-
ing considerable hay,
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Alfalfa Is Good Summer Pasture When Bluegrass Fails
With the bluegrass pasture season rapidly coming to a close in most sections
of Illinois, the record acreage of alfalfa growing in the state this year offers a
satisfactory substitute, said J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist at the Col-
lege of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Alfalfa is especially good in maintain-
ing the flow of milk from dairy cows.
Danger of bloat is very slight if stoclanen will follow a few simple precau-
tions, Hackleman said. In fact, there is little more danger than in pasturing red
clover.
Two general precautions should be observed in pasturing alfalfa. First, it
should not be pastured when it is wet nor when the cattle are hungry. Second, the
cattle should bs fed plenty of dry forage and have access to plenty of water at all
times.
Alfalfa that is wet, either from rain or a heavy dew, is much more likely to
bloat the cattle than is alfalfa that is dry. The danger of bloat is increased when
the cattle are turned on to the pastiire while hungry, for they will gorge themselves
'With the green, succulent feed. A regular feeding of grain and good forage just be-
fore the cattle are turned on to the pasture will cause them to eat more leisurely
and in smaller amounts. Thus the alfalfa becomes a part of the summer ration rather
than the entire ration.
Such dry forage as alfalfa hay and oats straw along with plenty of water at
all times will aid materially in avoiding alfalfa bloat.
Pasturing of alfalfa will not injure the crop if the pasture is not over-
loaded, Hackleman stated,
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IjEoi. XVIII— No. 30 ®Ije Sxtpttaion Mesaetigsr Page 3
I Proper Tim in,": Of Peach Picking Increases Prospects
With prospects for the best crop in years, Illinois peach growers can still
I further increase their advantage this year by delaying harvest a week or so longer
■ than is the usual practice, according to M. J. Dorsey, chief in pomology, and R. L.
McMunn, associate, at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Prospects
now are for a fine quality crop of 3,420,000 bushels, which is double the five-year
average for 1928-1932.
Tests made at the college show that the same number of peaches which will
make only 100 bushels if picked on August 15 will make 124 bushels if not harvested
until a week later. Harvesting at the right time thus allows the peaches to reach
their maximum size.
Many peadh growers in the past have harvested the major part of their crop
during the early part of the ripening season just after the color of the fruit began
to change from green to yellow. This was done in the belief that early marketings
(would net greater cash returns, keep better in transit and escape brown rot.
Early-picked fruit does not roach its maximum size. Consequently the yield
is below that of peach crops harvested later in the ripening period. The advantage
gained from early marketings as well as from the better keeping qualities of the fruit
picked at the half ripe stage are outweighed by the smaller size of the peaches, it
has been indicated by the college tests.
Elberta and other yellow varieties of peaches are at the ideal harvesting
stage when the skins have changed from green to a light yellowish green and have
about a 25 per cent blush apparent. At this stage the fruit will be of almost maxi-
ifflum size, but still be firm enough to withstand shipping.
Peaches shoiild never be left on the trees until they become "soft ripe."
While they may be excellent to eat fresh at this stage, they will not withstand
j shipping or storage,
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tJsing Resistant Wheat Only Known Way To Check Rust
Planting resistant varieties is the only known means by which Illinois wheat
growers can control outbreaks of yellow leaf rust such as have occurred quite gener-
ally over the state this year, said Benjamin Koehler, crop disease specialist at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Being a fungous disease, yellow leaf
rust is spread by spores. Moist weather increases the chance of infection. Unlike
some kinds of rust it requires no alternate host, since the spores infect the new crop
|of winter wheat in the fall and live there \mtil spring. So far, the development of
wheat that is resistant to leaf rust is still in its infancy; according to 0. T.
Bennett, plant breeding specialist at the college. However, a few varieties that
I are partially resistant to the disease have been developed and are available,
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Eabies Control Hinges On Following Simple Measures
Instead of increasing as it now is, rabies among dogs and other animals could
be practically eliminated if every person would follow a few simple precautions, ac-
cording to Dr. Robert Graham, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois. Last year Illinois had 400 dog cases and eight
human fatalities as compared with only 191 dog cases and four human fatalities in 1930.
Avoiding the handling of strange dogs, eliminating ownerless or stray dogs, placing
I rabid dog suspects under observation, consulting a physician in the case of dog bite,
vaccinating all dogs annually and obtaining microscopic diagnosis of rabid dog sus-
pects are the chief precautions in suppressing rabies, Dr. Graham said.
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Saia HOY ASN
933 nOOH
AHvaan ivanxiDoiaov
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farni Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VOLlBiffi XVIII July 31, 1935 Number 31
Peach Pros-pects Drop . But Quality To Be Best In Years
Although the Illinois peach crop will be much smaller than earlier pros-
pects indicated, consumers have something to look forward to in the way of higher
qvLality in the fruit which will he harvested this year, according to V. W. Kelley,
horticultural extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois. The Illinois Elberta crop is expected to be harvested between Axigust 5
and 25,
Recent experimental work in which the college demonstrated how both quality
and yield of peaches are improved by delayed picking has paved the way for the higher
quality which consumers of Illinois poaches will get this year, Kelley said. Con-
vinced by the results of these tests, many growers are expected to let the fruit
ripen on the tree somewhat longer than has been the practice in the past, with the
result that the natural flavors will develop, Kelley explained.
"Peaches picked too green before the ground color begins to turn yellow
never acquire the nattiral flavors and aroma which are essential to that high degree
of palatability that is expected in this fruit. Because peaches are generally picked
somewhat green for distant shipment from one state to the other, Illinois consimers
are more likely to get highly- flavored fruit if they buy Illinois-grown poaches,
"Not only does delayed picking increase the quality of the peach, but also
it greatly increases production because of the larger size of the fruit. In the 1934
experiments fruits harvested seven days after the normal picking date made about 25
par cent more fruit than they would if picked at the usual time. That is, each 100
bushels in the orchard on the normal picking date had increased to 125 bushels seven
days later. The fruit not only was larger but also held up well in transit and stor-
age and was of much better quality than the fruit picked earlier."
Late estimates place the Illinois yield at not more than half the bumper
crop of 4,300,000 bushels of 1931. Damage by hail and a late drop after thinning are
largely responsible for the smaller estimate. Because of the reduced yield the Illi-
nois crop is expected to move at a price wnich should bring a fair return to the
grower, Kelley said.
Shows And Pairs Keeping 25.000 4-H Club Members Busy
Illinois' 25,000 4-H club members are in the midst of their busiest season
with an estimated 130 shows and fairs of various kinds scheduled between August 1 and
December 15, according to reports reaching the extension service. College of Agricul-
ture, University of Illinois. The majority of these events will take place during
the coming six weeks.
Thirty-eight club shows will bo held in 45 counties during August, it is
shown by partial reports from those counties. The same reports indicate that July,
with 19 shows already held, will probably be the second busiest month. Septraiber
comes third with 17 club shows scheduled, while October has two and November and
December each have three. Club workers at the college estimate that approximaealy
half of the club siiows and fairs were included in the partial foport from 45 counties.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by CongroM May 8, 1914. H. W. Muuford, Director.
-«. J'. i. ■'•'.;.;.,'.
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Vol. xviII-No. 31 3rif» Extension iMtaapngsr Page 2
Pastures Will Be Made Or Ruined In Next Fgw Months
Pastures have recovered reraarkatly from the drouth damage of 1934, and
farmers can. .hold their gains by careful management during the rest of the summer,
according to crops specialists at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Protecting pastures at this critical period of the year also will help promote the
shift from grain to more grass aad legumes, it was pointed out.
Overgrazing, poor soil, dry v;eather or any other condition which tends to
slow the growth of pastures will give weeds and brush a chance to get started. Last
summer's drouth, which killed out large patches of pasture grass, gave the weeds an
excellent chance to get started.
Getting rid of these weeds is one of the first measures to be followed in
the pasture management schedule for the rest of the summer, the specialists say.
While the small patches may be grubbed out or killed with chemicals, mowing is the
best eradication method for larger areas. Mowing prevents many annual plants from
producing seed and at the same time discourages gro7'th of the perennials.
Mowing, grubbing and poisoning will not get all the weeds the first year.
These practices .mist be continued from year to year, and the farmer will need to be
on the aLert for new patches of weeds.
Use of adapted seeding mixtures and proper fertilization will help combat
the weed menace and at the same time will build up the pastiores. One mixture which
has given good results on the college farm is composed of 5 pounds of Kentucky blue-
j grass, 3 of red top, 12 of bromo grass and 2 of white clover. A good mixture for
northern and central Illinois pastures whore the soil is sw33t and contains medium
to high amounts of available phosphorus is composed of 4 poionds of sweet clover, 4
of red clover, 1 of white clover, 6 of bluegrass and 4 of timothy. A recommended
combination for northern and central Illinois pastures with sweet soils but which are
low in available phospliorus includes 4 pounds of sweet clover, 3 of alsike clover, 4
or lespedeza, 4 of timothy and 6 of red top.
A mixture that can be used on southern Illinois pastures with slight to
medi"um acid soils that are medium to high in available phosphorus contains 2 pounds
of alsike clover, 5 of lespedeza, 3 of bluegrass, 3 of orchard grass and 6 of red top.
Many times weeds get into the pasture through impure seed. This can be
avoided to a large extent by the purchase of guaranteed seed from reliable dealers.
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Culling Will Fit Flock For Better Poultry Outlook
, A favorable fall and winter outlook for egg prices promises added bonefits
I from the careful and thorough culling of the laying flock this summer and fall to g^t
i rid of the non-layers and other "boarders," according to H. K. Alp, poultry extension
'■ specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Good layers not only will produce more eggs for the favorable markets that
are now in prospect but also will pay better returns on the feed they eat, he said.
Since the average hen uses six to seven pounds of food a month, non-layers can soon
"eat their heads off," he added.
Ho\7 close to cull the flock depends upon its size, average production,
number of pullets available for replacements and other factors. In a high-producing
flock the culling can be done very' closely, since the percentage of non-layers will
"be small. On the other hand the producer who has only a limited number of pullets
coming along may wish to cull rather lightly in order to avoid depleting his flock.
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Vol. XVIII-No. 31 ffilie Sxt0ttBW« iraPM0«9^r p^g3 3
Prospects Of Soft Corn Put Trench Silo In Limelight
With condition of the state's 7^ million acres of corn, mostly late planted,
continuing below average, trench silos hid fair to hecome an important factor in the
preservation and use of soft corn which may be prevalent in many sections of Illinois
this fall, it is said by E. W. Lehmann, head of the department of agricultural en-
gineering at the College of Agriculture, University'- of Illinois.
Soft corn is difficult to store in cribs, bins or barns, but makes excel-
lent silage. Since it is cheap, simple to construct and costs less to fill, the
trench silo appears to bo one of the best means by which Illinois farmers can store
this soft, immature corn. The only construction equipment needed is a plow, slip
; and tractor or team of horses. Two mon with this equipment can construct a trench
silo in from two to four days depending upon the size.
The silo shoiild be constructed with a slight slope in the sides and on high
ground where there is less likelihood of standing water. If a bank or slope is avail-
able, the lower end of the "trench" may be left open as a nattiral drain.
Silage must be well packed and kept higher in the middle than on the sides
during the filling process, said Lehnann. This causes the silage to settle in a
rounded manner after the fashion of a hay stack. Covering the silage witn about a
3 or 4 inch layer of finely cut straw followed by a layer of dirt will help keep out
air and prevent spoilage.
I
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Hog Prices Put Prize on Curb ing Loss From Disease
Smaller ntmbers of hogs combined with higher prices now make it more -.vorth-
while than ever for fo.rmers to vaccinate their pigs and take other precautions against
losses from cholera and other diseases, it is pointed out by Dr. Robert Graham, chief
in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Vaccinations should be performed by a competent veterinarian and certain
precautions talcen. Dr. G-raham said. Chief among these precautions is to keep the
hogs on light feed diiring the vaccination period.
Hogs that are fed heavily before, during and just after vaccination oc-
cjasionally fail to become immune to cholera, experimental tests have shown. While
they may be safe from the disease for a short time, they will become susceptible as
soon as the effect of the serum wears off and may even develop the disease from the
▼accine.
The best method of handling hogs th^at are to be vaccinated against cholera
Is to put them on a very limited feed for at least three days prior to vaccination,
Graham said. They should be kept isolated from -untreated hogs and gr'>.dually brought
back to full feed after being va,ccinated.
Another question which always arises when hog cholera is in the vicinity is
that regarding the means of spreading the disease. Exp^^riments at the U. of I. Col-
lege of Agriculture and in other states have shown that the stable fly which bites
animals and liumans so viciously about this time of the year is one of the more im-
portant factors in the spread of cholera.
The stable fly appears to be a worse offender than the house fly, although
house flies have been knovm to transmit the disease.
Indications are that man is of less importance than was formerly thought in
■ spreading cholera. In fact man has been shown to have very little effect as a
spreader.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
®I|0 Extension iU^ss^ngi^r
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VOLUlffi XVIII August 7, 1935 Number 32
Erosion Pro"blerr. Is Heightened 3y Soil Diversities
Serious as soil erosion is on some 18 million acres of Illinois land, it is
all the more a menacing problem because of the wide diversity of soils in the state,
according to H. L. Buckardt, erosion extension specialist coordinator at the College
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Soils of Illinois are now classified into 16 major groups with many sub-
divisions. To date more than 200 types have been mapped by the Illinois soil survey
which has been in progress for more than 30 years and which is now being supervised
by R. S. Smith, chiaf in soil physics at the college.
On some of these soils erosion goes on more rapidly and is far more des-
tructive than on others. The worst eroded areas are found on soil types where the
subsoil is impermeable to water, the surface of the land is rough and the organic
Imatter content of the soil is low, Buckardt explained. The less serious erosion is
found where soil absorbs the moisture rapidly, orgiinic matter is plentiful and the
land lies comparatively lavel.
In the badly eroded areas slopes up to 3^ per cent have impermeable subsoil
which prevents the water from soaking into the ground especially after heavy rains,
iConsequently this water rvjis off in s^'orface drainage, carrying much of the valuable
Itopsoil with it. Such conditions exist in many parts of southern Illinois where clay
pan and sandstone form a large sliare of the subsoil. Where the slopes are steeper
than 3^ per cent, the subsoil is usually moderately permeable, allowing more of the
iwater to soal^ into the soil.
In some parts of central and eastern Illinois farmers are faced with an
erosion problem because the subr.oil is composed of hard packed glacial deposits which
act similar to the clay pan and s.ai'*dstone substrata of southern Illinois as to their
impormoability to water.
Presence of organic matter in the soil helps prevent erosion, since it in-
creases the permeability, or water absorption qualities, of the soil and m.ak3S for
good development of plant roots which serve as binders in preventing excessive soil
washing. High organic matter content is cliaract eristic of soils in the less eroded
sections of Illinois, Buckardt said.
Rough, hilly land such as is found in the southern sections of the state
erodes even where the subsoil is oermeable and organic matter is present. On the
other hand Icivel land erodes only slightly. This is illustrated by the fact tliat
erosion is less serious in central Illinois where glaciers leveled off the surface.
Loose, sandy soils arc especially subject to wind erosion. However, this
type of erosion is comparatively small ia Illinois with only about 192,000 acres
being affected. Most of the wind erosion area is located in Kankniee, Henderson,
Korcer and Macon co\mti3s. This area is but a small part Q.f total area of eroded land
of ap-oroximately 18 million acr^s. Altogether, there are about 2^ million acres of
badly eroded land, 2,900,000 acres seriously eroded and about ISg- million acres where
erosion must be checked soon to prevent serious damage. On 16,640,000 acres there is
little or no erosion.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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Vol. XVIII— No. 32 ^if^ Extension Mesietigst Page 2
Farm Chorus Of 1.000 To Be Featured At State Fair
A chorus of 1,000 voices asseratled from nine different counties that will "be
competing for a share of $1,000 in prize money will be featured on the August 23 pro-
gram of the Illinois State Fair at Springfield, it is announced by D. 3. Lindstrom,
rural sociology extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
The contest is -under the supervision of Lindstrom and is one phase of the
music appreciation ^ork being carried on in various counties of the state by the ex-
tension service. The huge chorus recital which will be held in front of the £;r?aid-
stand at 12:30 P.M. will be conducted by Lanson F, Deraraing, instructor in music at the
U, of I, At the present time Demming is visiting the various competing counties to
assist the choruses in preparing for the state contest.
Counties entered are Boone, McHenry, Kendall, McLean, Champaign, Iroquois,
Shelby, Sangamon and Edwards. First prize will be $120, second $110, third $100,
fourth $95, fifth $90, sixth $85 and the last three $80 each. Additional prizes will
go to the three groups chosen to present special feat\ires.
Judging this year will be on the basis of the n^jmber in each chorus, dis-
tance traveled to reach the state fair and degree of balance among the various parts
of the chorus, Lindstrom said.
The combined chorus will present four selections during the recital. In
addition, tixree special features, chosen in advance by Demming will be presented. The
four selections to bo sung by the combined chorus are: "To Thee 0 Country," by
Eichberg, "The Kerry Dance," by Malloy, "Hy Bonnie Lass," by Bottomley and "Break
Forth 0 Beauteous Heavenly Light," by Bach,
Those in charge of the chorus work, in the various counties are as follows:
^^^one, Harold Luhman, Belvidere, chairman, and E. C. Foley, farm adviser; Champaign,
Mrs. R. W. Milligan, Ivesdale, chairman, and Mrs. Virginia Conn White, home adviser;
Bdwards, W. D. Murphy, fam adviser; Iroquois, Miss Grace Burnhara, Watseka, director,
and Mrs. Ruth Buckner, home adviser; Kendall, W. P. Miller, farm adviser; McHenry,
Mrs. Clara Greaves Sweeney, home adviser; McLean, Mrs, T, M. Kwasigroh, Randolph,
chairman, and Miss Clara Brian, home adviser; Saiigaiaon, Mrs. Homer Kcarnaghara, Spring-
field, director, and Edwin Bay, farm adviser; Shelby, Mrs. Winefred Bohlen, Moweaqua,
chairman, and W, S. Batson, farm advisor.
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Consumers Have Rare Opportunity In 1955 Peach Crop
With Illinois about to harvest its best peach crop in five years, consumers
have a rare chance to fill up empty cajis and fruit jars and lay in a svipply of Quality
peaches against the years when the crop will again be short or a failure, it is
pointed out by V, W. Kelley, horticulture extension specialist of the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
Not a few housewives with an eye to their food costs and their storage
cellar supplies are planning to caji and preserve enough peaches for at least a two
yoars' supply, he reported.
The Illinois crop of Elbertas, the principal variety in the state, is ex-
pected to bo harvested between August 5 and 25.
Not since 1931 have consumers had a chance at an Illinois peach crop that is
as near normal as the one this year, and thore is no certainty as to when there will be
another good crop. The peach is a tender fruit which seldom survives temperatures
colder than 18 degrees below zero. Consequently production is somewhat irregular in
the latitude of the middle west. The Illinois crop this year is estimated at about
half the bumper crop of 4,300,000 bushels in 1931.
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Vol. x;'III— No. 32 arije Sxtpnaion Meaaengw P^^ge 3
Present-Day Hogs Hot Best Suited For Market Needs
iNone of the present-day tj^DOs of swine effectively meet current market re-
quirements being set by the lovi foreign demand for pork and lard and the domestic
{ preference for small, lean, firm cuts, finished bellies and a minimum of lard, accord-
ing to OTOoriments conducted at the College of Agric^jlture, University of Illinois.
The tests have just been summarized in a new bulletin, "Value of Present-Day Swine
1 Types in Meeting Changed Consumer Demand."
Of the swine types now common on farms of the country the imtermediate comes
' nearest to meeting present-day demands, it was found in the tests by Sleeter Bull,
associate chief in meats; F. C. Olson and G-. E. Hunt, formerly assistants in animal
husbandry; and W. E. Carroll, chief in swine husbandry at the college.
An ideal hog would combine the quality and plumpness of the intermediate
t:,'j)S, the length of the rangy and the early maturity of the chuffy.
Intermediates rat 3d good as to gains and dressing percentages, size and
_ .cting percentages of wholesale cuts, quality of hams and loins and amount of lard
stock produced. Their market grade was good in most cases but a few lacked finish,
according to the bulletin.
Poor finish and firmness of the meat, especially the bellies, were the main
defects in placing the chtiffy type second. There was also some tendency toward too
much lard production from this type.
The rangy type, which was rated third, showed favorable gains and dressing
percentcLgos, good cut sizes, good quality hams, fair loins and the right proportion
of lard stock, Hov.'ever, the bellies were \infinished and soft, and the carcasses
generally were lacking in firmness,
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$20 Cave Pays Big Returns In Protecting Egg QTiality
Twenty dollars' worth of material and a few days labor put into the construc-
tion of an egg storage cave have helped Lyman Bunting of near Albion prevent low
quality eggs which cost Illinois poultrj-men thousands of dollars every year. Bunting,
who has been cooperating with the extension service of the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, on improved poultry practices for several years, has added
approximately 8 per cent to his egg sale returns by bu4:lding this cave, it is
estimated by H, H, Alp, poultry extension specialist at the colloge.
Having built up production of his flock of 600 White Leghorns to a high
point by following approved practices, Bunting recently became interested in getting a
better cash ret'orn from the sale of his eggs. His first step was to start grading the
eggs at home and shipping them direct to distributors who were paying prices based on
grades. This practice brought considerably higher returns than the old method of
selling the eggs on the count basis.
With the coming of warm weather, low grade eggs were found in each shipment
despite the fact that Bunting gathered the eggs several times daily, graded tnem ac-
cording to size and color and shipped them frequently. His difficulty was a lack of
cool storage space.
He built a small cave about six feet wide, 10 feet long and seven feet deep.
Cull bricks secured from a local brick yard at a small cost were used in constructing
the cave, which is covered with dirt and vines to help keep out the heat of the sun.
Trays built of hardware cloth are set up in the cave so that freshly gathered eggs may
be laved out in single layers to cool rapidly.
Because of this rapid cooling and storage of the eggs until they are re: dy
;to be shipped. Bunting is finding tiiat fewer of his eggs are culled out because of
[Spoilage.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
r:
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII August ik, 1935 Fum'ber 33
New Crop Is BiddiniS: For Place As A Leading ^Le^:ume
Lespedeza, a relatively new crop already grown in Illinois to the extent
of 100,000 acres, promises to TDecome one of the leading legume crops of the state,
especially on soils of lower productive levels, according to experiments conducted
by the College of Agriciilture, University of Illinois during the past I3 years and
reported in a new bulletin, ''iDspedeza in Illinois*"
The crop shows value as a source of hay and pasture, is drouth resistant,
fairly free from disease and insect pests and has a relatively low seeding cost, it
is stated in the "biilletin prepared by J, J, Pieper, crop production specialist;
0. H. Sears, soil biologist; and F» C« Bauer, chief in soil experiment fields at the
college.
Lespedeza is valuable not as a substitute or replacement crop for other
legumes, but for its ability to thrive where alfalfa, red clover and sweet clover will
not grow satisfactorily. While it grows best on well drained, ncn~acid soils, les-
pedeza will do fairly well on soils relatively acid and poor in quality.
Thus it provides fanners with a legume which will set in motion the pro-
cesses of soil improvement and erosion prevention without a large initial outlay for
fertilizing materials.
Although the legume will grow in practically all parts of the state, it is
better adapted to the southern and central portions, since it is resistant to dry,
hot weather and sensitive to freezing weather in early spring and late fall, the
bulletin stated.
Thorough inoculation is necessary where lespedeza is grown on soil for the
first time. If the soil is acid, liming is desirable.
The legume is valuable mainly as a pasture or soil improvement crop, al-
though it produces a very satisfactory hay and is useful in retarding soil erosion.
As a pasture crop it furnishes the best pasture beginning about July 1. and continuing
until late fall. It is also valuable as a seed crop, although the increasing acreage
indicates seed will become less important as a cash crop in the future.
Annual varieties best adapted to Illinois conditions are headed by Korean,
although under certain conditions Tennessee 76, Eobe and Common may be preferable.
In the northern part of the state Harbin is the only variety that may be expected
to be self-seeding. Sericea, a perennial, is showing promise as a hay crop for southern
Illinois, according to the bulletin.
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Clovis To Become Farm Adviser In Pula slci-Ale xande r
L. L. Clovis, formerly vocational agriculture teacher at Chester, will start
irork September 1 as faim adviser in Pulaski-Alexander counties with headquarters at
Mounds, it is announced by Prof. J. C. Spitler, state leader of farm advisers at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. He succeeds H. H. Gordon who resigned
April 12 to accept a position with the AAA land policy section.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
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Vol. XVIII— No. 33 arij* Ext^ttainn iaHesBcng^r Page 2
Smaller Peaches Are Uot Bargain When Waste Counted
Unless small peaches are offered at extremelj'- low prices, cons-umers will he
money ahead if they buy the larger, high-q-uali ty fruit heing harvested from Illinois
orchards at the present time, stated M. J. Dorsey, pomologj'- chief at the College of
J Agriculture, University of Illinois. Too maich of the "bargain" prices that are paid
for small peaches goes into seeds and peeling, he pointed out.
A iDushel of large peaches two and one-half to two and three— fourths inches in
diameter contains only three pounds of seeds, according to tests made at the college
experiment station. In contrast a bushel of small peaches one and one— half to one and
three-fourths inches in diameter contains about six and a half pounds of seeds with a
consequent decrease in the amount of useable fruit flesh.
Not only do small peaches have a greater proportion of seed to flesh but
also they are more tedious to clean, peel and prepare for canning, Dorsey explained.
Those three inches in diameter run about 100 to the bushel, while those measuring two
inches run close to 3OO and the smaller ones approximately 1,000. Since each peach
must be handled separately in the canning process, the size becomes an important factor
in the use of time.
Another fact brought out by tests on the various sizes of peaches is that
the smaller fruits have far more skin to the bushel than do the larger sizes. The
smaller sizes have about 35 square feet of skin while the larger sizes run as low as
23 square feet. Since peeling involves both time and some waste of fruit, the smaller
amount of skin is a point in favor of the large peaches.
Small peaches are seldom economical in the long run, except where the fruit
is to be used for spicing. In that case the smaller sizes may be advantageous if the
price is low.
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pTxality Of Onions Kept By Proper Ha^rve sting Methods
Onions both in home gardens and on commercial truck farms are of unusually
good quality and size in Illinois this year, according to reports reaching B. L. Weaver
of the vegetable gardening division at the College of Agriculture, Iftiiversity. of
Illinois. By following the best harvesting and curing methods, producers can preserve
the quality of the product either for market or for home storage, Wea,ver said.
When an onion ripens properly, the neck shrivels first and the tops fall over
while they are still green. After the tops have fallen, they gradually turn yellow and
finally become dry and brown if the onion is not pulled. The best time to harvest is
just after the tops have started to turn yellow, Weaver stated. If left much after
that time, the onions are likely to start a second growth, especially if a few good
rains fall after the onions have ripened. Those that have once started a second growth
are useless for storage and must be used as soon as harvested.
When the leaves of the onion start drying from the top down while the neck
remains rigid, the vegetable is not ripening properly and should not be saved for
storage or shipment.
Onions may be dried, or "cured, " either by placing them in windrovys or in
shallow crates. Where they are placed in windrows, the tops should be left on to pro-
tect them from sunburn. This method is satisfactory where good v/eather prevails. It
is safer, however, to twist the tops from the onions as they are pulled and place them
in shallow crates, Weaver said. The crates should have slatted bottoms and sides so
i: that air may circulate freely among them. The common sized crate is four feet long,
three feet wide and four inches deep.
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Vol. XVlli-No. 33 ^^^ ^***"««" me^^^txBet p^^^ 3
Inte re s t In Horse Pulling; Contests Showi^n^ Increase
Growing interest among farmers in inore and better horses and the conseqtient
strengthening of horse prices is reflected in the rising popularity of horse pulling
contests "being staged in Illinois this simmer and fall, according to E. T. Puohhins,
animal husbandry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Contests have already been held at Wheaton on June 15» Charleston on August
5 and Mt. Sterling on Ati^^Tist S. Other contests on the list are Pinckneyville, August
il3; Albion, August I5; Watseka, August I6; Springfield, A-u^ust 20 and 21; Roseville,
August 23; Pecatonlca, Au^st 2l|; St. Joseph, August 27; InPayette, Au^jast 2g; Augasta,
I September 3; Sandwich, September U; Knoxville, September 55 Bridgeport, September 6;
jMonticello, September J; ^iiicL Farmer City, September 10.
[These contests, supervised by Robbins, have been useful in illustrating the
pulling value of horses, as well as the importance of proper breeding and training to
increase the pulling efficiency of horses.
Adding interest to the contests this year is the fact that a new state
record has already been established for teams weighing more than 3*000 pounds. This
record was established at Wheaton on June I5 when a pair of grade Perchcron geldings
Olmed by Charles K. Lett, of Sandwich, lifted 3,U00 pounds 27-3- feet on the U. of I.
dynamometer. The former record was 3»250 pounds. This team, weighing U5O9O pounds,
defeated severa.1 of the best teams from neighboring states, as \7ell as Illinois entries.
In the class for teams weighing less than 3»000 pounds the record established
ly the team of Willard Ehoads, Springfield, in I932 is still unbroken. These two
horses, weighing 2,920, lifted 2,g25 pounds to a height of 27^ feet.
Scheduling of a stallion pulling contest at Lincoln Fields, Crete, on October
12 marks the first time in the Mstory of draft horse breeding that ability to move
a heavy load in a public contest will be used as a standard of merit for draft stallions
according to J. L. Edmonds, chief in horse husbandry at the College of Agriculture,
IMversity of Illinois.
This contest, the first of its kind in the world, is being held by the Horse
and Mule Association of Merica in cooperation vdth the college. The pulling power of
tile stallions entered will be measured by the U. of I. dynamometer under the stipervisior
of E, T. Robbins, animal husbandry extension specialist. Ten cash prizes tota.ling
$1,500 will be awarded to the owners of the 10 best pullers.
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ITe_w Apple Rust Not Likely To Damage Next Year's Crop
Apple producers of Illinois, beset 'oy the quince rust disease which is
causing some losses especially in the western part of tlic state this year, ma,y console
themselves by the fact there will be practically no damage from this disease in I936,
according to H. W, Anderson, fniit pathology specialist at the Go-llege of Agriculture,
Ifeiversity of Illinois.
Quince rust, a fungous disease rarely observed on apples before this season,
spends a part of its life on the rod cedar trees tha.t grow in many parts of the sta.te.
The spores wliich would noimally attack the I936 apple crop were destroyed to a large
extent by the hot, dry weather of 193^. Consequently, little infection is espected
next year.
The rust attacks the apple, killing the fruit tissues ratlier deeply beneath
the black rust spot. As the apple grows, a crater like depression is formed in the
iiseased area, disfiguring the apple and reducing its value either for marketing or
home use. Q;aince rast does not ordinarily attack the leaves as do a.pT)le rast and
hawthorn rust.
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ROOM 225
HEW AGR .BLDG
V.
i
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Tol-ume XVIII August 21, 1935 Number 34
More Youngsters Becoming Active In Local Affairs
An increasing ntunber of Illinois rural young people are becoming factors in
the betterment of their home communities through their activities as groups, it is re-
iported by the extension service of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
These groups not only help improve farming and homemsiking but also contribute to a
richer and happier social life. Active in two counties in 1931, such groups may now
be found in 49 co-untios.
Counties in which young people older than 4-H club age bnt still too young
to take their places among the grown-ups have become active since 1931 are: Adams,
Bond, Boone, Bureau, Champaign, DeWitt, DxxPage, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Hancock,
aonderson, Iroquois, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Living-
n, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Massac, McDonough, McHenry,
.i^Loan, Mercer, Monroe, Pike, Piatt, Pope, Piilaski, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Scott,
.Shelby, Tazewell, Warren, W'?,shington, White, Whiteside, Will and Woodford,
Activities of these young people's groups are varied. Twenty-five Kane
Jounty youths entered community affairs by staging a series of meetings two weeks apart
and bringing other young people to each of the meetings to interest them in the county's
problems and possibilities. Richland co-unty youngsters operated all concessions dur-
ing a recent farm picnic and turned the profits over to local agencies working for the
'Dotterment of agriculture and home economics.
Other groups have attacked economic problems of the home and community. In
idams county the young people are maicing studies to determine whether or not older
ijhildren remaining on the farm can produce additional income to compensate for their
•Living expenses.
Fifty-three Macon county young people are attempting to enlarge on the
recreational and good fellowship facilities of the county as well as to find ways of
Jroadening their general knowledge. Livingston, Hancock and Bond coimty groups are
interested in "Know Illinois," one of the projects prepared recently by the extension
service to meet the needs of young people's groups.
Older boys and girls of Scott co\mty have found the "Building an Outdoor
lomo" project attractive. They have also shown interest in drama production, as has
;he DeWitt county group. These projects along with "Know Illinois" were arranged by
}. S. Randall and Miss Cleo Pitzsimmons, junior club extension specialists at the
;ollege, in response to demands from the groups. Assistance in preparing the "Build
m Outdoor Home" project was given by Max Puller, landscape gardening extension
specialist, while D. E. Lindstrom, rural sociology extension specialist, has helped
"ith the project on drama.
In Woodford county a group of young women are making detailed studies of
everyday art as applied to their individual needs in clothing designs and colors. In
addition this group is finding foreign cookery not only interesting but also helpful
i-n bringing new foods to the party table.
Many other activities are reported from among the 49 counties, but in all
:ases the young people's groups are attempting to follow a balanced program for the
promotion of better home and farm practices and happier community life,
-M-
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford. Director.
f< rr
s^ XVIII~No. 34 ®*?* ExtPHBton Mesaen^sr P^^e g
Fertilizer Trials Solve Problem In Sweet Corn Crop
Althotigh growers of sweet corn, one of Illinois' most important crops, have
all tut abandoned use of commercial fertilizers because of poor results, it has now
been demonstrated in six years of experimental work by the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois that proper use of such fertilizers markedly improves both the
yield and time of maturity of sweet corn.
The test results are reported in a new bulletin, "Fertilizer Requirements of
Sweet Corn," by W. A. Huelsen, division of oleric\ilture, and M. C. G-illis, former member
of the division, who conducted the experiments.
Illinois is the leading state in acreage and production of sweet com, but
growers have taken losses for some time because yields, quality and maturity of the
grain were not what they should be. Although commercial fertilizers have been resorted
to, their use h^s been abandoned in all except isolated instances because of very slight
or even negative results. Up until the time of the Illinois experiments but little
reliable information was available as to the cause of this disappointing showing and
the best methods of using fertilizers.
Of 63 different fertilizer combinations which were tried out during the six
years of the tests, the one which gave the best and most consistent results was an
0-16-12 formiila (no nitrogen, 16 parts phosphorus and 12 parts potassium) applied at
the rate of 400 pounds an acre and supplemented with 50 pounds of side-dressed sodium
nitrate. This treatment used in a rotation system including legumes increased the
yield of marketable ears 41.66 per cent.
Under some conditions the 0-16-12 analysis may be reduced with advantage to
0-16-6, but the amount of nitrate used as a side-dressing should not be changed, it
iiras brought out in the tests»
' Other recommendations growing out of the tests were: (l) Use a rotation
lincluding legumes in order to get maximum responses from commercial fertilizers. (2)
Where nitrogen is omitted, broadcast 800 pounds of an 0-16-3 fertilizer an acre. (3)
If it is desired to apply less than 800 pounds of fertilizer (without nitrogen) an
'acre, an 0-16-6 combination will probably prove superior to 0-16-3. (4) Mineral fertil-
izers applied without nitrogen should contain not more than 6 per cent potash. (5) An
lapplication of 400 pounds of an 0-8-24 fertilizer plus side-dressed sodium nitrate at
the rate of 50 pounds an acre may prove profitable under some conditions. (6) Nitrate
of soda should be applied 30 to 60 days after the corn is planted.
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Illinois A Leading State In Meeting Of Hut Producers
Illinois will be well represented at the twenty-sixth annual convention of the
northern Nut Growers' Association at Rockport, Ind. , September 9 and 10, with six
people on the program, it is announced by Dr. A. S. Colby, chief in small fruit cultui-e
at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Heading the convention will be President Frank K. Frey, of Chicago, who will
i3pen the program September 9. Development of the nut industry in Illinois will be dis-
cussed by L. E. Sawyer, forestry extension specialist at the college, during the evening
session of the first day. During the m.orning session of the second day Dr. Colby will
outline the next steps to be taken by nut growers of Illinois. He will be followed by
R. B. Endicott, of Villa Rid^e, who will discuss chestnut growing in southern Illinois.
A.M. Whitford, of Farina, will tell the delegation something about simplified
nut tree propagation during the afternoon session of the second day, and J. G-. Duis, of
Shattuc, will discuss the new Kaskaskia River pecans and hicans.
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;:Si XVI I I—No, 34 ®I|0 Ext^naton fUesBenger Page 3
Plenty Of Feed Brightens Dairy Prospects In State
With plenty of good roughages and grains heing produced in Illinois this year,
dairymen can forego the skimpy rations of drouth tliies and again feed their cows more
profitable and "better balanced corahinations, says C. S. Rhode, dairy husbandry special-
ist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Those who cull out their lowest producing cows and use the plentiful feed as
a br.sis for adequate rations will probably be able to make a reasonable profit during
the coming winter. With milk cow nimibers now 6 per cent less than the record n-umbor a
year ago, the six-year expansion in the nation's dairy herds has been ended. Continued
close culling of lower producing cows and the feeding of bettor rations will further
strengthen the dairyman's position, it is believed.
Not since 192 7 has the state had a h^y crop as large as the indicated harvest
of more than four million tons for 1935, according to reports of A. J. Surratt, state
agricultural statistician, Springfield. Feed grains this year are more than double the
1934 crop, and the com crop, estimated at 74 per cent of normal on August 1, may be
nearly twice as large as the 1934 crop. Soybean prospects are good, and the crop is in
the making on the largest acreage in the history of Illinois.
Considering the roughage and small grains already harvested and the prospects
for those not yet matured, there seems to be no reason for feeding cows inadequate
rations this winter, especially if the corn crop makes good, Rhode said.
Equal parts of ground corn and oats along with a liberal allowance of good
, legume hay as the only roughage makes an excellent ration for milk cows. If soybeans
■ are available, they will furnish the needed protein concentrates. Where both legume
-hay and plenty of silage or good fodder are available, a satisfactory grain ration may
jconsist of 5 parts ground corn-cob meal, 3 parts ground oats and 1 part ground soybeans,
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Eagworms Arrive To Menace Shade Trees In Illinois
Newest arrivals among insect enemies of Illinois trees this year are bagworms
I on many evergreen trees as well as on some of the box elders, soft maples, lindens and
i willows, it is reported by W. P. Flint, chief entomologist for the College of Agriculture.
Uttiversity of Illinois and the Illinois State Natural History Survey.
The worms appear during Augfust in little moveable cocoons hanging from the
leaves. They are not actual cocoons but little houses for the worms and give the bag-
worm its name, Flint explained.
Worms are numerous this summer and are attacking both deciduous and evergreen
trees. However, they are more injurious to evergreens since one stripping of such trees
kills them.
While sprays should have been applied earlier in the summer just after the
worms were hatched, many of the pests will be killed if a lead and lime spray is
thoro\:iglily applied during Au^st. The most satisfactory mixture is made of 2 pounds of
lead arsenate, 2 pounds of lime and 50 gallons of water. The lime is sometimes needed
to prevent burning of the foliage by water-soluble arsenic in the spray.
During the coming winter f-urther control may be obtained by picking the bags
off the smaller trees. The bags should be burned.
The ideal time to spray for bagworms is just after they have hatched. In
southern Illinois they begin to hatch about June 1, in the central part of the state
June 10 is about the date, while June 20 to 25 is the hatching date in the northern
sections.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
R00II22S
NEW AGR BLDG
III
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Record Meeting Of Cattlemen Is Expected At U . of I,
Because of the linusually large number of Illinois farmers who plan to market
a good share of their prospective corn crop in the form of cattle this fall and winter,
a record crowd is expected to attend the eighth annual meeting of Illinois "beef cattle
feeders September I3 at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, said H. P,
Rusk, head of the animal husbandry department at the college.
Visitors at this year's meeting will have the opportimity to inspect more
„i.an 200 head of experimental cattle divided into I7 lots no two of which have been fed
exactly the same way. Rusk stated. The chief object of interest will be eight lots of
yearling steers which have been furnishing daily information during the last seven months
on the value of protein concentrates, bluegrass pasture, corn silage and other feeds in
producing choice market cattle.
Another point of interest this year will be the experiments which have in-
dicated that an acre of soft corn properly stored and fed will produce as many pounds of
grain on a steer as an acre of mature corn. This experiment has taken on added signi-
ficance because of the late corn crop in many sections of the state and the prospects
for a considerable amount of soft corn this fall.
Until the new corn crop becomes available, cattle feeders are using to good
advantage various combinations of small grains recently threshed on Illinois farms,
I according to E, T, Eobbins, livestock extension specialist of the agricultural college,
iWith favorable cattle prices in prospect, feeders plan to keep the animals gaining as
rapidly as possible and then put on the finish with the new corn this fall.
Among the combinations showing good results are oats and wheat, oats, wheat
and barley, oi: oats, wheat and corn where corn is available. These grain rations along
vdth good pasture and leg'jme hay, so plentiful in the state this year, have produced
good gains and furnish a fairly economical way of keeping cattle gaining until more corn
is available, Eobbins stated.
Some operators are biiying corn at 9O cents a bushel to continue the feeding
program which they started in the spring. In cases where cattle fed in this manner have
been sold, they have paid a good return on the feed and risk vThich was involved in the
venture.
Cattle feeders are also making plans to conserve all the roughage available
'for next winter's feeding, since last winter they found that roughage is an economical
feed for wintering cattle as well as a good supplement to grain rations where the
animals are being fattened for market.
The silo is expected to be the most popular place for the storage of corn
fodder and corn stover as well as many other types of roughages, Eobbins stated. Pit
i silos are especially suitable, since they may be constructed at a relatively small cost
•to take care of the extra amount of roughage crops expected this year,
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approred by Congress May 8, I9H. H. W. Mu«ro»D, Director.
ttta.
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XVIII— No. 35 2rt|e Extension i99pasetts0r Pages
G-e.ts Cent Apiece More For Ir,KS By Using Extra Care,
Value of proper flock management and marketing of eggs as practiced by several
southern Illinois poultrymen is illustrated by one farmer of that section who has re-
ceived greater returns and higher profits from his flock this summer than have many of
his neighbors, it is reported by H, H. Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Because he fed and managed his flock for high production of quality eggs,
handled and graded the eggs carefully after they were laid and marketed them on the
grade rather than count basis, this poultryman at one time during the summer received
31 cents a dozen, less shipping and packing costs, as compared to the local "count
basis" price of I9 cents,
First of all he got rid of his roosters after the hatching season. Conse-
quentlj'' all of the eggs produced on the farm this summer were infertile, and spoilage
was held at a low level. The laying flock was confined and well fed on a common gxain
and mash mixture. The hens also were well supplied with oyster shell and water. Under
this management the flock maintained a high egg production average.
Eggs were gathered two or three times a day and stored in a cool egg cellar.
Cases, flats and fillers were kept in this same cellar and consequently were precoolod.
is the eggs were brought from the laying house they were sorted as to size and placed
on wire-bottom trays v/here they cooled rapidly.
In packing eggs for market, the poviltryTnan graded them according to size and
jased only the clean eggs. He was also careful to see that flats and fillers were clean.
Alp said. Each case or part of a case was labeled so that the buyer could tell at a
glance what grade or grades were contained in the case. If two grades were included in
a case, they were packed separately. All cases were protected from the sun and heat
irhile being transported to town.
Since the eggs were well packed and graded before leaving the farm, they
usually reached the market in excellent condition and were purchased on the grade basis.
Outbreak, Of TJTilt May Be Threat To. 1936 Tomato Crop
Tomatoes are of good quality and the yield is generally fair this year, b\it
fusarium wilt is shov/ing up in some sections of Illinois, according to B, L, Wea.ver,
vegetable gardening specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
There is nothing that can be done about the disease now. Weaver said, but
growers should take warning and lay plans to outwit this disease when they plant the
1936 crop next spring, Fusarium wilt causes greater losses to tomatoes in Illinois than
any other disease with the exception of leaf spot. It can be controlled only by the
'"dinting of resistant varieties.
Among the varieties resistant to fusarium wilt are Prarieana, Early Balti-
more, Illinois Pride, Marglobe, and Pritchard. The first throe of these have been
developed at the College after several years of experimenting and will be available for
the 1936 crop,
Fusariujn wilt is seldom carried on the seed, but once in the soil it has the
ability to live in the organic matter in the absence of its host plants for a number of
iJrears. Thus the wilt may be spread by the transplanting of tomato plants from infected
|fco uninfected soils. Soil washing, wind, insects, garden tools and livestock also
'spread the disease. Consequently the possibility of preventing damage by planting the
tomatoes on clean ground is small.
In greenhouses soil sterilization is effective, but this method is not
practicable under ordinary field conditions.
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Vol. XVIII — No. 35 "^ Page 3
Record Hog Price Sets New Hi^h Mark For U-H Members
The new world record price of $1.10 a poimd for fat market hogs, which was
recently established by an Illinois 4-H boy's pig, sets a new all-time high in achieve-
ments of the 5»000 farm boys and girls of the state who are enrolled in U-H pig club
work under supervision of their coiinty farm advisers and the extension service of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The holder of the new world record on fat hog prices is Willard Brittin, a
16-year-old ^H club member of Sherman, Sangamon county. It was established during one
of the night society horse shows at the recent Illinois State Fair when Willard' s I70-
oound Berkshire barrow was sold to a petroleum company for a total of $127.20,
All of Willard' s 5»000 fellow pig club members in Illinois are being trained
m modern and approved methods of breeding, feeding and managing hogs under direction of
their county farm advisers, local leaders and the extension service of the agricultural
college, but the new price of $1,10 a pound is expected to stand for some time.
Less than 2k hours after the check for $1S7,20 had been placed in his hands,
he had invested $25 of it in a purebred Berkshire gilt. With this as a start he hopes
to build up a purebred herd of his ovm and spend his life on the farm. With the re-
mainder of the money he intends to re-establish his bank account vmich he v/as forced to
deplete in order to get expense money for his competition at the fair.
Previous to the sale of Willard' s pig at $1,10 a pound, the best
imark was $1,06 and before that it was 77 cents,
Willard will be a junior in the Williamsville high school this fall and is
aow in his third year of 4-H club work.
1 He has tv/o brothers, and his father ovms and farms 100 acres of land, speci-
'alizing in Berkshire hogs and purebred Hereford cattle.
The record breaking sale was the feature of the state fair ^H club shov; in
.'iiich approximately 1,250 of the 26,000 boys' and girls' ^H club members of the state
icompeted for a share of the $10,3^5 "^ prize money.
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Tomato Juice Can Now Be Canned In The Home Kitchen
Tomato juice, the increasingly popular health drink, may be made in the home
kitchen this fall especially since the Illinois tomato crop is showing a fairly good
yield of desirable fruit, said Clenna A, Henderson, foods extension specialist at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The juice is extracted by pre-cooking the tomatoes only until soft at a
ten^ierature of from I70 to 180 degrees, or slightly below boiling if a thermometer is
not available. The hot, softened tomatoes are then put through a cone-shaped sieve.
Skins should be removed before the tomatoes are cooked.
The juice should be reheated once after it has been put through a sieve,
poured into sterilized containers and then sealed and processed in a hot-water bath for
10 minutes. Salt may be added if desired in the proportion of one-half to one tcaspoon-
fiil to the quart. It is more desirable to add other seasoning just before the juice is
used.
Only a small amount of tomatoes should be v/orked up at a time, and neither
the cooked tomatoes nor the juice should be allowed to stand any longer than is abso-
lutely necessary during the processing, since exposure to air will destroy the flavor
as well as the health-giving vitamins. Neither should the fruit be allowed to boil.
After the tomato juice has been canned, it should be labeled and stored in
3- cool, dark place,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
HEW AGR BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII September U, I935 WumlDer 36
Record Soybean Crop Brings Danger Of So ft-* Pork Loss
A record crop of soybeans in Illinois this year will mean heavy losses from
soft pork if fanners attempt to use the whole soybeans for fattening hogs, according
to a warning by Prof. Sleeter Bull, associate chief in meats at the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois.
While whole soybeans cause soft, flabby pork that is of inferior market
quality, soybean oil meal used as a supplement for corn in hog rations will make firm
pork, Prof. Bull pointed out. At the same time soybean oil meal will produce faster
and more economical gains than can be obtained with whole beans.
It is suggested that farmers trade any whole beans which they would feed to
hogs for soybean oil meal, thus securing a valuable farm-grown protein supplement for
their corn and at the same time avoiding the risk of soft pork losses.
It is to the advantage and profit of farmers to do everything possible to
avoid soft pork, since neither shippers, feeders, meat packers, exporters nor cons^umers
want such meat. Prof. Bull said. The soft pork problem may become so serious that
"soft" hogs will have to be discriminated against. A few loads of such hogs from any
O&e shipping point would be sufficient to give that territory a reputation for inferior
pork, with the subsequent danger of price penalties to producers.
An added inducement for using soybean oil meal instead of whole soybeans is
ttie fact that it produces just as good gains as tankage and linseed meal and at pre-
' sent prices is more economical than these two supplements, Prof. Bull said. Experi-
iments at the U. of I. College of Agriculture have shown that ik pounds of soybean oil
jmeal and four pounds of alfalfa meal are eqixal to the standard com belt supplement of
eight pounds of tankage, four pounds of linseed meal and four pounds of alfalfa meal.
At present prices the soybean oil meal would be the more economical feed.
Other experiments in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio have demonstrated that soy-
bean oil meal used to balance corn produces 10 to 20 per cent more rapid gains than
whole soybeans, shortens the fattening period one to two months, saves 10 to 20 per
cent of the feed and makes fiim nork of high quality, Prof. Bull reported.
Com and soybean oil meal fed at the rate of one bushel of com and nine
pounds of soybean oil meal with alfalfa meal makes a good ration for fattening hogs.
However, a mineral mixture should alv/ays be fed when soybean oil meal is used in swine
rations. A good home-made one can be mixed from 2 parts ground limestone, 2 parts
steamed bonemeal and 1 part salt.
Cooperation among fanners in avoiding the feeding of whole soybeans will
protect their shipping point against getting a reputation for soft hogs, Prof. Bull
pointed out. At present market prices of soybeans and soybean oil meal 100 pounds of
i f arm pork cam be produced quicker and cheaper than 100 pounds of soft pork. Further-
more, the reputation of the community for producing good hogs will add much to the
profitableness of future operations, he said.
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Printed in furlherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 19H. H. W. Mumfor... Director.
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-Vol. XVIII— No. 36 ®J|e ExUnsxan i^Iesaettser Page 2
12~Year-01d Soil Plan Faying Dividends On Fulton Farm
Twelve years of re'b-uilding and maintaining the fertility of his 250-acre
farm through the use of limestone and legumes are now paying dividends in the fonn
of feed, "better balanced rotations and reduced costs of production for L. P. Randolph,
of Pulton county, it is reported by C. M. Linsley, soils extension specialist of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Randolph has limed about 200 of the
250 acres of his farm, and the rest probably will be limed within the next two years.
This year 20 acres of sweet clover on limed land pastured 25 head of cattle,
20 sows with 125 pigs and six horses. The pasture could have carried almost double
that number of livestock, Linsley believes.
This same 20 acres, once considered the poorest land on the farm, furnished
12 loads of sweet clover hay and plenty of pasture for 25 cattle and six horses during
the drouth last summer. The clover came up as a volunteer crop last spring and took
a poor crop of oats. Its excellent growth in spite of the drouth was possible because
limestone had been used to sweeten the soil, Randolph believes.
Another proof of the value of limestone is shown by the fact that corn yielded
■ 45 to 55 bushels to the acre on limed land at Randolph's farm last year, Linsley stated.
"Nothing can beat lime and sweet clover for putting life in the soil," declares
this Pulton covinty farmer. He has found limestone profitable, since it has enabled him
to maintain soil fertility and obtain better than average hay and pasture crops from
legumes.
During the past two years shifts from surplus grain crops to alfalfa and
clover have been much easier for Randolph because much of his soil is limed and grows
j these soil-building crops, readily, said Linsley.
■ Rpjidolph's farm is an example of hundreds of Illinois farms on which soil
fertility and earning power have been maintained and increased by the use of limestone.
Many farmers have found that acid soil must be limed and clovers grown regularly in
the rotation if the land is to continue earning enough to support the farm family.
Where the common practice of grain cropning is followed, fertility of the
) soil will be depleted and crop yields will decrease year by year. Eventually a stage
I of soil depletion may be reached when the income from poor crops will not furnish a
j living for the farmer. When conditions get this bad, it will be too late to make any
: investments in soil improvement, Linsley declared. Many Illinois farms are not far
i f rom this stage now, he said. The longer liming is postponed, the more difficult it
I will be to finance this soil improvement work.
Good Peed Supply Ends Need Por Late Alfalfa Cutting
With supplies of feed, especially good roughage, plentiful in Illinois this
year, there is no necessity of injuring alfalfa stands by late cutting, declared
J. J. Pieper, crop production specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
To avoid winter injury to their alfalfa, Illinois farmers should not cut hay
crops later than six weeks before the first killing frost. Por northern Illinois the
average date for the first killing frost is about October I6, which means that alfalfa
IBhould not be cut later than the first week of September.
In central sections of the state killing frosts occur a few days later,
averaging about October 18 to I9. They may be expected in the southern third of Illinois
■about October Zk, Prosts have killed vegetation in all of these sections during
<. September, occurring as early as September lU in the northern and southern sections
: and on September 16 in the central section. However, such early frosts are the ex-
ception, and most alfalfa will be safe if not cut after the first week in September,
. Pieper said.
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Soft-Corn Risks T'urning Fanaers To Temporary Silos
Possibilities of a large amo-unt of soft corn in Illinois this fall have
turned fanners to preparations for temporary fence silos and other emergency means of
saving as miich of the crop as possihle, according to the agricultural engineering
department, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
While corn is making rapid growth, there is danger that frost will catch
Bome of the crop "before maturity, it is shown in reports coming to J. J. Pieper, crops
specialist at the college. The fence silo offers an economical and satisfactory way
of preserving this soft com for winter use.
Most common among the temporary fence silos are those constructed of the
familiar picket, or snow, fence. Woven wire fencing is also used to some extent. The
fence is set up in a circle of the desired diameter after the ground has heen leveled
for the "base. The inside is lined with heavy huilding paper and filled to within ahout
six inches of the top hefore the second section is fastened on top, said W, A, Foster,
chief in rural architecture at the college.
Diameter and height s.re governed "by the capacity desired, although a height
of not more than the diameter will assure greater stahility, A silo 10 feet in dia-
meter will hx)ld approximately 12 tons of silage, while a 20-foot silo will hold ahout
96 tons. A complete tahle of sizes and capacities as well as instructions for "build-
ing fence silos and pit silos are available at the agricultural engineering department
of the college.
This information gives details for detennining the size of silo needed, lay-
ing out the ground, constructing the silo, filling it and preparing the ensilage for
tetter keeping.
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Silos Make Good Storage For Extra Supplies Of Hay
Since hay mows are already "bulging with good legume hay, silos pro"ba"bly will
l)e pressed into the unus-ual service of furnishing storage space for much of the ad-
ditional hay crops being raised in Illinois this year, said W. B. Nevens, associate
chief in dairy cattle feeding at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Contrary to the popular opinion, most legume hays make excellent silage
for dairy cows if handled in the right way, JJevens declared. Alfalfa, soybeans and
the various clovers, all of which are growing in abtindance in the state this year,
can be made into palatable, nutritious ensilage.
The only difficulty with legumes as silage is that they ¥dll develop a
strong, -unpleasant odor and become impalatable if put into the silo too green. This
is caused by deterioration of the large amount of protein in such crops. This condi-
tion not only reduces the feeding val^ue of the ensilage but also is likely to taint
the milk, since the odor will pervade the entire barn. Some of the taint also is
Jarried to the milk from the silage eaten by the cows.
Allowing the legume hay to wilt and dry out after it is cut will help pre-
vent the -unpleasant odor and taste. The surest method of preventing the development
3f these damaging qualities, however, is to mix fairly green corn with the legumes
mlf-and-half by weight or not less than one load of green corn to two loads of legumes,
Phe additional sugar in the corn causes an acid to form, thus preventing deterioration
)f the protein and the development of the bad taste and smell, llevens explained.
Another method which may be used where green com is not available is to mix
Jlack strap or sugar beet molasses with the hay at the rate of 1 to 2 per cent, or 20
to Uo pounds to the ton,
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,,,,CUtTUB'AL UBBABV
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII September 11, I935 IJijin'ber 3?
Illinois Wheat &rowers Busy Starting New AAA Plan
n Determined to prevent reciorrences of bur den some wheat surpluses and banlcrupt
■ices such as v/ere experienced in 1932, wheat growers and county wheat association
„.i'icials throUj^hout Illinois are working to place the new AAA four-year adjustment
program into effect as soon as possible, according to reports from the extension serv-
ice of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Illinois is the ninth ranking wheat state of the nation and therefore one of
the leaders in getting the new program under way, ^nile there is no definite forecast
as to how many wheat contracts will be signed in Illinois ujider the new program, the
12-to-l referendum vote registered last spring in favor of continuing the program in
the state promises strong support for the nov; plan, according to the extension service.
On the basis of recent developments, the coming sign-up is estimated at a possible
27,000 contracts as corapaired with 23,982 in the original wheat program.
Twenty-two district educational meetings were held throughout the state
beginning September 6 and ending September 10 during which approximately 96 farm
advisers and 200 county and district wheat allotment committeemen attended. The pur-
pose of the meetings 7/as to give the county and district workers conrplete details of
the new contract.
Recognizing that the emergency is largely over, AAA wheat section officials
designed the new contract as a flexible instn^raent in maintaining the ground gained,
according to information from the extension service. Both the producer and the con-
sv-mer will be protected against a return of those days when wheat was 25 cents a
bushel and industry was in the doldrums because the farmer had no money with which to
buy goods.
Through adjustment paj^nnents and actual adjustment in acreage from year to
year, producers will have a guarantee of parity prices on 5^ per cent of their annual
average production as well as assurance that the carryover will not become so large
as to depress prices unduly. The reason for the comparatively small reduction of 5
per cent below base acreage on the 193^ crop is that domestic supplies stand at about
normal and there is no need for a large adjustment in acreage. However, the program
is set up so that reductions up to 25 per cent of the base may be made in case of
btmrj^er crops.
The consumer is protected against dangerous shortages of wheat and exorbi-
tant prices by provisions which not only require contract signers to seed ^^4 per cent
of their base acreage each year but allow for increases in acreage should short crops
create a need for additional wheat.
Without a continuation of production adjustment, new surpluses of wheat
threaten to pile up in the United States at the rate of 100,000,000 bushels a year,
according to AAA officials. It seems quite certain, they declare, that if there were
^'-' adjustment of scedings, the wheat area of the United States during the next few
ars would average annually at least 66,000,000 acres, the average seeding in the
ree-year period of 1930-32 when wheat prices v;ere very low.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
i
^^ . XVIII — No. 37 "^ Page 2
I
Well-Vent ilatod Cribs Will Help Save Late Corn Cro-p
jH' Since mach of the Illinois corn crop of an estimated 262 million bushels
ill bo late in maturing, cribs v/hich not only protect the grain but also give it
plenty of ventilation for drying and curing v/ill save v/hat might otherwise be heavy
losses, it is believed by W. A. Foster, rural architect at the College of Agriculture,
'■f'-iversity of Illinois,
Facilities for adequate ventilation can be built into new cribs or added to
tiiose which will be undergoing repairs this fall, Foster said. In addition to plenty
of air circulation, the crib shouJd protect the grain against bad weather and keep
rats, mice and other destructive rodents away from the corn.
These provisions are of added importance this year, since the Production
Credit Corporation is already prepared to malce loans on properly stored farm grain and
tJiCre is a possibility that AAA. loans similar to those of the past tvro years may be
offered. Such loans will undoubtedly be confined to corn which is properly stored and
protected.
In figuring the amount of space needed, the farmer can base his estimates on
the fact that ear corn requires 2^- cubic feet to the bushel, while shelled corn or
^•lall grain requires just half that much. This means that a crib 10 feet wide and 10
•5t high will hold Uo bushels of car corn to each foot of length. The most convenient
ngth is 36 to ho feet, Foster stated.
Since it is better to have all of the crib room at one location rather than
scattered about the farmstead, the "growing plan" is ideal, especially for the young
farmer who is just starting to build up his place. One crib may be built on the
selected site this fall. Later on another unit may be added facing the first and with
a drive way between. As small grain bins are needed they may be built above the cribs
and the roof finally conipleted.
Either wood or concrete floors are satisfactory for corn cribs if properly
constructed. However, extra care should be talcen to "build out" the rats. This can
be done by placing a strip of half-inch mesh hardware cloth around the edge of the
i crib between the studding and the outside wall. This strip should reach from the
I floor to about two feet up on the walls and be topped with a strip of galvanized iron
bent outward to prevent the rats from getting throiigh the wall above the strip of
'hardware cloth.
Detailed plans of the growing crib are available for a nominal charge from
the department of agricultural engineering at the college,
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Egg Income Protected By Fall Culling of All Pullets
Prospects for fairly high egg returns dioi-ing the remainder of I935 may be
made more certain by careful culling of pullets before they are put in the laying
house this fall, it is stated by H. H, Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
In practically every flock there arc individuals lacking in the vigor and
thriftiness necessary for good fall and winter egg production. Lack of body weight is
one indication that the pullet is low in vitality. Alp said. Other signs of poor
physical condition include roixgh, loose feathers, paleness of comb and face, lack of
pigment in feet and shanlrs and a general listlessness.
The ideal time to weed out such weaklings is when the pullets arc being
transferred to the laying house, 3y following this method, the poultryrnan will be
able to start tlie fall season with a flock of thrifty, vigorous young pullets that arc
prepared to give maximum egg production for the feed constimcd,
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.^, XVIII~No. 37 Page 3
Fall Pasture Makes Valua"ble Erosion-Preventing Crop
Lato fall pastures have assumed added importance in Illinois this year be-
cause of their value as soil-erosion control crops and their ability to fit into the
various AAA programs as substitutes for grain crops, according to J, J, Pieper, crops
' specialist at the College of Agricxilture, University of Illinois, Nor have these new
1 possibilities detracted from the value of late fall pasture as a feed saver and
economical producer of milk.
Many of the small grains such as winter wheat, barley ax^d rye make excellent
fall pasture. Winter barley is coming into general favor in the southern section of
the state, since it may be seeded earlier than the other grains without danger of in-
jury from Hessian fly. It usually reaches the pasture stage four to six weeks after
planting and will furnish feed during late fall and into the early v/inter, October 1
will be the approximate seeding date for most small grains this year, Pieper said.
Added benefit may be derived from these crops if they are used as nurse crops
for fall or spring seedings of pasture grass mixtures. Pasture mixtures which are
adaptable to fall planting may be seeded with the small grain. The grain will furnish
, late fall and early spring pasture, while the grasses will become available later next
year. Spring plantings of pasture grass may be made in the small grain next year with-
out destroying the early spring grazing furnished by the grain, Pieper declared.
Pasture mixtures which may be seeded this fall include timothy, brome grass,
red top and bluegrass. Spring mixtures best suited to most sections of Illinois in-
clude such legumes as alfalfa, sweet clover, red clover, alsike and white clover in
addition to the above mentioned grasses.
With the 1936-39 wheat contract requ.iring that new areas be planted in sub-
stitute crops this year, fall pastures offer a convenient and effective method of
1 meeting this reqii.irement. Also, these crops will help bind the soil and minimize the
1 losses from washing during the late fall and early spring rains. The addition of the
(pasture grass mixture v/ill add to the erosion control feature of the crop.
Where farmers intend to plant small grains for use as pasture crops on acre-
, ago taken out of grain production, they should consult their county or community com-
imitteemen to be sure their intended plantings will conform to terms of their contracts.
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Efficient Method Of Apnl^Ang Limestone Lowers Cost
More efficient and cheaper methods of hauling and spreading limestone, such
as those developed in Winnebago county last spring, have enabled Illinois farmers to
make a far greater use of this material than formerly, it is believed by C. M, Linsley,
soils extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Under new methods such as those followed by E. E. Porter, of Winnebago
county, tedious and costly hand methods have been eliminated. The limestone is moved
from the quarry by a steam or gasoline shovel to the crusher where it is pulverized
and dujnped into a storage bin.
This storage bin is high enough to allow five-ton trucks to back under the
chute and be loaded withou.t hand shoveling, Linsley said. The trucks, of the power
dump t;/pe, are equipped with spreader attaciiments. Consequently, the limestone is
transported direct from the quarry to the field where it is spread by operating the
dump and allowing the limestone to feed into the spreader as the truck is driven across
the field. Where the ground is plowed, the limestone is dumped from the trucks into
five-ton hopper spreaders which are pulled by tractors. By this method all of the
hand shoveling has been eliminated,
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AHVhan ivdniinoiasv
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
>l-ume XVIII September 13, 1935 Ntunter S?
Milestone Is Set In Spread Of Good Farming Methods
A milestone in the spread of good fanning methods has "bean set up with the
Iding of a "good farming" meeting at Normal by the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois, according to Prof. H. C. M. Case, head of the department of agri-
cultural economics.
Ten years of records in the college's farm bureau-farm management service
project were summarized and studied by several hundred farmers attending the meeting.
Sixty-three farmers who have kept records during the ten consecutive years of the
project were paid special tribute by Dean H. ~. Mumford, of the agricultural college.
This is the twentieth year that farmers have been keeping accounts in
cooperation with their county farm advisers and the agricultural college. The farm
bureau-farm management service, in which approximatelj'- 1,000 farmers in 16 counties
are enrolled, represents an advanced stage in the development of this account keeping.
Through their records farmers have found out how well they are running
their farms as compared with other cooperating farmers and they have been aided in
applying to their own farms the practices tliat have proved profitable on other farms
of a similar type.
One of the outstanding products of the record keeping has been a seven-
point program for good farming. This lias been built up by the college through a half
century of experimental work backed up by the records which thousands of farmers have
kept during the past score of years and the acco\ints summarized during the past ten
years in the farm bureau- farm management service project.
The seven points of the recipe are: (l) plan a rotation of crops and a good
field arrongomont; (2) keep the kinds and amounts of livestock that are well suited to
the farm, the farmer and the market; (3) produce high yields of crops; (4) produce
good returns from feed fed to livestock; (5) keep labor costs low in proportion to in-
come; (6) keep power, farm machinery and livestock equipment costs low in proportion
to income, and (7) keep building and fence costs low in proportion to income.
Among the 63 farmers who have kept records throughout the t en years of the
project, the one farmer whose farm excelled in all seven of these factors had an
average annual net income of $4,050 during each of the ten years. The six farmers
whose farms excelled in six of the seven factors had an average annual net income of
$2,890.
Farms strong in five of the seven factors had an average annual net income
of $2,380; those strong in four factors ea,rnod an average annual net incom.e of $2,140;
those strong in three, $1,915, and those strong in only two factors, $1,550, Farms
which excelled only in one or none of the seven factors had an average annual net
Income of only $965 for each of the ten years.
Some farms not r.anking high in earnings at the present time are building up
the productivity of a badly-depleted soil and getting high-producing livestock herds
sstablished. With good farming practices these farmers will be able to improve their
earnings materially in years to come.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
■^oi. XVIII— No. 38 Pag8 2
Erosion Control Will Be Aided By New Soil Studies
Control of soil erosion on thousands of acres of Illinois farm land is ex-
)ected to bo aided through new studies started by the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois, to find out what happens to rainfall on different soil types.
Saniples of soil from eight extensive soil t^-pes hjave been "planted" on the
college farm as a basis for the studies. These include soils from as far south as
Madison county, as far north as Lee county, as far T;est as Hancock county and from
other places within this general area.
2y measuring the amount of surface inxn-off from these soils and the rate of
water percolating through them, the investigators hope to secure information needed
in the development of more effective erosion control methods in the state. Findings
made in the college's soil survey show that there are more than 4 million acr^s of
Illinois farm land that are subject to destructive erosion and should never be farmed,
more than 4 million additional acres that are subject to serious erosion and suitable
only for orcharding, permanent pasture or timber and more than 19 million acres where
erosion control practices are necessary to maintain the productivity of the land.
Only by knowing what happens to the rainfa.ll on these different soils is it
possible to work out the most effective erosion control methods, it was pointed out by
E. S. Stauffer, associate in soil physics, who is in cliarge of the new studies.
The samples used in the studies were taken by forcing hollow cylinders, 36
inches in diameter aiid 40 inches long, into the soil. The cylinders with the soil
cores in them were then loaded on trucks and brought back to the college where they
were set up so that water falling on the surface is free to escape as rim-off or by
percolating through the soil.
Both the run-off and the percolation n,re measured. A rain gauge near the
set-up records total precipitation. Thus the disposal of the water f.alling on the
surface may be calculated, \7hile the test has not been in operation long enough for
any definite conclusions to be drawn, it is hoped tliat within a relatively short time
accurate information ma;'' be available as a help in meeting soil erosion problems.
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ffater As '^ell As Feed Needed For Production Of Eggs
It tallies water as well as feed to produce eggs, according to H. H. Alp,
poultry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This means that since hens ha.ve very little water storage capacity, water must be
supplied at all times if the flock owner expects to talce advantage of higher egg prices
now in prospect.
Approximately nine pounds of water are required for each dozen eggs laid,
according to records of daily water intake of 60 White Leghorn pullets at the college
over a period of foioi' weeks.
Another significant fact brought out by the trials was that egg production
increiised almost in direct proportion to increased consumption of water. During the
first week the hens drank approximately 2.16 pounds of water each. Egg production
during the same week averaged 2.99 eggs to the hen.
During the last week of the trials water consumption averaged 3.06 'pounds,
or about 138 per cent of the first week's average. Egg production during the last
week averaged 4.19 eggs, or approximately 140 per cent of the first week's production.
These figures indicate that where the ration is adequate, plenty of drinking water
will help boost the laying efficiency of hens, Alp st:i.ted.
1. XVIII— No. 38 Page 3
Lamb Profits In View If Feeders Use So-ond Methods
Favorable lamb market prospects indicate that Illinois feeders may realize
a fair profit from western feeder lambs now being shipped into the state if they
f'ollow the right feeding and man^-igeraent methods, says W, G. Kammlade, sheep husb.andry-
man at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A higher than usual slatighter of 1935 lambs up-to-date has reduced the
number that r;ill be available this fall and uinter. This indicates that marketings
during the r£:st of the year probably v/ill bo light. Another factor contributing to
the favorable outlook is that improved range feeding conditions have enabled many
v/estern growers to market their lambs as butclier stock instead of feeders, Illinois
farmers also will have the advantage of plentiful supplies of economical feed,
Kammlade stated. A poiond of gain should cost roughly one-half as much as in 1934, he
added.
All these factors indicate tliat western feeder lambs may be profitable if
they are bought right and managed carefully. Since they may have been in transit
from one to two v/eeks, the lambs are likely to be exliausted when they arrive. Con-
sequently they should be handled with care and, if driven from the yards, given ample
time to reach the farai.
Palatable dry roughage or bluegrass, plenty of v/ater and a small amount of
salt is an ideal ration for the first three or four days after the lambs reach the
farm. Thoy slwuld be allovred plenty of rest under shade trees or shelter, Kammlade
said. This early care is highly Important, since many of the lambs, weakened ''oy the
trip, may contract such diseases as hemorrhagic septicemia unless they are liandled
carefully.
Clean, well-ventilated shelters of sufficient capacitj'' to house the lanbs
without crowding also will contribute to a healthy, fast gaining flock. The shelter
houses should contain feeding racks so that laiiibs will not have to eat in the open
during cold, damp weather. Plenty of water and salt should be available at all times.
The lambs should be transferred gradually from roughages to concentrated
feeds to avoid losses from digestive disturbances. Even after the lambs are on full
feed, plexity of palatable roughage will be needed to guard against over-eating of
concentrates, according to Kammlade, Detailed information on the care and feeding of
lambs is ava.ila.ble in circular No, 413, "Feeding Lambs on Illinois Farms," available
at the college.
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Butter Imports Show Rapid Decline Since Last Spring
A rapid falling off in foreign butter imports lias accomp.anied increased
domestic production and decreased consumption this s^ummer, according to reports re-
ceived by the College of Agricult-ure, University of Illinois, from the U. S. Bureau
of Agricultural Economics. ITo New Zealand butter has been imported since April, it
is stated in the report. European imports amounted only to 177,238 pounds in July of
this year as compared to 1,437,000 in Juno and 2,655,000 in May.
While imports have been decreasing, domestic production has been increasing.
June butter production this year amounted to approximately 197 million pounds as com-
pared to 183 million last year. Consumption, however, decreased from 140 million
pounds in June, 1934, to 135 million in the same month this year, the bureau reported.
Under the February London and New York price conditions, importers could pay
the 14-cent import tariff on each potmd of butter brought into the country and still
ibave a margin of profit. However, as the spread bet?/een New York and London prices
decreased, the margin disappeared and imports declined.
AGRICULTURAL LJBRAPV
ROOM 225 ■
IJEu' A'GR B.Li>u
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VolTomc XVIII September 25, 1935 N-umber 39
Ear-Corn Silage Best Way To Save Corn Hit By_ ?rpst
IJP Any of the 7i million acres of Illinois' corn crop which may be ca-ught by
iThreatened frost damage this fall can best be utilized by being snapped, husk and all,
and made into car-corn silage, according to H, P, P.usk, head of animal husbandry at
the College of Igriculture, University of Illinois,
There have been six soft corn years since I9OO, and the college has worked
out the best methods of salvaging the grain by running extensive feeding tests.
Corn that has been frosted before maturity usually is too high in moisture
content to keep if placed in a crib. In fact, a moisture content above 2k per cent
is too high for cribbing corn safely, P-usk stated. Tests during such soft-corn years
as I92U have shown that soft corn rarely contains less than 30 per cent moisture.
Running the snapped corn through the ensilage cutter and putting it in a silo
helps to conserve much of the feed value of the immature grain, conserves storage
space, lightens the feeding work during the winter and is the most satisfactory way of
curing soft corn, according to tests made at the college.
During the tests an acre of soft corn handled in this way produced 2gO pounds
of gain on a herd of steers. The nearest approach to this was an average of 2U0 pounds
gain to the acre where the soft corn was stored in the shock and fed from the shock as
needed during the winter.
Where the corn was allowed to stand in the field and husked as needed, an acre
Bade 235 pounds gain on beef steers. Pastui'ing Droved to be the poorest method with
each acre of soft corn producing a gain of only I70 pounds where the steers were
allowed to run in the field and eat the corn from the stalks or ground.
None of the methods tested showed good results with hogs, although hogs follow-«
ing steers fed shocked corn did the best, making about 32 pounds total gain for each
acre of corn fed in this manner,
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State Contest In Corn And Poultry Judging On Oct. ^
One hundred of the best Judges from among the 5|000 Illinois farm boys and
girls who are enrolled in U— H corn and poultry projects will settle the year's state
championship judging honors in these two lines of work in a contest to be held at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, October 5> ^^ is announced by E. I.
Pilchard, boys' club specialist.
This year the poultry judges will be required to place eight classes of four
specimens each. Pilchard said. Four classes are to be judged by the American standard
3f perfection rules and the other four according to egg production qualities. Breeds
»hich may be used will include Barred Plymouth Pocks, PJiode Island Reds, Wliite Wyan-
iottes and White Leghorns.
The corn judges will be required to place three classes of corn consisting of
four 10-ear samples each. The classes will include two samples of utility typo yellow
:3om and one sample of utility type white corn,
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Prmted in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
- 3rif ^ lExtBtteian Meesen^ev
,. ■ XVIII— No. 39 Page 2
Tests Show Safe Methods Of Meeting Spray_ Tolerance
With a large crop of apples to be moved in Illinois this fall and lov;er
spray residue tolerance in effect, growers can protect themselves by following success-
ful methods of spray removal worked out in experiments by the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, according to fruit specialists of the institution.
Lead tolerance has been reduced by Isxi to .018 grains to each pound of fruit
during 1935» ^s arsenical tolerance remains at ,01 grains. If the lead tolerance is
met the arsenic tolerance almost invariably will be met also, it is stated by W. A. Ruth,
chief in pomological physiology, and K, J, Kadow, associate pathologist.
The tolerance specified by the government must be met before the apples can
be sold. Shipments which do not meet the specifications are liable to seisrure. Be-
cause of these regulations the consumer may rest assured that there is no danger of
spray poisoning from fruit that has reached the market.
Since the tolerance is relatively low, growers are faced with the problem of
removing the spray residue without injuring the fruit. The process consists in washing
the apples, either in hydrochloric acid or sodium silicate followed by acid. Usually
one acid bath is sufficient. Acid injury may be caused by too high a concentration of
acid, too warm a solution or too long an exposure of the apples to the solution, Ruth
and Kadow stated.
Variety and condition of the apples also may influence the injury. Apples
picked prematurely usually are more sensitive to the treatment. The safest procedure
is to run tests with the different varieties of fruit and vary the methods of washing
til the injury is reduced to the smallest possible degree.
Acid solutions for a test run should be made up with about 1^ per cent actual
id and held at a temperature slightly above 100 degrees fahrenlieit. Acid injury shows
in minute cracks usually at the calyx end of the apple,
' Silicate injury is caused by the lack of thorough rinsing after the apples
ve been washed in sodium silicate. Such injury is indicated by a round, burned area
the calyx end of the apple and sometimes cracking similar to that caused by acid.
It is a good idea to analyze a saraple of the apples before washing to deter-
Imine tentatively the strength of the solution needed« The apples should be analyzed
jafter the washing to be sure the residue is down to government specifications.
Detailed information on washing and testing apples is available from the
horticultural department at the college,
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N.ew~Typc Cotton Eases The School Clothes Problem
Cotton fabrics that have anti~crease qualities and resemble wool to the ex-
tent that they may be substituted satisfactorily in many cases are now available to sim-
plify the winter school clothing problem for many Illinois mothers, according to Miss
Edna P., G-ray, clothing extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois.
I With these developments cotton is destined to become more popular as a fabric
I for school clothing, since it possesses many other qualities, both from the economic
I and comfort standpoints, which adapt it to the school child's needs, Miss G-ray believes.
Information on the buying and construction of school and play clothing is
available at the home economics department of the college. In addition, three recent
'.S.D.A. publications, No, 52, 5U and SO, describing the construction of suits for boys,
.dresses for girls and play suits, are available at a small cost at Washington, D. C.
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\mm
. ■• XVIII— No 39 Page 3
Ten-Year Records Fix Value of Good 7arming Methods
M A new price tag can now be put on good farm management methods as a result
of ten years of records which Illinois farmers have kept in the farm hureau-farm
management service project of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
according to Prof. M. L. Mosher, of the department of agricultural economics.
The figure on the price tag, or the value of good farm management, may he a
surprise to those who have underestimated the worth of good crop yields, livestock
efficiency and other recommended practices in safeguarding farm earnings aiii promoting
general farm prosperity, Prof. Mosher pointed out.
Records kept hy 63 farmers who have heen enrolled throughout the ten years
of the farm bureau-farm management service project form the basis for the new price
tag. Fifty-seven of t?iesc farmers occupied the same farms during the ten years and
otherwise operated their land so that it was possible to make direct comparisons be-
tween them.
Ten of these 57 farms made more marked improvements in their farm manage-
fflent methods than others during the ten years of the project. However ,' during I325,
1926 and 1927 J the first three years of the project, before the improved farm manage-
ment began to make itself felt, these ten farms each had an average annual income of
$1,195 less than the average for the whole 57 farms.
During 1932, 1933 aJ^cL 193^> "the last three years in the ten-year period,
each of these ten farms on which the farm management methods were improved earned an
average annual net income of $390 more than the average for the whole 57 farms.
These farmers improved their position, Prof. Mosher explained, by using
their records and acco-'jjits to find out how well they were running their farms as com-
pared with other cooperating farmers. They also applied practices that had been
proved in the records to be profitable on other farms of a similar type to theirs.
Thus in ten years these farmers, as a group, advanced from a position far
behind the average for all farms in the project to a position well ahead of the average.
Fall Festival To Proclaira Watermelon F^r^pie of State
Illinois' fame as a watermelon state will be proclaimed in the first annual
fall watermelon festival at Havana, September 25 to 26, according to L. A. Somers,
vegetable gardening extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois.
Some of the state's finest m.elons will be "on parade" at this show. The
Ctiban Queen, recently introduced into Illinois by the extension service of the Agri-
cultural College, will be a featured variety.
The festival, supervised by the Cimco Valley Wa,termelon Growers' Association,
is the first of its kind in the state and was originated to improve the melon growing
industry in Illinois, an enterprise which produces annually more than $100,000 worth
of fruit.
Melon growers managing the festival plan, to appeal not only to the eyes but
also to the apjjetites of visiting melon fanciers, Somers stated. They expect to slice
2,000 of their finest melons into quarters to be given to visitors as added proof of
the quality of their product.
Varieties of melons which will be on display will include the Cuban Queen
which is gaining rapidly in popularity in the state, as well as the older standard
iifaxieties such as Dixie Belle, Tom Watson and Klickley Sweet.
Another feature of this colorful show will be the crowning of a watermelon
syieen. The queen-to-be and her tvro ladies-in-waiting will be selected by votes
Mnong association members and annoijnced during the festival.
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!i
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
_Voli:me XVITI October g. 1955 Nu.T.ber 4C
Farmers Attackln»< Erosion Problem On Three Fronts
Illinois farmers and others working to check soil losses on more tnan 19
million acres of the state's farm land are attacking the problem from three different
jles, according to H. L. BucKardt, erosion extension specialist coordinator at the
liege of iigriculture, University of Illinois. These are; mechanical contrjl, ve^^e-
cive control and land use, including good management.
Mechanical control includes properly constructed terraces, gully control
-tructures ana contour furrows. Terraces, carefully maintained, help to prevent sheet
osion and gullying. Where gullies are alreaay formed, check dams and other struc-
res will slov; down the water, causing soil to be deposited ri-ther than carried away,
.^kardt said.
Contour furrov.s check the flow of vvater, allovdng much of it to be absorbed
and thus helping to prevent runoff and erosion. Such furrows are particularly adapted
- : the improving of pastures.
Among the various vegetative control methods, such cover crops as vheat, rye,
1 first-year sv;eet clover are effective in controlling erosion. Experiments have
.own that comparatively little soil is lost from fields groiving good stands of cover
ops, either during fall or spring rains. Permanent vegetation, where it is adapt-
le to the farming system, is an excellent means of preventing soil washing, alfalfa
I bluegrass excel all other crops for erosion control, Buckardt said. Where the
II is poor and badly eroded trees are superior to grass and hny crops.
Under tne land use phase of erosion control, crop rotations, controlled
vestock grazing and tne use of special practices are considered tne most important.
iper rotations which include legumes increase tne organic matter consent, tnus
Iping to prevent soil washing. Controlled grazing prevents the surface from being
:;uded of sjil-binding vegetation, wnlle tne use of special practices such as contour
rming and strip cropping may meet special problems on the inaividual farm.s or fields.
Publications of the college v/nich contain valuable information on various
.ases of erosion control include a mimeographed leaflet, "grasses and Legumes for
il Conservation and Improvement" and Circular Wo. 29C, "Saving Soil by Use of Mangum
So-Called Winter Oat Varieties Not Adapted To State
In the widespread search 'jvhich they are now making for new crops to adjust
and modify their crop rotations, Illinois farmers should beware of the so-called winter
oats, according to a warning by J. C. Hackleman, crops extension specialist at the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. V.'lnter-hardy varieties of oats
generally are unsulted to the central and northern parts of the state and are ijues-
tlonable even in the southern part, he said.
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Printed in furtherance of the ABricultural Extension Act approve.! by Congress May 8, 19H. H. W. Mumforo. Director.
Avoiding Poison I'^eeds Best Way To Protect Livestock
Keeping cattle, horses and sheep away from poisonous plants such as white
'-nakeroot and deadly nightshade is the best method of coping with this danger, said
:-■. Robert Jraham, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at tne College of iigriculture,
ilversity of Illinois, in discussing reports of such poisoning from Various parts of
.illnois this fall.
Both white snaKeroot and deadly nightshade are especially dangerous at this
time of the year, since they remain in a green, succulent stage after many other plants
'live ripened. Deadly nightshade is an annual somewhat resembling horse and bull
ttles except that it has no spines, according to J. J. Pleper, crop production
,:ecialist at tne college. It is from 1 to 2h feet high and usually thrives in culti-
;ted soil. The plant is dark green and has a wnite, five-toothed flower. The
rrles, now beginning to appear, are black, while the leaves have smooth edges.
'White snakeroot is a slender, erect perennial reaching a height of from 1 to
^- feet. The leaves are from 3 to 5 inches long and have saw-toothed edges. Tne
.ant bears a white flower. Shaded, dam.p areas are preferred by snakeroot.
Cattle affected develop sucn symptom.s as trembling, rapid loss of weignt,
glazed looking eyes and a generally "dopey" condition, Dr. Graham said. If a graduate
veterinarian is called at the first sign of such symptoms, he may be able to save
me of the poisoned animals, but the best cure is to keep tne stock away from, these
eds. Hogs may be poisoned by the nightshade.
Since farm animals ordinarily do not eat either of these weeds, many farm.ers
may not know the poisonous plants exist in their pastures, fields or v.oodlots. Only
.vlth frei^uent examinations of the pastures and fields, together with careful observa-
tion of the livestock can Illinois farm.ers cut down losses from such poisoning. Sus-
pected plants may be sent to the college for identification.
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Green Tomatoes Can Be Saved If Picked Before Frost
Frost may nip gardens almost any time after October 1, but the many green
tomatoes still remaining on the vines need not be sacrificed if homemakers and gar-
'deners will pull them just ahead of frost, according to Miss Grace B. Armstrong, fooas
xtension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Frosted tomatoes are prtictically of no value, but green tomatoes picked
from the vines before frost and stored in the cellar or pantry can be used for any
number of appetizing dishes, Miss Armstrong says. The fruit will ripen gradually or
it may be used while still green.
Sometimes the practice is followed of pulling the tomatoes, vine and all,
before frost and hanging them in the cellar where they may be used as needed. An
occasional sprinkling of water will prevent the tomatoes from shriveling.
One of the most common ways to use green tomatoes is to slice them, dip
them in egg and crumbs and then fry them, a thick, brown gravy, m.ade in the frying
pan after the tomatoes have been cooked, will make tnls fall garden dish even more
delicious.
Green tomatoes also may be used for making mustard pickles or as one of the
several vegetables used in making mixed pickles, Miss Armstrong states. In addition,
there are such green tomato combinations as marmalade, mince meat and green tomato
pie, according to information from the bureau of home economics at Washington, D. C.
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1.
XVI II --No. 40 Page 3
Storae;e Prolongs Benefits From Good Fall Garden Crops
■ One way to cash in on the mucn better crop of fall vegetables in evidence in
most home gardens this year is to store them wnere they v/ill keep for winter use, said
L. A. Somers, vegetable gardening extension specialist at the College of agriculture,
University of Illinois. Plenty of stored vegetables will help save money on living
costs and contribute a healthful variety to winter meals.
Irish potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, rutabagas, celeriac and winter
.dishes all are subject to damage from freezing, rotting or drying out. Conse.juently
tney must be kept between 50 and 3^ degrees and in a damp atmosphere. Such vegetables
may be placed in boxes of sllgntly moist sand in the cellar or in sunken and covered
barrels, bomers said.
Parsnips, horseradish and salsify, not being subject to freezing, can oe
stored in much the same way except that little or no precaution is needed to protect
them from below-freezing weather.
Cabbfciges may be stored outdoors by pulling them, roots and all, and pl.:.clng
^.em, heads down, in a long, low ridge, Somers explained. This ridge should be
vered with straw and dirt with the soil layer being increased as colder weather
approaches. For storing indoors, cabbages should be cut out .of the crown, the dis-
eased and discolored leaves removed and tne heads stored on slatted snelves near the
illng of a dry, well ventilated cellar. Onions and sweet potatoes should be stored
:n a similar manner after tney are tnoroughly cured and before cold weather arrives.
Since pumpkins and squashes are not subject to drying out, tney may be
stored on slatted shelves similar to those used for sweet potatoes. However, tney
should be allowed to mature on tne vine and removed by cutting the stem an incn or
more from the fruit.
Celery, leeks, kale and parsley can best be stored by being taken up wltn a
ball of moist earth surrounding the roots and placed on the floor of tne cellar.
Moisture can be added when absolutely necessary by applying water to tne soil. Such
getables also can be stored in trenches out of doors.
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No Effective Way To Kill Webworms 3efore Mext Summer
Nothing can be done this fall to rid Illinois trees of the webworms wnich
are unusually numerous at the present ti.re in the form of small, light green, fuzzy
caterpillars, said W. P. Flint, chief entomologist fjr the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois and the Illinois State Natural History Survey. To be effec-
tive, c-'ntrol must be practiced next summer. These w^^rms have been more troublesome
than ever in Illinois this year, and tneir unsigntly webs can be seen on many sn^de
trees and shrubs.
Methods of combating the webworm include spraying, hc.nl picking or pruning
and, in some cases, burning with a torch. The cheapest and most effective metnod is
to spray the trees and shrubs about August 1. Two pounds of lead arsenate to 100
-.lions of water make the best spray. Tne worms now in evidence will soon fina pro-
rcted spots near the ground where they will spin flimsy cocoons and develop into the
pupal stage for the winter, nbout June 1 of next year a snow while moth will emerge
to lay from two or tnree to 300 eg^s on tne undersides of leaves. These eggs hatch
Into tiny caterpillars which spin a 'web over the leaves and feed togetner under t.iis
web. The web usually is enlarged as the caterpillars seek m.ore leaves for food.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volume XVIII October 9, 1935 Number 41
I Farmers Anxious To Check Costly Losses From Erosion
Eagerness of Illinois farmers to check soil losses on the millions of acres
"*' land subject to serious erosion is inilcated by the added interest being shown in
il erosion control activities, according to H. L. BucKardt, erosion extension spe-
cialist coordinator at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Fifty-five counties now have soil conservation and Improvement committees
actively engaged in helping to coordinate and carry out erosion control programs, ac-
cording to a current report from 92 counties. Of the 37 counties without such commit-
tees on September 23, 23 were making definite plans to appoint them in the near future.
Under the newly launched plan of having county soil conservation and improve-
ment associations to facilitate erosion control work, 11 associations are organized
with 18 counties included. Five associations are incorporated. Plans are going ahead
In many other counties to get such associations organized, Buckardt stated. These
associations are being set up as permanent organizations and, as such, will assist in
coordinating the activities of the various soil erosion agencies in the county and will
help supply equipment for the larger projects.
In addition to special erosion control work being carried on by farmers and
conservation agencies in the various counties, the extension service of the college is
conducting a number of projects which deal either directly or Indirectly with soil con-
servation. These include limestone and legume projects, pasture Improvement, farm
management, terracing, contour farming, drainage and a number of other closely related
projects. In all cases the work of the extension service is being coordinated -.vith
that of the other agencies to bring about a unified soil conservation and Improvement
program in the various counties, Buckardt said.
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Gardeners To Air Problems During November Meeting
Problems both of market gardeners and of truck farmers will be discussed dur-
ing the fifth annual meeting of the Illinois State Vegetable Growers' Association at
Springfield, November 12, 13 and 14, according to L. A. Somers, vegetable gardening
extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The meet-
ing will be held in the Abraham Lincoln hotel.
Details of the program are not complete, but the tentative set-up Indicates
that a wide range of subjects will be discussed, Somers said. These will Include
tomato culture, the use of electric hotbeds, vine crops grown in Illinois, new fruit
varieties as compared with the old, fruit and vegetable canning and the growing and
certification of southern plants. Marketing problems also '.vill receive considerable
attention during the meeting. The women's auxiliary will take up such special sub-
jects as canning, preparation of fruit and vegetables for local markets and the grow-
ing and use of flowers. Officers of the association are: President, Emmett Orr,
Sockford; vice-president, August Geweke, Des Plalnes, and secretary-treasurer, John
Wenke, Peoria.
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• Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. II. W. Mumtord, Director.
-1 XVIII--N0. 41 Page 2
Cattle Malady Being Suppressed By Testing Of Herds
A new and concerted drive against costly losses from Bang's disease of cattle
.as been carried to the point where 12,714 animals Infected with the malady were removed
from 3,611 Illinois herds under the federal eradication program during the year ending
:1s past June, according to reports received by the College of Agriculture, Univer-
:ty of Illinois from the federal department of agriculture. More than 70,500 cattle
re tested in the state during the year in an effort to weed out diseased stock.
Illinois farmers get more than one-third of their cash income from milk,
cattle and calves, or a total of more than 92 million dollars in a year like 1934, and
Bang's disease is one of the worst plagues of the Industry. It is a contagious breed-
ing disease.
In addition to the progress that has been made in the federal eradication
program, nearly 10,000 cattle have been tested for stockmen who are cooperating with
the college extension service in a project launched 10 years ago, according to Dr.
Robert Graham, chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the college. His records show
that 109 statp herds have been accredited through the extension service project.
Launching of the federal eradication program in 1934 has materially speeded
up the drive against Bang's disease in Illinois, according to Dr. Graham. Under this
program herds are tested and the reactors slaughtered with the owner receiving an
Indemnity. Under the state project owners attempted to remove Infected animals at
*heir own expense and then keep their herds healthy through approved metnods of sanl-
ry herd management.
Among the 212,482 herds tested in the United States during the year ending
\ine 30, about 40 per cent had some animals infected with the disease, the federal
port shows. Approximately 13 per cent of more than 300,000 cattle tested were infected.
-M-
Soybean Gaining Popularity As A New Source Of Food
Soybeans either in the green stage or as mature shelled beans are fast becom-
ing recognized as an economical source of food, it is stated in a mimeographed circular
just issued by the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. As a revised edition
of a soybean food circular issued two years ago, the current publication contains many
new recipes for using both green and matured soybeans.
The circular was prepared by Miss Sybil Woodruff, associate chief in foods
In the home economics department of the college. That department has been conducting
experiments and tests on the food value of soybeans since the crop first became signi-
ficant In Illinois. At the present time more than 100 varieties of vegetable type
beans growing on the college experimental farm are being tested.
Soybeans owe their nutritive quality principally to their nigh protein con-
tent and high calorie value contained in the rich soybean oil, according to the cir-
cular. The vegetable is fairly high in vitamin B content. Compared with other vege-
tables, it also is fairly high in such minerals as calcium, phosphorus and iron.
On the other hand mature beans or flour made from them contain a relatively
small amount of starch. They also are much lo.wr in carbohydrates than other dry beans.
Consequently soybea is or soybean flour are often used in diabetic diets.
Not only do soybeans constitute a valuable source of required nutrients, but
also they make appetizing foods especially when combined with other vegetables or dairy
products. Recipes for 31 such soybean dishes are described in the circular.
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r
XVI11--N0. 41 ®t;0 SxtpttBton fMsaaetigcr Page 3
Soybean Disease Found This Year Is Probably Mildew
Diseased soybeans being found In many sections of Illinois this fall probably
are Infected with downy mildew disease, said G. H. Boewe, field botanist for the 1111-
,nols Natural History Survey, cooperating with the College of Agriculture, University
[of Illinois.
i In a recent survey 25 fields located in 12 counties were examined, and only
: one field was found to be free of the disease. Careful counts made in 10 of these
.fields showed an average of 85 per cent of the plants Infected and 49 per cent of the
?leav8s on these plants diseased.
Downy mildew is an Oriental disease of soybeans which attacks and destroys
the leaf tissue. It was first seen in the United States in 1929, and in that same year
email areas of Infected plants were found in Champaign and Piatt counties.
So far no effective remedy has been found for this disease. Since it is new
;n Illinois as well as in the U. S., plant disease workers have had very little oppor-
unity to make investigations and tests, according to L. R. Tehon, botanist in charge
.t the survey office.
Indications are that the disease is more prevalent during years of plentiful
alnfall. This indication is borne out by conditions in Illinois. Very little of the
Isease was seen during the recent dry years, but with the greater supply of moisture
:hls year soybean downy mildew is abundant.
Examinations of diseased plants this year show that about 10 per cent of the
eaf tissue has been destroyed by the disease.
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Fulton Wins Three Of Four Championships In Judging
Fulton county won three out of four state championships and Sangamon county
the fourth one in a round of judging contests held October 5 at the College of Agri-
culture, University of Illinois for 4-H club members and vocational agricultural stu-
nts of the state.
Both the state championship in corn juuging and in poultry judging went to
the Big Ten 4-H club of Fulton county in the annual contest staged for 4-H club members.
.:- 'Ainnlng corn judging team was composed of Kenneth Voorhees, Maurice Alison and
rnard Deakin, wiiile the state championship poultry judging team, was made up of Roll in
lith, Ralph Foulk and Charles Turner.
Fulton county's third championship came in the meats identification contest
fjr vocational agricultural students. This team, representing the Canton High School,
3 composed of Nelson oloore, Leonard Nelson and Donald McFall.
Sangamon county took the state championship in milk judging when a team, com-
posed of Alvin Maris, Max Somers and Bob Sallenger, representing the Springfield High
School, outscored all other contestants.
The winning 4-H corn and ooultry ju-iging teams will represent Illinois in
national contests to be held in connection with i.he Chicago International Livestock
position, rhlle the winning meats identification and milk judging teams will represent
: the state in national contests to be held at the Kansas City American Royal Livestock
Show, October 19 to 26.
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Flfteen Stallions To Compete In October 13. Contest
At least 15 three-year old draft stallions representing Illinois and five
other states are entered for the world's first stallion pulling contest which will be
held at Crete, October 15, it is announced by E. T. Robbins, animals husbandry exten-
sion specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, who .vill be In
charge of the U. of I. dynamometer during the contest.
1 -M-
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
KEW AGR BLDG
K
\i' COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII Octolier l6, 19)^ IT-umbor Ug
Weeds In Pastv.re May Be Glue To Losses Of Livestock
ifc Losses of livestock fron weed poisoning such as have occurred on sevorgJ
IBLLlinois farms this fall often remain a taffling puzzle only "because many farmers are
I^Bot aware that they have poisonous plants in their pastures, according to a rairneo-
l^praphed circular just issued hy the College of Agriculture , University of Illinois.
The circular, "Plant Poisoning of Animals," was prepared hy Dr. Eobert
Graham, chief in animal patholog;/ and hygiene, and Dr, J, J, Piepcr, associate chief
in crop production at the college. It contains sketches and descriptions of 37 poi-
sonous plants found in most sections of Illinois along with information on treatment
of affected animals and eradication of the plants.
Deadly nightshade and white snalceroot are two of the most troublesome poi-
sonous weeds. Both of them recently have been responsible for cases of livestock
poisoning in this state.
Poisonous weeds affect different animals in a v^Tiety of ways, according to
the circular. As an exanitDlc swine arc noticeably resistant to white snalceroot, while
cattle, horses, and sheep arc highly susceptible. Lactating cows can, with compara-
tively little dnngcr, eat amounts of snakeroot vrhich would be fatal to steers or dry
cows. Only white-skinned animals are susceptible to alsike clover. Black Angu.s
cattle or Duroc Jersey hogs may be pa,stured safely on alsike. In the case of Hamp-
shire hogs only the white belt will be affected.
While not all poisonous weeds cause fatal poisoning, many of them do and,
in many cases, there is no effective treatment for stricken animals. Consequently
the best cure is to prevent livestock from eating such plants, according to the circti-
lar, which is available at the college.
Dry Weather Of Past Is Main Cause Of Oak Trees Dying
Much of the dying of oalr trees being reported in Illinois this fall is the
dclajred results of last year's drouth and the several successive dry seasons preced-
ing, according to J. C, Carter, tree disease specialist with the Illinois State
Natural History Survey, cooperating with the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois,
Du.ring the past several seasons and especially in I93U the supply of mois-
ture was so low that vigorous growth was not maintained -md m;\ny of the feeding roots
died. This year favorable weather conditions produced abundant foliage which could
not be adequately supplied with food and water by the drou.th-wenkened root systems,
Caj-ter explained. Consequently the foliage ajid limbs have died, cnusing conditions
knovm as "die-ba.ck" and "st;'e-hca,d" as well as complete death of sono trees.
The best treatment rgainst drouth injury is to maintain the trees in a vig-
orous condition by use of fertilizer and removal of all dead or diseased v/ood. While
it is not practical to fertilize farm wood lots -nd forestry pl.-jntings, the dead Mid
dise.ascd wood caji be removed.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mum ford. Director.
.
bl. XVIII— Ko. kZ Page 2
Le.-iding Growers To Apyerx During Vegetable Meeting
ijnj Leading vegetable growers of Illinois as well as riroraincnt authorities from
i;%Ltside the state arc being scheduled on the program for the aimual meeting of the
jjillinois Vegetable Growers' Association at Springfield, I'Tovember 12, I3 and 14, it is
j announced by L, A. Somers, vegetable gfurdening extension spccirlist at the College of
; Agriculture, University of Illinois, The meeting will be held in the Abrc'h.Tin Lincoln
i Hotel,
Illinois growers pud garden specialists scheduled on the progr.am include;
'om Keithley, well-lmo',vn grower from Dixon; John WenJce, Peoria grower and secretary-
reasurer of the association; Trevor Jonis, manager of the Cimco Fnxm at Havana;
alter McLaughlin, director of the Illinois State Department of Agriculture at Spring-
ield, and Jesse Venarde, in charge of the St, Louis Cooperative Hpa-kot,
Specialists from the college will include Somers; K, J, Kadow, associrte
plant pathologist; L, H, Shropshire, field entomologist for the Illinois State Natural
History Survey; K. B, Dorner, chief in floriculture; Miss Harriet T, Barto, dietetics
3Cialist; S, W. Decker, associate in fruit and vegetable marketing; J, W, Lloyd,
c .ief in vegetable gardening, and P, S, Johnston, farm -nnnagement specipJist.
Out-of-state people scheduled for the progmn are Stcziley Johnson, siiper-
intendent of the South Haven Branch Station of MichigPuii State College; G. H. P.iemen,
iAssociated Seed Growers, Kew Haven, Conn.; F, W. Scliroer, grower from Valdosta, Ga. ,
'and George Sweet, grov/er from Ft, Wayne, Ind,
I -M-
High School Girls Learn Mpre Than Cooking In Class
Contr.?jry to the old-fashioned belief still held by m^jiy people, the estimated
15,000 or more Illinois high school girls enrolled in home economics food, classes in
oroximately 32S high schools of the state ojre learning far more thou just cooking,
rording to Miss Anna Belle Eobinson, home economics edixcation specialist at the
liege of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Wliile most of the high schools maintain food pi-eprration as a factor in
:ir home economics courses, the vorlz is now carried on in such a way as to give the
idents a wider Imov/ledge of economic ,and social problems, as well as the technique
:1 cooperation necessary in the h-xidling of supplies end the planning and preparing
me al s ,
From st.art to finish the girls enrolled in the classes are given an oppor-
-lity to use their j\idg-ment in pi coining rxid working out the many details incident to
--od preparation, Miss Robinson said. Especial attention is given to the preservation
|of foods, particula-rly in the fall, Tlie students not only can vrrious foods but also
'■^idy the various methods of preservation and learn adv^Jlta.^es tund disadvpjitages of
ch.
Kitchen convenience comas in for its share of attention, as does also the
prep.aration of economical b\it unusual raid appetizing dishes.
It is generally recognized that the averc^e high school girl receives pretty
thorough instruction at home on how to cook. Hence ar. attci.pt is being made in mrjiy
high schools to supplement this knowledge by helping the girl meet the entire food
preparation problem. This involves not only the prepojration of the food but also its
purchase, the use cf various kinds of equipment, the choosing of foods necessary for
a balanced diet and the general management of kitchen and dining room. The courses
also encourage cooperation in the students' homes, Hiss P.obinson believes.
Vol. XVIII — No. ^42 2ri|e Sxtptiston MtsBtn^cr Page 3
G-ood Season To Clear Up Mystery Of .Apple Varieties
This is the year when the mystery of the maiiy -unlaiown aiid unidentified
vnrictiGs of apples growing in Illinois orchards could he cleared up if growers were
ore careful in sending in specimens for identification, according to P.. L. McMuiin,
of the pomology division, College of Jigricultu.re, University of Illinois.
Trees have borne so well and so generally that the state's estimated crop
of 7,208,000 Dushels of apples is almost three times the I93U crop and considerably
core than the five-year average of ^,5^5,000 b\ishels, he pointed out. Some specimens
sent to the college for identification are from orchards planted as many as 30 or 35
years ago.
However, there is something mcc than a sentimental reason why orchardists
arc anxious to secure identification of all varieties with which they arc unfamiliar,
MclVfonn said. J^ples placed on the market must be labeled with the correct variety
name or as "variety unlmown." With their trees bearing better than usual this year,
growers have a chance to identify hitherto unknown varieties,
Unf ortimately many of the specimens being sent in for identification are
rriving in a damaged condition or with tags mixed, making accurate naming alm.ost
1-npossible, McMunn said,
ipplcs sent in for identification should be mature, free from disease and
insect injury and of average size and color for the variety. Each specimen should be
rapped individually or placed in a sack v/ith the number written on the sack. Tags
Led to the stems often are lost in shipment, since stems may fall off. Records
iiould be kept of specimens sent to the horticulture office.
Properly v.Tapped and tagged fruit should be packed in strong containers to
revent crushing in transit. Cylinder-shaped bottle nailing cartons are satisfactory
br a fev/ specimens, ?or larger amounts any good, sti-ong carton will be suitable,
pMunn said. The package should be stamped "perishable,"
A letter stating that identifications are desired and giving the name and
jLdress of the shipper should accompany the package, Hovrever the letter must be in-
Losed in an envelope and stsiiiped with the regular letter postage unless the psx^kage
of specimens is being sent first class. The specimens should be sent to the depart-
ment of horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Neglect Is ?i'orse Cause Of Heavy Pu.ral Fire Losses
Negligence is largely responsible for an annual fire loss of appi-oxiiaately
,000,000 on Illinois farms, or the equivalent of one farmstead each week in the year
.d two on Sundays, according to W. A. Foster, rural architect in the College of
'iculture. University of Illinois, For the nation as a whole rural fire losses
italed $225,000,000 ajid 3,500 lives in I93U, he reported.
These tremendous losses can largely be prevented through careful and frequent
.ecking on the danger points in buildings, cleaning up of premises and greater care
handling fires both in the stove and for such outside work as trash burning or hc.-'-t-
of butcher vats.
Among the fire hazards which may be found around the farmstepd are dry
ass, fallen leaves or piles of old papers or rags stacked in the corner of some
kiilding. A badly worn roof often constitutes a fire risk, since the shingles arc
~iose and splintered, thus giving sparks from the chimney a better opportunity to start
fire. Flues should be inspected for possible cracks in the mortar, Foster said,
ectric wires should not only be properly installed but also should be large eno\igh
carry the peak current consumption of the circuit without overloading,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
K
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
_Vol-c~.5 XVIII October 21, 1T*>^ Utunber k^
Soft Corn Is Now A Grave Certainty In Many Sections
This is now certain to be the seventh soft corn year since I9OO, with the
-.OTint of soft and chaffy corn ranging from 10 to ^0 per cent of the crop in different
rts of the state, according to latest estimates of crop and livestock specialists at
-0 College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
No class of livestock can utilize this soft corn as well as can cattle, and
'^■^ method of salvaging the crop has been found superior to ear-corn silage, according
Prof, 11, P, P.usk, head of the animal husbanoxy department. Trench silos or other
mporary forms of silos may have to be put up on some farms to conserve the maximum
ading value of the immature corn, he said.
Horses and mules offer scant outlets for soft corn, inasmach as heavy death
sses have resulted from feeding this class of livestock on damaged corn such as is
- -und in almost every crib during a soft-corn year, Prof, F.usk said. Sheep are no-
, toriously finicky about their feed and cannot utilize much soft corn except in the
l^k'n of silage or as ear corn direct from the field before any spoilage has taken place,
^Hgs axe better soft-corn users than horses and sheep, but trouble with scours and the
^■ability of hogs to cat enough high-moisture corn to make fast gains have made soft
^^ki unpopular with hog feeders,
■^^ As for the different methods of utilizing soft corn, the best one that was
■and in a long series of investigations at the agricultural college was ear-corn
silage. Pasturing the soft corn in the field with cattle did not prove satisfactory.
Shocking was dangerous, and cribbing was out of the 'luestion.
Silage made from the snapped ears, husk and all, kept as v/ell as normal silrge
-'d made pn excellent feed for beef cattle. There was practically as much feeding value
^n the dry matter of soft corn as in the dry matter of sound corn. However, because of
the high moisture content of the soft corn, steers could not eat as much feed eqiiivalent
I in that form as they could in the form of normally matured corn. Hence cattle fed soft
"orn do not ga,in as fast as those full fed on sound corn,
An acre of soft corn may have as rmich dry matter in the cars as an acre of
ture corn. If this dry ma,tter is conserved and properly fed, it will produce prac-
;-ically as much beef as an acre of sound corn.
-li-
Gopd Hon House Kelps Cash In On Outlook For Poultry
With business conditions showing steady improvement and cold storage egg
stocks reduced to reasonable levels, prospects during the coming six months are brighter
for Illinois poultry raisers who manage their laying flocks for high egg production,
said H. H, Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College of Jigriculturc, University
of Illinois, One of the most imjoortant considerations is adequate housing. If old
buildings can not be remodeled or repaired, it may bo necessary to construct a new
house, miatever the requirements may bo, the flock will maintain a higher laying aver-
age if quartered in a roomy, comfortable, well-vent ilatcd hoiisc before cold weather,
Alp stated,
-M-
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural E:.tension Act approved by Congress May 8. 19M. H. W. Mumford. Director.
[Vol. xviii-Ko. 1+3 ®*?^ SxtPttBton mess^m^t p^g^ 2
Fi-Qczing Of Late Corn Risk To_ Seed Supplies Of YQ^
Freezes which already have caught some of this yerr's late cor.Ti crop and the
I^Langor of further damage if the grain is left in the field may lead to a serious seed
:orn situation nnxt yesr unless farmers pick their seed promptly and store it carefully
rhore it will dry out without freezing, according to J. C, Hackleman, crops extension
specialist of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Approximately 25 per cent of this year's estimated crop of 273,204,000 "bushels
in Illinois is so late that it was caught by the early Octoher freezes and may he still
further injured ty later frosts, he reported. Much of the grain that fai-mers had ex-
pected to be of seed quality undoubtedly has been damaged.
Selecting seed corn immediately before more serious damage is done is the
best wa^y for farmers to protect themselves, Ha.ckleman recommended. Ears sho\ild be
picked which apparently were the most mature and therefore of the lowest moisture con-
tent when the freeze came. If seed picking is delayed, growers will run the risk of
selecting dead ears. Thus at planting time next spring there might be unusually large
amounts of dead seed, he said.
If at all possible farmers should select plenty of seed to allov/ for discard-
ing largo quantities after the full effects of the freezes are determined throiigh cul-
ling and germination tests, Hackleman said.
Selecting corn now gives some opportunity to talco advantage of any cold resis-
tance which the plants may show. Plants vrhich were able to withstand the low tempera-
tures and still show a green stalk, although the leaves and husks are dry, may carry
some cold resistance. Well matured ears from such stallcs should be well worth saving,
"Plants from which seed ears are selected also should bo well anchored by
the roots. P.oot rots and other weaknesses of the root system may be propagated by
selecting cars from plants which do not strjnd erect,
"Husks that cover the eajr well reduce the chances for ear infection. In some
fields it is hard to find well-covered ears, but several years of selection for long
husks will help correct thise
"The ears themselves should not be very large in circumference as much ears
dry slowly and therefore are open to disease infection for a longer time. Ears showing
mold or insect injury should nob be taken, for they would be culled out later."
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Soyb cajg Oil Meal^ E:cpocted To P.ank High As A Protein
A large crop of soybeans combined with increased stock feeding activities on
Illinois farms indicate that soybeaii nil meal will ranlc high among the protein supple-
ments used in feed lots of the state this winter, said E. T. Eobbins, animal husbandry
extension specialist at the College of ^riculture, University of Illinois. This stan-
dard by-product of the largo Illinois bean crop alrea,dy has established its merits as
an all-around healthful and suitable high protein feed. At present prices it has a low
cost for each pound of protein as compared with other supplementary feeds.
Hog raisers in particular will find soybean oil meal an excellent protein
supplement during the coming winter months. Tests have indicated tliat hogs given free
access to powdered limestone will thrive almost as well on a ration containing soybean
oil meal as they will on rations in which tankage is used as the protein concentrate.
Hog raisers are cautioned that the feeding of whole or ground beans will pro-
duce soft pork, whereas soybean oil meal produces firm pork, P.obbins said. Every ship-
ment of soft pork from a particular locality hurts the reputation of that lncaJ.ity on
the market, he explained.
Soybean processors arc willing to cooperate with feeders in the matter of cx-
shanging soybeans for soybean oil meal. This is a good trade because it gives the
farmer more protein than he would have in his beans,
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f Vol. XVlli~-No. U3 ®^^ ^xUttsxotx MpsaensiMr p^^ 3
?arm Storaffe Of Soybeans Is Safer If Beans Are Dry
-
With record amounts of soybeans being stored on Illinois farms this year,
farmers can cut doiivn the risk of losses by being siire that the beans are dry before
being threshed and stored, ax;cording to J, C, Hackleman, crops extension specialist of
the College of igriculturc, University of Illinois,
In spite of the fact that early October freezes reduced the acreage of beans
kept for seed, Illinois will still harvest a record crop somewhat greater than last
year's total of 10,292,000 bushels. More beaiis than usual therefore will be stored on
farm.s this season.
With frost during the first 10 days of October having hastened maturity of
the plants remaining in the field, most combined- threshed beans will be dry enough
for storage. However, those that have been cut and stored in the shock must be watched
at threshing time, since they may have absorbed enough outside moisture to make stor-
age risky, Hackleman said.
The best viay to find out whether or not the beans are dry enough for storage
is to take a representative sample of the freshly threshed crop to a local elevator
where equipment is available for determining the moisture content, A quart of beans
is sufficient for the test. The beans should be placed in a fruit jar and the lid
fastened to prevent drying out while the sample is on the way to the elevator,
A moisture content above ik or I5 per cent is likely to cause spoilage when
the seed is stored, Hackloman stated.
Extra care will be needed where morning glory and bull nettle plants are
present, since pieces of these plants mixed with the beans will increase the moisture
content. Farmers should be doubly sure that seed beans are dry before being threshed.
Wlien the beans are dry enough to store satisfactorily, there is some danger
of them being cracked in the tlireshing process. Cracked beans arc tiselcss for seed,
and those with injured seed coats will deteriorate rapidly. The presence of cracked
seed is an indication that the thresher is being operated at too high a speed or the
concaves are set too close. Beans containing large amounts of cracked seed should
never be saved for planting purposes, since cracked beans are indications of many more
with injured seed coats,
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Weathered Hay Best Used As A P.ou^hagc For Dairy Cows
One of the most profitable ways of using the somewhat weathered legume hay
found on many Illinois farms this fall is to feed it to the dairy cows, said J, G. Cash,
dairy husbandry extension specialist at the College of igriculture, University of
Illinois.
However, if this hay is to give the best results, it must bo supplemented
with the right kind and amounts of carefully-balanced grain mixtures. If plenty of
alfalfa, soybean, cowpea, clover or lespndeza ha^' is available and little other rough-
age is being fed, the grain mixture need contain only 11 to lU per cent protein. Where
roughage is low in protein content, the necessary amount of x^rotein may be supplied
through use of supplements. Bran, brewer's grains, cottonseed meal, soybeans, soybean
oil meal, linseed oil meal, gluten feed and gluten meal are among the most generally
used supplements.
Choice of supplements depends upon the local price and the amount of protein
used. Cottonseed meal contains the largest percentage of protein with soybean oil
meal and gluten meal second. Bran contains the least. However, on the basis of early
October prices, soybeans and soybean oil meal were tlie cheapest sources of protein
iwith gluten meal, cottonseed meal and linseed oil meal moving up the cost scale,
G-luten feed and bran were the highest priced sources of protein,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
U
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
^oltme XVIII Octoter 30, I935 N-umber hk
Illinois Ppultry Offers An Oi^tlet For Soybean Crop^
Illinois' 35>000>000 chickens will f-arnish a good mai'ket for some of the
rate's record soybean crop this year especially if the beans are used in the oil meal
jrra, said H, H. iU.p, poultry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture,
-liversity of Illinois. Soybean oil meal is a satisfactory protein supplement for
-e poultry ration if the ration also contains sufficient mineral, he added.
For growth and egg production soybean oil meal, supplemented with sufficient
inerals of the right hinds, is about eqiial to meat scrajj and fish meal, somewhat
better than tanliage, gluten feed and cottonseed meal, and not quite as good as dry
mill: products.
Both soybeans, fed whole or ground, and soybean oil meal must be supple-
mented with sufficient minerals. Alp said. The minerals needed are calcitim, phos--
phorus, sodium and chlorine. These can be supplied by a mineral mixture containing
2 per cent bone meal, 1 per cent gro^^Jld lim.estone and 1 per cent salt.
For laying hens the follo?/ing mash containing soybean oil meal has been
found satisfactory: I60 pounds ground yellow corn, 100 pounds whea.t bran, 100 pounds
grotind oats, 50 pounds meat scrap, 50 pounds soybean oil meal, HO pounds alfalfa leaf
meal, 10 pounds steairied bone meal, 5 pounds ground limestone or oyster shell and 5
pounds salt. The grain mixture suggested is g- corn and j each of wheat and oats or
barley,
Fnole soybeans are not very satisfactory, since they contain a lai-ge amount
of oil which makes it necessary to feed them sparingly. Because of this high fat
content, ground beans may become rancid during warm weather. The value of whole soy-
beans as poultry feed does not meas^tre up to that of commercial soybean oil meal.
Another factor to be considered where beajis form a large part of the ration is that
flocks do not relish the taste of beans -ojitil accustomed to this tj'pe of feed,
Unemrlor/ment Ho Problem With Ag. College Gr adulates
Uneinployment is not a problem in the ranks of the 120 graduates in agricul-
ture and hom.c economics who v/ent out from the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois, last June, according to replies being received by Assistant Dean P. P.,
Kudelson, More than 90 per cent of those who have replied to his inquiry have jobs
either in farming or elsewhere, and the only ones still -unemployed are nine graduates
in home economics. To date replies have been received from 9S of the 120 graduates.
Since leaving school the 120 graduates have scattered to a dozen different states and
Argentina, South JSmerica, to start their careers.
Opportunities open to young men and women trained in agricxilture end home
economics are indicated by the fact that the remainder of the graduates are engaged
in some Uo different lines of work. One of the home economics graduates, Miss Ruth
E, Piegel, formerly of Tolono, is clerking and modeling in a Chicago department store,
while the range of work in vihich the agricultural graduates arc eng,-aged includes re-
settlement, soil conservation, meat packing, milk marketing, farm management, farmer
organization and farm credit,
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Printed in furtherance o£ Ihe Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumfoku, Director.
Uift Extension Mesatttset
/ol. XVIII— No, kk Page 2
C^aref-gl Poultry Mana<g:ei:ient Pays For Farm In Year
Careful poultry maxiagement lias enabled Jarnos inderson, of near Enfield, to
Jay for a 63-acre farm in one year frora egg returns on his White Leghorn flock, it is
reported by H, H. Up, poultry extension specialist at the College of Agriciilturc,
Jnivorsity of Illinois,
Inderson, who has been in the poultry business for several years, purchased
ihe farm by assuming the mortgage of approximately $1,300 held against it, A little
lore than a year ago he moved to this farm and established his flock in two new tile
ten houses. His 193^ pullets vrent into production about September 1 and by September
. of this year had produced $1,751»^3 worth of eggs. During 21 weeks of this past
rear the 60O young hens averaged 30 dozen eggs a day.
Most of his success has been brought about by close attention to housing,
'ecding and management of his flock, Anderson believes. During recent years he has
^ollov/ed the practice of buying baby chicks from a commercial hatchery rather than
latching them at home. He attempts to get the chicks frora well-bred, disease-free
'locks and buys them, early.
The chicks are fed a starting mash recommended by the extension service of
the college. This mash is composed of 5 pounds alfalfa leaf meal, U5 pounds corn,
1 "^ pounds bran, I5 pounds shorts, I5 pomads meat scrap, 5 po"ands dried buttermilk,
pound salt and a pint of cod liver oil. The chicks are started early and allowed to
grow to full maturity before going into production. Thus the pullets do not lay small
eggs which cut the grade and price of those marketed. The hens are fed the laying
mash recommended by the extension service.
Both houses are of the shed-roof-type and built of hollow tile. They are
sealed inside to insTi.late against both heat and cold. There is plenty of light and
air at all times, and frequent cleaning keeps the houses in a sanitary conditione
Anderson grades his eggs and ships to a market offering a premium for first
grade. To maintain a high percentage of firsts, he gathers the eggs at least twice a
day and cools them in an. egg cellar before grading and packing them. His net price
has been as much as eight or nine cents a. dozen above "rim~of- the -mine" prices.
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Good Crops Spur Interest In Fruit And Garden Meet
An apple crop estimated at three times the 193^ yield, together with the
best peach crop in four years, a better than average pear crop, a fine grape harvest
and increased yields of most vegetables have added interest to this year's winter
meeting of the Illinois State Horticultirral Society, said J, C, Blair, chief in horti-
culture at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. The m.eeting which will
be held in Decatur on December 11, 12 and I3 climaxes the 1935 fruit and vegetable
season,
Wliile the program has not been completed, the discussions are expected to
cover practically all phases of gardening and fruit growing. Garden and orchard equip-
ment probably will be emphasized. Fruit washing machinery will be of special interest,
since spra^y residue regulations have created new problems for orchardists. The prc-
mium list for the fru.it display has been revised since last year with the idea of
getting a larger and more interesting display.
Preliminary to the main meeting, sectional get-togethers will be held. The
southern Illinois group will hold its meeting at Marion, November 25 and 26, where the
emphasis will be placed largely on orchard fruits. The central group will meet in
Peoria, November I9 and 20, to discuss all phases of horticulture, while the northern
group will meet at Stockton, December k and 5» This group will specialize in vege-
Itable discussions,
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Vol. XVIII— -No. hk Page 3
P.epetition Of Bu£ Injury Avoided B^ Fall C lean-Up
Cleaning up and plowing gardens in Illinois this fall not only will put them
in better shape for next year but also will be good protection against a repetition
of insect aiid disease damage siich as occurred in some parts of the state this past
summer, according to B, L„ ffcavcr, vegetable gardening specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois,
Horned tomato worms, potato beetles, flea beetles, Mexican bean beetles and
squash beetles are among the insects which maybe prevented from repeating last
summer's depredations during the I936 season if plant refuse is cleaned up and gardens
plowed this fall, Wiile none of these insects were numerous enough to become scourges,
they were prevalent in some sections of the state, said W. P, Flint, chief entomolo-
;gist for the college and the Illinois State Natural History Siirvey.
The horned tomato worm spends the winter underground in the pupa stage.
Potato beetles spend the winter as adults in the groimd, while Mexican bean beetles
hibernate under trash. Fall plowing exposes these insects to freezing weather, the
drying effects of the air and to attacks by birds and animals,
iny rubbish and plant refuse left on the groxmd will furnish winter quarters
for the flea beetle and the squash beetle. Burning or plowing under this refuse will
nolp destroy these insect enemies, Flint explained. In practically all cases it is
,iust as effective to plow tinder the refuse as to burn it, he added.
Plowing Tonder is the best practice from the soil fertility standpoint, since
it helps to restore organic matter to the soil, Weaver said. Arotind fence corners
or other places v/herc plov;ing or spading is difficult or v/here sloping ground makes
fpll plowing an erosion risk, burning is advised.
Where manure is available, it is very beneficial if plowed under along with
lead plants, lawn clippings or leaves. If the ground slopes too much for fa,ll
plowing, the manure and plant residue may be composted during the winter and plowed
into the ground next spring,
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Frosted Lespedeza May Still Yield A Harvest Of Seed
Much of the lespedeza seed caught in a green, immature stage by early
October frosts will mature and make good seed if threshed and stored before the heavy
freezes occur, J, J, Pieper, associate chief in crop production at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois, says in answer to inquiries from Illinois les-
pedeza growers. It is only where frost killed the plants before the seed actually
reached the green, plump stage that the sesd has been destroyed or damaged.
Before growers start cutting lespedeza for seed, however, it will be to
their advantage to examine the seed pods, axicording to Pieper, A few pods rubbed out
in the palm of the hand will give a rough idea of seed possibilities. If a large per-
centage of the pods yield either brown, mature seed or that in the green, immatiijrc
stage, the chances are that there will be enough seed in the field to malce harvesting
worth while» If the pods are empty or contain only the remains of frosted seed, there
T^ill be little use of threshing the crop,
A more exact test is to gather the pods from a small area of laiown size,
thresh out the seed by ha::id and weigh it so as to estimate the yield for each acre of
the entire field. Yields of 200 pounds an acre and more are considered good enough
to pay for harvesting. It is important, however, to get the green seed threshed and
well along toward the mature, dry stage before hard freezes occur,
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
"Vol, XVIII IJnveraber 6, 1935 Nuiriber 45
First Mapping Of Power Line 3 Aid To SEA Activities
Approximately 15,000 miles of Illinois electric power lines carrying voltages
from which farm homes can be served have heen mapped for the first time by the agri-
cultural engineering department of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois
as one aid to groups intending to construct additional power lines under the Rural
Electrification Administration.
In addition to the map other information on rural electrification problems
also is available from the department, according to E. Vi^ Leiimann, head. This infor-
mation includes data on number of customers, monthly energy used, costs of operating,
rate? and kinds of equipment best suited for farm homes.
Showing practically every power line in the state, tne map offers a ready
m:=ans of determining which areas already have adequate service and those which are in
I need of rural power lines. Information used in drawing the map was secured by the
[agricultural engineering department from tne power companies in tne state. Copies of
ttie map may be obtained at a small charge to cover the cost of preparation.
Facts obtained through 10 years' operation of an experimental line running
out of Tolono have given the college much valuable data on the requirements of elec-
trified farms and may be of considerable value to groups planning to taice advantage cf
Inans offered by the REA.
In connection v/itn REA activities in Illinois, the technical staff of the
Illinois Commerce Commission is studying construction problems with the hope of evolv-
ing standards which will cut costs of building rural lines, according to the RZA re-
ports. Several utility companies are cooperating to malce it less expensive for farmers
obtain electrical service. Since Jaiiuary 1, 1935, one company alone has construct^'d
^-o3 miles of rural power lines and signed up 639 farms. This company has 122 more
farms in prospect for the same line. Other companies are cooperating in tne construc-
tion of rural power lines.
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Mosaic Prevalent Amjnig Bulbs In Illinois This Fall
This has been a poor bulb year, and many varieties of flower bulbs such as
the Tiger and Mary Madonna lilies and some tulips are infected with mosaic and other
diseases, it is reported by Max G. Fuller, landscape gardening extension specialist at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Consequently, home gardeners and
commercial flower growers should inspect bulbs carefully before planting them this fall.
Bulbs which have not done well this season should be dug up, thoroughly
cleaned of dead and infected parts, dusted with sulphur and planted in a new location,
Puller explained. The dead and infected parts should be burned. Any bulbs that are
infected with either mosaic or botrytis should be destroyed. It is wise to plant sus-
picious bulbs away from those Icnown to be disease free. The soil aro\ind diseased bulbs
should be removed from the plot when the infected bulbs are dug up, since it will be
infected and may help spread the disease. This soil may be sterilized witn formalde-
•lyde.
! Printed in furtherance of the ABriculIural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumforb. Dirrclor.
V<^1. XVIII— No. 45 Page 2
Heredity ohnwn To Flay Role in Animal Disease Fight
It has now been established tlriat heredity plays an important rcle in resist-
ce and susceptibility to at least one animal malady, pullorum disease, or bacillary
white diarrhea of poultry, according to a nev/ bulletin, "Inheritance of Resistance
to Bacterial Infection in Animals," just published by the experiment station of the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Reporting 10 years' experiments involving more than 29,000 chickens, the
bulletin was written by Elmer Roberts, chief in animal genetics, and L. E. Card, chief
in poultry husbandry. Pullorum disease v/as chosen for the study because it lends it-
self readily to the laboratory methods necessary in such an experiment.
During the 10-year experiment selection was effective in producing strains
-f fowls which were more resistant to pullorum infection than was the unselccted
tcck. This success in breeding up resistance to bacillary white diarrhea indicates
the possibilities of developing strains of poultry or ether farm animals which are
. resistant to certain diseases. Thus this genetic method would become an important
!■ ally to the two othT general methods, prevention and cure, in combating disease.
I; However, the work has not progressed to the point where resistant strains of ooultry
and other farm animals are available for breeding purposes, the bulletin points out.
The experimental results were especially promising, since the selected
stocks T^ere consistent in maintaining resistance to the disease through successive
generations. A susceptible male mated to a susceptible female produced chicks much
less resistant to tne disease tiian were chicks from the same susceptible male mated
hto a resistant female. No significant difference was found between progeny of sus-
I'^ceptible and resistant females mated to the same resistant male. IJor was there any
^indication of acquired imrminity among tne birds, since tne progeny of infected hens
howed no greater resistance to the disease tnan did the progeny of noninfected hens.
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Turkey Prospects Brii5:ht For Finished. Q,ual i ty Birds
Turkey market pr'^spects are favorable for Illinois growers wno are careful
sell only birds of top finish during tne approaching holidays, said K. H. Alp,
Ii^ultry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
aller numbers of turkeys being raised in many of tne main producing areas outside
.e state give promise of a reasonably high holiday price.
However, this does not mean that turkeys with poor finisn '^r otner inferior
qualities can be expected to bring good prices, Alp said. While the decrease in pro-
duction is rep-rrted by the U.S.D.A. as approximately 13 per cent below 1934, this is
not considered sufficient to put a premium on inferior birds. On the otner ha.»d tliis
d-^crease together with improved business conditions may bring turkey raisers a better
liday season for quality stock tnan they have enjoyed for several years, he added.
By culling out turkeys of poor finisn and marketing -^nly top quality speci-
-ns during the Thanlcsgiving season, growers will have at least three weeks in wnich
t^ bring culled birds up to top finish for the Christmas and New Year's season. Thus
they will be able to get good prices for a large percentage of the turkeys snid.
Decreases in production have been principally among farm flocks rather than
among the large commercial flocks, according to the U.S.D.A. report, wnich states that
"^ to 5 per cent fewer farmers in the south Atlantic and far western states reported
irkeys, while the decrease v^as nearly 10 per cen1> in tne other sections.
Heaviest reductions in numbers of turkeys are reported from the main prcduc-
.g states such as Texas and North Dakota. Increases are reported for Minnesota, Oicla-
ma, Pennsylvania, northern Nevt? England and several of the southeastern states. Illi-
is production is above last year. Alp believes.
I
XVIII— No. 45 Page 3
TestF! Show Hybrid Corn Outstanding For Silage Uses
Hybrid corn varieties, which are growing in popularity because of tneir
^perior grain producing qualities, have now shown that tney may also excel ordinary
irieties for silage purposes, according to results of tests made by W. B. Nevens,
isociate chief in dairy cattle feeding at the College of Agriculture, University of
• linois.
The hybrids contained a higher proportion of grain, had greater lodging re-
listance and gave sligntly higher yields of dry matter in tne crop harvested for
Mage. Sixteen hybrid varieties used in thp trials were, on the whole, superior to
tation Yellow Dent, a high yielding strain of Reid Yellow Dent used in the check
.pts. Both hybrids and the open-pollinated variety made large yields of silage rang-
ing from 10 to 13 tons an acre. The tests were conducted by tne dairy husbandry and
agronomj'- departments of the college with the cooperation of the U.S^D.A.
One of the most significant advantages of the hybrids was their resistance
to lodging, Nevens said. Ninety-one per cent of the hybrids were standing erect on
September 13 and 14 as compared with 84 per cent of tne Station Yellow Dent variety.
Another advantage of the hybrids was their higher proportion of grain.
Fifty-two per cent of the total dry matter of the hybrids consisted of ears, whereas
the ears on Station Yellow Dent amounted only to 47 per cent of the total dry matter.
The hybrid varieties also produced slightly more dry matter to the acre, but not
f^nough to be of particular significance, Nevens stated.
Since the experiment has only been carried througn one season, the results
should not be taken as conclusive evidence of tne superiority of hybrid varieties for
ilage, according to Nevens and his co-workers. However, the trials did prove that
'brids may be used very satisfactorily for silage production as well as for grain
-'oduction.
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In.iury By Screw Worm This Fall Is First In Illinois
Some 7,000 cases of screw worm injury reported among Illinois cattle this
1 mark the first serious damage ever done by this insect in the state, said Vi'. P.
lint, chief entomologist for tne College of Agriculture, University of Illinois and
e Illinois State Natural History S\irvey. The outbreaic indicates tnat the insect may
come a serious pest unless infestation is cnecked v/uen v/arm weather returns.
Screw worms never have constituted a serious menace to Illinois livestock
until tills fall v/hen they killed about 400 animals in tne west central section of the
state. It is believed that the heavy infestation was brougnt in on stoCx<; snipped to
Illinois feeders.
■ The fly attacks any warm-blooded animal, but most cases reported are tnose
of cattle, sheep and goats, although hogs, dogs and humans may be affected. Tne eggs
are laid in open wounds caused by barbed wire or nail scratcnes, ticKs or biting mites,
dehorning, branding and other operations. Maggots hatching from these eggs should be
moved from wounds with a wad of cotton saturated in benzol. They snould not be ro-
ved mechanically, as there is danger of destroying tissue by this method. Treated
I trounds should be coated thoroughly with pine tar oil to prevent reinfestation. Seri-
is wounds snould be treated by a veterinarian.
Other methods of control include breeding cows to calve from November 1 to
June and avoiding dehorning or other operations during s-aminer mionths v/hen screw worms
arc most prevalent. All common causes of wounds such as projecting objects should be
eliminated. Open wounds should be treated in summer to prevent infestation.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY V
ROOM 225"
NEW AGR BLD-3
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Volu-ne XVIII November I3, I935 ifumter U6
I
Terracing Record To Set New High In Erosion Control
Record advances are teing made this year against erosion on Illinois' 12 rail-
lion acres of rolling cultivated land with the huilding of more terraces than in any
previous year in the state's history, it is re'^orted hy R. C. Kay, agricultural engi-
neerir^g extension specialist of the College of Jigriculture, University of Illinois.
Activities are at their height this fall, with forces of the extension
service, U. S. Soil Conservation Service and CCC camps cooperating with farmers to
get terraces huilt and outlets finished "before wintor. Much of the v/ork is "being
carried on through the various county soil conservation associations which have been
set up recently in many counties of the state.
In 11 counties terracing machines either have "been purchased or leased by
the associations and are being operated by the associations in cooperation with CCC
cariips and the conservation service. Bond, Jersey and White counties are using large
10-foot blade terracers. Eight-food blade terracers have been purchased in Tazewell
and Ife.rshall-Putnam counties, while the new whirlwind-type machines are in operation
in Macon, Adams, Schuyler, Randolph, Jackson and Williamson counties. Hay reported.
These machines, either owned or leased by the county associations, are being
operated by tractor power. Some of the 8,ssociations own their own tractors, while
others have contracted with local dealers or farmers to furnish them. Farmers on
whose places the terraces are built pay for the work at an hourly rate calculated to
meet operating expenses and the proportioncxte cost of the machinery.
In addition to the outfits operated by coionty associations, many privately
and publicly owned machines are being used. These range from 6-foot blade terrace
machines suitable for horse or fann tractor power up to large road graders.
.Terraces are being staked out and cnecked by engineers from the conservation
caraps and outlets are being constructed by CCC men. Assistance has been given to many
of these projects by the agriculturr.l engineering department of the college,
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Music And Drama Tourney Drawing Bigger Entry List
The largest tvirnout of rural talent in the seven years' history of the event
already has started preparations for the annual state music and drana tournament to
be held during Farm and Home Week, January I3 to 17, at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, according to D. E, Lindstrom, rural sociolo--y extension
specialist at the college, . ,
Fifty-six counties are expected to participate this year as compared to 4b
last year. The state has been divided into 10 districts and ^reparations are going
ahead' rapidly in each of these districts. County tryouts already have been held in
Shelby county and are being planned in I5 other counties. Definite plans have not
been made in the remaining Uo counties exnected to participate. Talent of various
types will have a chance to display its skill during the tournament.
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Prin.ed in furtherance of .he Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8. 1914. H. W. Mumfoko. DirfCor.
Vol. XVIII— -No. 46 *r* *. ^ ^ ^ Ps^^e 2
New High Reached In BangJ_3 Disease Control In State
A new high for accomplishments \mder the Bang's disease eradication work in
Illinois has heen reached hy the Coles County Dairy Herd Improvement Association with
100 per cent of the memher herds entirely free from the disease, according to a report
received by C. S, miode, dairy specialist at the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois, from Marvin Fairchild, tester for the association.
This is the first dairy herd ira^rovement association in Illinois to have all
its herds free of Bang's disease, Rhode believes. The accomplishment marks one of the
first big milestones on the eradication program that was started some ik years ago by
the animal pathology and hygiene division of the college.
During those years approximately 23,000 cows, 3OO swine and 2lU goats have
been tested under the state-wide project which the college is carrying on to combat
the disease. The malady not only has cost farmers of the state thousands of dollars
but also has endangered public health. Humans may contract undulant fever by using
products from Bang's infected herds, said Dr. Robert Grraham, chief in animal pathology
and hygiene.
Since the project v;as started, 111 of the 1,196 herds that have been tested
have been freed of the disease. In the remaining herds testing and control measures
are rapidly cutting down the losses. Conservative estimates are that Illinois farmers
have saved $25,000 through tests.
In 193^ 'tlie Federal government launched a more intensive eradication cam-
paign which, up to Jime J)0, 1935» l^a-S been responsible for eliminating 12,71'+ reactors
from Illinois herds. Under this plan farmers may sign up to have their herds tested
and all reactors are removed. Fanners receive indemnities under the federal plan for
all reacting cattle.
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Home Improving Picks Up With Improvement In Income
Substantial improvement registered in farm incomes during 1935 1^^ been one
of the main factors in the increased interest of farm women in kitchen improvement,
according to Miss G-ladys J. Ward, home management extension specialist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Nearly UOO farm women have been reached during
the series of "kitchen clinics" conducted in nine counties this year, Miss Ward
estimated. In all of these clinics the idea of making the kitchen more convenient
without a large cash expenditure has met with enthusiasm* Coujities in which clinics
have been held are Adams, McDonough, DuPage, McLean, Coles, Warren, Mason, Iroquois
and Knox.
In many cases a few home-made shelves together with a rearrangement of the
kitchen furniture and equipment was all that was necessary to make the room a con-
venient, cheerful place. One Mason county homemaJcer reported that her kitchen has
been greatly improved by eight changes which cost a total of 2f cents plus the time
spent by herself and husband* Tlie changes included moving the range, moving the sink,
building a drain board for the sink, adding a built-in cob bin, putting a partition
in the cupboard, placing a silver drawer uMer the sink, adding a soap rack above the
sink and equipping an old pantry for wrap storage.
Water systems were among the most needed of the home improvements involving
a greater cash outlay than the minor changes, Miss Ward said. Only about 5O per cent
of the rural homes of the state have running water, according to a Federal Housing
Administration survey conducted during I93U. While the cost of a complete system in-
volves considerable expense over a short period of time, the installation of the system
by -units is one method of spreading the cost over a longer period,
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' -1. xviii-No. U6 ®t?«^ £xt^«0!on Mcaa^ng^r ^^ ^
Home Accounts Are Safe Guide In Increased Spending
Home accounts being kept "by more than 639 Illinois farm and small-town
. imilies are furnishing at least a partial guide to many homemakers v/ho are wondering
hat percentage of their increasing incomes should be spent for food and other family
xpenses, said Mrs, Ruth C. Freeman, home accounts extension specialist at the College
,, of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
^i An increase of |Ul3,000,C00 in I935 farm income over that of I93U, as re-
' orted by the U. S. bureau of agric-ultural economics, has lightened the job of main-
taining high living standards, but also has brought on the risk of unplanned spending,
;;rs. Freeman added.
Since a number of families have kept accounts for three or more years,
simmaries of these accounts furnish valuable budget planning data both for the account
r-eepers and for other families of similar size. Many women who have vifondered whether
r not they were spending too much of the family income for food or economizing to the
cint of improper feeding now are using these "average family" records for comparisons.
As an exEanple, records show that the average family in the $5^0 to $999 ^
year incom.e class used approximately $320, or 39 ^^er cent, of the total income for food
in 193^* ■'^s incomes increased, a smaller percentage of the total income went for food,
altho'ogh more actual money was spent for food, Mrs. Freeman said. Only 22 per cent of
the income went for food among account keepers having annual incomes of $2,500 or
;,more. Figures for 1935 ^.re not yet available.
Another fact brought out by home accounts is that ir.any farmers and small-
town families reduced cash expenditures for food by producing garden, dairy and poultry
products at home. Among some of the low-income groups as much as $209 worth of the
estimated $320 worth of food used in 193'+ was produced at home. However, families in
the higher income brackets also reduced cash food expenditures by raising food at hom.e.
Such figures as these and many others derived from summaries of home accounts
are f-ujrnishing valuable data on meal planning as well as the budgeting of clothing
expenditures and other family expenditures.
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Less Expensive Dairy Feeds Help Raise Ifet Incomes
More than one Illinois farmer is making the most of the im.proved prices for
dairy prodticts by adopting econom.ical feeding methods, according to reports reaching
J. G. Cash, dairy husbandry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois, Savings made through miore economical feeding are only one of
the many ways in which more than 1,100 fanners who are members of dairy herd improve-
ment associations are increasing their returns, he said.
Substitution of home-grown grains for more expensive nrotein feeds together
with replacement of part of the corn by oats are two ways by which Illinois dairj'-men
are finding it possible to cut feed costs without lov/ering their herd rroduction aver-
ges. One member of the McLean county No, 1 association increased his monthly net in-
ome from I7 cows by $10. SS with a less expensive ration. Oats replaced a part of the
■orn in the ration, thus reducing the cost of feeding approximately 2k cents a hundred
ounds. His herd also produced 3^ more pounds of butterfat a month on the cheaper feed.
A miem.ber of the Vermilion- Edgar county association vised a ration cor,posed of
com, oats and distiller's grain instead of com and a high protein supplement pre-
viously used and was able to cut feed costs by nine cents a hundred Pounds, although
the protein content was the same. The cheaper ration reduced the feed cost of butter^
fat by five cents a pound and the feed cost of milk by ik cents a hundred pounds,
Cash said.
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^ORlCULTUSAt LIBRARY
ROOM 225
t^EW AGR BIDS
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume r/III November 20, 1935 N-uinber 4"
Conferences For Yoimg Folks Next In State Program
Latest fimong the rural yo'ung peoples' organization developments in Illinois
;is a series of conferences, the first of which is scheduled for December 9 to 12 in-
clusive at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois, according to announce-
ments from Miss Cleo Fitzsimmons and G. S. Randall, junior club extension specialists
in charge of young peoples' activities tiiroughout the state.
Special instructions in play presentation, discussion leadership and program
planning will be given to delegates during these conferences which are being planned
to give each delegate an opportunity to take an active part in the program. Dates
and locations for the remainder of the sories will be sjinounced just as soon as they
.ave been definitely set, Randall said.
This series is only one of the late developments with regard to the rural
young peoples' groups which are being organized and sponsored by the extension service
of the college to give farm boys and girls between the 4-H club and adult age a
greater part in the community's activities. Another late development is the special
exhibit of young peoples' hobbies which is being planned for Farm nnd Home Week,
January 13 to 17. This exhibit will be set up because of increasing demands by local
program planning committees for such information.
Along with these special activities, interest in organization continues to
move forward in the state. Initial steps toward setting up groups were taken in
Schuj'ler, McLean and Montgomery counties daring October. Others already organized are
planning their winter programs with drama as a favored project. Macoupin, Shelby,
Scott, Pike, Williamson and Edwards county organizations are making plans to produce
plays this fall and winter. Other groups have or are planning to take trips to
historic spots of Illinois as a part of the "Know Illinois" project.
The Edgar county young men's forum which has been conducting discussions
during the past three years considered two topics, "Illinois Sales Tax from the Farmer'
Standpoint," and, "The Illinois Property Tax Law from the Farmer's Standpoint," during
their last discussion series.
Many young peoples' groups plan to attend the agricultural economics schools
where these sessions are being conducted in their counties by the agricultural eco-
nomics department of the college.
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Sreator Interest Is Being Shown In Farm Discussions
Increasing interest of Illinois farm people in discussions dealing with the
problems of agriculture is indicated by the fact that 10 county teams plan to enter
the state discussion team tourney this year as compared to four teams last year,
according to D. S. Lindstrora, rural sociology extension specialist at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
This year's tourney, second of its kind to be held in Illinois, will take
place during annual Farm and Home Week, Jiuiuary 13 to 17. The topic for discussion
will be, "How Should Agriculture Adjust Its Production."
I
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approve) by Congrcs. May 8, 1914. H. W. MuMFOnh. Dirc.lor.
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Vol. XVIII— No. 47 Page 2
Family Of Six Can Use An Orchard Of 19 Fruit Trees
It takes about 19 fruit trees and 382 small fruit plants to supply the aver-
age family of six with the fruit it needs, according to estimates prepared by
V. W. Kelley, hortic-ultiiral extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois. Such a planting would produce, on the average, approximately 80
bushels of tree fruit, 250 pounds of grapes and 340 quarts of small fruits.
The estimates were prepared as an aid to the many Illinois farmers who are
planning to start small home orchards to supply fruit for their own families. Liberal
allowance was made both for fresh fruit and for canning.
The number of trees recommended for the avera.ge family of six plus occasional
hired help includes six apple trees, three pear trees, three peach trees, three plum
trees, two sour cherry trees and two sweet cherry trees, A separate variety should be
chosen for each tree so that successive crops will ripen through the fruit season,
Kelley explained.
In the small fruits division the estimated number of plants includes 20 grape
vines, 250 strawberry plants, 40 black raspberry bus?ies, 30 rod raspberry plants, 25
blackberry plants, 10 gooseberry bushes and 12 currant bushes. TiThile the number of
trees and small fruit plants may seem small, bettor and larger crops usually are pro-
duced from relatively small orchards because of the better care these orchards receive.
Too large a home orchard encourages neglect, Kelley said.
This selection will need to be varied according to local soil and climatic
conditions as well as individual preferences among various families, Kelley explained.
Peaches, for example, bear infrequently in the northern half of the state. Sweet
cherries are not well adapted to Illinois, especially in the northern part. Conse-
quently, the prospective home orchardist should consider growing conditions on his
place before mak:ing final choices as to kinds of fruit to be grown,
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Home Repair Will Help To Protect Health Of Family
Health and safety of Illinois families during the coming winter months may
be protected to a great extent by preparations and repairs made in the home before cold
weather arrives, declared W. A. Foster, rural architect at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois,
One of the greatest of winter dangers can be eliminated if provision is made
to have kindling handy for starting early morning fires. There is often a temptation
to speed the Job along by dashing kerosene on a freshly-kindled fire. The all too
frequent news of people being burned to death from this cause indicates that it will
be much safer to have a good supply of kindling near the stove and the kerosene sup-
plied in the form of well soaked cobs or chips which may be placed on the fire without
risk, Foster said.
Another detail which, if taken care of properly, will do much to prevent num-
erous colds is that of repairing windo-vs and doors to keep out cold drafts. A rattling
window sash may be repadred by the resetting of stops or the addition of shims mv^.de of
built-up paper ribbons or felt strips. Cracks which permit cold drafts to enter the
room under the baseboards may be repaired in the same way. Loose fitting doors can be
repaired by the use of bronze metal or felt stripping virhich can be piorchased at a
nominal cost.
Cementing up the cracks between the basement wall and the sill as well as
replacement of broken basement windows will go a long way toward making the floors warm
and eliminating the necessity of doctor's calls to treat coughs and sniffles of the
small children in the family.
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Vol. xvill-No. 47 8rij^ Sxtenaton McBBsng^r p^^^ 3
49 State Champions ITamed From 4-'H Club Membership
Forty-nine 4-H club state cliampions and 43 state honor roll members have been
chosen for their outstanding work from among 14,200 club members engaged in agricul-
tural projects in Illinois during 1935, according to an announcement just made by
E, I. Pilchard, junior club extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, Uni-
versity of Illinois, The championships represented 25 counties and the honor roll 39.
To win a state championship, club members had to make a score of 80 or more
in some chosen better farming project supervised by the extension service of the agri-
cultiiral college and their county farm advisers. Honor roll winners were required to
score between 70 and 80.
Fulton county clubs topped the list with seven of the 49 championships and
five members listed on the hxinor roll. Sangamon county was second with five state
champions and two honor roll members, while Lake county placed third with four champions.
State champions in agricultural projects include Edwin Allen, colt, and
Opal Ward, home grounds beautification, Kankal«c co-unty; Milton Bell, beef, Champaign;
Lewis Benckendorf, beef, LaSalle; Duane Brett, dairy, and Kenneth Ferill, corn, Macon;
Herman Brown, pig; Alice Buecker, poultry; Alvin Mavis, sheep; M,ary Richardson, home
groTonds beautification, and Max Summers, pig, all from Sangamon; William Brown, dairy,
Winnebago; Paul Engel, colt, Woodford; Fred Francis, Jr., beef, Will; Webster Gehring,
Jr., pig, Knox; William E. Greenleaf, corn, and William Kadden, beef, Morgan; William
Hamilton, beef, and Robert Harris, corn, McDonough; Henry Hartman, corn, McHenry;
Earl Kane, Jr., dairy. Lake; Charles Long, pig, Edgar; Keith Lynch, poultry, Marion;
Donald 0, Mahr, poultry, and William D. Masters, sheep, Fulton; Donald Mosher, pig,
DeKalb; Earl Oertley, pig, and James Potter, pig, Peoria; Sam Ridlen, poultry, William-
son; Dean Sims, sheep, Adams, -uid Robert Stetson, pig, Bureau.
State contest champions are Gilbert Br>k:er and J. Harrison Buckingham, demon-
stration team, Woodford; Bernai'd Deakin, Kenneth Voorhees and Maurice Wilson, corn
judging team, and Ralph Foulk, Rollin Smith and Charles Tiorner, poultry judging team,
Fulton; Delbert Gardner, dairy judging, Warren; Rollin Johnson, poultry judging, Mercer;
Earl Kane, Jr., Harry Lohman and Herman Nehmer, dairy judging team. Lake; James Pad-
gett, livestock judging, Adams, and Bert Phillips, lTonn,an Smith and Wayne Wilson, live-
stock judging team, Marshall-Putnam.
Members of the honor roll are Frederick W. Boebel, Jr., DuPage county;
James Cummins, Jefferson; George Bertelsen, Warren; John Cameron and Norman Smith,
Marshall-Putnam; Jeane Coates, Bureau; Bernard Deakin, John Ewan, Garold Kepplo,
Ernest Krider and Kenneth Voorhees, Fulton; Homer F. Dodd and William E. Perisho,
Edgar; Robert Dunlap, Champaign; Burdell Gardner, John Hahn and Joe Hubly, Livingston;
Ira Hamer, John Oren Kuhn and Ruth Stetchel, LaSalle; Jim Henderson, Tazewell; Eugene
Hudson, Williamson; Kermit Kruger, Massac; Bernice Miller, Vermilion; Dean Miller,
Henderson; Daniel E. Moeller, Effingham; Nelson Thomas, Jolin Roesch and Ruth Toben,
Ford; LaVern Niehaus, Washington; John Paarlberg and Kenneth Paarlberg, Cook; Francis
C. Potts and Robert Summers, Sangamon; Axel Rasmussen, McHenry; Beryle Rutledge,
DeWitt; Fred Spickler, Winnebago; Burdette Staui'fenberg, Will; Edwin Thornton, Mercer;
James L. Winn, Stark; Harold Winters, McDonough and Myrle Woodward, Bond.
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AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDC-
18
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Yol-ujnp XVIII November 27, 193[^ Niimber kB
Fifty Illinois U-H Members To Attend Club Congress
Fifty Illinois U-H club boys and girls will attend the fourteenth annual
national U-H club congress at Chicago, November 29 to December 7> where they will join
delegates from k'J other states and the Province of Ontario, Canada, in celebrating
their club accomplishments for 1935> according to announcements from state club head-
quarters at the College of ^"riculturo, University of Illinois,
Illinois' delegation includes 25 boys and 25 girls selected from the list of
1935 state champions and best all-around record winners. Thirty-three counties are
represented by the delegates,
Bonita Krior, Livingston county, and Donald Foster, Grundy county, will
represent Illinois in the national health contest, which is one of the features of
the club congress. They won the right to represent their state by being adjudged
health champions among approximately 26,000 Illinois U~H club members.
Other contest entrants among home economics project members will include
Eleanor Moody, P.ock Island county, complete costume for the k-ll girl; Martha Burgess
and Evelyn Thompson, Kendall county, clothing jtidging; Virginia Esmond, LaSallc county,
homo furnishings judging; Mabel Krusa, Scott county, food preservation judging; Helen
Wolf, Fulton county, baking judging; Martha Finley, Lawrence county, dress revue;
Virginia McBroom, Fulton county, food preparation; inna Oertwig, canning achievement,
and Margery Mays, McLean county, record contest; P.uth Irwin, P.ock Island county, v/ash
school dress.
Other home economics project delegates not entered in the competition are
Marjoric Chappoll and Mary Lois Sunderland, Jersey; Jean Graham, Menard; Estalene
Blair, Greene; Frances Vilmin and Mary Ma Pope, Kendall; Louise Bolin, Moultrie;
Virginia Huston, Edgar; Grace Gregory, Sangamon; Alice Green, Ford; Lucille Howell,
Slaelby; Helen Bittcrman, Will, and Irene P.ilcy, Jefferson,
Other agricultural project delegates in addition to Foster who is entered
in the health contest are Edwin A, Allen, Kankakee county; Milton Bell, Champaign;
Lewis Benckendorf, LaSalle; George C, Bcrtelsen, Warren; Herman J. Brown and Max
Summers, Sangamon; William Brovm, Winnebago; J, Harrison Buckingham, Woodford; Jasper
DeMonbrojn, Menard; Homer F, Dodd, Edgar; Fred Francis, Jr, Will; P.oy A, Gardner, Liv-
ingston; William E, Greenleaf and William H, Hadden, Morgan; Delmar Gurloy, Ford;
Earl Kane, Jr., Lake; Keith Lynch, Marion; William D, Masters, Fulton; Donald Mosher,
DeKalb; Myron Mueller, Pock Island; Earl C, Oertley, Peoria; SamAiel F. Pidlen, William-
son; Henry J, Ransom, Marshall, and Dean Sims, Adams.
Asid'-' from Foster none of the agricultural project delegates will enter
national contests. However, severed boys won state prizes in th'=! form of part or all
of their transportation expenses to the congress, Anong these arc Benckendorf, Herman
Brown, William Brown, Buckingham, DeMonbrum, Gardner, Kane, Mosher, Mueller, P.idlen,
P.ansom and Summers,
The national club congress will be held in conjunction with the International
Livestock Exposition with all exhibits and contests at the exposition grounds.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVIII— No. kg ^tf^ Extension MeessuBSt Page 2
Hi,?jier Ekk Prices Pat A Premj-ura On Good Fall Layers
More favorable egg prices plus the seasonal rise this fall places a premium
on feeding and managing poultry flocks for high fall and winter egg production, ac-
cording to H. H. Alp, poultry extension specialist at the College of Agriculture,
University of Illinois.
V,alue of high egg production during late fall and early winter is shown by
farm management records taken from several farms during 1933 ^'^^ 193^» ^^ 1933 flocks
that produced less than 10 per cent of the year's egg crop in October, November and
Decemiber brought poultryraen an average of 13.2 cents a dozen for the eggs. T/Yhere 20
per cent or more of the year's ogg crop was ijroduced during these months the average
price for the year was 15.1 cents. In addition the annua.1 prodtiction was higher where
fall and winter production was increased.
In 193^ *h^ «.verage price for the flock of low fall and v/inter production
v/as 16,4 cents as compared to 20,7 cents where fall and winter production was high.
Poor fall and winter egg production is an indication that the flock needs
better care and management, Alp said. The hens should have plenty of fresh, clean
Y/atcr fron sunrise to sunset. Plenty of the right kind of feed should be available
at all times. The laying house should be kept in repair so that drafts and lealcs can
be avoided. The entire house should be kept clean, and clean, dry litter should be
placed on the floor as often as necessary. Crowding should be avoided with approxi-
mately four square feet of floor space allowed for each hen.
Weak, parasite-infested birds should be culled from the flock and only the
promising layers kept in the laying house, Alp said.
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Play Institutes To Give Boost To Eural P. ec re at ion
Recreation in Illinois rural comrrunities will b^ given another boost this
winter when eight district recreation institutes will be held for county delegates dur-
ing the five weeks beginning December 9> i'k ^'^.s announced by D. E, Lindstrom, rural
sociology extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
The first institute will be held at Sugar Grove on December 9 and 10, Loca-
tions and dates for the others are as follows: Dixon, December 12 and 13; Galesburg,
December I6 and 17; Bloomington, December I9 and 20; Effingham, December 30 and 3I;
Harrisburg, January 2 and 3; Belleville, January 6 and 1, and Jacksonville, January
9 and 10.
In addition to instructions to be given by extension specialists and the
various farm and home advisers and local leaders, special work will be given by W. P,
Jackson, representative of the National P.ecreation Association, who has been assigned
to Illinois for the entire five weeks.
Various counties are expected to send from six to pight delegates to the
institutes in their districts. These delegates will represent such groups as men's
and women's extension units, ^H clubs, young peoples' groups and local churches,
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Uji, of Lj_ Graduate In Charge Of New KM Program
One of the most recent radio prograias to be inaugurated for Illinois farmers
and other listeners is in charge of a graduate of the University of Illinois, Charles
A. Stookey, and is broadcast from 5530 'T-*'^- to 7 --.ni. over Station KIVX, St, Louis, The
program gives the first market of the day on the air from St, Louis and includes live-
stock receipts for the day at East St, Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis and
Mississippi Valley, as well as vreathcr reports and the butter, egg and poultry market,
Mr, . Stookey was gradua^tod from the University of Illinois College of Education in 1926
after three years as a student in the College of Agriculture, ICM broadcasts on 1,35^
kilocycles, „h_
XVIII— No. Us Page 3
Plans Laid Ahead Of Time Simplify Job Of Toy B-iyina:
Those aching legs and the feeling of confusion that often go v;ith the job of
shopping for Christmas toys caji be avoided this year if a, caref-ally pl.-jnned list is
made out before the shopping tour begins, declared Miss Edna E. Walls, child develop-
ment and parent education extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois, Not only that, but also the toys probably will be better suited to
the yoijjigsters for whom they are bought, she added.
Many toy manufacturers are attempting to build toj'-s which v/ill give children
not only entertainment but also education'' and inspiration. The malcers also recognize
that children differ in their likes and dislikes. Consequently toy departments now
ccjry a variety of entertaining and instructive toys for children of all age classes
from babyhood up to 10 or 12 years of age. It only remains for the shopper to choose
toys in the right age class and suited to the special abilities and desires of the
child in question, Miss W?Jls said.
As an example, a half pound or a pound of modeling clay would be more suit-
able than a clanging fire engine for the child showing artistic leanings. The would-
be constiniction engineer of three to five will be able to handle a construction set
with patented locking that eliminates bolts and screws, while his brother, age 10, will
prefer a set that docs fasten v/ith bolts and screws.
For the baby, sanded wood blocks, wooden beads and other simple toys arc best.
A little more perception on the part of the three to five-year olds will necessitate
toys having more detail. Construction sets, log cabin sets, and instructive puzzles
come into their own during this period. The child of five to seven years and older
v/ill demand toys which aro in keeping with his advancing mind. Tool chests, steel
construction sets, canvas playhouses, puppet theatres, toy telephones and drav/ing sets
are among the many articles suitable for children of this age. The main idea is to
size up the children both from the age and temperament standpoints and then list the
desired toys before going to the toy shop, Miss Walls said, With this list and the
help of a capable clerk, the btiyer can raake a fascinating pleasure instead of a
drudgery out of this duty,
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P.evival Of Horse Pride Is Shown By Fair Enthusiasm
Pevival of interest and pride in horses among Illinois farmers is reflected
in the enthusiasm displayed during the 1935 fair season just ended, it is reported by
E. T. F.obbins, livestock extension specialist of the College of Agriculture, Univer-
sity of Illinois.
One of the best shows was held at Clayton with about 100 horses and maj.les
entered in the competition. The show included three six-horse tea.ns, five four-horse
teams, three foiir-raule tearas, 10 pairs of farm horses, five spans of raules, four horse
colts, five mule colts and eight entries in the quick team-hitching competition,
A great deal of the old-time pride in horsemanship v/as revived by the team-
hitching competition in which each entrant harnessed, hitched and drove his teajn across
a lot while being timed, Bobbins reported.
The three six-horse teams were especially good, according to F.obbins who
judged all of the animals entered. They were good horses, evenly matched and well
trained, he said.
Clayton's horse show was conceived, organized ajnd handled by A. G, Beckman,
president of the Ajiajns County F.arraers' Institute, and a committee consisting of Guy
Cutforth, James Jud and Harve Bov^en,
Interest in this contest was typical of that evidenced in all of the shows
and contests held in Illinois this summer and fall, Pobbins stated,
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qZZ ROOH
Aavaan ivannooiH©^
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COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII December U, I935 N-umlDer U9
Illinois U— H Ilembers Score Kcavily At International
A 17-year-old U— H club girl of Illinois showed the way to the nation's adult
breeders and feeders in the matter of producing quality beef when Marie lircjci,
Edwardsvillc, Madison county, showed the steer which won the championshij) in the
slaughter tests of the International Livestock SxiDOsition, An Illinois U-H cl\ib boy,
Wendell Morgan, Aledo, Mercer county, won the reserve championshiij,
Soth had Aberdeen-Angus entries, but Miss Krejci showed in the class for
steers ^vcighing SOO to 1,000 pounds on the hoof, while young Morgan competed in the
class for steers weighing between 1,000 aiid 1,U00 pounds. After being judged on the
hoof, the steers vrore to be slaughtered and the carcasses graded in a contest featur-
ing quality beef. These winnings, made in the open classes against adult breeders and
feeders as well as other U-H members, figured prominently in the good account which
Illinois competitors gave for the 26,000 farm boys and girls who are carrying on
definite projects in better farming and homcmaking practices under stipervision of
their county farp and home advisers and the College of Jigriculturc, University of
Illinois.
Illinois H~E members started in early to win their share of honors \7hen the
livestock judging team from Marshall— Putnam co-ujity, composed of Norman Smith, Bert
Phillips, Wayne Wilson and Jolm Cameron, took third in competition with teams from
other states in the non— collegiate livestock judging contest.
Then Lawrence Morgan, lU years old, of Aledo, Mercer coimty, won the reserve
championship of the junior livestock feeding contest with his purebred Aberdeen- Angus
s-tcer, "Barnum, " to top a long string of awards which Illinois competitors ran up over
entries from nine other states.
^.'7illian E, Hamilton, Good Hope, McDonough county, brought one of the year's
major U-H honors to the state when he was awarded the President P.oosevelt trophy as
the 1935 boys' achievement champion of the nation.
First place in the crops judging contest in which teams from eight states
competed went to the Illinois team composed of Kenneth Voorhees, Bernard Deakin and
Maurice Wilson, of Cuba, Fulton county, while another Pulton county team brought Illi-
nois second place over other states in the poultry judging contest. This team was
coiiroosed of P.ollin Smith, Charles Tumor and P.alph Poulk,
Illinois girls' k-li club members won their share of honors, too, in cornpc-
tition with members from other states. In the contest on girls' complete costumes,
for instance, Eleanor Moody, Rock Island coijinty, took second, while one of her P.ock
Island neighbors, Piith Irwin, was vanning second on school dress.
Still another major honor came to Illinois when Fred Francis, a U— H baby
beef member from New Lenox, 'Jill county, was awarded one of the Thomas E. Wilson $300
scholarships in the junior livestock feeding record contest.
Other events in which Illinois ^H club members wore competing had not been
completed at the time of this report. Hence the state's record xmdoubtcdly vrill be
even more in5)rcssivc when the final accounting is made.
»
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mum ford, Director.
;- Vol. xviii-Ko. 49 ®^^ Extcttaton IMMSPtts^r p^^ 2
Hi;::hcr Prices Of Horses May Help F : n i sh Parasites
A 25 per cent increase in horse T5riccs dturing the past year is proving to
be bad news for worms, bots and other horse parasites, according to Dr. Pobert C-raham,
chief in animal pathology and hygiene at the College of Agriculture, University of
Illinois,
Encouraged by the stronger prices for horses, more farmers than ever arc re-
conditioning and rebuilding their v/ork stock by joining in local c;j:rpaigns for eradi-
cation of parasites, he reported. Experimental tests have shown that even horses
which are about to be destroyed can be restored to useful service if freed of bots
pjid worms.
Thirty-six counties conducted organized campaigns during the v/inter of
193^-35 iri an effort to stamp out the parasite menace which is costing Illinois farm-
ers an estimated $100,000 a year in lost horse power, Dr. Graham said. '«'/hile no
figures are available, indications are that the 1935"~36 campaign will be more exten-
sive than last year's campaign in which 15,000 horses v/cre treated by 68 cooperating
veterinarians.
In the county progrnjns, most of v;hich have been organized through the
efforts of farm advisers, arrangements are made v/ith local veterinarians and hors^
owners so that all the horses in a given cornmunity may be concentrated at one place
on a certain date for examination and needed treatment. This method of \7h0lesale
die.gnosis and treatment greatly reduces the costs for parasite treatment, it vias
pointed out.
Farmers living in counties not having such progrsuns already organized
probablj'' will be able to get together with their farm advisers and local voter ina-rians
to organize and carry out similar plans. In the meantime, the individual farmer can
prevent infestation to a large extent by practicing sanitation, Dr, Grahpjn declared.
Since most parasites enter the body of the horse from droppings of infested animals,
all saiiitation methods hinge on keeping the horses in clean lots or pastures, supply-
ing them with clean feed and v/ater and disposing of manui^c on the fields and not in
the horse pasture.
Treatment for such parasites as strongyle, or blood worms, involves the \ise
of highly poisonous drugs. Consequently, a competent veterinarian should be called
to diagnose the disease and administer the treatment, Dr. Graham cautioned. The
follow-up treatment may be given by the ov/ner, but only after he has secured direc-
tions from the veterinarian.
A leaflet showing what may be done through treatment against horse parasites
has been published and may be secured by writing to the animal pathology and hygiene
division of the college,
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P.abbits Threaten Exposed Trees In State's Orchards
P.abbits are so numerous in some sections of Illinois this ■\'inter that thou-
sands of fruit trees may be damaged unless they are made rabbit-proof before the first
heavy snov?s, according to P., S, Harsh, of the horticultxiral department. College of
iigriculturc. University of Illinois.
Heavy sno;vs not only cut off other food supplies of the rabbits, but also
make it possible for tlie ; to reach the upper trunks and crovms of fi-iiit trees to
nibble at bark v/hich tliey seem to relish, he said.
Heavy roofing paper, \70od veneer or hardware cloth may be used for protec-
tive barriers aroiind the trees. The material should be vnrapped around the trunk of
the tree from the base up to at least 20 or 30 inches above the groijnd. The deeper
the snow is likely to be, the higher the barriers should be, Marsh said. While there
are a number of paints aiid chemical preparations which may be applied to the tininks
of the trees, none of these preparations has been found as satisfactory as the
mechanical barriers,
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r
Basement Party Fills Place Once Held By Husking Bee
While nu'al yoiiP:g folks of Illinois do not have the harn dances, husking
bees and other entertainments enjoyed by their fathers aiid mothers, they do have
modern homes with basements where they can set up recreation rooms for parties,
dances and other winter get-togethers, according to 'V, A. Foster, rural architect at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A well-built basement caii be transformed from a dusty catch-all to an
attractive and comfortable recreation room at a relatively small cost. Such a room
will be ideal for organized meetinfrs, parties or those informal get-togethers whore
young people of the neighborhood spend pleasant winter evenings playing games and en-
joying popcorn, apples and other cold weather specials, Foster said.
If the walls arc of concrete they ma.' be painted or plastered. Stone or
brick walls also can be painted or plastered, although a more attractive finish can
be had if they are lined with knotty pine boards. This finish also can be applied to
concrete wrlls if desired, ^all plaster should be made v/ith a ccr.icnt b'-se.
There are a variety of v/o,ys of finishing the floor after it has been troweled
smooth. It may be covered with homemade rugs or with a plain, heavy linoleum. It
also m.Ty be painted. The painted or linolcun-covercd floor makes an excellent surface
for d.-mcing or games.
Whore sufficient money is possible, a fireplace adds a great denl to the
basement recreation room, since it inprjrts a cheery warmth ojid serves as a focal point
for arrop.gement. Although a. basement fireplace is more easily inst-alled when the
house is being built, it can be put in later, especially if there is a fireplace in
the room above.
A basement recreation room may be constructed at a cost ranging from a few
dollars to $100 or more but, regardless of the cost, it will be an investment in home
sxipervised recreation, youth, health and friends — assets which arc not measured in
dollars, Foster declared.
Wheat Lajid "Aay Need P.eseeding Because Of Hessian Fly
Because of continued warm vreather far into the fall this year, a late brood
of Hessian fly is doing considerable damage to whea.t in many sections and may
necessitate the resecding of some fields next spring, according to W, P, Flint, chief
entomologist for the College of Agricultxire, University of Illinois, and the Illinois
Natural History Survey,
The fly damage A^as brought about by the emergence of a brood at least a
month after the norm.al date of seeding for highest yield, Flint said. With the mild
fall weather, eggs laid at that time developed, causing the present Hessian fly in-
festation. Usually eggs laid after November 1 will not develop saiff iciently to cciuse
serious d.or/iage.
On strong ground much of the wheat will recover from the damage and send up
tillers which will produce a crop next summer. However, the infested fields should
bo watched and, if the wheat becomes seriously dam'aged, it may be necessary to reseed
the land next spring, v. i, i» ».-* , ., ;:
Since there is every indication that 'the', spfirtit* brood of Hessian fly will be
plentiful, fields damaged by t>iis fall's infestation probably should be reseedod to a
fly-resistant crop such as oats, Flint said. Aside from wheat and baa-ley, rye is the
only other grain subject to fly damage.
Hard freezes which may be e^rpccted in most sections of Illinois from the
latter part of November on will have no effect in ridding fields of Hessian fly before
next spring. Consequently, this fall's infestation may be a forerunner of a heavy in-
festation when the 193^ crop season begins.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
ROOM 225
NEW AGR BLDG
Kl
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII December 11, I935 Itonoer ^0
Spirited Race On For Grain Honors At Illinois Shov?
Competition for the "corn king" title of Illinois, now held by C. J. Siranons,
Stockton, is expected to be more spirited this year than for a ninnber of seasons when
the state's best corn growers come together next month during the annual Illinois Seed
Grain and Utility Corn Show, according to J, C. Efecklcman, crops extension specialist
of the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
As in former years the show will be a feature of the annual Farm and Home
,7eek to be held January I3 to I7 at the college.
Other title holders besides Simmons whose lienors will be at stake in the
various divisions of the show are C. E. Canterburry, Cantrall, soybeans; F. W. Wilson
V Son, Edgewood, sweet clover seed; Russell D. Maurer, Carlock, red or mammoth clover;
'leith McGuire, Tuscola, early oats; Keith Turner, Seymour, hard winter wheat; Clarence
kin, St. Francisville, soft red winter wheat; Virgil Beckerman, Mt. Carmel, "corn
prince," and George Shuman & Son, El Paso, lO-acre com growing contest.
Stimulating interest in the shov; this year is a harvest of important crops
that for the state as a whole is generally good. The combined acre yield of important
f^rops is above the 10-year average. This year the show can draw on a crop of
:5l4,5Sg,000 bushels of corn as compared to the drouth- riddled 193U crop of li+6, 760,000
tushels. The state also has a record crop of almost I9 million bushels of high quality
soybeans.
One indication of the large number of entries expected in this year's show is
the fact that I7 growers have entered the 10-acre yield contest as compared with nine
last year. For the show as a whole, the total number of entries is expected to be con-
siderably larger than the 21?; in the 1935 event.
Chief interest in the show is expected to center in the 10-ear classes for
yellow and white corn, from which the new "corn king" and "corn prince" of the state
will be picked. There will be 10-ear classes both for Junior and adult exhibitors.
Other classes will be provided for peck samples of shelled seed corn and for the
various small grains.
Prices for the com show winners will be presented at the annual banquet of
the Illinois Crop Improvement Association on the evening of January 15.
Growers expecting to enter the competition may secure copies of the premium
list by writing the college.
Addition of two more addresses completes the list of speakers for the general
sessions of the week. Mrs. Emily Kewell Blair, of the Consumers' Division, MRA, will
:^peak Thursday, January I6, on, "The V/ork of the Consumers' Council," and Dean Chris L.
hristensen, of the College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Friday,
•January I7, on, "The Agricultural- Industrial Balance in Our Economic Life."
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Printed in furtherance of the Agrimltural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. \V. Mumford, Director.
Vol. XVIII— -No. 50 STIjc Extension iMcBotttger Page 2
Dai ry Cow Is Good Marke t For Feed At Pre sent Prices
At present feed and dairy product prices Illinois farmers can almost doutle
their cash return from forage and grain if they maiket these feeds in the form of milk,
cream and hutter rather than sell them on the market, according to C. S. Rhode, of the
dairy department at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
To do this, however, means that the dairyman must have good cows and must
give them plenty of the right kinds of feed comhined into a balanced ration, Rhode said.
Many dairy cows in Illinois are producing less this fall than in other years largely
"because of inadequate feeding rations. With feed prices lower in proportion to milk
and hutterfat prices this year than last, there is every incentive for Illinois dairy-
men to get the most out of their cows throu^ careful feeding.
Cows should receive about all the hay and other roughage they will clean up.
In addition they should he given a balanced grain ration fed according to production,
Holsteins and Brown Swiss usually are fed one pound of grain for each four pounds of
milk produced daily, while the rate for Guernseys and Jerseys is one pound of grain for
each three pounds of milk.
When legume hay and silage or clover and timothy are fed, a satisfactory grain
mixture is %'0 pounds of corn and cob meal, SCO pounds of ground oats and 100 pounds of
soybean oil meal or ground soybeans.
If the hay and roughage ration includes plenty of alfalfa, clover or soybean
hay but no silage, the grain ration should be composed of 60O pounds of corn and cob
meal, 3OO pounds of oats, and 100 pounds of soybean oil meal or ground soybeans. A
special bone meal will furnish calcium and phosphorus. One poxmd of the bone meal should
be mixed with each 100 potmds of the grain ration. Salt and bone meal both may be used.
In such case they should be mixed in equal parts and placed where the cows may have free
access to them or one pound of each may be added to the 100 pounds of grain.
Ifeed For Berry Mulch Increased 3y Drouth In A'ogust
Mulching of strawberry plants before extremely cold weather takes its toll is
more important than ever this year since the lack of moisture during August reduced the
number of plants which will be available next spring, according to V. W. Kelley, fruit
extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The number of plants going into the winter dormant period this year was about
the minimum needed for a good 1936 crop in many cases. Without a protective mulch many
of these plants will be winter killed and the 193^ crop will be seriously impaired,
Kelley said.
Mulching should be done just as soon as the plants become dormant. However,
there still is time to save the plants if they are mulched before temperatures of 20
degrees or less become prevalent.
Wheat straw is considered one of the best mulching materials. Oats straw,
soybean or cowpea hay and lespedeza also are satisfactory. However, soybean or cov/pea
hay should be used only after the seed has been threshed. Lespedeza hay should not be
used unless it was cut before it reached the bloom stage. In no case should hay or
straw be used if it contains any appreciable amount of weed seed, since the weeds will
add to the cultivation problem during the growing season.
From three to five tons of mulch to the acre is the usual amount applied.
This will give a depth of about two inches after the straw or hay has packed down. If
suitable material is scarce the available supply can be made to go farther if only the
rows are mulched.
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©be Sxtertsion MessenQev
Vol. XVIII— No. 50 ' -^ Page 3
Holiday Expense Bogey Is Reduced By Careful Plans
Careful planning on the basis of past records has enabled many of Illinois'
600 home account keepers to anticipate the joys of approaching Christmas this year v/ith
less worry about the piling tip of expenses, according to a report from Mrs. Huth C.
Freeman, home accounts specialist at the College of Agriculture, Universitj^ of Illinois.
By examining their accounts these homemalie rs liave found that December commonly
is a month of heavy expense because many regular purchases are made at the same time
Christmas presents are being bought. By transferrinf; some of the routine expenditures
to other months, the homeraakers have been able to relieve the financial pressure of
December and get more enjoyment out of Christmas.
In some cases insurance premiums have been changed to fall due in some other
month instead of December. Occasional presents have been purchased months ahead of
time to lighten the Christmas load and, in some instances, necessary foodstuffs have
been bought on special sales weeks before the Christmas dinner rush.
However, December is not the only "heavy" month considered by the accoujit
keepers in making their bujdng plans, Mrs. Freeman said* The accounts have shown that
the opening of school makes September an expensive month, car licenses and other bills
add to Jan\iary expenditures and vacation expenses are a drain on the pocketbook during
August.
With these facts at hand homemakers have made plans to smooth out these peak
expense periods. Coal is pvixchased in July, clothing bought in October and other ex-
penditures shifted to afford better distribution throughout the year. By this method
many homemakers are finding that the heavy m.onths no longer threaten to upset the budget
and wreck the bank account.
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Club Girls Darned 22 , 000 Pairs Of Hose Duri ng Year
Twenty-two thousand pairs of hose darned during 1935 is just one of the sev-
eral records made by Illinois k-E club girls this year, according to reports from Miss
Mary McKee, junior club extension specialist at the College of Agriculture, University
of Illinois. During the same 12 months the 12,^38 girls enrolled in club v.'ork also
made some 26,000 garments and mended 17,000 garments, Miss McKee reported.
Furthermore, clothing work was only one of their many lines of activity.
They planned, prepared and served 11,500 meals for their families, doing everything
from cooking the food to clearirig the table and washing the dishes. Other foods v/ork
included the malcing of more tlian 2b, 000 baked products and the canning of more than
^,000 quarts of fruit and vegetables.
A thdrd line of endeavor was that of home furnishings and room improvement.
Girls enrolled in projects of this class made U30 articles for their homes and through
their efforts improved IU5 rooms in 1935> Miss McKee reported.
Of greater worth probably than the money valui; of articles made was the new
feeling of responsibility and the cooperative spirit developed by club girls through
their project work, Miss McKee believes. For expjnple, Fiary Lois Sunderland, of Jersey
coimty, writes that baking projects in 1935 attracted the favorable interest of adults
in her community with the result th^t the club has helped bring about a more unified
spirit in the community.
Marjorie Kane, of Lake county, has been able to guard her health more care-
fully through principles learned in the health project, she reports.
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' ^■
AGRICULTURAL LIB;
R 0 0 M 2 2 5
NEW AGR
BLDG
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
Vol-ume XVIII December 18, 1935 ITumber 5I
Farm-Home Week Seeks Reduction in Rural Theft Loss
With farm thefts now totaling more than a million dollars annually, Illinois
farm foUcs will make this prohlem one for aroused study and action when they meet dur-
ing the thirty-ninth annual Farm and Home Week, January I3 to I7, at the College of
Agriculture, University of Illinois.
E. S. Bayard, editor of the Pennsylvania Stockman and Farmer, will "be
L)rought from Pittshurg, to tell ahout successful methods being used in that state to
jrotect life and property in the country. He is scheduled to speak at 11 a. m.
Tuesday, January lU, before a general session of all Farm and Home IVeek visitors.
Losses such as were suffered ditring the past month by a Knox county farmer
when 5? hogs valtied at $1,000 were stolen from his place have added nevY worries to
fa-rmers' concern over mounting losses from the theft of chickens, cattle, hogs and
other fann stock and grain. In addition to the property loss, life itself is en-
dangered by the thieverjr and rustling now rampant in many Illinois communities,
authorities pointed out.
Schedu-ling of Bayard to explain how Pennsylvania is coping with this prob-
lem is in line v.'ith the recommendations of Illinois officials that the solution lies
in arotising farmers and giving them a practical and safe protective system.
Action already is being started in a number of commimities, and Bayard's
report is expected to stimulate and direct the movement. In 7/ill county, for instance,
a corps of farm vigilantes has been organized for action. In Sangamon county some 150
farmers met recently to back up the Farmers Protective Association, made up of compa-
nies of the Illinois Detective Association and the Anti-Thief Association. Aroused
efforts of Sangamon county farmers to protect their property have been so successful
that no cattle stealing has occurred and only tliree cases of chicken stealing have
been reported in two months. However, there have been reports of some stealing of
corn from fields near Springfield.
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Cut In Apple And Peach Crops Seen For 1936 Season
Present indications are that both peach and apple crops in Illinois next
year will be considera,bly below 1935 levels, according to reports being received by
H. S. Marsh, associate professor in Domology at the College of Agriciilture, University
of Illinois. The reports are based on the smaller numbers of biids on most apple and
peach trees throughout the state.
This condition is the result le.rgely of the heavy 1935 set together with
some disease and spray injury, Marsh explained. Loss of foliage throt-igh scab damage
and spray injury plus ti^; large crop reduced the vitality of the trees to the extexit
that a heavy fruit bud set for I936 was impossible.
Orchardists can do very little to improve the sitiiation except by caring
for their trees in su.ch a way as to allov; as many as possible of the buds to develop
into fruit next summer. This care includes careful pruning and the following of a
strict and safe spray schedule.
Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. W. Mumford, Director.
vol. xviii-Ko. 51 ®^^ -£xUtxsxt,tx mtB^^m^r p^^^ 2
I»To Ciirb Put On Normal Potato Supplies Under ITcw Act
People can plant their front lawns or any other groxind they wish to potatoes,
grow just as many potatoes as they please, a,nd give away as many as they can without
any restrictions or penalties whatsoever under the potato act. This is made clear in
a statement setting aside current potato act rnrnors and misunderstandings v;hich the
College of Agriculture, University of Illinois has Just received from AAA officials.
In addition to all this, grov/ers of potatoes can sell up to the limit of
their tax-free allotments without any restrictions or penalties from the act, the
statement points out. Most of the misunderstanding regarding the act arises from a
failure to distinguish "between "production" and "sales."
The only restrictions imposed hy the act are on the sale of potatoes in
excess of tax-free allotments. Furthermore for the nation as a whole the allotment
of tax-free sales for I936 has "been set at a-D-:roximately 7? million "bushels more tha,n
the average yearly sales for the period 192']-193^' This means that very few of the
potatoes reaching the consumer's ta"ble will have had the tax assessed against them.
P.cstrictions on sales of surplus potatoes are imposed in the forrri of a
stamp tax a.t the rate of Us cents a "bushel for all potatoes sold ahove the producer's
tax-free allotment. The tax-free allotment for each producer is deteirnined on t'ne
"basis of his average anniial sales during the "base period. This means that Illinois
producers will "be a"ble to sell close to the usual amount of potatoes without paying a
cent of tax.
Irhat ma.y "be confusing and misleading to some is the fact that all potatoes
produced after December 1, 1935> s-^d. sold on the market v/ill "bear the tax stamp.
However, the stamps are given free of charge to the producer up to the limit of his
tax-exempt sales. Only when he has used up Ms quota v/ill he have to purchase stamps
for further sales.
Since no Illinois potatoes will be subject to the tax ujitil the 193^ crop
comes on the market next summer, farmers will not have to concern themselves with the
act until the 193^ growing season.
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Skillful Ttirkey Selection Ilnds Fost-Christm.as Hash
Choosing a Christmas turkey of the rir>it size this year v/ill assure every
guest plenty of delicious meat and at the same time avoid the usual post-Cliristmas
series of turkey hash meals, according to Miss Annabelle Robinson, associate in homie
economics education at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
A general "rule of the thnmb" is to allow three-fourths to a po"und of
dressed turkey for each guest. If the bird is to be served with dressing, the J>/h
pound allowance probably will be am.ple. If there is no dressing, more meat will be
needed, and the larger allov/ance will be the safest.
At the above rates a, 15-pound turkey will feed approximately ?.C people,
while a 10-pound bird will be stiff icient for I3 gviests. Since many Illinois families
do not plan to have more than five or six at the Christmas table, even smaller birds
probably vdll be in demand. However, it usn^ally is better to get a bird weighing at
least 10 pounds dressed, since sm.aller turkeys do not develop as fine a flavor.
Wlaether the turkey is chosen from the home flock or bought at a. market it
should be a fat, pl-ump bird and preferably a you:ig one. The skin should be smooth
and clean, and the breast and thighs plump and mea.ty. The bird should be reasona.blj'-
fat, since the fat imparts a better flavor n,nd prevents the dry, tasteless fla.vor
common to turkeys in poor flesh.
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®h0 Extension MeasennBt
Vol. XVIII— No. 51 ' Page 3
Dairymen Culling Herds As Move To Higher Efficiency
Illinois dairymen are turning to the idea of fewer and better cows in
steadily increasing mimhers as they discover that this policy helps holster their
cash incomes, it is reported by J. G. Cash, dairy extension specialist at the College
of J\griculture, University of Illinois.
This is shown hy the fact that U,5SS low-producing cows were culled out of
tlie 1,165 herds helonging to dairy herd improvement associations during the first
nine months of this year. A total of 21,100 dairy cows were included in the memher
herds on November 1, as compared to 20,1^5 in the 1,060 herds belonging to the
associations on January 1. Sixty-three local associations were in operation this
fall as compared to 57 last Janua,ry.
Proof of the value of fewer and better cows is shown by the fact that
carefully-culled association herds averaged 8,^70 pounds of milk: and 32'-t-.9 pounds of
butterfat during 193^ as compared to the state average of U,3S0 pounds of milk and
166 pounds of butterfat. It is questionable whether cows producing on the level of
the state average would make a net return, Cash said.
While complete records on 1935 productions are not yet available, it is
expected that cows being tested in improver.ient associations will show a similar
advantage this year.
Through the improvement associations operated under the supervision of the
extension service of the college, member dairymen are learning more about the value
of production tests, culling, feeding of ba.lanced rations in proportion to production
a.nd the use of proved sires.
In addition to the improvement association work dairymen have gained
additional knowledge through a series of county-wide feeding schools directed by the
extension service. Also more than UOO dairymen from Uo counties attended the dairy
tours at the college during the fall v/here they studied breeding, feeding, herd
management and pasture management. Seven cooperative breeding associations were
organized in the state during 1935 'to promote the use of better herd sires.
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Good Su-nply Of FopCorn On Hand For Holiday Season
Since a fairly large crop of high quality popcorn has been produced in
Illinois this year, consuxners should have no difficulty in securing supplies for
Christ!na.s festivities or even for the entire winter, according to 3 . L. Vfeaver,
vegetable gardening specialist at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Yields have ru:i as liigh as Uo to U5 bushels to the acre, and most of the
supplies now on sale are in good popping condition. It only remains for the consiajier
to buy the variety best adapted to his needs and test a few samples to determine the
best popping temperature.
Por such •uses as stringing to decorate Christmas trees, candying or making
into ba.lls, a variety which pops into large, fluffy pieces is the most siiitable.
Variations of the South JS-merican Yellow are of this type. Various stra,ins grown in
Illinois sometimes are called South America.n G-iant or Yellow Giant because of the
unusually large size of the popped kernels.
The pearl, rice and hulless varieties are better adapted to general family
use, since they pop into a better-textured kernel. Among such varities are Monaxch
White Hice, Japanese Hulless, Golden Hulless, Ivory Pearl and Golden Queen.
Corn that is too dry will pop best over a high fire. Such corn should be
placed out doors where it will take up moisture. New corn often pops best over a
low fire indicating that it contains too much moisture. This defect can be remedied
by drying out the corn. A heavy metal popper usrial^'y is the most satisfactory.
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ROOM 225
NEW AGR BIDG
M
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE— UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Timely Notes for Farm Advisers and others from the Agricultural College,
Experiment Station, and Extension Service
VolT;une XVIII December 25, 1955 Number 52
Ten District Tryouts Set For Music And Drama Tal ent
Climaxing a season's work in rural music and drama, ten district tryouts
will "be held January 9 to 11 to select entries for the annual state nural music and
drama tournament, it was announced today hy D. E. Lindstrom, associate in rtu-al
sociology at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
The "best one-act plays, men's quartets, women's quartets, miixed quartets
and orchestras from the district tryouts will be featured in the state tournament,
which will be held January 16 as one of the main events of the thirty-ninth ann^oal
Farm and Home Week at the college.
More than 50 counties, which have the largest tiarnout of rural talent in
the seven years' history of the tournament, are holding county tryouts to select their
best entries for the district meets.
Places and dates for the district tryouts, together with the counties which
will be represented, are as follows:
Urbaiia, January 6, at the University of Illinois, for Moultrie, Ford,
Iroquois, Vermilion, Edgar and Kankakee counties. Mrs. L. D. Graham, Lovington,
chairman.
Lincoln, January 7, in the high school, for Mason, Tazewell, Logan, DeWitt,
Menard, Sangam.on and Macon co^'onties. Miss Marjorie Layman, Lincoln, chairm.an.
January 8, place to be announced, for Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Warren,
Knox, Hancock and McDonough counties. Mrs, Webster Gehring, Galesburg, chairman,
Olney, January 8, in the high school, for Shelby, Effirgham, Richland and
Edwards counties. Vance Hulbert, Altamont, chairman.
Polo, January 9, in the high school, for Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Ogle, White-
side, Lee and Carroll coimties. Homer Curtis, Stockton, chairm.an.
Belleville, January 9, in the high school, for St. Clair, Fayette, Monroe,
Washington and Randolph counties. Lester Helms, Belleville, chairman.
Sugar Grove, January 10, in the community house, for Boone, McHenry, Kane,
DuPage, Kendall and Will counties. Joe McCrudden, Geneva, chairman.
Marion, January 10, in the high school, for Williamson, Pope-Hardin, Jack-
son, Massac and Pulaski-Alexander counties. Ellsworth Lyon, Villa Ridge, chairman.
Pontiac, January 11, in the high school, for Bureau, Mar shall -Putnam.,
Livingston and Woodford counties. Mrs. Howard Jenkins, Streator, chairman.
Winchester, January 11, in the high school, for Pike, Morgan, Scott, Greene,
Jersey and Montgom.ery counties. Mrs. Roy J. Coultas, Winchester, chairman.
Following the district tryouts, the successfijl entries will return home to
finish preparations for Farm and Home Week. Finals in the music division of the
; tournament will be held Thursday afternoon, January 16, with the finals in the one-
I act play competition coming that evening. A banquet for tournament participants and
' friends will be held Thursday evening at 6 o'clock in the cafeteria of the Woman's
Building.
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Printed in furtherance of the Agricultural Extension Act approved by Congress May 8, 1914. H. \V. Mumfori), Director.
®hp lExtPttaioit Mssaennsv
Vol. XVIII— Ho. 52 Page 2
Some Cattle Best Not Rushed Onto Market This Season
Although there are more cattle on feed in Illinois this winter than last,
it probably will pay farmers with plenty of home-grown corn to feed quality cattle
long enough to get a prime finish before marketing them, said R. R. Snapp, associate
chief in beef cattle husbandry at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
On the other hand the feeder who has medium grade cattle and only a limited
supply of corn but plenty of good clover hay and corn silage may find it to his
advantage to put the cattle only in good butcher condition and sell them as short feds
rather than buy corn for a full feeding period.
The feeder who purchased his cattle between November 1 and 15 and who in-
tends to market them before summer shoiild have the cattle well on corn by the latter
part of December. While early gains can very well be made from hay, stalk pasture,
second growth or seedling clover and meadow remains, the animals may stop gaining or
actually lose weight if they are not fed enough grain when cold weather sets in,
Snapp said.
While there is some danger of beef cattle going off feed if put on full feed
of corn too suddenly, the gradual change from hay and roughage to grain should be made
in riDst cases before the first of the year.
This gradual change does not apply to choice, fleshy feeders that are to be
put in prime condition in a relatively short period. Such cattle should be started on
corn as soon as they reach the feed lot and then increased to full feed by the end of
the second or third week.
Future market trends always are uncertain, but indications are that this
winter and spring's beef cattle m^arkets will remain good provided heavy sales do not
glut the market. Consequently, the feeder's procedure depends largely upon his
individual situation and supply and kinds of feed on hand, Snapp said.
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Plenty Of Water Is Best Protection From Farm Fires
An adequate supply of water is one of the best guarantees Illinois farmers
can have against fires such as have destroyed numerous lives and thousands of dollars'
worth of property already this winter, according to W. A. Foster, rural architect at
the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
One hour's supply of water for an engine throwing a one-half inch stream
may often mean the saving of a building. Since the engine of such dimensions will
require about 50 gallons of water a minute, the aupply should amount approximately
to 100 barrels.
This is not an excessive supply to have on hand, Foster said. A cistern
10 feet in diameter and seven feet deep will hold this amount. A cubical tank eight
feet each way, or about the size of a ton of hay in a m.ow , also will hold approximately
100 barrels of water. A small dam in the spring run or in a convenient stream will
impound enough water for fire fighting purposes. The pond formed by the dam not only
will furnish a much-needed water supply but also will add to the beauty of the premises.
It will serve as a center for landscaping and may even be used as a skating pond
during the winter.
Even where road conditions or distance make it imposssible for the small-
town fire department to answer rural calls, the water sixpply 'is a valuable protection,
Foster declared. Plenty of water, a good p-'omp and conveniently located ladders will
enable neighbors to quench many a fire before it has had time to get a good start.
When considering building problems, it is well to make arrangements for the
water supply and if possible install pressure water equipment.
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Vol. XVIII— No. 52 ®tjc JExtenainn Mtsacnger Page 3
Home Seed Tests Will Help Avoid Poor Stands Of Corn
With mich of the seed corn intended for next spring's planting in Illinois
below standard "because of early frosts and late maturity of the crop last fall, poor
stands can he avoided only through home testing this winter, said G-. H. Dungan,
associate in crop production at the College of Agriculture, University of Illinois.
Seed corn should germinate at least 90 per cent to assure a good stand.
Prospective seed supplies can he tested readily at hoir.e hy the use of the well known
"rag doll" tester. This tester is made hy placing 100 grains of the chosen seed
stock on a dampened cloth, covering the samples with another cloth and rolling the
two pieces together loosely. The tester should he kept damp and at a temperature of
ahout 80 degrees.
Testing the sam^ples before late winter will give the farmer opportunity to
secure additional seed supplies hefore planting time if the available supply does not
measure up to the required germination standards, Dungan said. Good quality seed
corn m.ay be located through the agronomiy departm.ent of the college later this winter.
While it is too late to im.prove the germination Qualities of corn that was
cured improperly after picking in the fall, frequent inspections of the stored supply
will help keep the seed in good condition. This is especially necessary if there is
an abrupt change from a cold, dry condition to vvarmi, damp weather.
During such a change the moisture condenses and collects on the cold grains
of corn and may ruin the seed if allowed to remain until the weather again turns
cold. A small stove or other heating equipm.ent in the farm, seed room will dry the
corn and prevent such damage.
-M-
Terraces Cost ing Sam.e As Plowing Will Stop Erosion
By applying labor and power eq-aal to that needed for one plowing, m.any
Illinois farmers can halt erosion which is now costing them, m.illions of dollars in
loss of fertility, the washing away of valuable top soil and the slow destruction of
their farms, according to estimiates by E. W. Lehm.ann, head of the department of
agricultural engineering at the College of Agr icultiire. University of Illinois.
This estim.ate applies to the terracing of fields with moderate slopes and in good
condition. Steeper slopes, gullies and other conditions naturally will increase the
amount of labor and power needed for terracing.
The actual amount of cash needed for terracing depends upon how m.uch of the
labor and power is furnished by the fanner. Five Illinois farmers reported an average
cost of $2 an acre, one indicated that the cost was $3 and 17 replied that their
terraces had cost nothing, since they did their own work with homem.ade or borrowed
equipment and team.s.
-M-
Home Butchering How Saves $20 A Hog On Meat Bills
At present hog market levels and retail pork prices, Illinois farmers stand
to save approximately $19.56 on their family meat bills for each 225-pound hog
butchered at home, it is estimated by Sleeter Bull, meat specialist at the College
of Agriculture, University of Illinois,
This estimate is based on recent Chicago market quotations less shipping
expenses from Urbana. At the prices quoted, the farmer would receive about $21.26
for a 225-pound hog, and the meat and lard from, such a hog would retail for about
$40.82. Only about $1.19 of the nearly $20 margin between farm and retail prices
would be accounted for by net profits to the packer and retailer, according to
figijres from, the Institute of American Meat Packers. The remainder would be absorbed
by processing taxes and shipping, handling and overhead costs.
-M-
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
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