Title: The Guide post, v. 19
Place of Publication: Bellefonte, Pa.
Copyright Date: 1942
Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg020.2
'if
VISION
s^vXimRS
VOLUME XIX
NUMBER 1
f
"PENN SPUD" Urges You To
Attend tL 1942
FARM SHOW
JAN. 19-20, 1942
HARRISBURG, PA.
W>!W^l%/.
CilOWFitS
JANUARY • 1942
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
*i«JKV%
IMWffti
/
Meeting Production
Goals
To insure meeting the goals set for Pennsylvania
potatoes in 1942, it will be necessary to produce
increased yields on all available potato acreage. The
importance of fertiUzers in increasing yields and
quality of potatoes as proved by experimental work
requires that more attention than ever before be
given not only to fertilization but to the use of fer-
tilizers having the right proportions of the various
plant foods.
To secure the best results, soil and fertilizer must
supply at least 200 lbs. of available potash (actual
K2O) per acre. For specific information as to grades
and the present fertility of your soil, consult your
county agent or experiment station.
Write us for free information and litera-
ture on the efficient fertilization of crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W. Washington, D. C.
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Meeting Production
Goals
To insure meeting the goals set for Pennsylvania
potatoes in 1942, it will be necessary to produce
increased yields on all available potato acreage. The
importance of fertilizers in increasing yields and
quality of potatoes as proved by experimental work
requires that more attention than ever before be
given not only to fertilization but to the use of fer-
tilizers having the right proportions of the various
plant foods.
To secure the best results, soil and lertilizer must
supply at least 200 lbs. of available potash (actual
K.O) per acre. For specific information as to grades
and the present fertility of your soil, consult your
county agent or experiment station.
Write us for free information and litera-
ture on the efficient fertilization of crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St.. N. W. Washington, D. C.
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M
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
Our Country At War
We learn from history that the Cru-
sades civilized Europe; the Spanish Ar-
mada made England the mistress of the
seas; the Napoleonic wars made way for
a united Italy, a united Germany, and
inspired the Prussian militarism which
together with Imperial Japan and Fac-
ist Italy we quarrel today. What lessons
tne future will draw from the present
world cataclysm, none can at the present
predict, but with the heads of all the
remaining Democracies, representing all
the peace-loving and still free peoples of
the earth and championing the cause of
those who have been enslaved and
trampled under the iron heel of the ag-
gressors, in mutual collaboration, there
are encouraging indications everywhere
in evidence.
Say what one will about the victories
of Peace, it is a fact that millions of men
who would otherwise have gone on lead-
ing lives of deadly, complacent stagna-
tion have, through the present rape of
ii^urope by aggressor nations and the
recent unwarranted attack of our own
country by Imperial Japan, been shaken
out of their lethargy and feel the depth
withm them stirring in response to all
that is sublime, heroic and devoted to
humanity, at the call of war.
When this war is over, we will not
hear the word "bourgeoise" spoken with
contempt, as of a nation of vulgar shop-
keepers--we will not hear so much of
the decadence and profligacy of the aris-
tocrat, of the shottishness and demoral-
ization of the laboring classes.
In Europe Peer and gutter-snipe alike
— and now in our own far-flung Pacific
possessions, have proved themselves
men, facing death undaunted for some-
thing far bigger than themselves.
There is nothing better than the dog-
tent to make the patrician democratic.
Our men and our youth who have left
the polo field for the front line, quit the
diamond, the golf course, the opera box,
the clubs or a successful business for the
fields of war, will come back with a very
accurate sense of values and a more
serious appreciation of life.
While it is true that in most instances
the aristocrat needed no conscription it
has never been so gallantly proven as
during the present national emergency
that the costermonger and his type
would respond to the call as he has done.
In multiplied instances the Army, the
Navy, or the Marine Corp has found a
hooligan and made him a man.
The present war in instances will
bring out the brute in man, but in many
more it will develop the sublime. When
men are looking upon life in the raw on
the blood soaked battlefiields of the
world, living from hour to hour in the
imminent shadow of death, with the
spectacle constantly before their eyes of
undreamed heroism, unimagined hard-
ship, undescribable suffering and hor-
ror; when they have faced these realities
for days under the cloud of battle and
for nights with the deadly drone of the
bomber and the shine of tracer bullets
and starshells while the cannonade ac-
company the groans of their dying com-
rades—given plenty of leisure to think
ponder and form judgments on the eter-
H^^lu ^^' ^^ ^^ inconceivable to think
that these men should go back to lives of
the^'other'''' ''''^ ^^"""^ '''' ""^ '^'''"'^ ''''
The soldiers of the allies fighting for
the principle of democracy in the world
tight as a matter of duty to their free
country, doing what their democratic
governments expect of them, nobly
without rancor, for the freedom and
preservation of civilization.
jxr^^^ Z^^^^^ P°^^^ ^ho, in the first
World War fought at our side, because
ot internal national decay went down
to defeat in the present struggle For
the present the ever fresh flowers which
tor forty-odd years hung on the Strass-
burg Statue in the Palace-de la Con-
corde and personified to him the intense
spirt of French Nationalism, is for the
present withered.
The Russian, one feels, presents the
curious spectacle, in this century, of a
soldier waging a war for the fatherland
of his race. Of all the nations at war,
with the possible exception of Japan,
his IS the most entire devotion, the most
unhesitating courage— but there is a
valor pathetic in its blindness.
Because of the rigid censorship we
learn less of the morale of the German
soldier, but the general impression is
that he fights with a sense of performing
the deed he was destined to perform.
When he begins to doubt the invinci-
ble power of the great war-machine that
holds him in its grasp— then the hour of
the machine is over— and the machine
knows It. The German soldier fights by
the book, and accepts frightfulness or
abuse impassively so long as they come
from authority.
(Continued on page 30)
I ;'
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
J. A. Donaldson, Emlenton President
Roy R. Hess, Stillv^rater Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec*y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes,. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
Roy R. Hess Stillwater, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A, Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
-^ ^J^appif ilew Ljear
The Chinese had profound sayings for
every occasion — one of these wise say-
ings of the Chinese is— "The Right Start
is the Best Assurance of a Good Finish"
— this seems, more than ever appropri-
ate at this season of the year. Certainly
during this critical period of our Na-
tional existance, it is a definite hint to
start the festive greeting to the New
Year in a way to insure that one and all
are bright eyed and keenly alert to greet
the rising sun announcing the dawn of
the New Year.
Merely to remain conscious until the
whistles and bells toot and toll at 12 is
hardly sufficient if one is to be classed
with "up and comers" today. Or per-
haps these words of wisdom urge the
right kind of a start in our National De-
fense as well as in our usual personal
and business procedure. This with the
laudable idea of safeguarding a finish
an end to the unhallowed carnage and
devastation now enslaving the entire
world--forgetting for the present the
hope of fat profits. In which case it will
be the essence of wisdom to ponder the
enormous possibilities strewn on the
paths of opportunity with which the
American people are so richly blessed,
and look forward to the casting off of the
bonds which now bind. A most logical
conclusion, as Confucius probably would
have said.
So, the end ihas been written to the
story of 1941 and another year dawns;
another volume takes its place in the
library of years.
1942 spreads new, clean pages for all
of us to write a new record of achieve-
ment for another twelve months. It is
our sincere wish that for all of our loyal
cooperators, growers, distributors and
consumers, this record will unfold hap-
pily and prosperously, month by month.
ZJIte flew ljear
Withm life's book another leaf is turned;
Today we face a new and untried year'
Its secrets and its purposes all unguessed
No hand may lift the veil that hides
from us
Success or failure, and no feet save ours
May trod our pathway, do our several
tasks.
We step into the New Year's
outstretched arms.
And wonder if with all her luring
charms
Truer she'll prove than one we leave
behind.
What we have gained from wrestling
with defeat,
Mayhap will give us strength new foes
to meet
With greater courage. Come then storm
and stress,
Defeat and failure, or joy's magic spell,
To each or all the new year holds in store
We reach our hands in welcome, for we
know
Our truest blessings from our failures
grow,
And that our share of happiness will be
What we acquire through self-mastery.
Helen M. Richardson.
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
5
V »
Timely Observations and Suggestions
L. T. Denniston, Assocxatxon Field Representative
PENNSYLVANIA BLUE LABELS
ON EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA: In
a recent letter from my good friend W
0. Strong, Morrisville, Pa., Mr. Strong
reports on a trip to Eastern Shore Vir-
gmia where he worked energetically
tor the uplift of Eastern Shore Agricul-
ture for a good number of years. He had
the folio wmg to say on potatoes: "The
1. 1^1 second crop of potatoes was a
total failure on much of Eastern Shore
of Virgmia. So they are enjoying Penn-
sylvania Potatoes. I saw a quantity of
15 lb. bags (Blue Labels) in the Ameri-
can Store at Onancock, Va. which is
about 35 miles north of Cape Charles,
Va. (Cape Charles is just across the
Bay from Norfolk) I examined a few
bags with the Store Manager and they
were fine (packed by grower or Grade
Supervisor No. 114). The Manager told
me his customers were very much
pleased with the quality of the potatoes
and especially with the handy size 15 lb
paper bag."
POTATOES SPROUTING EARLY-
Observations in the South East counties
shows potatoes to be breaking their
dormancy unusually early. Sprouting
was noted on Cobblers as early as De-
cember 1, to the point that they exceed-
ed the U. S. No. 1 grade tolerence. At
best Cobblers should not be placed in
the list of permanent storage potatoes
to be sold during the winter or spring
They may under favorable conditions
keep well up until the first of the year
but by the time they are merchandized
by the distributor and utilized by the
consumer they too often are quite
shrivelled or badly sprouted. They
should be moved during the early fall
or shortly thereafter. Their quality is
hard to beat at that time.
More alarming than the case of Cob-
blers, however, is the breaking of dor-
mancy of Katahdins and other storage
varieties as observed in South Eastern
counties on December 4th and 5th. Con-
tinued warm weather throughout the
fall months, making it difficult to cool
down many storages has led to this con-
dition. Conditions vary with the type
of storage construction and storage man-
agement as observed on the above dates.
The condition of sprouting is not gen-
eral, at least does not show to be gen-
eral from an outward examination of
bins. Growers experiencing the be-
ginning of sprouting will do well to
keep packing so as not to run into diffi-
culty of exceeding the tolerance later
on. Growers whose bins show no out-
ward signs of sprouting will do well to
examine their stock by opening up a
bin now and then to get a better check
of conditions.
r^T^^T^^? ^^^ ^^^ GRADING
CREW: In one of the fall issues of the
Guide Post I pointed out the necessity
of changing our ideas in regard to labor
during the harvest period. Many of our
better young men were being called into
the service while others were putting
their shoulders to the wheels of in-
dustry in a nation wide defense program
Now, war has come. An all out vic-
tory drive is on which will further re-
duce the available farm labor.
During the last world war the slogan
was, "Food Will Win The War." This
food was not only needed for our own
people but to sustain millions of people
throughout Europe. There are those who
believe that the food needs will be even
greater before this present war is over,
than was the case in 1918.
In view of the present situation it is
important that potato growers do some
careful thinking and planning in look-
ing to the future. Let us not get our-
selves into the habit of grumbling, or
lamenting the situation. This war must
be won and loyalty calls upon all of us
to do our part, and make what ever ad-
justments are necessary, willingly and
void of selfishness.
Much will be said and some actions
set in motion in regard to farm labor for
the coming year or production season.
From now until spring when this new
season will be getting under way, 95%
of the potato growers labor needs will
be in connection with grading and pack-
ing the present crop in storage. Many
of our growers are well situated or will
have little need of worry in completing
this task. Others are experiencing dif-
ficulty and many others may before the
present crop is all out. Following up the
suggestions in connection with harvest-
ing in the fall the following thoughts
may be of help in many cases.
6
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Use more family labor. Use the
younger and older members of the
family judiciously so as not to im-
pair their health.
School labor. Cooperate with school
authorities in securing the release of
older children during school hours.
Use of women. There are a number
of jobs in connection with grading and
packing potatoes where women are
equal to if not better than men. In
packing pecks and 50's, the job on the
picking table, weighing, crimping and
tying bags, and racking or loading
bags, can all be handled efficiently by
women.
Paying of higher wages. This will be
necessary in many cases. Present in-
creased potato prices over other years
more than makes up this increased
cost.
Efficient management of labor. Re-
ducing lost motion to a minimum by
keeping the operation moving along
when at the job.
Hiring older workers. There are
many older men in the communities
that will be more than willing under
present war conditions to do what they
are able. They should be hired and
paid on an equitable basis where pos-
sible.
Grading at night. In many cases
grading a few hours each evening
when the family is all available or
neighbors can be had will reduce the
storage pile.
Conditioning grading equipment.
Check over the grading equipment
during spare hours to be sure it is in
good working condition will reduce
breakdowns or trouble during grading
hours.
Cooperation with local and govern-
ment agencies on the use of labor.
Cooperation of growers with each
other in the efficient use and employ-
ment of labor.
GOOD SEED AND THE "400"
BUSHEL CLUB: Of the 1,500 members
of Pennsylvania's "400 Bushel Club"
over 957f made their qualifying yield
by using disease-free seed direct from
a proven source. The great majority of
the other 5'f used seed one - year -
removed from such a source.
Pennsylvania's record yields begin-
ning in 1919 with Oscar Lichtenwalner
Lehigh County, with a yield of 519
bushels, through to George Buss, Nor-
thampton County, 1940, were all made
with disease-free seed from a proven
source. Most of these record yields for
each succeeding year following 1919
were well above 600 bushels per acre.
Varieties appearing in the club rec-
ords in these qualifying yields are: Rus-
set Rural, White Rural, Cobbler, Green
Mountain, Nittany, Mason, Katahdin,
Chippewa, Pennigan, and Allegheny
Mountain.
ACTIVITIES AT "CAMP POTATO":
The week of January 5th was a busy
one at "Camp Potato." The Camp prop-
erty was under a huge blanket of snow
but this did not interfere with the job at
hand. The baking potatoes for the Farm
Show baking booth will come from the
Camp storage and were graded out of
close to 3,000 bushels of potatoes in
storage there during the week. At the
same time that the bakers were selected
close to five cars of Blue Label Pecks or a
total of 12,000 pecks were packed for
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore
markets.
The baking potatoes were packed in
clean bushel paper bags and will be
shipped to Harrisburg for Show Week,
January 19-23rd. Don't fail to bring your
friends around to buy one of these
"Camp Potato" grown spuds.
THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY AND
EARLY FEBRUARY: Keep packing and
moving potatoes while they are still in
good market condition.
Since this is the coldest season of the
year it is important to give additional
protection from freezing. Windows,
doors, overhead floors, exposed facings',
and trucks used in making deliveries
should have your attention during ex-
treme cold days and nights.
Plan to attend the 1942 Farm Products
Show, January 19-23. The Annual Po-
tato Meetings are scheduled for Tues-
day and Wednesday, January 20-21. All
meetings are to be held in Room F, Sec-
ond Floor, Farm Show Building. The
Annual Potato Growers' Banquet will
be on Tuesday evening, Grace Methodist
Church, State & Susquehanna Streets
directly in front of the Capitol.
Have your car and truck tires re-
treaded. New tires are on a rationing
priorities basis for national defense and
all-out war effort. Rather than com-
(Continued on page 28)
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
POTATO CHIPS
Our farm people are suddenly faced
with the gravest responsibilities and the
biggest job that they have ever had to
undertake. Our country is at war. Free-
dom, democracy, Christianity — every-
thing that America stands for, is at-
tacked.
American agriculture must provide
food for the armed forces; it must feed
our own people to sustain their morale-
It must PRODUCE. The American far-
mer IS in the Service for the duration.
We do not have large surplusses of food,
though we do have some surplus. With
increased demands from our allies we
shall need all of our surplusses 'and
every pound of food that can be pro-
duced.
Of all the people eager to serve their
country's need, the farmer is one that
can start of his own volition today. Bet-
ter care, feeding and management of
every cow, every flock of poultry, and
herd of livestock will immediately
serve the nation. Better plans for our
cropping and fertilizing system next
spring helps to fight our nation's battles.
It will take cooperation and planning,
but it can be done. Plan well ahead,
starting today, to produce more food
and to produce it more efficiently in 1942'
bearing in mind that national leaders
feel that "food will win the war— and
write the peace!"
Where, on your farm, can you increase
food production? And how can you
best do it economically? Remember
every pound of food will be important '
-O-
^u ' ^^^^ reason, any members feel
that the 1942 production goals for agri-
culture did not fit their personal pro-
duction plans, now, with your country
at war, and food production all import-
ant, we urge you to set aside your per-
sonal attitude and help your government
reach these goals. Labor will be scarce
farm machinery will be scarce, so will
fertilizers, spray materials and other
essentials. It would be an offense against
national safety to waste any of these
scarcities to produce farm products that
are not needed. As Secretary of Agri-
culture Wickard has pled, 'This is the
time to work together as if the United
States were one big farm, to produce
exactly what is needed. We can't afford
to be careless or unwise in our produc-
tion efforts."
Ihe Department of AMriculture has
listed, as an iiunH^lialely pressing task
which farm peoule nm'sl complete, is
that of carryhi« thn.UKh (he program of
repan- of present farm machinery.
Steel is icarce and huin e(|uipnient
manufacturers muit know immediately
how much of it will he needed for ma-
chinery now in use. The metal is to be
allocated to produce these parts for re-
pau'. The hi^ pri.hJem is: What parts
are needed? Kvery fanner is urged to
buy or order repair parts now. !'(<nnsyl-
vania potato growers, do thii. Your
early order insiu'es your continuance
of your production program with your
present equipment, and helps Nati(,nal
Defense.
Another important task directly af-
fecting farm machinery, for the Amer-
ican farmer, is that he* ^et scrap metal
off the farms and into the Junk yards.
Scrap metal is urgently needed for sleei
production. Scrap metal is abundant on
all of our Peniisylvania farms. Mtich of
It is unsightly and unfit for any future
farm use. Today this metal is valuable
to your gov<'rnment in its war produc-
tion program. Today, men, collect this
scrap on your farm and deliver it to your
nearest junk dealer, lie will see that
it finds its place in defen.^e Hteel man-
ufacture.
^-
To our farm women; In any war, it'«
the women who make the greatest
sacrifices and the gre;itest crjntrlbutions.
Women in this modern war will have
many duties in comfrnmity defense ac-
tivities. They will f)e resrionsifjle for
bolstering family /norale when the going
gets hard. Farm wr)men will he called
upon for addilirifia) HiU'ttflcty. jn hard-
er work, lon^i^r tiours, greater respon-
sibility to help manage the form
business, and to h<lp \tn<,Hi ihe farm's
contributir>n to our national defense
production program. We do not doubt
the ability of r>ur Pennwylvania farm
women to do ttiejr part, eagerly and
thoroughly.
(Continued on pnqc 2H)
Our Country At War
i
We learn from history that the Cru-
sades civilized Europe; the Spanish Ar-
mada made England the mistress of the
seas; the Napoleonic wars made way for
a united Italy, a united Germany, and
inspired the Prussian militarism which
together with Imperial Japan and Fac-
ist Italy we quarrel today. What lessons
the future will draw from the present
world cataclysm, none can at the present
predict, but with the heads of all the
remaining Democracies, representing all
the peace-loving and stWl free peoples of
the earth and championing the cause of
those who have been enslaved and
trampled under the iron heel of the ag-
gressors, in mutual collaboration, there
are encouraging indications everywhere
in evidence.
Say what one will about the victories
of Peace, it is a fact that millions of men
who would otherwise have gone on lead-
ing lives of deadly, complacent stagna-
tion have, through the present rape of
Europe by aggressor nations and the
recent unwarranted attack of our own
country by Imperial Japan, been shaken
out of their lethargy and feel the depth
within them stirring in response to all
that is sublime, heroic and devoted to
humanity, at the call of war.
When this war is over, we will not
hear the word "bourgeoise" spoken with
contempt, as of a nation of vulgar shop-
keepers— we will not hear so much of
the decadence and profligacy of the aris-
tocrat, of the shottishness and demoral-
ization of the laboring classes.
In Europe Peer and gutter-snipe alike
— and now in our own far-flung Pacific
possessions, have proved themselves
men, facing death undaunted for some-
thing far bigger than themselves.
There is nothing better than the dog-
tent to make the patrician democratic.
Our men and our youth who have left
the polo field for the front line, quit the
diamond, the golf course, the opera box,
the clubs or a successful business for the
fields of war, will come back with a very
accurate sense of values and a more
serious appreciation of life.
While it is true that in most instances
the aristocrat needed no conscription, it
has never been so gallantly proven as
during the present national emergency
that the costermonger and his type
would respond to the call as he has done.
In multiplied instances the Army, the
Navy, or the Marine Corp has found a
hooligan and made him a man.
The present war in instances will
bring out the brute in man, but in many
more it will develop the sublime. When
men are looking upon life in the raw on
the blood soaked battlefilelds of the
world, living from hour to hour in the
imminent shadow of death, with the
spectacle constantly before their eyes of
undreamed heroism, unimagined hard-
ship, undescribable suffering and hor-
ror; when they have faced these realities
for days under the cloud of battle and
for nights with the deadly drone of the
bomber and the shine of tracer bullets
and starshells while the cannonade ac-
company the groans of their dying com-
rades— given plenty of leisure to think,
ponder and form judgments on the eter-
nal things, it is inconceivable to think
that these men should go back to lives of
frivolity on the one hand or of crime on
the other.
The soldiers of the allies fighting for
the principle of democracy in the world,
fight as a matter of duty to their free
country, doing what their democratic
governments expect of them, nobly,
without rancor, for the freedom and
preservation of civilization.
The French poilu who, in the first
World War fought at our side, because
of internal national decay went down
to defeat in the present struggle. For
the present the ever fresh flowers which
for forty-odd years hung on the Strass-
burg Statue in the Palace-de la Con-
corde and personified to him the intense
spirt of French Nationalism, is for the
present withered.
The Russian, one feels, presents the
curious spectacle, in this century, of a
soldier waging a war for the fatherland
of his race. Of all the nations at war,
with the possible exception of Japan,
his is the most entire devotion, the most
unhesitating courage — but there is a
valor pathetic in its blindness.
Because of the rigid censorship we
learn less of the morale of the German
soldier, but the general impression is
that he fights with a sense of performing
the deed he was destined to perform.
When he begins to doubt the invinci-
ble power of the great war-machine that
holds him in its grasp — then the hour of
the machine is over — and the machine
knows it. The German soldier fights by
the book, and accepts frightfulness or
abuse impassively so long as they come
from authority.
(Co7itinued on page 30)
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
J. A. Donaldson, Emienton President
Roy R. Hess, Stillwater Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Belief on te,
Sec*y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes,. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
Roy R. Hess Stillwater, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A, Donaldson, R.l, Emienton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte.
Pennsylvania.
^^ ^J4apptf flew Vjear
The Chinese had profound sayings for
every occasion — one of these wise say-
ings of the Chinese is— "The Right Start
is the Best Assurance of a Good Finish"
— this seems, more than ever appropri-
ate at this season of the year. Certainly
during this critical period of our Na-
tional existance, it is a definite hint to
start the festive greeting to the New
Year in a way to insure that one and all
are bright eyed and keenly alert to greet
the rising sun announcing the dawn of
the New Year.
Merely to remain conscious until the
whistles and bells toot and toll at 12 is
hardly sufficient if one is to be classed
with "up and comers" today. Or per-
haps these words of wisdom urge the
right kind of a start in our National De-
fense as well as in our usual personal
and business procedure. This with the
laudable idea of safeguarding a finish —
an end to the unhallowed carnage and
devastation now enslaving the entire
world — forgetting for the present the
hope of fat profits. In which case it will
be the essence of wisdom to ponder the
enormous possibilities strewn on the
paths of opportunity with which the
American people are so richly blessed,
and look forward to the casting off of the
bonds which now bind. A most logical
conclusion, as Confucius probably would
have said.
So, the end ^as been written to the
story of 1941 and another year dawns;
another volume takes its place in the
library of years.
1942 spreads new, clean pages for all
of us to write a new record of achieve-
ment for another twelve months. It is
our sincere wish that for all of our loyal
cooperators, growers, distributors and
consumers, this record will unfold hap-
pily and prosperously, month by month.
Dke flea, Z/
eat
Within life's book another leaf is turned;
Today we face a new and untried year,
Its secrets and its purposes all unguessed
No hand may lift the veil that hides
from us
Success or failure, and no feet save ours
May trod our pathway, do our several
tasks.
We step into the New Year's
outstretched arms,
And wonder if with all her luring
charms
Truer she'll prove than one we leave
behind.
What we have gained from wrestling
with defeat.
Mayhap will give us strength new foes
to meet
With greater courage. Come then storm
and stress,
Defeat and failure, or joy's magic spell,
To each or all the new year holds in store
We reach our hands in welcome, for we
know
Our truest blessings from our failures
grow,
And that our share of happiness will be
What we acquire through self-mastery.
Helen M. Richardson.
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Timely Observations and Suggestions
L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
T
PENNSYLVANIA BLUE LABELS
ON EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA: In
a recent letter from my good friend W.
O. Strong, Morrisville, Pa., Mr. Strong
reports on a trip to Eastern Shore Vir-
ginia where he worked energetically
for the uplift of Eastern Shore Agricul-
ture for a good number of years. He had
the following to say on potatoes: "The
fall or second crop of potatoes was a
total failure on much of Eastern Shore
of Virginia. So they are enjoying Penn-
sylvania Potatoes. I saw a quantity of
15 lb. bags (Blue Labels) in the Ameri-
can Store at Onancock, Va. which is
about 35 miles north of Cape Charles,
Va. (Cape Charles is just across the
Bay from Norfolk) I examined a few
bags with the Store Manager and they
were fine (packed by grower or Grade
Supervisor No. 114). The Manager told
me his customers were very much
pleased with the quality of the potatoes
and especially with the handy size 15 lb.
paper bag."
POTATOES SPROUTING EARLY:
Observations in the South East counties
shows potatoes to be breaking their
dormancy unusually early. Sprouting
was noted on Cobblers as early as De-
cember 1, to the point that they exceed-
ed the U. S. No. 1 grade tolerence. At
best Cobblers should not be placed in
the list of permanent storage potatoes
to be sold during the winter or spring.
They may under favorable conditions
keep well up until the first of the year
but by the time they are merchandized
by the distributor and utilized by the
consumer they too often are quite
shrivelled or badly sprouted. They
should be moved during the early fall
or shortly thereafter. Their quality is
hard to beat at that time.
More alarming than the case of Cob-
blers, however, is the breaking of dor-
mancy of Katahdins and other storage
varieties as observed in South Eastern
counties on December 4th and 5th. Con-
tinued warm weather throughout the
fall months, making it difficult to cool
down many storages has led to this con-
dition. Conditions vary with the type
of storage construction and storage man-
agement as observed on the above dates.
The condition of sprouting is not gen-
eral, at least does not show to be gen-
eral from an outward examination of
bins. Growers experiencing the be-
ginning of sprouting will do well to
keep packing so as not to run into diffi-
culty of exceeding the tolerance later
on. Growers whose bins show no out-
ward signs of sprouting will do well to
examine their stock by opening up a
bin now and then to get a better check
of conditions.
LABOR AND THE GRADING
CREW: In one of the fall issues of the
Guide Post I pointed out the necessity
of changing our ideas in regard to labor
during the harvest period. Many of our
better young men were being called into
the service while others were putting
their shoulders to the wheels of in-
dustry in a nation wide defense program.
Now, war has come. An all out vic-
tory drive is on which will further re-
duce the available farm labor.
During the last world war the slogan
was, "Food Will Win The War." This
food was not only needed for our own
people but to sustain millions of people
throughout Europe. There are those who
believe that the food needs will be even
greater before this present war is over,
than was the case in 1918.
In view of the present situation it is
important that potato growers do some
careful thinking and planning in look-
ing to the future. Let us not get our-
selves into the habit of grumbling, or
lamenting the situation. This war must
be won and loyalty calls upon all of us
to do our part, and make what ever ad-
justments are necessary, willingly and
void of selfishness.
Much will be said and some actions
set in motion in regard to farm labor for
the coming year or production season.
From now until spring when this new
season will be getting under way, 95%
of the potato growers labor needs will
be in connection with grading and pack-
ing the present crop in storage. Many
of our growers are well situated or will
have little need of worry in completing
this task. Others are experiencing dif-
ficulty and many others may before the
present crop is all out. Following up the
suggestions in connection with harvest-
ing in the fall the following thoughts
may be of help in many cases.
.^fflBI^R^.;
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Use more family labor. Use the
younger and older members of the
family judiciously so as not to im-
pair their health.
School labor. Cooperate with school
authorities in securing the release of
older children during school hours.
Use of women. There are a number
of jobs in connection with grading and
packing potatoes where women are
equal to if not better than men. In
packing pecks and 50's, the job on the
picking table, weighing, crimping and
tying bags, and racking or loading
bags, can all be handled efficiently by
women.
Paying of higher wages. This will be
necessary in many cases. Present in-
creased potato prices over other years
more than makes up this increased
cost.
Efficient management of labor. Re-
ducing lost motion to a minimum by
keeping the operation moving along
when at the job.
Hiring older workers. There are
many older men in the communities
that will be more than willing under
present war conditions to do what they
are able. They should be hired and
paid on an equitable basis where pos-
sible.
Grading at night. In many cases
grading a few hours each evening
when the family is all available or
neighbors can be had will reduce the
storage pile.
Conditioning grading equipment.
Check over the grading equipment
during spare hours to be sure it is in
good working condition will reduce
breakdowns or trouble during grading
hours.
Cooperation with local and govern-
ment agencies on the use of labor.
Cooperation of growers with each
other in the efficient use and employ-
ment of labor.
GOOD SEED AND THE "400"
BUSHEL CLUB: Of the 1,500 members
of Pennsylvania's "400 Bushel Club"
over 95^/( made their qualifying yield
by using disease-free seed direct from
a proven source. The great majority of
the other 5^^ used seed one - year -
removed from such a source.
Pennsylvania's record yields begin-
ning in 1919 with Oscar Lichtenwalner,
Lehigh County, with a yield of 519
bushels, through to George Buss, Nor-
thampton County, 1940, were all made
with disease-free seed from a proven
source. Most of these record yields for
each succeeding year following 1919
were well above 600 bushels per acre.
Varieties appearing in the club rec-
ords in these qualifying yields are: Rus-
set Rural, White Rural, Cobbler, Green
Mountain, Nittany, Mason, Katahdin,
Chippewa, Pennigan, and Allegheny
Mountain.
ACTIVITIES AT "CAMP POTATO":
The week of January 5th was a busy
one at "Camp Potato." The Camp prop-
erty was under a huge blanket of snow
but this did not interfere with the job at
hand. The baking potatoes for the Farm
Show baking booth will come from the
Camp storage and were graded out of
close to 3,000 bushels of potatoes in
storage there during the week. At the
same time that the bakers were selected
close to five cars of Blue Label Pecks or a
total of 12,000 pecks were packed for
Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore
markets.
The baking potatoes were packed in
clean bushel paper bags and will be
shipped to Harrisburg for Show Week,
January 19-23rd. Don't fail to bring your
friends around to buy one of these
"Camp Potato" grown spuds.
THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY AND
EARLY FEBRUARY: Keep packing and
moving potatoes while they are still in
good market condition.
Since this is the coldest season of the
year it is important to give additional
protection from freezing. Windows,
doors, overhead floors, exposed facings,
and trucks used in making deliveries
should have your attention during ex-
treme cold days and nights.
Plan to attend the 1942 Farm Products
Show, January 19-23. The Annual Po-
tato Meetings are scheduled for Tues-
day and Wednesday, January 20-21. All
meetings are to be held in Room F, Sec-
ond Floor, Farm Show Building. The
Annual Potato Growers' Banquet will
be on Tuesday evening, Grace Methodist
Church, State & Susquehanna Streets,
directly in front of the Capitol.
Have your car and truck tires re-
treaded. New tires are on a rationing
priorities basis for national defense and
all-out war effort. Rather than com-
(Contimied on page 28)
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
POTATO CHIPS
Our farm people are suddenly faced
with the gravest responsibilities and the
biggest job that they have ever had to
undertake. Our country is at war. Free-
dom, democracy, Christianity — every-
thing that America stands for, is at-
tacked.
American agriculture must provide
food for the armed forces; it must feed
our own people to sustain their morale;
it must PRODUCE. The American far-
mer is in the Service for the duration.
We do not have large surplusses of food,
though we do have some surplus. With
increased demands from our allies, we
shall need all of our surplusses and
every pound of food that can be pro-
duced.
Of all the people eager to serve their
country's need, the farmer is one that
can start of his own volition today. Bet-
ter care, feeding and management of
every cow, every flock of poultry, and
herd of livestock will immediately
serve the nation. Better plans for our
cropping and fertilizing system next
spring helps to fight our nation's battles.
It will take cooperation and planning,
but it can be done. Plan well ahead,
starting today, to produce more food,
and to produce it more efficiently in 1942,
bearing in mind that national leaders
feel that "food will win the war — and
write the peace!"
Where, on your farm, can you increase
food production? And how can you
best do it economically? Remember,
every pound of food will be important.
O
If, for any reason, any members feel
that the 1942 production goals for agri-
culture did not fit their personal pro-
duction plans, now, with your country
at war, and food production all import-
ant, we urge you to set aside your per-
sonal attitude and help your government
reach these goals. Labor will be scarce,
farm machinery will be scarce, so will
fertilizers, spray materials and other
essentials. It would be an offense against
national safety to waste any of these
scarcities to produce farm products that
are not needed. As Secretary of Agri-
culture Wickard has pled, **This is the
time to work together as if the United
States were one big farm, to produce
exactly what is needed. We can't afford
to be careless or unwise in our produc-
tion efforts."
O
The Department of Agriculture has
listed, as an immediately pressing task
which farm people must complete, is
that of carrying through the program of
repair of present farm machinery.
Steel is scarce and farm equipment
manufacturers must know immediately
how much of it will be needed for ma-
chinery now in use. The metal is to be
allocated to produce these parts for re-
pair. The big problem is: What parts
are needed? Every farmer is urged to
buy or order repair parts now. Pennsyl-
vania potato growers, do this. Your
early order insures your continuance
of your production program with your
present equipment, and helps National
Defense.
O
Another important task directly af-
fecting farm machinery, for the Amer-
ican farmer, is that he get scrap metal
off the farms and into the junk yards.
Scrap metal is urgently needed for steel
production. Scrap metal is abundant on
all of our Pennsylvania farms. Much of
it is unsightly — and unfit for any future
farm use. Today this metal is valuable
to your government in its war produc-
tion program. Today, men, collect this
scrap on your farm and deliver it to your
nearest junk dealer. He will see that
it finds its place in defense steel man-
ufacture.
O
To our farm women: In any war, it's
the women who make the greatest
sacrifices and the greatest contributions.
Women in this modern war will have
many duties in community defense ac-
tivities. They will be responsible for
bolstering family morale when the going
gets hard. Farm women will be called
upon for additional sacrifices — in hard-
er work, longer hours, greater respon-
sibility to help manage the farm
business, and to help boost the farm's
contribution to our national defense
production program. We do not doubt
the ability of our Pennsylvania farm
women to do their part, eagerly and
thoroughly.
(Continued on page 28)
8
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Some Significant Facts
Chain stores buy $404,200,000.00 in
products of Pennsylvania farms and fac-
tories.
The payroll of the chain stores opera-
ting in Pennsylvania totals $104,800,000
annually.
Pennsylvania chain stores pay $42,-
200,000 yearly to Pennsylvania railroads,
truckers, fuel dealers and utilities.
Pennsylvania chain stores pay $39,-
500,000 a year for rents.
Pennsylvania chain stores pay $20,-
700,000 in taxes annually.
Pennsylvania chain stores spend $10,-
800,000 each year for advertising.
All in all, the chain store industry
contributes $695,800,000 to the wealth
of the Keystone state.
Pennsylvania chain stores through
their economies save Pennsylvania con-
sumers $73,000,000. Through these eco-
nomies both the producer and the con-
sumer benefit. It is interesting to note
how these economies affect the potato
growers of Pennsylvania through the
Pennsylvania Potato Marketing Plan.
Through mass buying and mass distribu-
tion, and store door deliveries Pennsyl-
vania potatoes are delivered directly in
sufficient quantities to make it economi-
cal to the grower. Through this saving
in transportation and other up-charges
the consumer is served in the most effi-
cient manner. Figures compiled by the
Association Office, using Central Penn-
sylvania Growers, shows that direct
store door deliveries returned 86 ^^ of the
consumers dollar to the producer while
actual indirect selling returned in the
same area 73% of the consumers dollar.
Citing these Pennsylvania chain store
facts calls to our attention some salient
facts about our own industry — The Po-
tato Industry of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania potato growers
capital investment in land, buildings,
and equipment is over $90,000,000.
Pennsylvania potato growers pay
daily in gasoline tax over $5,000.
The Pennsylvania potato growers
operate on their farms annually 50,000
tons of steel.
Pennsylvania potato growers spend
every year for equipment and supplies
over $5,000,000.
Pennsylvania's potato industry creates
annually 20,000,000 hours of labor. The
cost of picking the crop alone amounts
to over $1,000,000.
If Pennsylvania's annual crop was
loaded on rail at one time, it would re-
quire 35,000 cars or a solid train reach-
ing all the way from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh.
While we are on this subject of facts
let's enumerate a few for the Keystone
State.
Pennsylvania ranks first in the United
States in forty important industries.
It leads all other States in mineral
production.
It produces one-fifth of all the energy
output in the United States.
Most of Pennsylvania's factories,
mines, power-houses, and farms are
nestled among her mountains which
serve as natural fortresses; yet she lies
in the very midst of the nations most
vital defense front. (Read 'The Second
Battle of Gettysburg" in Fortune Maga-
zine.)
Pennsylvania is further fortified by
modern airports, a 40,000-mile network
of State highways and fourteen trunk-
line railroads, which provide overnight
transportation facilities to two-thirds of
the nation's population.
Pennsylvania has an inland ocean
port, a lake port which permit water
shipments along half of the nation's
northern frontier.
Her river port at Pittsburgh offers
delivery over a 12,000-mile inland
waterway serving the very heart of the
nation from the Appalachian to the
Rockies.
Pennsylvania produces more iron and
steel than all of Great Britain, three
times as much as France, three times
as much as Japan, and seven times as
much as Italy.
She has a race of skilled workers and
captains of industry who distinguish
themselves by the speed, quantity, and
quality of their output.
Pennsylvania has 191,599 farms valued
at $861,706,599. Her livestock including
poultry is valued at $161,995,000. The
total investment in farms, livestock and
equipment exceeds $1,175,000,000.
Is it any wonder that Pennsylvania
has been referred to as the "work shop
of the world," "the arsenal of America,"
and the "Keystone of National Defense?"
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
Available Supplies of Certified Seed Potatoes
There is a good supply of certified seed
potatoes available again from the several
states, including Pennsylvania, from
which our potato growers usually secure
their annual supply. While there is a
reduction over 1940 in the total amount
certified in Maine and Michigan, there
is an increase in the volume available
from New York and Pennsylvania. Sup-
plies of Russets from Michigan and both
Kussets and White Rurals from New
York are lower than they were a year
ago. There are also slightly fewer Penn-
sylvania-grown certified Russets avail-
able this year than there were last year.
The Pennsylvania-grown White Rural
supply is about the same this year as it
was a year ago. There is an increase of
13,000 bushels of Katahdins, 8,000
bushels of Chippewas and 6,000 bushels
of Houmas in Pennsylvania this year
over 1940. Of the Nittany Cobbler type
there is a decrease of about 8,000 bushels
over the supply available a year ago.
Pennsylvania growers should have no
difficulty in filling their seed require-
ments although they should bear in mind
that the available supply of Russets is
lower than a year ago by approximately
70,000 bushels from the States of Michi-
gan, New York and Pennsylvania. In
1940 these three states produced 410,000
bushels of certified Russets compared
with an estimated 340,000 bushels for
1941.
Growers who are in the market for
Cobblers, Katahdins, Chippewas or
Green Mountains should not wait until
planting time to place their orders as
there is a decided reduction this year
in the available supply from Maine.
While the supply of these varieties from
New York State is either about the same
or shows an increase, most of our seed
of these varieties comes from Maine
where the supply may be somewhat
limited. In fact reports from Maine in-
dicate there will not be sufficient Green
Mountains and Cobblers to meet the
demand. Growers who wish to secure
seed of either of these two varieties
should probably place their orders early.
The supply of Sebagos from all the
states previously mentioned is consider-
ably greater than a year ago. Since this
variety is just coming into production,
it is possible that the supply even this
year may not be more than sufficient to
meet the demand.
PENNSYLVANIA
Our 1941 crop of Pennsylvania-grown
certified seed is the second largest crop
ever produced in the State. In 1940 we
produced 219,972 bushels of certified
seed potatoes compared with 241,730
bushels produced during 1941. The crop
last year was only 59 bushels less than
the record crop of 1934 when we grew
241,789 bushels.
The crop produced last year is also the
cleanest, most uniform in shape and seed
tuber size that was ever grown in the
State. Most of our certified seed crop is
located in Potter County where growing
conditions were very good. There are
close to 160,000 bushels of certified seed
potatoes available in this one county
alone. This county is most ideally located
for the growing of vigorous, high yield-
ing strains of certified seed. There is
probably no other area in the country
that is more favorably located for the
production of high quality seed and
where the seed is stored as uniformly
well as it is in Potter County, Pennsyl-
vania. Several new storages were again
erected in this county during this past
summer for the storage of the certified
crop.
Pennsylvania certified seed is avail-
able in the following counties: Bradford,
Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Erie, Lacka-
wanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Mercer, Mon-
roe, Northampton, Potter, Somerset,
Sullivan, Tioga, Warren and Wyoming.
With this distribution of certified seed
potatoes throughout the state, our com-
mercial potato growers should exper-
ience no difficulty in locating a supply
of good seed for their 1942 planting.
Varietal distribution of the 1941 crop
of Pennsylvania certified seed is as fol-
lows:
1941 1940
Russet Rural 122,503 125,586
White Rural 43,194 41,929
Katahdin 38,182 25,132
Chippewa 13,429 5,558
Houma 12,431 4,509
Nittany 7,140 15,338
Other varieties 4,851 which in-
cludes Allegheny Mountain, Sebago,
Sequoia and a few Green Mountain.
(Continued on page 24)
10
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Necessary Change In Association 13ag Prices
EFFECTIVE JANUARY L 1942
On JANUARY 1, 1942 all previous prices on Association trade-marked paper potato
bags were cancelled.
Effective JANUARY 1, 1942, and until further notice the following prices on
Association trade-marked paper potato bags are in force:
SPECIFICATIONS:
15-pound bags, two wall 60/50-110 weight, Natural Kraft.
50-pound bags, two wall 70/60-130 weight, Natural Kraft.
PRICES:
Blue Label,
Red Label,
Economy,
Blue Label,
Unclassified,
15's (2 wall) $25.00 per Thousand Delivered.
15's (2 wall) 24.50 "
15's (2 wall) 24.00 " " "
50's (2 wall) 57.00
u
it
«
«
50's (2 wall) 52.00 "
The above prices are for delivery to any point in Pennsylvania and include the
wire loop ties and the commission to the Association.
Terms
All Association trade-marked paper
potato bags are shipped on a C.O.D.
basis. No exceptions. When bags are for-
warded by rail, shipments will be made
Sight Draft, attached to Bill of Lading;
when shipments go forward by truck, ar-
rangements must be made bv tne con-
signee to settle for same at destination,
either by check (Certified Check not re-
quired), or in cash.
Distributing Points
Hummel Warehouse Company, Inc.
728-40 North Fifteenth Street
Allentown, Penna.
♦ * 4>
Jacob K. Mast Warehouse
Blue Ball, Penna.
(On U. S. Route No. 322)
* ♦ «
M. P. Whitenight & Sons Warehouse
700 Market Street
Bloomsburg, Penna.
« )k 9i<
Somerset County Farm Bureau Co-
operative Association Warehouse
S. Edgewood Street
Somerset, Penna.
Cochranton Cooperative Association
Warehouse
Cochranton, Penna.
* • •
J. Jacobsen & Sons Warehouse
Girard, Penna.
* • ♦
All bags released by an authorized
representative of the Association, on a
bag release order, for pickup at any of
the above authorized distributing points
will, in all cases, be subject to the above
cash terms.
Bag Orders
All orders for Association trade-mark-
ed paper potato bags, for either rail or
truck shipments, must clear through the
Association office, Bellefonte, Pennsyl-
vania. No exception will be made to this
regulation.
When placing orders for bags which
are to move by rail, be sure to designate
correct shipping address and name and
address of the bank through which the
draft is to be drawn. When movement
is by truck, be sure to have check or
cash arranged for when the bags arrive
at designated destination.
Payments
When bags are shipped Sight Draft, at-
tached to Bill of Lading, Pay only the
amount of the Draft. When bags arc
shipped by truck, pay either by check
(Certified check not required), or in cash.
In either instance, when draft or invoice
corresponds with the number of bags
ordered, and in accordance with the
above schedule, do not pay any addi-
tional Collection, Freight, Handling, or
Trucking Charges. Prices quoted are de-
livered.
Packing
All bags are bundled, wrapped and
tied. The 50-pound bags are packed 200
to the bundle, and the 15-pound bags
are packed 250 to the bundle.
(Continued on page 28)
To Aid Pennsylvania Growers
Procure Farm Equipment
To Produce Food
For National Defense
We Open The
Grower to Grower Exchange
for free advertisement of and for
used Farm Machinery
If you have old machinery, not in use, which might benefit a fellow
grower to produce needed food, write The Guide Post. We will ad-
vertise it free and help you sell it.
On the other hand, if you need some second-hand equipment, write
The Guide Post of your need, and we will advertise for this equip-
ment, and endeavor to help you secure it.
We pledge our efforts to assisting, as possible, with getting news of
your wanted equipment to growers in need of it.
Remember— Farm Mackinery is scarce. The need
for it for increased production is paramount.
12
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
OVER THE PICKING TABLE
by Inspector Throwout
Graciousness and kindness are always
impressive and remembered. An ex-
ample of true graciousness is seen in a
story we heard recently:
"In Beverly Hills, I once took the
wrong turn and came abruptly to a gate
barring the way. Instead of the usual
stern "Keep Off" or "No Trespassing,"
a little sign said, "This is the End of the
Road. Sorry."
"It was so unusual, so warm, so per-
sonal that I asked whose house it pro-
tected. The house was Pickfair, and
Mary Pickford had put the sign there."
Any of us might take a lesson from
Mary Pickford.
O
Keenly illustrative of the "strong
silent man" was President Calvin
CoUidge. This story is told of him:
"A reporter was interviewing Pres-
ident Calvin Coolidge. "Do you wish
to say anything about Prohibition?" was
the first question.
"No."
"About the farm bloc?"
"No."
"About the World Court?"
"No."
The reporter turned to go.
"By the way," said Collidge, "don't
quote me."
O
Where all think alike, no one thinks
very much.
— Walter Lippman.
O
Two business men met recently to
pass the time of day.
"How's business?" asked one.
"Very much better," said the other.
"Better?" cried the first in surprise.
"Yes, very much better than next
year," the other explained.
O
Contrary to the warm little sign on
the Mary Pickford property, mentioned
above, an interesting warning sign was
noted on a cape Cod fence. It read:
NO HUNTIN
NO FISHIN
NO NUTHIN
"I don't think I look thirty, do you,
dear?"
"No, darling, not now. You used to."
O
One morning, a young man honey-
mooning in New York had a Wall Street
appointment, and his pretty bride in-
spected him, admonishing, "Darling,
you'd better get a shoeshine. I want
you to look your best."
A little later, the bride boarded a Fifth
Avenue bus to go shopping. Love and
husband still very much on her mind,
she happened to notice the shoes of the
stranger sitting beside her, which also
needed shining. "Dearest," she said,
tapping his knee, "you didn't get your
shoes shined."
She got off at the next corner.
O
An insurance agent, writing a policy
for a cow-puncher, asked if he had ever
had any accidents.
"No," said the cowboy, then added,
trying to be helpful, "A bronc kicked
in a couple of my ribs and a rattlesnake
bit me a couple of years ago."
"Well!" said the agent. "Don't you
call those accidents?"
"No," replied the knight of the brand-
ing iron, "they done it a purpose."
O
To demonstrate how little attention
people pay to actual words, a hostess
said smilingly as she passed the cakes at
a tea: "These green ones are colored
with Paris green, the pink have strych-
nine in them." Every guest unconcern-
edly took a cake and thanked her.
O
A young lady, with a touch of hay
fever, took with her to a dinner party
two handkerchiefs, one of which she
stuck in her bosom. At dinner she began
rummaging to right and to left in her
bosom for the fresh handkerchief. En-
grossed in her search, she suddenly
realized that conversation had ceased
and people were watching her, fasci-
nated.
In confusion she murmured, "I know
I had two when I came."
CAN YOU MAKE THE GRADE?
You can if you Use a Bean Rubber Spool Grader
You Can Help
DEFENSE AND HELP YOURSELF
3 Capacity Sizes of Bean Graders
YOU DON'T LIKE BRUISING
YOU DON'T LIKE CUTTING
YOU DON'T LIKE INACCURACY
IN YOUR POTATO GRADING.
YOU DON'T GET IT
WITH A BEAN RUBBER SPOOL
The most efficient Potato Grader made
Our Catalog Shows Your Way to Profit
John Bean Mfg. Co
LANSING
MICHIGAN
n
14
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Farm Show Program Offers Privileges
' The Potato Growers of Pennsylvania
have an unique opportunity in hearing
outstanding specialists in their respec-
tive fields discuss salesmanship in re-
lation to cooperation.
Meeting in Room F, Farm Show Build-
ing, on the afternoon of Wednesday,
January 21st, 1942, growers will hear
some outstanding talks.
Some may ask, why men in unrelated
work are asked to discuss this topic.
Salesmanship is the string that ties
up the packages of the products of the
farm.
Salesmanship is the force that trans-
forms production into consumption.
Salesmanship is marketing. No matter
how fine the product, it is worthless un-
sold.
These men are salesmen par-excel-
lence in their respective fields.
Speakers in order of their appearance
are:
Richard M. Campbell — Eldest son of
our former President John Bailey Camp-
bell. "Dick," as he is familiarly known,
is a life insurance architect. He is much
more than a life insurance salesman. He
is the largest new business producer in
his company's employment. He sells his
clients a plan for security — not just life
insurance. His hobbies are doing good
to fellow man, word pictures and horse-
back riding.
J. M. Ellis— "Jud" — Dynamic Sales
Promotion Manager, G. C. Murphy Com-
pany. His hobby is golf. He is Vice-Presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania Chain Store
Council. His vivid and creative imagina-
tion has contributed nationally toward
his company's remarkable success.
C. E. Noyes — "Chick," as he is com-
monly known, is Secretary of the
Williamsport Community Trade Asso-
ciation. He is a community salesman of
a new industry and a new day in agri-
culture. His only hobby is work.
L. Wayne Amy — Advertising Mana-
ger James G. Lamb Advertising Agency.
Secretary for the Philadelphia Society
for Promoting Agriculture, the oldest
agricultural society in America. His
hobby is telling people how to sell their
products.
Wheeler McMillan — Editor, Farm
Journal; President of the American
Chemurgic Council and a high official
in the Boy Scouts of America. He is a
nationally known figure and a noted
public speaker.
Roland N. Benjamin — Executive Sec-
retary of the Pennsylvania Farm Bu-
reau Federation. A potato grower in his
own right. His hobby is cooperation.
Loyal D. Odhner — Managing Director
of the Pennsylvania Chain Store Coun-
cil. A former Chamber of Commerce
Secretary. His hobby is selling.
Random Items
Half of Idaho's potato crop had moved
to market by January 1.
The annual New York State Vege-
table Growers Association and B^mpire
State Potato Club meeting was held in
Rochester N. Y. January 6, 7, and 8.
The first heavy movement of earlj^
potatoes from Florida were shipped th^
week of December 26.
The potato movement from the San
Luis Valley of Colorado has been very
satsifactory according to all reports.
Idaho is processing and shipping four
to five cars of dried potatoes each week
with the greater part of the product go-
ing to the arrriy and navy.
During World War number 1, an Eng-
lishman went about crying, "Sing with
me the triumphal song of the potato."
This song may be sung again.
The Farmers Union of Park River,
N. D. has definitely asked for an in-
creased potato acreage.
The fifth annual Agricultural Trades
Show will be held at Lewistown, Maine
on January 20, 21, and 22.
A new State Champion grower for the
year will be crowned at the Potato
Growers' Annual Banquet at the coming
(Continued on page 19)
Michigan Certified Seed Potatoes
Michigan's seed crop is somewhat smaller than last year's. The quality is very
good and the size of the tubers are desirable.
We have our usual good quality from the outstanding growers in Michigan.
RUSSET RURALS
PONTIACS
IRISH COBBLERS
CHIPPEWAS
KATAHDINS
GREEN MOUNTAINS
Meet us at
The Farm Show.
Section C, Booth 348.
Make our Booth
your headquarters.
Meet your friends there.
Michigan Potato Growers' Exchange
CADILLAC, MICHIGAN
tt
The Annual Meeting of the Membership of the Association will
be held in room F, Farm Show Building, Harrisburg, Penna., Tuesday,
January 20, 1942, at 1:30 P. M.
E. B. Bower, Secretary
If you would Be Happy This Coming Year
Think success, then Plan and Work for it.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock St.
Philadelphia
Lombard 1000
16
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
January, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
PROGRAM
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE POTATO
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, INC.
BELLEFONTE, PENNSYLVANIA
(Room F, Farm Show Building)
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
January 20 - 21, 1942
TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 20, 1942
8:30 A.M. Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Office No. 2, Second Concourse, New Arena Building.
12:00 N. Luncheon, Board OF Directors.
(Meeting Place to be announced) .
TUESDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 20, 1942
1 : 30 P.M. Annual Meeting of the Association.
(Room F, Farm Show Building) .
a. President's Address — J. A. Donaldson, President, Penn-
sylvania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association, Emlen-
ton, Pennsylvania.
b. Secretary-Treasurer and General Manager's Report.
c. Election of Directors.
d. Recommendations and Resolutions.
2: 30 P.M. Dr. E. L. Nixon, at the special request of the Board of Direc-
tors, will give his famous lecture on the nature of Bacteria,
as applied to Bacterial Ring Rot of Potatoes. This is the first
opportunity the membership has had to hear this lecture.
TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 20, 1942
7: 30 P.M. Potato Growers' Annual Banquet.
Grace Methodist Church, State Street, Harrisburg.
General Chairman— J. A. Donaldson, President, Pennsyl-
vania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association, Inc.
Toastmaster— Fred W. Johnson, President, Pennsylvania
Chain Store Council, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
a. Introductions.
b. Presentations of 400-Bushel Club Medals.
c. Fun and Frivolity.
*The Rev. Clarence R. Rahn, Temple, Pennsylvania.
*The "Potato Growers' Chorus" of New Tripoli, Pennsyl-
vania, under the Direction of Ralph Rupert, Choir Master,
Kempton, Pennsylvania.
d. Introduction ot New Board of Directors and Officers for
1942.
♦Sponsored by The Lehigh County Potato Growers.
4-
4
?
WEDNESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 21, 1942
9:30 A.M. Production Program — General Chairman, Roy R. Hess, As-
sociation Director, Stillwater, Pennsylvania.
It seems this is a good time to take stock of our knowledge
of potato production. To better bring out, and to impress this
collective information indelibly on the minds of our grow-
ers, the production aspects will be discussed under three
headings, as follows:
1. What I would like to know, is:
2. What I know, and know that I know about potato pro-
duction, is:
3. The biggest BONERS in the industry that I know have
been pulled by anyone this year, are:
A free membership and Five "Potato Growers' Gold Dollars"
will be given to the champion thinker expressing himself,
on any or all three of these topics, orally from the floor or in
writing. Come prepared to express yourself or submit your
statement, in writing, to the Association office.
Judges: Dr. E. L. Nixon, J. A. Donaldson, and P. D. Frantz.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 21, 1942
1:30 P.M. Merchandising Program: Salesmanship in relation to Co-
operation.
General Chairman— W. W. Hayes, Association Director,
Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.
Leader— Loyal D. Odhner, Managing Director, Pennsylvania
Chain Store Council, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
a. From Viewpoint of Life Insurance Underwriters — Richard
M. Campbell, Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company,
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
b. From Viewpoint of Novelty Merchandising — Judd Ellis,
General Sales Manager, G. C. Murphy Company, Pitts-
burgh, Pennsylvania.
c. From Viewpoint of Chambers of Commerce — C. D. Noyes,
Secretary, Williamsport Community Trade Association,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
d. From Viewpoint of National Advertising — L. Wayne
Arny, Jas. B. Lamb Advertising Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
e. From Viewpoint of Agricultural Journalism — Wheeler
McMillen, Editor, Farm Journal, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania.
f. From Viewpoint of Farmers Cooperative — Roland Benja-
min, Executive Secretary, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
(Cooperative Association, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
7^'
ffiwataiMaRdMa..
18
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
PLAN NOW
TO ATTEND
The Potato Growers'
Annual Banquet
Grace Methodist Church
State and Susquehanna Sts.
Harrisburg, Penna.
Tuesday, January 20, 1942
7:30 P. M.
MENU
Fruit Cup
Bread
Rolls
and
Celery, Sweet Pickles, Olives
(on the table)
Baked Ham
Scalloped Potatoes Baked Corn
Pepper Slaw
(on the table)
Cherry Pie Coffee
COO
Located inimediately in front of
State Capitol Building (Side En-
trance) Parking facilities in rear of
Capitol reserved with attendant to
assist with parking. Your Banquet
ticket is your right to park.
Fine Program Planned
JOIN THE FUN!
$1.50 Per Person
Nows The Time To Get Together
W%- ^y^
"Two fool jackasses — now get this
dope —
Were tied together with a piece of rope.
Said one to the other: 'You come my
way
While I take a nibble at this new- mown
hay.'
'I won't/ said the other; you come with
me.
For I, too, have some hay, you see.'
So they got nowhere — just pawed up
dirt—
And oh, by golly, how that rope did
hurt!
Then they faced about, those stubborn
mules.
And said: 'We're just like human
fools-
Let's pull together; 'I'll go your way —
Then come with me and we'll both eat
hay.'
Well, they ate their hay and liked it,
too.
And swore to be comrades good and
true.
As the sun went down they were heard
to say:
'Ah! this is the end of a perfect day.'
Now get this lesson; don't let it pass —
We must pull together; it's the only
way
To put business back on the map to
stay."
And we might add a line or two and
say.
Its pull together now — or never —
If we want to keep the Nazis from our
shore
And grow potatoes as we never did
before.
CERTIFIED
NITTANY. ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN.
KATAHDIN, CHIPPEWAS. PENNIGAN
WHITE RURAL and RUSSET
SEED POTATOES
Also Rogued and Selected Seed Potatoes of High Quality
Seed potatoes grown and packed by Potter County Seed Potato
Growers' Association are also for sale through the Pennsylvania
Farm Bureau agencies.
POTTER COUNTY SEED POTATO
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Robert Barnett, Pres. Mrs. Letha Roberts, Sec'y.
RANDOM ITEMS
(Continued from page 14)
Pennsylvania Farm Products Show. The
banquet will be Tuesday evening, Jan-
uary 20th.
Baked potatoes will be served by the
thousands each day at the Pennsylvania
Farm Products Show. They will be
Pennsylvania Potatoes, Blue Label
Quality.
Thousands of Pennsylvania's leading
retail stores are being served with Penn-
sylvania Blue Label pecks direct to the
stores each week by Pennsylvania
growers.
The Educational Meetings of the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers Association at the coming Farm
Products Show promise to be full of in-
teresting discussion, questions, and
prominent speeches pertinent to Penn-
sylvania's Potato Industry.
Model
No. 1744-P
DETECTO-
GRAM
Potato Scale
for
Weighing
PECKS
Recent shipments of Pennsylvania
Blue Label Pecks have gone into all the
bordering States of New York, Ohio, W.
Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New
Jersey. Shipments have also gone to
Virginia and Indiana.
New
and
Practical
with
Bagging
Rack
NO OVERWEIGHT—
—NO UNDERWEIGHT
Every Bag Accurate
JACK S. GRIMISON
116 W. Oakdale Ave — Glenside, Pa.
Is still selling it —
AND HOW !
20
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
I
i
Grower to Grower Exchange INSTI'lUTIONAL
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Bellefonte, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
NOT AVAILABLE: Copies of Dr. E. L.
Nixon's book, 'The Principles of Potato
Production." It is necessary to refuse all
requests to supply this book at the pres-
ent time, as the first edition is out of
print. Dr. Nixon is now revising this
book, and a new edition will be run in
the near future. When these are avail-
able, we will advertise them in this
column.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neefe, Couders-
port, Potter County, Penna.
FOR SALE: SIZE B MAINE KATAH-
DINS OUT OF CERTIFIED FIELDS:
We can offer a limited number of cars
of Size B Katahdins out of Certified
Maine fields, with disease readings of
not over three-tenth of one per cent.
Other varieties of Certified Maine seed.
Try some North Dakota Certified Cob-
blers. All Spring Shipment. Write, Ed
A. Trexler, Trexler, Pa.
FOR SALE: One used small John Bean
Potato Grader with Motor; Two New
small John Bean Potato Graders; Two
Wood roll Picking Tables; One Rubber
roll Picking Table; One Large Boggs
Power Grader; Six set peck spouts for
any grader. J. JACOBSEN & SON,
GIRARD, PENNA. (Erie County)
Phone 54-R.
SPUDS
(From the Editorial Page oj the Decern-
her 3, 1941 Philadelphia Evening
Bulletin)
"Out at the Holmesburg Prison a farm
is operated, as at many other penal and
mental health institutions. The purpose
is as much to provide one of a variety of
methods for rehabilitating inmates as
to grow food for use in the institution.
Holmesburg has just joined several
State institutions which have lifted their
farm operations to high level of produc-
tivity. It has been admitted by the
State Potato Growers Association to
membership in the 400 bushel potato
club, limited to producers of more than
400 bushels of spuds on a measured acre.
Holmesburg potatoes this year will
total 20,000 bushels or more. At the
prevailing price this means a substantial
saving in operating costs of the five city
institutions which share the product.
Huge yields are not alone the purpose
of institutional farms, but it has been
found that they do have an important
effect on the attitude of inmates toward
their work. As a goal they are an incen-
tive, and achievement of the goal serves
as a definite reward.
Institutional spuds may be no better
than any other potatoes, but they have a
mighty valuable by-product."
Guide Post editorial comment: — This
is a form of good advertising for Penn-
sylvania Potatoes and her Potato Indus-
try that cannot be purchased for
hundreds of thousands of dollars, no not
at any price. With a circulation of
around a half million, it can be safely
stated that the Evening Bulletin is read
by more than a million people through-
out Pennsylvania and the surrounding
states. It is seldom indeed that potatoes
make the editorial page of our metro-
politan newspapers. The fact that the
good results attained at Holmesburg has
been so fittingly written around the "400
Bushel Club," is further proof of the
value of such activities backed by a
strong State Potato Growers Associa-
tion.
The Thrifty Potato
Grower's Choice
WASHINGTON
SPRAY LIME
Packed in drums or paper bags
for your convenience.
A Rotary Kiln Product Insuring
Perfect Slacking and Complete
Satisfaction.
Washington Spraying Hydrated
Lime for Dusting Requirements
325 Mesh in 50 Pound Paper Sacks.
Ask the Growers Who Have Used
Washington; They Are Easy to
Find.
The Standard Lime
and Stone Company
First Nafl Bank Bldg., Baltimore. Md.
N. E. Dietrick, Sales Rep.
WE INVITE YOU
to visit us at the
FARM SHOW
spaces 274 to 281 Incl.
O. K. CHAMPION MOVABLE
Irrigation Systems
O. K. CHAMPION POWER
Potato Diggers
BOGG'S STANDARD POTATO
Graders and Brushers
MESSINGER DUSTERS
FARM TOOLS INC
COND6 MILKING MACHINES
WILSON MILK COOLERS
TRESCOTT FRUIT GRADERS
McCune & Company
Manufacturers Representatives
in Western Penna. & Ohio
Est. 1865 New Waterford, Ohio
for BIGGER
PROFITS
on Potatoes
EUREKA POTATO MACHINES lower the co«t per acre in pouto srowing.
Save time. Save Ubor. Increase yields. Make more money for you and Tree you
from the hardest work. They're modem, improved, dependable machines, built
right to fit each job, and used by successful potato growers for over a quarter
century. _
Sprayere
Tmcboa or Power. In-
««r« th« crop. Sue*. 4,
6 or Bor* row*. M> to
ISO galloB Uok*. All
M7IM of boemo.
>Cat««r
CaM ■aifoTB Mod. (>••
•ralM wiik koik iuada
%n\ fnr ftiiliag
O— — If Kt»>. Of— ■
fviTow, drop* Mod, ••«•
fartiluor, if doarod, c«*.
«• aad Burk* ■•>! fm—
•U w Mi* operskoa.
BIdlatf Malelier mr Weeder P*lat« Dltfer
Breaks cmau. Bulckoa Mil, aad kiUa weed* FaaoiMfergcMia(allthoDoiatoaa,
vhca potato crop i« \vam% aad leader. 11 aad M]paralia( aad (uoduig bird um.
MMraliaf
Wiiker»ll
ar vacier attachmeal.
J aad leader. 1 1 aad
12 ft. «ie*. Maay ot^er oaos. with or wiikoal Wiik or Without eagiac aiuchaaat
Modtag attachaosL
Send for free Catalog, howing all oJ^'l^Zi:^'^
the Eureka Machine*. Write today, oa Petai* Mackiaaa.
AUaackiMaiaalock
■aar yaw.
p 'i*TO cunt*
Also see the
COCKSHUTT
DISC PLOW
and the
BABCOCK
WEED HOG
in our exhibit at
Harrisburgh
Farm Show
Blocks 113-14, 125-26
Eureka
Mower Co.
UTICA. N. Y.
22
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
PACKING
POTATOES
PROPERLY
Suggests
Hammond Betterbags
To
Pennsylvania
Potato
Producers
Combining Strength, Quality,
and Attractive Color Printing
Hammond Betterbags
PROVIDE A PACKAGE
You Can Be Proud to Market
Your Customer Can Be
Proud to Buy
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO-
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
Revised Potato
Crop Estimates
The Federal Agricultural Marketing
Service recently released final figures
on the 1941 potato crop as well as re-
vised figures on the 1939 and 1940 crop
seasons. Unless these figures are proper-
ly interpreted they will be very mis-
leading to many growers and the trade.
The November crop estimate, which
was the last estimate preceeding the final
release, placed the 1941 crop at 376,701,-
000 bushels. The final figure released
late in December places the 1941 crop at
357,783,000 bushels. This is a reduction
of 18,918,000 bushels when checked
against the November estimate. Unless
growers and members of the trade un-
derstand how this final figure was ar-
rived at many will conclude that the
1941 crop is a short crop. Such is not the
case. The final figure of 357,783,000
bushels does not represent an actual re-
duction of 18,918,000 bushels in the 1941
crop but rather a reduction arrived at
by applying the 1940 census figures.
These same 1940 census figures when
applied to the 1940 crop reduces the
1940 estimate from 397,722,000 bushels
down to 378,103,000 bushels or a reduc-
tion of 19,619,000 bushels. When applied
to the 1939 crop the reduction is from
363,159,000 down to 341,484,000 bushels.
Both the crop estimate which is the
unrevised figures, and the final figures
arrived at by applying the 1940 census,
leave a difference of appproximately
20,000,000 bushels between the 1940 and
the 1941 crop. The 1939 crop was quite
often referred to as an average crop for
the nation and as you will recall re-
sulted! in fair to good prices to the
grower. The November crop estimate
placed the 1941 crop 13,542,000 bushels
in excess to the 1939 crop. On the basis of
the final figures for these same years the
1941 crop exceeds the 1939 crop by
16,299,000 bushels.
When these same revisions are applied
to Pennsylvania the 1939 crop is reduced
from 22,440,000 bushels down to 19,274,-
000 bushels; the 1940 crop from 24,570,-
000 bushels down to 21,000,000 bushels;
and the 1941 crop from 23,674,000 bushels
down to 20,000,000 bushels.
Similar reductions were applied to all
other late producing states over the same
crops and years.
Hardie row crop sprayers are
built in a wide variety of ad-
vanced models for spraying 2
rows to 12 rows. The Hardie
'^Levelrite" and "Foldrite"
booms, the new Hardie tubular
steel axle readily adjusted for
both width and ground clearance,
and the Hardie Pressure Line
It's the new improvements, the
unusual features of design and
construction, the extraordi-
nary performance that sur-
prise and please the grower
who buys a Hardie.
Strainer, which assures clean
nozzles, are only a few of the
many advantages you get when
you select a Hardie potato or
vegetable sprayer. Write for cata-
log. The Hardie Mfg. Company,
Hudson, Mich., Portland, Oregon,
Los Angeles, Calif.
^^^i^^^^^'^'5'^\^S'iMW^v^^^^r^""'^K§^"v?*^^^^^^^^"'^^^M
The ONLY Spray Pump that is
COMPLETELY LUBRICATED
'ia^a^i:)#~
iss$$^
24
THE GUIDE POS'
January, 1942
SEED CERTIFICATION
IN PENNSYLVANIA
(Continued jrom page 9)
A list of Pennsylvania growers of cer-
tified seed potatoes may be secured by
writing to the Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture, Harrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania.
MICHIGAN
Information received from Michigan
indicates a supply somewhat below the
approximately 407,000 bushels of seed
certified in Michigan in 1940. It is esti-
mated that there will be a reduction of
approximately 70,000 bushels of seed of
the Russet Rural and Chippewa varieties
in Michigan in 1941. In 1940 Michigan
produced approximately 332,000 bushels
of these two varieties and with a reduc-
tion in these two varieties of 70,000
bushels, there will be a total supply
available of approximately 260,000
bushels of certified stock of these two
varieties from that state. It is reported
of the certified seed that *'the quality of
the crop is better than that of last year
in respect to type and freedom from late
blight."
MAINE
The crop of certified seed available
from Maine this year is about 775,000
bushels below the supply a year ago.
Reports indicate a total crop of 7,692,831
bushels produced in 1941 compared with
8,466,186 bushels for 1940. The 1941 crop
shows a reduction of close to 246,000
bushels of Green Mountains, 493,000
bushels of Cobblers, 95,000 bushels of
Katahdins and 278,000 bushels of Chip-
pewas. Apparently there is a consider-
able increased amount of Sebagos
available this year over 1940 as there
are 438,763 bushels reported for 1941.
Varieties certified in Maine last year
in addition to those listed above are
Houma, Earlaine No. 2, Bliss Triumph,
Russet Rural, Spaulding Rose, Sequoia,
Warba, Early Ohio, Early Rose, Pontiac
and Mesaba.
NEW YORK
The crop in New York State is above
the 1940 production. Last year New York
State produced approximately 596,000
bushels of certified seed potatoes com-
pared with 517,000 bushels produced in
1940.
Leading varieties certified are: Green
Mountain, Katahdin, Chippewa, Irish
Cobbler and Sebago. Other varieties
certified are: Smooth Rural, Russet
Rural, Houma, Bliss Triumph and Ear-
laine No. 2.
Most of the increase in production in
New York appears to be in the Green
Mountain, Katahdin, Chippewa and
Sebago varieties, with a decided reduc-
tion in the Smooth Rural and Russet
Rural varieties.
It is reported from New York that the
certified crop is "unusually free from
tuber decay. In a few instances the size
of the tubers was somewhat below nor-
mal with a corresponding reduction in
yield. The quality of the crop would
appear to be above normal in every
respect."
CANADA
Reports on production of certified seed
potatoes in Canada indicate a crop of
4,155,000 bushels for 1941. The leading
varieties in order of importance are:
Green Mountain, Irish Cobbler, Katah-
din, Bliss Triumph, Netted Gem, Chip-
pewa and Houma. The first four
varieties named show a total production
of close to 4,000,000 bushels. Information
received from Canada shows a consider-
able reduction in the total acreage cer-
tified in 1941 compared with 1940 but
that "The crop is of good quality and
there will be very little loss from late
blight, rot and other diseases."
FOR LOWER
ASSOCIATION
GRADES-
DOBBINS BROTHERS
PIKE STREET
PITTSBURGH, PA.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
122 DOCK STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
I
Eureka
Potato Machinery
Babcock
HI-BAR WEED HOG
Spring Harrows
Clark
Disk Harrows
The DISKERS
Cockshutt
Disc Plows
Moldboard Plows
Spreaders
Frost & Wood
Harvesting Machinery
DUANE H. NASH
District Representative
HADDONFIELD, N. J.
Farm Show Spaces 113-14. 125-26
Visit Our Booth
at the
Farm Products
Show
Harrisburg, Penna.
January 19-23, 1942
Space 499
Section E
Whiterock Quarries
BELLEFONTE, PENNA.
Certified
SEED
POTATOES
Maine and Michigan sources,
selected while growing in the field
and accepted when meeting all re-
quirements. Produced by exper-
ienced growers in proven seed
sections where soil and climate as-
sure vigorous, dependable founda-
tion stock. Michigan production
graded to standard ten ounces with
limited tolerance, Maine to twelve
ounces with tolerance for oversize
well below that permitted for
State Certification.
APPROVED \
RUSSET RURAL
IRISH COBBLER
GREEN MOUNTAIN
KATAHDIN
SEBAGO
We again invite you to visit
our booth at the Harrisburg
Show, make it the place to
meet your friends, inspect
our Show samples and car-
lot grading. Ask for price.
Dougherti] Seed Growers
Williamsport Penna.
uKssusne;.
26
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
Grade Supervisors Meeting Staged In Lehigl^
In order to make trained Grade
Supervisors available to a number of
growers in South Eastern Counties who
desire to pack Blue Labels, a Grade
Supervisors Training School was held
on the Frank Sell Farm, Schnecksville,
Lehigh County, Friday, December 5th.
The meeting was called on short notice
with word going directly to growers
who were known to be interested in the
work.
Twenty-three growers, friends of the
Association interested in the marketing
program, and applicants for training
were present for the meeting. Out of
the thirteen applicants applying for
training, eleven were successful in mak-
ing the passing grade of 80% or better.
This, along with the fact that a number
of the candidates made unusually high
scores, indicates increasing alertness and
interest in the work of Grade Supervi-
sion and Inspection under the Associa-
tion plan. We could also conclude that
South Eastern potato growers are rap-
idly learning to "know their potatoes."
The meeting was called by P. D.
Frantz, Director for the East Central
district and Manager of the Association
Branch Office at Allentown. Training
work was handled by D. M. James, State
Department of Agriculture, and L. T.
Denniston, Association Field Represen-
tative.
Mr. James stressed the point of the
fine reputation gained by the Associa-
tion pack this year and the wide distri-
bution it has gained in the markets over
the State. Recognizing the good job done
by the Grade Supervisors to date, Mr.
James pointed out the need of upholding
this reputation in seeing that the grade
and weight of the pack is right.
The specific jobs of the Grade Super-
visor; (1) Proper grade, (2) Correct
weight, (3) Proper stamping of bags,
and (4) Seeing that the bags are kept
clean, were emphasized by Mr. Dennis-
ton. Tests or examination of the appli-
cants included, identification of tuber
defects, placing individual tubers as to
grade, and inspection of Blue Label
Packs.
HAMILTON & COMPANY
Phone 482-J EPHRATA, PA. P. O. Box 178
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS
Eastern Penna., Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey
VAC-A-WAY SEED & GRAIN CLEANERS & GRADERS
Hand or electric power. Farm and Commercial sizes.
O. K. CHAMPION POTATO DIGGERS
One or two row with power take-offs and Caster Wheels.
BOGGS POTATO MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Graders, Brushers, Sack Elevators, Binloaders, etc.
TRESCOTT FRUIT GRADING & CLEANING EQUIPMENT
Sizers & Brushers for Apples, Peaches & Vegetables.
CONDE MILKING MACHINES
THE World's Finest Milking Equipment.
FARM TOOLS: — Vulcan Plows; Roderick Lean Harrows, Cultivators, etc.
Peoria Grain Drills, Seeders, etc.; Hayes Corn Planters.
O. K. CHAMPION MOVABLE IRRIGATION PIPE & FITTINGS
Light weight & quick coupling. Saves crops & increases yield.
PUMPS, MOTORS, ENGINES & SKINNER SPRINKLERS
Complete irrigation systems for all farms. Estimates Free.
You are welcome to visit our display at the Penna. Farm Show
SECTION "B" SPACES 274 to 281 inclusive
Why Agrico
GROWS MORE #l's PER ACRE
HISTORY repeats ... in time of war the emphasis is always on
food-crop production. Now more than ever you'll want to make
every acre produce its utmost. And that's where Agrico comes in.
From Maine to Minnesota . . . north, south, east and west . . . leading
potato growers have proved — proved in terms of measured yields and
extra cash returns in side- by -side tests — that Agrico for Potatoes
produces more No. Ts per acre. And potatoes pay out in No. I's!
Why Agrico Pays Out Better
There's a reason — several reasons, in fact — why Agrico grows true-
to- type potatoes . . . smoother, cleaner, more uniform in size: (1)
There's an Agrico specially formulated to grow potatoes in your local
soils and under your local growing con-
ditions; (2) based on over 80 years'
experience, Agrico supplies all the
needed plant-food elements in just the
right form and in the proper balance;
(3) by constantly testing soils and mea-
suring crop results, Agrico is kept
abreast of the changing needs of the
changing soil.
Let Agrico help you take full advan-
tage of today's opportunity . . . use
Agrico on your own farm . . . profit by
the all -important difference Agrico
makes in yield, and above all, in better
crop quality.
AGRICO
Agrico is Manufactured ONLY by
The AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL Co.
Baltimore, Md. Buffalo, N.Y.
' Carteret, N. J.
THERE'S A BRAND OF AGRICO FOR EACH CROP
THE NATION'S LEADING
FERTILIZER
WBaPWMSKfik
28
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued from page 6)
plaining, for this is no time to complain,
the one way out is to have the present
tires retreaded before they are beyond
such repair.
Check over potato equipment, trac-
tors, planters, cultivators, discs, weeders,
sprayers, etc., so that all needed repair
parts can be ordered or made well in
advance of the coming season.
Be saving of all types of bags. Paper,
burlap, and cotton are all advancing
which means higher prices for all types
of bags and containers. Mold, dampness,
mice and rats are the worst enemies of
these valuable items.
Make a rough draft of your farm or
fields on a large sheet of paper and
spend a cold winter evening or two on
the dining room table studying your lay-
out. Ask yourself: Can I locate roads for
the coming season so as to save time,
gas, mileage, etc.; is there a better loca-
tion for the spray plant; will changing
the fields as to manner of planting be
helpful? Decide on strip farming the hill
field if there is one. All of this and other
thoughts too will lead to good.
Hold a sane, sensible, sincere, session
with your family around the fireside
some evening on what each can do to-
ward helping to win this war. There is
a part for all to play, more work will
have to be done, sacrifices and econ-
omies made, and numerous adjustments
to changed conditions effected.
Visit one of the large food stores in
your section to study the modern dis-
tribution of foods including potatoes.
This is truly a day of packaged and
canned merchandizing.
Renew your Association Membership
and be sure that the GUIDE POST is
coming along each month. The GUIDE
POST will be all the more important to
you during these unusual times.
An attractive new publication.
The Farquhar Iron Age Farm
News is now being published
for the friends of The A. B.
Farquhar Co., Limited, by this
Company.
POTATO CHIPS
(Continued from page 7)
We might reiterate here the one very
important service which we can all ren-
der national defense — though you are
all familiar with this service — that of
purchasing defense stamps and bonds.
When the postman brings you a check
for a potato delivery, use a portion of it
for defense stamps, or a small bond, re-
membering that you are investing for
your own future and helping your gov-
ernment now. When you purchase
bonds, growers, think as real Americans,
that it is a privilege, not a duty, that
you have to serve in this way.
E. B. Bower, Manager
(Substituting for Bill Shakespud)
NECESSARY CHANGES IN
ASSOCIATION BAG PRICES
(Continued from page 10)
Ties
This year, for the first time, we have
been able to have the required number
of ties necessary to secure the bags per
bundle when filled, packed with each
bundle of bags.
The 50-pound bags will have 200 wire
loop ties in a Kraft envelope wrapped
with each bundle, and the 15-pound bags
will have 250 wire loop ties in a Kraft
envelope, wrapped with each bundle.
Additional wire loop ties (5 inch ties,
250 per envelope), and (6 inch ties, 200
per envelope) will be made available at
all distributing points and will also be
supplied with freight or truck ship-
ments when ordered.
Price
5" Wire Loop Ties, 250 per envelope at
25c per package
6" Wire Loop Ties, 200 per envelope at
25c per package
Additional Supplies
The following items will be supplied
direct from the Association office, on a
C.O.D. basis only, all transportation
charges prepaid.
Pistol-Grip Twisters. .$1.25 each
Inspector's Scales $3.50 each
Should any irregularities occur, con-
tact the Association office, Bellefonte,
Penna., at once.
E. B. BOWER
General Manager
THE COCKSHUTT "31" PLOW
Potato growers
say it costs less to
use the "3L" It
takes" the hard
knocks in stride.
Builds the seed
bed DEEP —
down to 16" if de-
sired. Holds more
moisture against
critical dry days.
COCKSHUTT disc plows with from two to six discs, carried in
Pennsylvania warehouse with complete repair service.
See the famous "31" at the Farm Show— spaces 113, 114, 125, 126 or
write for folder and prices.
Eureka Mower Co., Utica, N .Y
Duane H. Nash, Dist. Representative
Haddonfield, New Jersey
WE WILL LOOK FOR YOU
AT OUR FARM SHOW BOOTH
Numbers 381 - 382
Opposite Main Entrance
Millard Lime & Limestone Products
Annville, Pa.
30
THE GUIDE POST
January, 1942
OUR COUNTRY AT WAR
(Continued from page 3)
One of the most important lessons
which the war is teaching the world is
that of economy. Save, conserve, util-
ize national resources to the utmost. All
the countries engaged in the present war
previous to our entry have already ex-
perienced the bitter necessity for a
stricter economy. This necessity is now
being most forcibly impressed upon the
American people, especially is this true
with reference to all materials necessary
for the successful prosecution of the con-
flict in which we are now engaged.
Under this comes the production and
conservation of all items of food in
which one of the most important is the
lowly spud.
A recent estimate by the National
Industrial Conference Board discloses
that at the present time approximately
51,000,000 persons are employed in the
United States. A further astounding
disclosure is made by the Gallup Poll
which finds that in one month 24 million
man-days were lost through illness —
illness caused primarily by improper
diet. Therefore, the importance of keep-
ing the nation in top physical health has
become of paramount importance as the
United States enters a war which, in the
last analysis, is an international race of
industrial production, and to keep indi-
vidual production at its peak workers
must have an abundance of the right
kind of food.
In order that the production of farm
produce during the New Year be not re-
duced farmers should acquaint them-
selves with a recent ruling by the OPM
to the effect that manufacturers of farm
machinery, which requires large quan-
tities of copper, rubber, aluminum and
other vital war materials will be reduced
to 83 per cent of 1940 production under
an order issued December 27th by Don-
ald M. Nelson, director of Priorities in
the Office of Production Management.
However, the order which applies to the
twelve-month period beginning Novem-
ber 1st last, authorizes increased produc-
tion of sjfare parts and equipment
needed in the production of larger quan-
tities of farm produce.
Since it is OPM's first goal to keep in
working order the farm machinery now
in existence it is important and urgent
that farmers should take immediate
steps to secure necessary repair parts
and to recondition present farm equip-
ment in order to meet the ever pressing
needs, on an economic basis, for increas-
ed food production during 1942.
Periods of national emergency such
as this should and, no doubt will, inspire
much inventive genius, which when
the emergency passes will be applied to
devising labor-saving utilities in all
lines of toil. It is possible that the won-
derful organization and system of the
army will be applied to industrial enter-
prises, making possible greater accom-
plishments than have been dreamed of
in the past.
On the whole what irreplaceables this
war will take from us in material things,
it will probably make up to us in spir-
itual development; it will give a
tremendous impulse to agriculture, in-
dustrial and commercial enterprise, and
bring about a healthy feeling of hearty
respect for the world's work and its
workers: it will bring a greater sense
of the responsibilities and the dignity of
life a broader democracy and freer fel-
lowship between man and man — and
we hope, between nation and nation.
We acknowledge this even while we
pray that conditions in the future will
obviate the necessity for a repetition of
such warfare.
Perfection ?
Practically !
They are Pennsylvania
Potatoes !
Pennsylvania Potatoes carry off the Blue
Ribbons when displayed by Pennsyl-
vania's Future Farmers.
">
EQUIT^LE/7
COMPANY
I N C O R
*Specialists in the manufacture of
POTATO SACKS
and All Other Types of Heavy Duty
Pasted Bottom Paper Sacks
'Specialists because . . .
We operate our own paper mill, and control every
step to the finished paper bag, giving Equitable cus-
tomers these three important advantages: uniform
high quality, reliable service, and economy in price.
Our art and research departments (a gratis service
to Equitable customers) assure you of a well designed
bag, efficiently suited to your particular needs.
PROMPT Deliveries
RELIABLE Qiuility
ECONOMICAL Prices
4700 Thirty-first Place. Long Island City. N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange. Texas
7^
Will J. Clayton
(right), and son,
with their potato
crop stored in ham.
*• YOU *•
can't afford
to miss the
FARQUHAR
IRON AGE
exhibit at the
Farm Show
-■^r-"*^*
u
IRON AGE
can't be beaten
says grower
WILL CLAYTON
>9
^1X7 ILL J. CLAYTON and his son plant
450 acres of potatoes on their Free-
h9ld, N. J. farm. And every acre has
been planted with the Clayton four-row
Iron Age Hi-Speed planter, shown here.
In his own words, Mr. Clayton summed
up his satisfaction with Iron Age by say-
ing, "The Iron Age potato planter can't
be beaten." And grower Clayton has
proof of this statement. Superior yields
from 450 acres of potatoes tell the story
of faster planting, unparalleled Band-
Way fertilizer placement, near-perfect
accuracy from a high speed automatic
planter.
There's a reason why more Iron Age po-
tato planters are being sold and used to-
day than any other planter on the market.
You'll know why, once you plant your
crop with the world's finest machine —
Iron Age.
A. B. FARQUHAR CO., Limited
920 DUKE STREET, YORK. PA.
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY ~~
^a'HE PENNSYL^MiMlllHIE COLLEGE
NUMBER 2
"PENN SPUD" Urges You To
BUY GOVERNMENT
STAMPS AND BONDS
am
SAVE YOUR MONEY
L
SAVING YOUR
COUNTRY
FEBRUARY
1942
PuHiMied Im the
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
^^^\mH,
l^ovtfevu
INCORPORATED
iWHWBifc^WCK
Why Agrico
GROWS MORE #l's PER ACRE
HISTORY repeats ... in time of war the emphasis is always on
food-crop production. Now more than ever you'll want to make
every acre produce its utmost. And that's where Agrico comes in.
From Maine to Minnesota . . . north, south, east and west . . . leading
potato growers have proved — proved in terms of measured yields and
extra cash returns in side-by-side tests — that Agrico for Potatoes
produces more No. Ts per acre. And potatoes pay out in No. I's!
Why Agrico Pays Out Better
There's a reason — several reasons, in fact — why Agrico grows true-
to- type potatoes . . . smoother, cleaner, more uniform in size: (1)
There's an Agrico specially formulated to grow potatoes in your local
soils and under your local growing con-
ditions; (2) based on over 80 years'
experience, Agrico supplies all the
needed plant-food elements in just the
right form and in the proper balance;
(3) by constantly testing soils and mea-
suring crop results, Agrico is kept
abreast of the changing needs of the
changing soil.
Let Agrico help you take full advan-
tage of today's opportunity . . . use
Agrico on your own farm . . . profit by
the all-important difference Agrico
makes in yield, and above all, in better
crop quality.
Agrico is Manufactured ONLY by
The AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL Co.
Baltimore, Md. Buffalo, N.Y.
Carteret, N. J.
AGRICO
THERE'S A BRAND DP AGRICD FOR EACH CROP
THE NATION'S LEADING
FERTILIZER
Timely Observations and Suggestions
L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
BEDFORD COUNTY POTATOES
POPULAR IN BLUE LABELS: What
Harry Snoberger, of New Enterprise,
down in the lower end of the Bedford
Cove, is doing can be done by thousands
more of Pennsylvania's potato growers.
He calls it an enjoyable and profitable
potato season. A simple picture of what
he is doing is given here for the benefit
of his fellow potato growers.
A good loam soil full of humus was
given ample fertilization plus a properly
prepared deep seed bed for planting.
Good seed was secured, carefully cut
and planted to a depth of 3 i to 4 inches.
Timely cultivation was given espe-
cially during the early growing season
to maintain looseness of the soil and con-
trol of weeds.
Spraying at regular intervals at good
pressure was maintained throughout the
season.
An excellent crop of potatoes resulted
that were dug in good season and stored
in a farm cave and new storage unit
constructed at a cost of less than 5 cents
per bushel unit.
A new sizer and picking table were
secured for grading and packing the
crop.
He saw to it that one of his men at-
tended an Association Grade Super-
visor's School and was licensed as a
Grade Supervisor.
He visited other growers who were
utilizing the Association Marketing Pro-
gram for marketing their crops to gain
practical ideas on procedure.
He contacted the Association office,
secured bags, and started to fill orders
through the Association for Altoona
markets and near by stores.
In this direct grower, distributor, con-
sumer merchandizing Mr. Snoberger
received 86% of the consumers dollar.
The average percent of the consumers
dollar received by growers of fresh foods
in the U. S. is less than 50%.
Starting in the late fall he has packed
and distributed 1000 to 1500 pecks per
week. Pay has been prompt and there
have been no rubber checks.
Pick outs, including cuts, odd shaped,
and oversized tubers were packed in
50 lb. Association Unclassified bags and
were ready sale at the farm for $.50 to
$.85 per bag.
Deliveries have been prompt and con-
tinuous both of which are important in
establishing a permanent market.
A visit to his storage on January 30th
showed that he was doing a most order-
ly, accurate job and had the fullest co-
operation and enthusiasm of his hired
help.
The following day he and his men
were lending a helping hand to his
neighbor Ralph Ferry, Woodbury, to
pack his crop in Blue Labels for the
Altoona markets. Mr. Ferry likewise has
secured a new sizer and picking table to
make the job easier, more efficient, and
insure a good pack.
Mr. Snoberger has nothing but praise
for the Association and the Program,
and his customers have nothing but
praise for his potatoes. What he has
done, you and your neighbor can do. He
will tell you there was nothing difficult
about it.
CONSERVATION OF BURLAP
BAGS: The burlap bag situation be-
comes increasingly acute. Pennsylvania
growers should now, not later, be con-
serving all possible burlap bags on the
farm for grading and harvesting opera-
tions. Unless this is done hundreds of
growers will be using bulk methods of
harvesting next fall, or using crates and
boxes. With burlap continuing to rise,
bulk and crate harvesting may prove
more economical. Conservation of bur-
lap should result in: elimination of
ripping bags open; avoid using hooks
where possible; more careful handling
to prevent breaking or ripping; sunning
bags from time to time to prevent mil-
dewing; store bags in a high dry place
safe from rodents; when tempted to use
a bag for some purpose that will destroy
it remember you are throwing away ten
to fifteen cents; bags that are damaged
should be mended if otherwise good.
In addition to the growers who are
marketing their crop through the Asso-
ciation trade-marked peck and 50 lb.
paper bags, there are thousands of
growers who could conserve burlap by
securing the Association Unclassified 50
lb. bag for moving off-grade stock. These
can be secured by any grower and do
not require grade supervision for
marketing.
(Continued on page 18)
^^^^B^i^T^k-
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
POTATO CHIPS
Among the unusual was the award of
a 400-Bushel Club Medal to Paul Eting-
er, of Bangor, Pennsylvania, for his
yield of 417.5 bushels of potatoes on a
measured acre, for 1941. Young Etinger,
an Association Grade Supervisor, raised
his potato crop for his Future Farmer
Project, and marketed this crop through
the Association marketing program, as
Blue Labels.
O
Growers delivering potatoes into ad-
joining state markets are reporting a
very favorable reaction to Pennsylvania
potatoes in these out of State markets.
Several buyers have intimated their
preference to Blue Labels above all
other potatoes! This is encouraging!
With the right kind of cooperation, we
will not only place Pennsylvania pota-
toes in their rightful place in their own
markets, but will give them a real repu-
tation in "foreign" markets as well.
O
Mrs. Rose Murren, of Adams County,
an Associate member, twice 400-Bushel
Potato Club member, and fine potato
grower, was named Pennsylvania's first
woman Master Farmer during the re-
cent Farm Show. We congratulate Mrs.
Murren on this fine achievement. Mrs.
Murren's specialty, in addition to pota-
toes, is corn.
O
Raymond P. Gibble, of Lebanon
County, also an Association member and
twice qualified for the Pennsylvania 400-
Bushel Club, and outstanding dairyman,
was also honored for his achievements
in farming and named a Master Farmer.
O
Reuben Ringer, of Lehigh County,
who five times has qualified for the 400-
Bushel Potato Club and who is an active
Association member, was the third large
potato producer to have been recognized
as a Master Farmer this year. Mr.
Ringer, who is known throughout the
State as an outstanding poultryman, is
active in Association activity.
O
These fellow members received these
awards and honors by selection from a
list of about 90 nominees, and were
scored on these points — Operation of
farm; business methods and ability;
general appearance and upkeep; home
life; and citizenship. This recognition
befits our enthusiastic congratulation.
O
The Government is still calling upon
us to get the scrap iron off the farms and
into the hands of the junk dealers. This
iron, we want to emphasize, is impor-
tant to National Defense. Some old
broken-down piece of equipment, which
is rusting in your shed, might play an
important part in the manufacture of
badly needed war equipment. Load up
this old scrap, today, and get it to a
dealer. He will know what to do with it.
O
The week of January 19th through the
24th proved to be one of the largest
weeks in the history of the Marketing
Program for the sale of Blue Label po-
tatoes. Such demand was never before
had; all markets clamored for large
quantities of potatoes, and what with
Potato Growers generally vacationing a
few days each at the Farm Show, it was
no mean problem to supply the needs of
our buyers.
O
Returns from potato deliveries dur-
ing the past month have been compensa-
ting, and have been turning a share of
profit back to the growers. We suggested
some time ago that you buy defense
bonds when you receive your returns
from your deliveries. We might say that,
with current prices you can afford to do
this. Instead, we say, you cannot afford
not to do it.
O
L. Wayne Arny, of Philadelphia, has
given the Guide Post permission to re-
print his talk, presented in the Mer-
chandising Program at the Farm Show.
This will be done in the March issue.
Watch for it. If you heard it, you will
glean much from it by reading it again.
If you were not present, when it was
presented, it will be your genuine privi-
lege to read it.
K. W. Lauer, Plant Pathologist in the
Pennsylvania Department of Agricul-
ture, prepared for us the article, "Avail-
able Supplies of Certified Seed," run in
the January Guide Post. Though he was
not credited with the article, we do ex-
press our appreciation to him. His in-
formation has been a real guide to grow-
ers now looking to their seed problems.
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
i
ANNUAL SESSIONS SUCCESSFUL
P Daniel Frantz Named President, Ed. Fisher Chosen Vice-President, and
E B Bower Reelected General Manager, Secretary and Treasurer.
M. P. Whitenight Only New Director
The annual meetings of the Associa-
tion, held during the recent Farm Show,
were probably the best attended and
most enthusiastic series of meetings held
by our Association group in many years.
The Annual Meeting
With a large membership attendance
at the Annual Meeting, R. W. Lohr, for
the Western District, was reelected a
Director for three years, M. P. White-
night, for the Central District, was
elected to a three-year term to replace
retiring Vice-President, Roy R. Hess,
whose term expired, and Jacob K. Mast,
was reelected to a three-year term, his
term having expired.
Secretary E. B. Bower presented a
complete report of Association activity
during the year, 1941, which report, for
the benefit of those not in attendance, is
highlighted, as follows:
A substantial membership gain was
made.
The Guide Post was financially suc-
cessful and supported by increasing
numbers of enthusiastic readers and ad-
vertisers.
"Camp Potato" received many valu-
able improvements and its plantings,
comprising 40 acres, stepped forward.
Seedling tests of valuable import
were conducted at 20 locations, under
various tests and circumstances, with
most satisfactory results.
Two large Field Days were held, both
recorded as highly successful.
Ten Grade Supervisor Schools were
conducted to train new and retrain old
Supervisors of the group of 320 active
Association Grade Supervisors.
Fifty-six markets were visited, 300
retail store-managers and produce
salesmen interviewed to increase out-
lets secure wider distribution in estab-
lished markets and to check consumer
acceptance of Pennsylvania Blue Label
potatoes.
The volume of Association potato
movements showed these increases,
which speak for themselves, since the
start of the program in 1936: 1941 over
1936, 383.6 %; 1941 over 1937, 407.6%;
1941 over 1938, 150.8%; 1941 over 1939,
173.7% and 1941 over 1940, 135.6%.
The Association participated in the
Eastern States Exposition Potato Pick-
ing Contest, deriving valuable publicity.
P. Daniel Franlz
1942 Association President
For the first time, Association pack-
ers entertained supporting food dis-
tributors at a dinner of felicitation at
the close of a successful 1940-41 market-
ing season.
The Association acted as Sales Agent
for the shredded potatoes manufactured
by the Northwestern Cooperative As-
sociation, disposing of their entire stock.
Active part was played by the man-
agement and cooperative leaders in
legislative matters pertaining to the
success of the potato industry.
To increase the tonnage of potatoes
handled in the Philadelphia area, and
to open additional sales outlets, a
(Continued on page 16)
6
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersporl Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec'y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes, . . . Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenighl Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R, W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
Notice ! Growers !
Information has just been received at
this office through Assistant Attorney
General Thurman Arnold that the Wal-
ter Bill, HR 5218, is still before the
House Judiciary Committee AND
THAT NO DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR
THE HEARINGS.
This is conclusive evidence that this
legislation is going to die unless YOU
potato growers help do something about
it. If the potato growers want to help
to secure Federal legislation which
might help correct the evil forced upon
farm people by the labor unions in the
collection of illegitimate toll for the
privilege of delivering farm produce to
our markets, here is the opportunity
and perhaps the only one we may have
in a long time.
Get busy now and write your Con-
gressman, wtite to your Senators and
also to The Honorable Hatton W. Sum-
mers, Chairman of the House Judiciary
Committee.
Tell these men just what you think
and how you feel about this labor prac-
tice. Tell them how it affects you, as a
producer of potatoes and other farm
produce, and tell them how you think
it affects the public. Don't worry about
HOW YOU SAY IT— just say it and
Don't pull your punches. If you really
are mad, let them know that you are
mad. In fact, that is important.
I would suggest that you write Sena-
tor H. F. Byrd, who at this time is par-
ticularly interested in saving some of
the taxpayers* money. He is so anxious
to save money that I understand he has
made the suggestion to stop SMA pur-
chases for free school luncheons and
other such purposes.
Write Senator Byrd and remind him
that Assistant Attorney General Thur-
man Arnold has estimated that the pub-
lic pays about one billion dollars a year
to labor racketeers.
Ask Senator Byrd to see that the Wal-
ters Bill, HR 5218, is passed so that we
can start saving, at least, one billion
dollars.
It is up to YOU growers and your
neighboring growers. Write these let-
ters NOW and see to it that your neigh-
bors write too.
Address your local Representative,
House of Representatives, Washington.
Address your Senators: Joseph F.
Guffey, Washington, D. C; James J.
Davis, Washington, D. C.
Address the Chairman of the House
Judiciary Committee.
Address Senator H. F. Byrd, Wash-
ington, D. C.
Cooperatively yours,
E. B. BOWER, General Manager
An American Pledge For
National Defense
*1 will keep myself fit physically,
mentally, spiritually — to be ready for
any crisis, and to discipline myself for
strength.
*1 will go about my business with a
clear eye, a cool head and a stout heart,
neither scared by wild rumors nor de-
luded by false security.
(Continued on page 10)
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Notes from the 1942 Farm Show
Governor James, in officially opening
the Farm Show to the public Monday
night declared;
"Food is as important as bullets and
guns."
"War is a wasteful business. To wage
war successfully we must have more of
everything than in peace time."
"In the main it may be said, that very
few effects which this war will have
upon us have made themselves felt."
"Farmers of Pennsylvania have al-
ways been one of the balance wheels of
this commonwealth. We must and will
all work together to win this war. There
will be hardships and temptations but
the needs of the country must be placed
first."
"There cannot be a continuation of
business as usual."
"We are all in the same boat now."
Secretary of Agriculture, John H.
Light in addressing the Farm Show
throng said:
"It is more evident that the farmer this
year looked upon the Farm Show as
not only a source through which pride
in Pennsylvania agriculture is gratified,
but that he saw in it a source of great
value to him in developing and carrying
through his program under which food
will be provided in every quantity need-
ed to feed not alone America but also
her Allies if necessary."
A leading reporter for the Philadel-
phia Record stated that:
"After visiting this show it is easy to
believe that the potato is King of the
Crop. Almost 4,500 square feet of show
floor space is devoted to its promotion.
About the most heavily populated spot
at all times in the day is the booth of the
Potato Growers Association, a Pennsyl-
vania Cooperative group, which sells
hot baked potatoes drenched with
butter."
A larfje picture of a beautiful trophy
in the form of a potato mounted on a
plaoue being presented to Mrs. Mable
G. Wrestley by Loyal D. Odhner, manag-
ing director of the Pennsylvania Chain
Store Council, at the Annual Potato
Growers Banquet with retiring presi-
dent J. A. Donaldson looking on, ap-
peared in all three of the Harrisburg
newspapers Wednesday, January 22nd.
The same picture appeared in dozens of
newspapers throughout the State. The
caption under this picture read as fol-
lows:
"CROWN STATE POTATO - PICK-
ING QUEEN— Mrs. Mabel G. Wrestley,
Somerset county, receives the 1941 State
potato-picking trophy from Loyal D.
Odhner, Philadelphia, managing direc-
tor of the Pennsylvania Chain Store
Council at the Pennsylvania Coopera-
tive Potato Growers Association's an-
nual banquet in Grace Methodist Church
as J. A. Donaldson, retiring Association
president, looks on."
Another picture receiving wide publi-
city was that of Dr. E. L. Nixon present-
ing the official "400 Bushel Club Medal"
to Paul Ettinger, Bangor, Northampton
county. Ettinger, a 17 year old Future
Farmer grew 417 bushels of potatoes on
a measured acre to become one of the
first Future Farmers to attain this honor.
Mr. Ettinger has set an example for his
fellow Future Farmers for in addition
to attaining the "400 Club" he is a
licensed Association Grade Supervisor
and is packing his crop through the As-
sociation Marketing Program in Blue
Label pecks.
Other items receiving wide publicity
in the press during the week of the Show
were: the crowning of the 1941 State
Champion Grower, the honor going to
F. Ray Searfoss, Dallas, Luzerne county
with a yield of 571 bushels on a meas-
ured acre; the Association sponsored
Baking Booth which was declared to be
one of the most popular spots on the
floor of the Show; the election of Asso-
ciation oflF?rers for the coming vear, with •
P. Daniel Frantz, Conlay, Lehigh county
being elected president Ed. Fisher,
Coudersnort. Potter county, Vice-Presi-
dent and J. K. Mast, Elverson. Lancaster
countv, Robert Lohr. Boswell. Somerset
county, and M. P. Whitenight, Blooms-
burg, Columbia county, as members of
the board of directors.
"BAKED POTATO STAND POPU-
LAR PLACE," so said the public press
8
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
Farm Show Notes
in prominent headlines. Still other com-
ments stated as follows:
"Two of the most popular places at
the Farm Show are the baked potato
stand and the arena where fruits are on
display. At the former a creamy, hot
handful of good food can be had for
the empty stomach while the latter pro-
vides a cool resting place for the weary."
"Designed to show the public the
quality of Pennsylvania potatoes, the
Pennsylvania Potato Growers booth
plans to serve 8000 baked potatoes along
with 200 pounds of butter and 30 pounds
of salt daily during the week long show."
"That Farm Show favorite — the baked
potato served with a mound of butter —
has felt the effect of rising prices. The
former nickel champion is now 10 cents,
two for 15 cents and three for 20 cents."
"Apparently because the *baked pota-
to' booth has been moved this year from
an aisle running north and south to one
running east and west, the information
booth has found that questions concern-
ing its location as well as that of the
arena are among the most numerous."
Here are some of the slogans that
could be heard from the boys back of
the counter at the Baking Booth:
Get *Em While They're Hot!
A Pennsylvania Baked Potato
They're Really Hot!
Those Delicious Baked Potatoes!
Tasty Spuds!
Eat A Spud And Help Lick The Japs!
Protect Your Health—Eat A Spud!
King of The Vegetables!
A Real Meal— Eat A Spud!
The most regular customers of the
Baked Potato booth during the week
were the first aid station members of the
Pennsylvania State Department of
Health. At the close of the show the fol-
lowing note was left at the booth by Dr.
Wood:
"Pepper and salt shaker loaned to the
First Aid Booth is here returned with
many thanks for your excellent pota-
toes." Signed— H. B. Wood, M.D.
Oliver Compliments
Association Plan
(Note : In appreciation of the Certifi-
cate of Merit awarded the Oliver Farm
Equipment Company, Mr. R. L. Lee, the
Eastern Manager, wrote the following
praise for the Association program. You
will enjoy reading it.)
"It is with pride and a great pleasure
that we receive the "Certificate of
Merit" awarded by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers' Associa-
tion. On behalf of the management and
the entire Oliver organization I wish to
express our appreciation to the officers,
directors and members of your associa-
tion.
"Many years ago I had the pleasure of
hearing Dr. Nixon and Percy White-
night talk the dreams and plans for a
new kind of cooperative selling organi-
zation— at that time it seemed an enor-
mous undertaking, yet so different and
practical that it has been with the great-
est of interest that I have followed the
remarkable growth and splendid ac-
complishment of this association each
year since that time.
"It is so seldom that farmers, or even
the average man in our industry, know
or think of the individuals who have
designed the implements and machines
for agriculture. Yet this great industry,
due to the talent, ingenuity and hard
work of this group of men, has been
kept abreast of all others in the prog-
ress that has been made in America.
"I am sure that something like that
must have been Rudy Altgelt's thoughts
as he left your banquet and expressed
to me the pleasure that it had given him
in receiving the medal and the expres-
sion of your acknowledgment from the
Potato Growers in Pennsylvania for de-
signing the Raydex Plow Base.
Yours very truly,
OLIVER FARM EQUIPMENT
COMPANY"
The financial report of Secretary-
Treasurer & General Manager E. B.
Bower at the Annual Meeting Tuesday
morning showed the Association
finances definitely in the black.
(Continued on page 10)
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
4^
The 400 Bushel Club for - 1941
Thirty-two growers were officially
recorded in the 400 Club for the 1941
season and given recognition at the An-
nual Association Banquet during the
Farm Show. This boosts the Club Mem-
bership close to the 1600 mark which is
more members than all the other states
conducting clubs combined. Eighteen
counties were represented in the 1941
Club Membership.
F. Ray Searfoss, Dallas, Luzerne
County, was crowned State Champion
grower for the year with a yield of 571
bushels on an official measured acre.
Twelve of the thirty-two growers for
1941 recorded yields of over 500 bushels
per acre.
Following the policy of the Associa-
tion of awarding gold medals to new
members of the club, seventeen growers
were so honored at the Annual Banquet
with Dr. Nixon making the presenta-
tions. These growers were as follows:
bushels
Henry H. Eyrich, Yellow House,
Berks county 414.9
Sam Stern, Roaring Spring,
Blair county 417
Harry Schaeffer, Ivyland,
Bucks county 411
Frank A. Brooks, Bellefonte,
Centre county 475.2
H. B. Hartman, Sligo R. D. 1,
Clarion county 486
Ward McCall, New Bethlehem,
Clarion countv 461
H. L. & C. K. Phillips, Sligo R.
D. 3. Clarion county 406
Geo. W. Fox, Clearfield R. D.,
Clearfield county 429
(Farm Manager Clearfield
County Home)
Wm. Goughnour, Indiana R. D.,
Indiana county 404
Dovle Stutzman, Homer City,
Indiana countv 416
Guv Stutzman, Indiana R. D. 4,
Indiana county 409
Lewis Dovle Stut7man, Jr.,
Homer City. Indiana countv . . .410
Leon Eppler, Northumberland
R. D. 1. Northumberland county 415.7
Howard D. Raedler, Macungie
R. D.. Lehigh county 447
Paul Fttinger, Bangor R. D. 2,
Northamoton cotmtv 417.5
Dr. Frederic S. Baldi, Philadel-
phia, Philadelphia county 424
(Superintendent Philadel-
phia County Prison)
Ralph O. Mitchell, Coopers-
town, Venango county
524.1
The following growers recorded in the
1941 Club either increased their yield
over previous reports or are working
for a five-year continuous membership
in the Club. All of these growers re-
ceived medals in a previous year.
bushels
John H. Wettstine, Lyons Sta-
tion, Berks county 514.16
C. L. Goodling, Doylestown,
Bucks county 560
(National Farm School)
Jacob K. Mast, Elverson, Lan-
caster county 512.3
C. J. Geiger, Neffs, Lehigh county 431
H. P. Ringler, Catasauqua, Le-
high county 420.14
(Farm Manager, Trojan
Farms)
C. F. Johnston, Kis-Lyn, Lu-
zerne county 552
(Superintendent, Kis-Lyn
Industrial School)
Ben Naunczek, Dallas R. D., Lu-
zerne county 460
Alfred Rice, Dallas R. D., Lu-
zerne county 555
F. Ray Searfoss, Dallas, Lu-
zerne county 571
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport, Potter
countv 5"^
H. E. Deebel, Ringtown, coo »»«
Schuvlkill county 522.76
E. R. Snory, Boswell, Somerset
countv 568.4
M. T. Spangenberg, Waymart,
Wa"^me county 451.07
(Farm Snnerintendent Far-
view State Hospital)
Special recognition was given to Camp
Potato which was officially recorded in
the 400 Club for the first time with a
yield nf 509.4 bushels on a measured
acre. The acre from which this yield was
computed contained ten seedling varie-
ties that will be on further test at the
Camp this coming season.
Twentv-two of this year's 400 Bushel
vields were made bv planting Russet
Rurals, five planted Katahdin, two Se-
bagos, and one each Pennigan and White
Rurals. ^ ^_^ ,
The State Champion yield of 571 by
(Continued on page 11)
10
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
Attention: Association Grade Supervisors
Our country is at war! In fact, en-
gaged in the gravest war of all times!
Everyone is asking, "How can I best
assist in winning this great conflict and
preserve the independence of our coun-
try?"
From the men under arms at the front,
to the men behind the plow to provide
the essential food to maintain our armies
and our people, and the men in our fac-
tories turning out equipment and muni-
tions of war, all will be doing their part.
Potatoes have been declared not only
a basic, but an essential food to win this
war. They not only provide one of the
best energy giving foods, but also needed
roughage for the human system, and the
one sure way of preventing "scurvy," a
disease that has followed armies and
conquered peoples throughout the ages.
You, as a potato grower or as a worker
for potato growers, and particularly as
an Association Grade Supervisor, can be
of great service to your industry and to
your country. Yours is a task that is very
definitely important. You are a soldier
at the "Potato Front." How you conduct
yourself, and the thoroughness with
which Pennsylvania's potato crop is
marketed and in the feeding of our
armies and our people. Your position
as a Grade Supervisor will become in-
creasingly important to the potato in-
dustry and this nation at war.
Your Association takes this opportun-
ity to impress upon you the need of
doing everything possible on your part
to assist potato growers in your com-
munity and county to market their
potatoes efficiently, economically, and
to the best possible advantage to the
grower, distributor, and consumer. With
a serious bag situation at hand, your
Association is doing all possible to see
that growers desiring to use the Asso-
ciation bags are amply supplied.
You are one of a corps of over 300
Association Grade Supervisors through-
out the State who have done much to
raise the standard of Pennsylvania po-
tatoes. Upholding this standard is all the
more important now. Therefore, we will
expect you to be all the more exacting
in your work, to be a good soldier and
conquer jobs that may seem difficult and
hard, and to be tolerant, helpful and co-
operative with your fellow growers and
your associates.
AN AMERICAN PLEDGE
FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE
(Continued from page 6)
"I will do my particular job — in office,
store, shop, mill or farm — better than it
was ever done before, dedicating my
skill to my country's service.
"I will take an active interest in
Government — in town, school, district,
county, state and nation — and make it
mybusiness to understand public affairs,
laws and policies.
"I will help build my town as a whole-
some, balanced community, because if
all the communities are sound, America
will be sound.
"I will vote in every election, appre-
ciating the right of the ballot now denied
in many lands.
"I will support billions for defense but
not one cent for waste.
"I will work for unity among all our
people and oppose efforts to create
hatred based on race, creed or color.
"I will encourage our boys and girls
to revere and respect our American tra-
ditions.
"I will keep faith with myself, my
country and my God."
Reprinted from the Curtis Courier
Farm Show Notes
(Continued from page 8)
The largest sign on the Show was that
of "Camp Potato" which weighed over
a half ton. This sign was built by the
men at the Philadelphia County Prison
under the direction of Dr. F. S. Baldi
who had the sign made for erection at
Camp Potato. The sign is wonderfully
well constructed, has hand carved letters
and a huge hand carved potato in the
center. The sign will be removed to
Camp Potato this spring and erected in
front of the Camp on U. S. Route 6 or
the Roosevelt Highway which passes
the camp site.
The largest potatoes on display at the
Farm Show were at the booth of Reich-
ard's Fertilizer from Allentown, Pa. We
assume that these were grown with
Reichard's fertilizer.
T
Uniform Delivery Receipts and Invoices
For Participating Growers
It is of paramount importance that
certain simple business practices be ob-
served, when any commodity passes
from the possession of the seller to that
of the buyer, in a prearranged agree-
ment to sell, if the transaction is to be
handled efficiently and economically
and to the mutual satisfaction of both
parties concerned. This also is true in
the sale of the Association trade-marked
package of potatoes which, for the past
six years has been cleared through your
Association, in all the markets of the
State, to our supporting food distribu-
tors.
In the past, many instances have
arisen, due to a lack of proper records
and data, such as store and warehouse
receipts and invoices, which have caused
considerable annoyance and incon-
venience to both growers, packers and
distributors and always have resulted in
a delayed return of the proceeds to the
grower, until such mistakes had been
properly adjusted.
In order to correct these irregulari-
ties our Board of Directors, with the
consent and approval of the Joint Con-
ference Committee, has authorized, for
distribution to our growers, at a very
nominal cost, a complete set of uniform
store and warehouse receipt forms and
a uniform invoice, as per copies attached
to this bulletin.
These uniform receipts and invoices
are bound in book form — 50 sets of per-
forated sheets per book, with carbon
paper provided for each book.
A complete set includes the follow-
ing:
1 Triplicate Receipt Book (50 sets)
1 Duplicate Invoice Book (50 sets)
These uniform receipt and invoice
books are now ready for distribution to
all our cooperating packers and growers
and will be forwarded, all transporta-
tion charges prepaid, at the following
price:
One complete set, as above, 30c. As
many additional sets or single books as
you may require will be furnished at
the above price per set or 15c per single
book, either receipt or invoice.
ALL GROWERS AND PACKERS
ARE URGED TO SECURE THEIR
SUPPLY OF THESE FORMS AT
ONCE AND BEGIN USING THEM
IMMEDIATELY.
No system, however meritorious, will
work unless the system is worked.
Therefore, if the best results are to be
obtained and the evils referred to above
are to be eliminated, the system will
have to be worked by you. It is only
right and proper that the grower who
delivers a load of Association trade-
marked potatoes to a store or warehouse
should have a receipt to support such
delivery; it is also right and proper that
the distributor to whom the potatoes are
delivered should have such a receipt to
support his obligation for the prompt
settlement of the potatoes purchased.
From your warehouse receipts a correct
invoice covering the various shipments
can be prepared, easily, properly and
promptly, which in turn will insure a
quick return of cash to you.
In order to derive real benefits from
this system determine to observe the
following:
1. See to it that your package meets
the required specifications as to
weight, grade and quality.
2. That the store or warehouse re-
ceipts, properly filled out, are for-
warded with each lot.
3. That proper invoices, supported
by above receipts, are promptly
made and forwarded to the dis-
tributor to whom the potatoes are
cleared.
E. B. BOWER, General Manager
THE 400-BUSHEL CLUB FOR 1941
(Continued from page 9)
Mr. Searfoss was made with a White
Rural which he has grown on his farm
for some 15 years. Mr. Searfoss has from
time to time practiced roguing and selec-
tion to preserve and if possible improve
the variety. It has consistently yielded
well during these years. It must be kept
in mind that Mr. Searfoss is located in
one of the higher areas of Luzerne Coun-
ty where seed potatoes do not deterior-
ate rapidly.
12
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
Potato Supplies As of January First
Recent releases by the Government
indicate potato supplies on hand in the
country as of January first to be under
those of a year ago. Estimated supplies
on hand a year ago amounted to 111,693,-
000 bushels compared with this years
stock estimated at 104,633,000 bushels.
It should be born in mind that this
figure represents the holdings in the
country as a whole. Holdings in the
Northwest or on the West coast do not
materially affect our eastern markets
unless supplies are unusually high or the
reverse, unusually low. It is of greater
importance to Pennsylvania growers to
know what the supplies are in the east-
ern territory particularly in the states
of Maine, New York, Michigan, Ohio,
and Pennsylvania and a few of the sur-
rounding states. We well know what a
large surplus in Maine means to Penn-
sylvania growers and the effect on the
price from here out. The same would be
true if such a surplus existed in New
York state, directly across our northern
border.
Totaling the supplies in the states
more immediately affecting Pennsyl-
vania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, W.
Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island,
Massachussetts, Vermont, and New
Hampshire, we find that the stock on
hand as of January 1, is approximately
4,000,000 bushels greater than a year
ago. Using the Government figures for
these states shows that the supplies for
last year were 52,068,000 bushels as
against an estimated supply of 56,389,-
000 bushels this year. This would not
indicate any alarming over supply even
under normal times. With increased in-
dustrial employment over a year ago
these supplies may not be at all more
than needed to carry over to this coming
years crop. On the other hand the
supplies here in the east are above those
of a year ago instead of lighter, which
might be the conclusion drawn by
growers on reading the Government
report for the country as a whole.
The best judgment of those close to
our industry here in Pennsylvania is
that our growers should continue a
steady flow of stock to the markets,
especially since present prevailing
prices are favorable to the grower.
SIDE REMARKS
A few remarks heard at the Baking
Booth during the week. "I wonder how
they bake them so good?" The answer
is, they are Pennsylvania potatoes.
"Aren't they good?" That's what they all
say and keep coming back for more.
"Where can you get potatoes like these?"
Buy Pennsylvania Blue Labels. The
song Friday was, "Look, they are all
sold out.
II
#^S»S»#S#^S»#S»^S»#^S»l^#^»^^#S^#^»#.#S»^^#S»^#S»S»#>#S#S»>#^^^^^»^#»#S#>^>#N#S»S»#»#>#'^>#>#>»y#>#»#.#»^l#S<
**^
Association Bag Prices
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1942
On JANUARY 1, 1942 all previous prices on Association trade-marked paper
potato bags were cancelled
Effective JANUARY 1, 1942, and until further notice the following prices on
Association trade-marked paper potato bags are in force:
SPECIFICATIONS:
15-pound bags, two wall 60/50-110 weight. Natural Kraft.
50-pound bags, two wall 70/60-130 weight, Natural Kraft.
PRICES:
15's (2 wall) $25.00 per Thousand Delivered.
;;
Blue Label,
Red Label,
Economy,
Blue Label,
Unclassified,
15*s (2 wall) 24.50
15's (2 wall) 24.00
50's (2 wall) 57.00
50*s (2 wall) 52.00
((
((
i<
<(
it
n
it
<(
{(
M
M
M
The above prices are for delivery to any point in Pennsylvania and include
the wire loop ties and the commission to the Association.
<^w^^^>^^».^.»■^^^>^>^^,^»^^,^■^^^y^y^^^■^l^^w^y^y^^^^^^^^^a^^^^A^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Ji■J.J.J>J.^J.J.J.J.J.J.^J.J?
I
I
A
Meeting Production
Goals
To insure meeting the goals set for Pennsylvania
potatoes in 1942, it will be necessary to produce
increased yields on all available potato acreage. The
importance of fertilizers in increasing yields and
quality of potatoes as proved by experimental work
requires that more attention than ever before be
given not only to fertilization but to the use of fer-
tilizers having the right proportions of the various
plant foods.
To secure the best results, soil and fertilizer must
supply at least 200 lbs. of available potash (actual
K2O) per acre. For specific information as to grades
and the present fertility of your soil, consult your
county agent or experiment station.
-^
Write us for free inforxnalion and litera-
ture on the efficient fertilization of crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W.
WASraNGTON, D. C.
14
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
February, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
Keep Them Oiled — Keep Them Running
(Note: Mr. R. D. Malin, Service Man-
ager for the John Bean Manufacturing
Company, wrote the following letter for
the good of users of his equipment. This
letter contains a wealth of good advice —
not only for sprayers, hut for your other
farm equipment as well. Read it care-
fully, and think about it. You vfiust keep
old equipment running.)
Friends:
Defense calls for extra care of your
sprayer equipment. So many people
still do not realize the seriousness of our
national situation from an industrial
viewpoint. There are still too many
drifting along, business as usual, hoping
the war will not affect them.
The plain facts are that war produc-
tion is going to require most of the avail-
able manufacturing of this country.
What little manufacturing is left will
be applied to actual necessities. The old
sprayers, now in service, must be kept
running for it will be impossible to build
enough new ones during the war. Today
our factory is devoting over 50 7r of its
production to defense materials. This
will be continued and it will be in-
creased any time Uncle Sam requires it.
We will do our share — to the limit.
You must make your present equip-
ment run and you must give it every
possible care to keep it running without
using any more parts than can abso-
lutely be helped.
We are all saving our tires by driving
fev/er miles and at slower speeds. Let's
save our sprayers by using them wisely.
Let's take extra good care of them —
keep them stored out of the weather
when not in use — flush pump with clear
water after spraying — don't let it freeze
up — ^stop and take time to make neces-
sary adjustments when we see some-
thing needing attention — adjust tension
of chains and V-Belts to save wear —
don't run with regulator chattering — be
more careful starting and stopping,
when throwing the tractor in and out
of gear be especially attentive to oiling
and greasing — in short, take care of
your machine as though you would
never get another.
We may soon have the same restric-
tions on spray hose that we now have
on tires. Avoid accidentally rubbing on
wheels and sharp rocks, do not kink and
keep it out of the sun when not in use.
Many accessories, especially spray guns
are made of brass and aluminum — take
care of those you have for there may
not be metal available for more. .
Wastefulness and carelessness is un-
patriotic and a crime against the country
almost as much as actual sabotage. In
the past it has only cost the man who is
careless, but now it is different — money
will not buy replacements which do not
exist. Everyone of us must do our part
to conserve our country's resources. And
that includes sprayers. Keep them
oiled — Keep them running.
BLUE LABEL POTATOES
AND COMMENTATORS
A Pennsylvania Blue Label Potato
took a trip west, finally winding up in
Idaho. There he met an Idaho Baker
whom he married. The following season
they were the proud parents of a little
Sweet Potato. Some years later this
little Sweet Potato came east to New
York where she met a New York Potato
called Lowell Thomas whom she chose
to marry. She wrote back to her parents
for their consent but they objected, say-
ing that they both being champion po-
tatoes just couldn't consent to their little
Sweet Potato marrying a Commentator.
"air" over WHP
Potatoes were on the
Harrisburg Thursday noon during the
Farm Show with questions being asked
by Russ Brinkley of WHP studios and
the answers given by Denny-Merve &
Co., in other words, by L. T. Denniston
and Mervin Hanes. Mr. Brinkley re-
ferred to the State Potato Growers ac-
tivities, especially the Baking Booth, as
one of the high spots of the Annual Farm
Show.
"A Little Story With A Big Future,"
was the title of a folder passed out by
Future Farmers and Future Home
Makers from Hepburn Township, Ly-
coming County, at a booth showing the
process of marketing potatoes from the
producer, to the distributor, to the con-
sumer. This interesting attractive booth
was adjoining the potato show and was
sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chain
Store Council.
f
PACKING
POTATOES
PROPERLY
Suggests
Hconxnond Betterbags
.)
To
Pennsylvania
Potato
Producers
Combining Strength, Quality,
and Attractive Color Printing
Hammond Betterbags
PROVIDE A PACKAGE
You Can Be Proud to Market
Your Customer Can Be
Proud to Buy
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
Certified
SEED
POTATOES
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
RUSSETS
The late variety that has stood
the test for yield and scab resist-
ance. Grown in a section that dem-
onstrations have proven best for
production of vigorous seed.
Shipped direct from Michigan to
your destination in new branded
bags — a pack of well-sorted, clean,
dormant seed potatoes.
MAINE COBBLERS
MAINE KATAHDINS
Safe and dependable sources
grown by leaders in certified seed
work in Aroostook County. Selec-
ted while growing and accepted
when meeting rigid requirements.
Newly improved grading will con-
tribute to more economical cutting
even though all certified varieties
averaged larger in the field than
last season.
I
Profitable yields require vijrorons
seed, free from disease. Write ns
for seed data and prices.
I
Dougherty Seed Growers
WUliamsport
Penna.
16
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
ANNUAL SESSIONS
SUCCESSFUL
(Continued from page 5)
Branch Sales Office was established at
Allentown, Penna.
The 1941 Farm Show activities were
recorded an educational and financial
success.
Hundreds of growers were served
with information, literature and mer-
chandising items handled for their con-
venience by the Association office.
Packing growers were supplied with
"stuffers", free of charge, by the As-
sociation office, to insert in their pack-
aged Blue Labels, bearing a message to
the consumer, for further advertising
Pennsylvania potatoes.
The financial report showed all bills
and salaries paid in full, all properties
covered by insurance, employees pro-
tected by compensation, insurance, and
the Treasurer's bond in force, and the
accounts entirely on the black side of
the books.
Retiring President, J. A. Donaldson,
on completion of the routine business,
made appropriate and timely remarks
concerning the Association activity, and
then introduced Dr. E. L. Nixon, who
gave a splendid illustrated talk on the
nature of Bacteria, as applied to Bac-
terial ring Rot of potatoes. This was
the first opportunity of our membership
to hear this talk and it proved most in-
teresting and worthwhile.
In private session, the new Board of
Directors chose for their officers: Presi-
dent, P. Daniel Frantz, former Associa-
tion President, and present Manager of
the Association Branch Sales Office, at
Allentown, Penna.; Vice-President, Ed.
Fisher, of Coudersport, Penna.; and
General Manager, Secretary and Trea-
surer, E. B. Bower, of Bellefonte, Penna.
The Annual Banquet
It was a capacity group which
crowded the banquet hall of the Grade
Methodist Church, at Harrisburg, on
Tuesday, January 20th, for the Associa-
tion Annual Banquet.
J. A. Donaldson, retiring President,
acted in the absence of Fred W. John-
son as Toastmaster, and introduced
special guests, including L. Wayne Amy,
Loyal D. Odhner, and Dr. Fred S. Baldi,
of Philadelphia, C. D. Noyes, of Wil-
liamsport, President P. Daniel Frantz,
and others.
Delightful entertainment was enjoyed
by all throughout the evening. The en-
tertainment, sponsored by the Lehigh
County Potato Growers, included the
"Potato Growers' Chorus", of New Tri-
poli, with a series of fine vocal selec-
tions; "Abe Lincoln" Campbell, who
presented humorous and historical
readings on the life of Lincoln; and the
The Medal of Award presenled to
A. C. Ramseyer, Fred W. Johnson,
and R. J. Altgelt
Rev. Clarence R. Rahn, of Temple,
Penna., who gave a most refreshing talk.
Medals of Award, the Association's
highest award, were presented by Dr.
E. L. Nixon to Fred W. Johnston, co-
ordinator for the Association Joint Con-
ference, of Philadelphia; to R. J. Altgelt,
of the Oliver Farm Equipment Com-
pany, of Chicago, and to A. C. Ramseyer,
of Smithville, Ohio. These men were so
honored because "they did more than
was expected of them" in their line of
endeavor, as related to the potato in-
dustry.
(Continued on page 20)
CAN YOU MAKE THE GRADE?
You can if you Use a Bean Rubber Spool Grader
You Can Help
DEFENSE AND HELP YOURSELF
t
±
3 Capacity Sizes of Bean Graders
YOU DON'T LIKE BRUISING
YOU DON'T LIKE CUTTING
YOU DON'T LIKE INACCURACY
IN YOUR POTATO GRADING.
YOU DON'T GET IT
WITH A BEAN RUBBER SPOOL
The most efficient Potato Grader made
Our Catalog Shows Your Way to Profit
John Bean Mfg. Co.
LANSING
MICHIGAN
=J
18
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS
(Continued from page 3)
NEW YORK STATE POTATO MEET-
ING: ''Better Farms," reports as follows
on New York's State Potato Meeting
held at Rochester early in January;
"Diversion of burlap bags in New
York and other Coastal cities for use as
sand containers in case of enemy bomb-
ing has left the state's potato mdustry
holding the bag, because it hasn't any
bags to package its product, Harold J.
Simonson of Glen Head, L. L, president,
told the Potato Club Members.
"You can hardly buy a burlap bag in
all New York," he said. "I doubt if you
would have any luck if you had new
tires to trade for it."
The potato industry is getting it from
both barrels as far as burlap bag con-
tainers are concerned, for in addition
to the hoarding of them, due to the
bombing scare, this country s mam
supply of burlap comes from the Pacific
war zone, Mr. Simonson said.
"With paper bags, the situation is also
serious, as paper is also a vital war
material," the Potato Club head said.
Otherwise with better prices for pota-
toes in the offing, the spud industry is
looking up, "Providing any price ceiling
established for potatoes is high enough
so growers can continue growing them.
William Hodnett, Filmore, was named
president of the Potato Growers, to suc-
ceed Mr. Simonson. Favor Smith, Lake
Placid, was elected Vice-President, and
Morris F. Butts, Sodus, was elected
Secretary-Treasurer.
PAPER BAGS FOR SEED POTA-
TOES: There are a number of good
reasons for packing and handling seed
potatoes in paper bags. This is no experi-
ment or new venture for a number of
growers have been handling their seed
in this manner for a number of years and
would not go back to burlap. A number
of the more important reasons in favor
of paper bags are:
Paper bags are now cheaper than bur-
lap.
Paper bags (50 lb. size) are easier to
handle. Not too heavy for the younger or
older members of the family.
Note: "Betteh Farms" is a comparatively
new farm paper established in 1940, published
at Pulaski. N. Y.. by Hugh Barclay and has as
tfdittore, Louis Kosoff and Carl T. Moon.
Seed will keep equally well if not
better in paper bags than in burlap.
Potatoes will not freeze as quickly in
paper bags.
The use of paper bags will eliminate
any possible spread or infection of seed
with Bacterial Ring Rot from second
hand burlap bags.
Paper bags are clean to handle and
load even in the family car.
Seed is handled more carefully in
paper bags insuring better condition at
planting time.
Association 50 lb. paper bags are avail-
able to seed growers throughout the
State at regular prices. Both the 50 lb.
Blue Label and the Unclassified bag may
be used for seed purposes. Seed packed
in the Blue Label pack must meet the
prescribed grade marked there on (U. S.
No. 1). The Unclassified bag may be used
for ungraded or any specified grade such
as seconds or thirds. These bags may be
used for certified or uncertified stock
such as one-year-removed seed.
It is not advisable to pack seed in
paper and store in a damp cellar far
ahead of shipment. Your Association
will gladly quote you prices and counsel
with you on the use of paper bags for
seed use.
SOLVING THE LABOR PROBLEM:
I have been writing something on this
subject since early fall. I shall continue
to do so as it is of vital importance not
only to our growers in growing and
marketing their crops but also in pro-
viding the essential food in winning
this war.
I visited a grower late in January
whom I have visited on numerous oc-
casions during the past four years. He
was busy packing Blue Label pecks and
Blue Label 50's at the time with a crew
(Continued on page 26)
NOTE
Please read carefully the adver-
tisement, "Meeting Production
Goals" for the American Potash
Institute, Inc., printed in this issue.
In December, we ran this same
advertisement, but a typographi-
cal error seriously affected its
message for you.
We urge you, please re-read this
corrected advertisement.
-^
Michigan Certified Seed Potatoes
The best by actual test for over 20 years in Pennsylvania and other states.
That's why the outstanding growers are buying Chief Petoskey Brand.
GREEN MOUNTAINS
RUSSET RURALS
IRISH COBBLERS
KATAHDINS
PONTIACS
Potatoes play an im-
portant part of feeding
people in time of war.
WIRE OR WRITE
Michigan Potato Growers' Exchange
CADILLAC, MICHIGAN
for BIGGER
PROFITS
on Potatoes
EUREKA POTATO MACHINES lower the coM per acre in potato crovring.
Save time. Save labor. Increase yields. Make more money for you and Tree you
from the hardest work. They're modem, improved, dependable machines, buUt
right to fit each job, and used by successful potato growert for over a quarter
century.
P»C«t« PUuBt«r
F«tel« Catter oa« ■•• bmUb* . Op«M
Orti aaiforB vutA. 0». farrow, drop* wad, aow*
•mlM wiik both JMao* fcniliMr. if dcairad, cov>
irt* fct fiadtag. ankad Barki**slr««^
•U is •■• op«raaeB.
BIdUatf Maleher or We«der
Br«ak« crvM*. «akk«« Mil. «ad kill* w««dt
«b«a poUlo crop to f ooAg and lender. 1 1 and
12 h. aiiM. Masjr oiaor imi. with or iriUio«i
•oodiaf allMhaoat.
S^ndforfnB Catalog Mhowing all uui'^aanrsu'^
tha Eureka Machines. Wriu today, on Poui« Machmea.
All aachioaa la alock
Maf you.
Sprayer*
Ttaction or Power. la.
'•ura iha crop. Suea, 4.
6 or Bore row*. 60 lo
ISO gallon Unka. AU
alylea of booaa.
Pouuo DUWer
Pa«oua for gattiag all ika ooialoai^
aeparaliag and aunding hard aaa.
Wiib or wiihoui engine atlackaaat
•r tfaclor aiuchmcal.
Potato
Machines
V
Also the
COCKSHUTT
DISC PLOW
and the
BABCOCE
WEED HOG
Eureka
Mower Co.
UTICA. N. Y.
20
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
ANNUAL SESSIONS
SUCCESSFUL
(Continued from page 16)
Four-hundred- Bushel Club Medals
were then presented to a large group of
outstanding growers for their high 1941
yields. These recipients are listed else-
where in this issue, together with their
yields.
A special award was made to Mrs.
Mabel Wrestley, of Boswell, Penna., as
winner of the Pennsylvania Potato
Picking Contest. Mrs. Wrestly was pre-
sented with a large potato trophy and
a Defense Bond, by the Pennsylvania
Chain Store Council, and the presenta-
tion was made by Mr. Loyal D. Odhner,
Managing Director of the Council.
The Production Program
This program, conducted by former
Vice-President Roy R. Hess, brought
forth valuable discussions, to make
growers take stock of their knowledge
of potato production.
Subjects discussed were: (1) What
I should like to know is—; (2) What I
know, and know that I know about po-
tato production is—; (3) The biggest
boners in the industry that have been
pulled this year are — .
This discussion took the form of a
contest, which was won by Director Ed.
Fisher, of Coudersport, who brought
out the following points:
"I know that I know what I know, but
I think it is more important to do what
I know that I know.
"The timing of the whole potato pro-
gram is very important — promptness in
planting and tending and in being on
the job doing things that I know should
he done.
Merchandizing Program
Chairman of this program was Loyal
D. Odhner, managing director of the
Pennsylvania Chain Store Council, who
did a splendid job of introducing the
different speakers and adding enthusi-
astic comments relative to the success
and bright future of the Associations
Program and the Potato Industry of the
State.
• • •
Richard M. Campbell, of the Fidelity
Mutual Life Insurance Company, Al-
toona, speaking from the viewpoint of
life insurance underwriters, stated that
he had found the slogan of "Get To-
gether—Work Together— Succeed To-
gether", most helpful in building a suc-
cessful insurance business. Referring to
his experinece as a potato grower, being
the son of John Baily Campbell a former
president of the Potato Growers As-
sociation, he expressed his belief that
these same slogans or rules could well
be applied to the potato growers and
their Association. He stated that life in-
surance selling was little different in
many respects to that of potato growing,
at it was essential to sow good seed, do
a lot of careful cultivating, and a good
job of marketing.
Mr. Campbell considered definite
planning and record keeping very im-
portant to attaining final success.
Cooperation, confidence in your fel-
low men, and clean business principles
were in his opinion points that could
not be ignored. Mr. Campbell closed by
stating, "that there was not much in the
Bible on competition but that it was
full of references on cooperation."
• • •
Speaking from the viewpoint of the
Chamber of Commerce Secretary, C. D.
Noyes, secretary of the Williamsport
Community Trade Association empha-
sized the value of practical salesmanship
in his work and in a program such as is
sponsored by the Potato Growers As-
sociation. Farmers have been fooled too
often, are skeptical of new ventures, and
must be shown that any new program
will work to their good. He enumerated
five agricultural projects sponsored by
the Williamsport Trade Association that
are succeeding toward a better and
stronger community relationship in the
Williamsport area. These projects are:
1. Establishment of a community live
stock market.
2. A program of soy bean production
and the operation of a soy bean proces-
sing plant.
3. Founding a Chemergic Laboratory
at Williamsport to seek new uses for
local agricultural products.
4. Staging of a Future Farmers &
Home Makers Fair, which drew an at-
tendance of 5000 people.
5. The establishment of a distribution
center for fruits and vegetables is under
study and is to be inaugurated in the
near future.
(Continued on page 24)
T
THE COCKSHUTT "31" PLOW
Potato growers
say it costs less to
use the "3L" It
takes" the hard
knocks in stride.
Builds the seed
bed DEEP —
down to 16" if de-
sired. Holds more
moisture against
critical dry days.
''•»v
COCKSHUTT disc plows with from two to six discs, carried in
Pennsylvania warehouse with complete repair service.
Write for folder and prices.
Eureka Mower Co., Utica, N .Y.
Duane H. Nash, Dist. Representative
Haddonlield, New Jersey
POTTER COUNTY
CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES
Hounias
Katahdin
Chippewa
\
White Rurals
Russet Rurals
Pennigan
Potter County Foundation Seed Potato Growers
Association
Robert Barnett, Coudersport, President
Letha Roberts. Coudersport, Secretary-Treasurer
.1
^
Lincoln said —
I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing
so until the end. If the end brings me out all right what is said against me
won't amount to anything; if the end brings me out wrong ten angels swearmg
I was right would make no difference.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock St.
Philadelphia
Lombard 1000
22
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
Grower to Grower Exchange
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
FOR SALE: Potato Sprayer. Built on
Mack truck; 35 Royal Bean Pump; ten
row boom; 410 gallon tank. Good condi-
tion. Selling on account of help. Write:
John N. Stoltzfus, R. F. D. No. 1, Parkes-
burg, Penna.
FOR SALE: Bean potato Sprayer; 8
rows for mounting on Cletrac Tractor.
Like new; less than half price. Write R.
E. Weingart, Kent, Ohio.
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: One
six row Deming Sprayer, oil bath pump,
150 gal. tank; Power take-off with re-
filler. One truck mounted Deming
Sprayer, oil bath pump, 300 gal. tank,
eight row boom; Power take-off mount-
ed on Model "A" Ford truck. One New
John Dean Potato Sprayer, 150 gal. tank,
four row boom, mounted on rubber with
refiUer. One large Boggs motor driven
potato grader. Two New John Bean rub-
ber roll power graders. One Wood and
one Rubber Roll Picking Table. Guaran-
teed rebuilt tractors and used Farm Ma-
chinery. Write, J. Jacobsen & Son,
Girard, Penna., or call 54-R.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Bellefonte, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
NOT AVAILABLE: Copies of Dr. E. L.
Nixon's book, "The Principles of Potato
Production." It is necessary to refuse all
requests to supply this book at the pres-
ent time, as the first edition is out of
print. Dr. Nixon is now revising this
book, and a new edition will be run in
the near future. When these are avail-
able, we will advertise them in this
column.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neefe, Couders-
port. Potter County, Penna.
FOR SALE: SIZE B MAINE KATAH-
DINS OUT OF CERTIFIED FIELDS:
We can offer a limited number of cars
of Size B Katahdins out of Certified
Maine fields, with disease readings of
not over three-tenth of one per cent.
Other varieties of Certified Maine seed.
Try some North Dakota Certified Cob-
blers. All Spring Shipment. Write, Ed
A. Trexler, Trexler, Pa.
FOR SALE: One used six foot wood
roller picking table; also, one Fifteen lb.
rotary peck bagger; also one No. 103
John Bean Grader; One No. 106 brusher
and polisher; Four International T-20
Crawlers. We have a large variety of re-
built row-crop tractors, and various
makes of used sprayers. Parts and ser-
vice. Write, J. Jacobsen & Son, Girard,
Penna.
FOR SALE: One Iron Age 2-row Potato
Planter. Used one season. Write, J. L.
Reitz, Lewisburg, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Standard Association In-
voice and Receipt Books (described in
this issue) for growers packing in the
Association Labeled bags. 30c a set.
Write Association office, Bellefonte, Pa.
FOR LOWER
ASSOCIATION
GRADES
DOBBINS BROTHERS
PIKE STREET
PITTSBURGH, PA.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
122 DOCK STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
(
Certified
KATAHDINS
"BLUE TAG" BRAND
Clean Field Readings
College Inspected
Florida Tested
1
RING ROT FREE
BEST SEED
BEST BUY
A
Write us for prices
NEW YORK COOP. SEED POTATO ASSN., INC.
GEORGETOWN
NEW YORK
24
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
ANNUAL SESSIONS
SUCCESSFUL
(Continued from page 20)
Mr. Noyes stated that a balance of
trade between agriculture and industry
was essential to the full success of any
community.
L. Wayne Arney of the Jas. B. Lamb
Company, Philadelphia, discussed the
subject of "merchandising" from the
viewpoint of National Advertising. JVIr.
Arny expressed the belief that "Co-
operation" among farmers and business
would become increasingly important as
the present war progressed and even
more important during the "post-war
period. He said, "Thus, the present
world upheaval has brought into being
the necessity for cooperation between
the farmer, the industrialist, the busi-
ness man and the consumer so close that
not one link in this chain can be weak-
ened without serious loss to the whole."
He stated that many farmers grow
good crops but end it there, failing to
cooperate in marketing their crops to the
best advantage. Mr. Arny believes m
creating favorable marketing situations;
not simply waiting until they happen.
This he said has been done and must
continue to be done by the Potato Grow-
ers Association for the farmers of this
state. "Your Association can create
markets for you and can sustain those
markets as long as you cooperate with
it". "Cooperation cannot work one day
and be cast aside the next. It must be
continuous; it must be honest, loyal and
vigorous." .
Mr. Arny has held a number of im-
portant positions in the agricultural
field and is a firm believer in strong
agricultural organizations through
which farmer cooperative movements
can be established, not for their own
power, but that a better relationship can
be established between agriculture,
business, and industry. He thinks the
Potato Growers Association should be
doubled during the coming year.
Wheeler McMillen, editor of "Farm
Journal," Philadelphia, held the full at-
tention of the potato growers in discus-
sing "merchandizing" from the view-
point of the journalist. In following his
address one could not conclude that Mr.
McMillen was a pessimist. He recog-
nized the fact that we were in a great
war that must be won at all cost, and
that there would be grave problems of
readjustment following the war, but ex-
pressed a faith that our great resources,
knowledge, and the imagination of great
minds among our people would find the
answer. . , ..
He referred to the productive minds ot
Edison, Marconi, and Franklin. Of how
their great imagination plus the laws of
God had brought to the world such un-
heard of things but a few years ago like
the radio, aeroplane, and electricity. He
has confidence that other great minds
will unfold during this conflict and in
the post war period still greater things.
Turning to a more humorous vein Mr.
McMillen stated, "One of the troubles
about farming is that so much to be done
on the farm comes in May and June
when there are so many other things
one would like to do."
Here are a number of significant quo-
tations from his address:
"Agricultural knowledge is only in
its beginning."
"Plant breeding is only half a century
old-'* u u
"More agricultural progress has been
made in the past 70 years than in all
previous human history."
"There are 335,000 species of named
plants, yet only 150 of them are grown
commercially."
"One half of the land in Pennsylvania
could grow enough rubber for the U. S.
needs."
"Only 2V( of all we have comes from
the soil, 98 Vr comes from rain and sun-
shine."
• • •
The final and closing address on the
program was that of J. M. Ellis, Sales
Promotion Manager, G. C. Murphy
Company, Pittsburgh. Mr. Ellis came
right to the point early in his address
when he stated that, "Coming together
is a beginning. Keeping together is pro-
gress, and Working together is success.
A firm believer in advertising, Mr. El-
lis suggested that steps be taken to get
the Blue Label pack constantly before
the public. Unlike most speakers on this
subject Mr. Ellis gave some very defi-
nite ideas to accomplish this end. He be-
lieves that potatoes can be "glorified
and gave the following suggestions in
doing so. 4- . «
Create a definite plan for advertising.
Use literature, personal solicitation,
displays, news items.
(Continued on page 26)
1
POTATO PRODUCTION
BE STEPPED UP!
Use DAVCO Granulated for
Higher Yields -- More
Nutritional Value
Uncle Sam needs the cooperation of every patriotic
American to insure the success of the Victory Cam-
paign. You, as a farmer, are urged to conserve
materials, bags, labor, money and transportation by
using high analysis fertilizers to produce the higher
yields that will be your contribution to Victory.
Use Davco Granulated Fertilizer, 4-8^ or 5-10-10,
for higher yields of higher quality potatoes. Feeds
crop evenly because it distributes evenly. No dust
— no waste — drills easily because it's granulated.
Many potato growers report yields as high as 500
bushels per acre with Davco Granulated Fertilizer.
Use Davco Granulated — help make 1942 a BIG year.
^^mfm
BE WISE! Your agenf has been requested
fo order capacity carloads. Order and fake
delivery of your Davco Granulafed Periilizer
EARLYI
DAVCO
''FERTILIZE
o product of
THE DAVISON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
BALTIMORE • MARYLAND
26
THE GUIDE POST
February, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS
(Continued from page 18)
of five counting himself. He was direct-
ing the crew from his position at the
picking table. I remarked that none of
the men of his crew were familiar to me
as members of his crew of previous
years. This he agreed was true. In fact
he said, " More than a dozen men who
have worked with me and trained as
tractor drivers, truck drivers, spray
operators, and grading operators during
the past four years are now either with
Uncle Sam's armed forces or working
on important industrial jobs in connec-
tion with the war." Yet this grower is
not grumbling, but keeps solvmg the
labor problem by hiring and training
more young men in his community to
do these important jobs. By the time the
present season is over this grower will
have packed 200,000 Blue Label pecks or
more. In addition to this he has ex-
pressed a willingness to help his neigh-
bors who are experiencing difficulty in
marketing their crops to good advan-
tage.
This is Cooperation. We might also
add that it is practical Vocational Edu-
cation on the farm. This same mechani-
cal training and disciplined concerted
action will not come amiss in winning
this war, which win we must.
Take a lesson in Cooperation from
Paul Yahner, of Patton!
Dr. E. L. Nixon for the second year
in a row had to spend part of Show week
confined in bed at his hotel. We are glad
to report that he is better. He, is not the
kind of a fellow to stay down for long.
ANNUAL SESSIONS
SUCCESSFUL
(Continued from page 24)
Cooperation with stores in window
displays.
Coordinate displays with personal
calls on stores.
Create a committee on business re-
lationships.
Create a committee on salesmanship.
Create a committee on advertising.
Try a promotional program in one city
as a beginning and spread it to other
cities later and to other states.
Mr. Ellis stated that it was a rule of
the game of salesmanship that you could
not establish a permanent business on
the idea of loyalty alone, that there must
be satisfied customers. Cooperation in
marketing he believed to be essential
to a long time program.
Probably one of the best lessons of his
address for all of us was, "Never be
afraid to tackle any job, for even if you
fail, you will learn a lot."
HIGH FINANCE
The Pennsylvania Chain Store Coun-
cil pledged its members to raise $20,000,-
000 without blinking an eye for the wai*
fund through the sale of Government
Stamps and bonds for the coming year,
at their annual banquet at Hershey
Thursday night. The large gathermg of
the council members immediately
moved to raise this pledge by 25% or to
$25,000,000. This was fast and furious
finance but even an amateur could tell
they meant business.
When high speed planting "bottlenecks" your seed cutting-
use a
Trexler Power Seed Potato Cutter
"Better'an hand cutiin
/ ##
ALBERT E. TREXLER
Phone: Krumsville 36-12 Trexler, Pa.
COMPANY
INCORPORATED
■4
It
♦Specialists in the manufacture of
POTATO SACKS
and All Other Types of Heavy Duty
Pasted Bottom Paper Sacks
'Specialists because ...
We operate our own paper mill, and control every
step to the finished paper bag, giving Equitable cus-
tomers these three important advantages: uniform
high quality, reliable service, and economy in price.
Our art and research departments (a gratis service
to Equitable customers) assure you of a well designed
bag, efficiently suited to your particular needs.
PROMPT Deliveries
RELIABLE Quality
ECONOMICAL Prices
4700 Thirty-first Place. Long Island City. N> Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
« . . . the Band-Way method of applying fer-
tilizer is far superior ..." says Joseph Taylor
Two Iron Age users get to-
gether! Growers Joseph Taylor
and W. C. Smith, his neighbor,
who bought an Iron Age
planter out of the first carload
to be shipped to his territory.
\
Iron Age Hi-Speed Planter, with 16 Picker Arms
Joseph L. Taylor, of Horsey, Virginia,
has 200 acres under cultivation — and plants
90 of them in potatoes. In the 28 years he
has been farming he's used Iron Age plant-
ing equipment continuously . . . and just
last year purchased a new, two-row Hi-
Speed planter (like the one shown here).
Grower Taylor's enthusiasm for Iron Age
can best be supported by his own words. "I
am very much pleased with the
accuracy, easy handling, lack of
seed injury ... the covering
gang gives a good list and the
belt feed fertilizer attachment
is superior to any I have seen or
used." Mr. Taylor goes on to say
that he thinks the Band-Way
method of applying fertilizer is
far better than any method he
has ever tried.
"The Hi-Lo method, which I
tried last year, showed up well
both in spring and fall crops — I
expect to continue Hi-Lo in the
future," he states.
Mr. Taylor's experience with
Iron Age is just one of hundreds
that money potato growers
throughout the country experi-
ence all the time. Make crops
pay, plant the Iron Age way.
mi
1
NUMBER 3
"PFMIM CIPTTD" PUnA<i— AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
FLIMIVI bFUlJ Hleaas ^^^ p^^^^yLVANlASTME COLLEGE
* * *
Contribute a
NEW MEMBER
to Your Association
TODAY
A. B. FARQUHAR, CO., Limited, York, Pa.
MARCH «» 1942
PuMldJted Jm ike
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
,)
• •*•♦*****
The Big Four of Potato Production
The production of high yields of quality potatoes calls for the
application of the principles of the Big Four of Potato Production.
1. Good seed.
2. Proper spraying.
3. An abundance of humus.
4. Vision or potato mentality.
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Practical Potato Production
L
(Editor's Note: Fifteen years ago, 1926,
Jacob S. Wile, Souderton, Montgomery
County, grew 10,000 bushels of potatoes
on 25 acres of his farm. During the win-
ter he set down in his own words the
practices followed and some of his ideas
on potato growing. The principles set
forth in this story are so basic to good
potato production and the practices fol-
lowed stated so simply that we repeat
this article particularly for the benefit
of the freshman, sophomore, and junior
potato growers of 1942. You seniors and
those who pose as graduates or experts
will find ample food for thought in what
Mr. Wile had to say.
In the early thirties Mr. Wile, better
known as "Jakie" turned his full atten-
tion to poultry and turkeys. In this
chosen field he continues to be one of
Pennsylvania's leading farmers.)
"In this short story I will aim to give
as briefly as possible the various steps
to follow in producing an economical
crop of potatoes, the kind that will sell
well in the market and the kind that will
show a profit after they are sold.
"I plant all Rural Russets because I
hav^ not yet found any other variety
that will yield as good as this one. I buy
new seed every year and always try to
get the very best. This year I used
rogued Michigan certified seed that cost
me $3.80 per bushel. I would sooner pay
$5.00 per bushel for the best rogued cer-
tified northern grown seed than use my
own home grown seed as a gift. If you
want to make your money on the pota-
toes you plant you may do so; I want to
make mine on the potatoes I sell. I cut to
2 to 3 eyes and use about 30 bushels of
seed per acre. I plant first because I
cannot get seconds of equal quality.
Soil
"I have a 76 acre farm of which 25
acres were planted in potatoes this past
year. I will have 35 acres in potatoes in
1927. My soil is red shale. It had lime
some years ago but it does not seem to
need any now.
"I was in the dairy business to enrich
the soil, the same as many other farmers;
but I did not succeed. I took off all I
raised on the farm and fed the same to
the stock and returned the manure to
the land. It was like tapoing water out of
the barrel at the bottom and pouring it
back again at the top. If you are not
careful in this process you will spill
some while going through with it.
"There are still some farmers who
farm for manure. Feeding hay to make
manure is like burning grass and putting
back the ashes on the land. A good crop
of clover hay is worth $50 per acre for
potatoes if you leave it on the ground.
My farm never got rich until I got humus
in the soil and used commercial ferti-
lizer.
"I used to follow a three year rotation-
potatoes, wheat and clover. But in order
to increase my acreage of potatoes I have
changed to a two year rotation — potatoes
and wheat. I sow sweet clover during
early spring in the wheat the same as we
do red clover and about one peck to the
acre. If the sweet clover fails as it some-
times does, I plow the wheat stubbles
and sow about two bushels of soybeans
to the acre; this gives me about a two
foot growth by fall.
"I plow the sweet clover or soybean
cover crop under in the fall to the depth
of five to six inches and sow rye. I plow
this again in the spring to the depth of
about ten or eleven inches. This puts the
loose humus filled soil in the middle
where you want it for potatoes. I gener-
ally disk once before each plowing and
once after each plowing and then use
harrow. I use the tractor for disking,
plowing and harrowing.
"The only manure we have for the
land is the droppings from about 1000
hens which will not nearly reach over
the whole acreage of potatoes. I use
about one-half ton of 4-8-6 commercial
fertilizer all applied in the row with the
planter. I experimented last year with
one ton of commercial fertilizer to the
acre but found no increase in the yield.
Planting
"1 plant my potatoes as early in the
spring as the ground will permit. I use
a riding cultivator changed into a
marker to mark the rows. I plant pota-
toes in rows 30 inches apart and 6 to 8
inches in the row. I like to have the seed
planted about 5 inches deep and to do
this have a special shoe attached to the
opener on my two-man Iron Age
Planter. Failure to plant deep is not so
much the fault of the planter as the man
who runs the planter.
Cultivation
"I begin to use the weeder right after
planting along the rows and crosswise
and continue this even after the stalks
are 8 to 10 inches high. A potato plant
stands rough treatment — you can't kill
it. The weeder does two things: It pre-
vents the weeds from coming up and
destroys the upper rootlets of the potato
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
plant which prevents them from grow-
ing tubers which would be too near to
the surface and would become sunburn-
ed and so worthless.
'1 begin cultivation with the cultiva-
tor as soon as we can see the rows; the
first time deep and after that shallow. I
bank up the potatoes a little in the last
cultivation when the stalks are about
12 to 18 inches high and before they bend
over.
Spraying
"I begin to spray as soon as the pota-
toes are up and sometimes before they
are all up. Last year I sprayed eleven
times during the season. Climatic con-
ditions determine the number of times
to spray. When dry and hot, I spray
oftener. In spraying my fields, I always
aim to reverse the direction I take go-
ing through the rows at each spraying,
by doing so I believe I can cover the
plants more thoroughly.
"I would use a power sprayer if I had
one but I use a Traction Sprayer, taking
four rows and having three nozzles to
the row. I keep the pressure up to about
250 to 300 pounds, changing discs in
the nozzles frequently to increase the
pressure and save the liquid and so
make the spray more misty.
"The water is pumped out of a brook
into each field into suspended or eleva-
ted barrels from which it can be emptied
into the tank by gravity. This helps me
to spray about three tanks per hour. I
use about 150 gallons of material to the
acre for one spraying. I use three nozzles
to the row right from the first spraying.
Digging
"My potato plants during the past
season were green until the first frost
killed them. It is well to remember that
tubers grow as long as the leaves are
green. I use a Digger with a Cushman
engine — two horses can easily draw it.
"We use crates in picking. I hire my
pickers by the hour. Last fall I paid them
fifty cents an hour and gave them their
noon meal. I store my potatoes in bins
about 6 to 8 feet high.
"Before we market our potatoes we
run them over a grader. Quality potatoes
will bring quality prices. I sell most of
my potatoes in the Philadelphia market
and have little trouble in doing so, for
I have several reliable customers who
get their regular supply here, amounting
to a hundred or more bushels per week.
"Potato growing is becoming a spe-
cialized business and my experience in
growing potatoes for the past six or
seven years is teachmg me that it is an
exacting business, that is, you must
watch all the details entering into it and
do them in the right way and at the
right time. If we do this, we can at least
break even when potato prices are low
and realize a fair profit when prices are
higher. If no, we lose money when pota-
toes are low and our losses eat up the
profits when potatoes sell at a fair price."
(Editor's Comment: In 1926 seconds or
number two seed was not certified nor
made available from the leading seed
producing areas as it is today.
Many new varieties have come into
the picture since 1926 when Mr. Wile
grew this phenomenal crop of Rural
Russets. Although markets tend more
and more to demand a white potato, still
the Rural Russet continues one of our
best yielders.
We suggest you reread the spray pro-
gram of 1926 in growing this crop. When
the first sprays were applied, and the
attempt to get timely and complete
coverage. Note that this was done with a
four row traction sprayer.
Mr. Denniston visited Mr. Wile on his
home farm last summer and is confident
that if he were growing potatoes today
he would be a leading packer of Blue
Labels for he did a good job of grading
and packing potatoes 15 years ago.
It is quite likely that if Mr. Wile were
growing potatoes today he would use a
somewhat higher amount of potash in
his fertilizer.
His stated depth of planting, "5
inches," would be a little deep for plant-
ing on heavy soils. On such soils a depth
not exceeding 4 inches would be much
safer.
The distance of planting "30 inches
between rows and 6 to 8 inches between
seed pieces" would be a little close on
average to thin soil. With the condition
of his soil and the humus he grew, the
above distances of planting had their
advantage.
You should not only read this article,
read it again, study it, discuss it with
your neighbor, compare your own prac-
tices and operations with it, put some of
Mr. Wiles ideas into operation in 1942
and you will be a better potato grower
for having done so.
This story alone should be worth your
neighbor's $1.00, for a Membership, and
a subscription to the Guide Post.)
The Post-War Farmer and Business
L. Wayne Arny, Vice President, James J. Lamb Company, Philadelphia
(Editor's Note: We print, with pride,
this article, which constituted the fine
talk presented by Mr. Arny to our mem-
bership during the recent Farm Show.
If you heard it you will still further ap-
preciate it by rereading it here.)
Ordinarily, the acceptance of an in-
vitation to address this group on the
subject of cooperation for better busi-
ness would not be a difficult assignment.
For one who has as strong convictions
about the rightful place of Pennsylvania
potatoes on our local or even national
markets as I have always had, the ques-
tions of how to attain the desired objec-
tive through normal channels of trade
are not very complicated.
But we no longer have normal
channels of trade and we must resign
ourselves to the certainty that what we
have always considered as normal will
probably never exist again. We must re-
vise our standards and accept new con-
ditions as normal.
We are at war. That in itself creates
abnormal problems. The war must be
won and each of us must subordinate our
usual peace time activities to that end.
When the war is won we will face stu-
pendous problems of readjustment that
will change our whole economy.
Whether we like it or not, many, if not
all of these readjustments will be per-
manent and we must regard them from
that point of view.
Farming as you and I have known it
is probably at an end. No longer is it
merely a mode of living. And no longer
will it be in order for a man to buy a
piece of land and grow on it whatever
crops he wants to without the slightest
regard for any other individual or group
of people.
Tomorrow, farming of necessity will
be an inter-dependent occupation in
which each individual must work in co-
operation with someone else upon whom
he is more or less dependent for his
prosperity and who, in turn, is also de-
pendent upon the farmer for his very
existance. Thus, the present world up-
heaval has brought into being the neces-
sity for cooperation between the farmer,
the industrialist, the business man and
the consumer so close that not one link
in this chain can be weakened without
serious loss to the whole. That, gentle-
men, is the responsibility that faces each
one of us in this room today. It calls for
more serious consideration than we have
ever given to anything before.
There are many farmers who for years
have been satisfied with mediocre yields,
with lessening fertility of their lands,
with faulty management policies and
with no sales plans whatever. They have
been satisfied with too little return on
their labor and capital investment. That
these men have succeeded in keeping
possession of their farms until now is no
guarantee that they will be able to do
so in the years to come. The days of in-
efficiency and half hearted efforts are
definitely over.
There are many other farmers who
grow good crops. Their yields are satis-
factory and their policies of manage-
ment have maintained the fertility of
their soils. But that is as far as they go.
From the point of production on, they
sit back and hope for good prices and
wish for things to happen that will bring
them a profit. The days of hoping are
over. And that is where cooperation
comes in; it is why I said in the be-
ginning that the days of lone wolf farm-
ing are gone. The farmer of tomorrow
must fit himself into the economic struc-
ture about him or perish.
That means that he must not only
grow high yielding crops and in ways
that will increase his fertility, and at
costs that are kept at a minimum. But,
of even greater importance, he must
combine with his policy of farm manage-
ment an administrative policy that will
assure a favorable market situation for
the things he produces. That, gentlemen,
again is cooperation.
But unfortunately, it is at this point
that the greatest difficulty lies. Most
farmers are too inexperienced in busi-
ness to create favorable market situa-
tions or to use the various means by
which the manufacturer assures outlets
for his goods. It is this shortcoming that
has done more to hamper agriculture
than any other one thing. Favorable
marketing situations must be created;
they do not just happen. There may be a
thousand people who want to buy what
(Continued on page 16)
immiadiBrrm -
6
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
»
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec'y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Franlz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes, . . . Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
Opposition Tables
Potato Control Bill
The proposed Federal Law to establish
production quotas and control the
marketing of potatoes, which was vigor-
ously opposed by the Pennsylvania
potato industry, has been tabled, due, in
large measure, to the opposition voiced
by Pennsylvania.
This announcement has been received
by General Manager Bower from Con-
gressman James E. Van Zandt, who join-
ed the Association in resisting legislative
approval of this law which discriminated
against Pennsylvania potato producers.
Congressman Van Zandt wrote Man-
ciger Bower as follows:
'It appears that we are about to win
a signal victory, since the restriction
imposed upon Pennsylvania Potato
Growers is unreasonable and unjustified
when it is taken into consideration that
we do not raise a sufficient crop for the
needs of our great Keystone State.
"The spirited opposition exhibited by
your group during the hearings on the
measure and the subsequent conferences
that followed in contacting individual
members of the House Committee on
Agriculture, stressing the fact that, if a
ruinous effect was caused throughout
the country, by surplus potatoes, there
was no justification for restricting Penn-
sylvania production when a deficiency
exists.
"The Chairman of the House Commit-
tee has asserted that this reasoning in
the opposition of Pennsylvania, caused
the tabling of the legislation."
This is a signal victory for your Asso-
ciation and your industry. If a harmful
surplus of potatoes does exist in the
country, it has not been brought about
by any increases in Pennsylvania acre-
age, and if potato acreage and produc-
tion were to be reduced by allotment,
the lion's share of reduction should be
assumed by the states which have con-
stantly and enormously increased their
acreages, was the contention of the
leaders of your Association.
With Pennsylvania's potato produc-
tion ten million bushels short of the
quantity of potatoes consumed by the
State, any acreage reduction which
would be required by the proposed law
would only provide additional markets
for distant producing areas which have
been increasing their acreages steadily
during recent years, some of them as
much as 300 per cent.
President P. Daniel Frantz, repre-
senting the Association, and Dr. E. L.
Nixon, as a potato grower, testified be-
fore the Agricultural Committee in
Washington several months ago, in their
opposition to the Bill, and the Associa-
tion Management contacted, by confer-
ence and letter, leaders in the House and
on the Committee who were responsible
for the tabling of the Bill. Congressman
Van Zandt, in an effort to assist the pota-
to industry of his State, and through
studies of the Bill at the Association
office, first secured the disposal of the
original Bill, with the idea of drafting a
more equitable piece of Legislation, be-
fore the Committee set the matter aside.
Timely Observations and Suggestions
by L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
4-
{
4-
4-
THE SEQUOIA: The Sequoia is a new
variety, a cross between the Katahdin
and the Green Mountain, developed by
the U. S. D. A. plant breeders working
at Presque Isle, Maine, and named by
North Carolina Agricultural Experiment
Station workers in 1939. It was first
noticed because of its high natural re-
sistance to certain insects under North
Carolina conditions. It is reported to be
very vigorous in its growth, showing
some disease resistance, and maturing
late in the season. It has been observed
to be very susceptible to common scab.
Although a number of growers have
made inqujry about this variety there is
no indication that it is a world beater,
however, it may find favor with growers
in some sections.
FARM EQUIPMENT LEFT OUT TO
RUST OUT: While in western Pennsyl-
vania late in January, accompanied by
E. B. Bower, an observation was made
that was, as Mr. Bower put it, "appall-
ing." Travelling a back country route
from Cochranton to Girard, a distance of
approximately forty-five miles the fol-
lowing farm equipment was recorded
as we passed from farm to farm exposed
to the weather either in the fields or
barn yards:
Cultivators — 9, harrows — 16, binder —
4, plows — 7, disks — 3, mowing machines
— 9, hay loaders — 6, hay rakes — 16, ma-
nure spreaders — 14, wagons — 42, trac-
tors— 7, grain drills — 3, sprayers — 1.
There is an old saying, "Waste not.
want not.*' Times of plenty have un-
doubtedly made us careless in the care
of costly farm equipment. I remember
well as a youngster back on the home
farm how we caught the very dickens
for leaving any of the equipment we
were using, such as many of those listed
above, out in the rain or in the weather.
My father is still holding fast to this
rule. He is not one of those who in re-
cent years has complained about making
a living from the soil, not even during
the so-called depression years of the
late twenties.
Many of these tools may be more
valuable to the farmer now than the
family car for which, in most cases, a
snecial storage room was provided.
NOW IS THE TIME, before the rush of
spring work, to start reclaiming and re-
conditioning equipment needed for the
season's work.
FARM VALUES: The Pennsylvania
State Department of Agriculture re-
cently released figures showing the
average Pennsylvania farm contains 86.3
acres and is valued at $5,113. The state's
14,594,134 acres of farm land represents
a value of $864,199,795 of which $595,-
287,059 was the valuation of farms
operated by their owners. The average
acre value is $59.22.
I never have believed too much in
averages. They are too misleading. I
would guess that Pennsylvania's potato
growers would value their land at twice
the above figure. Many of them would
not take three or even four times the
price.
ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST
POTATO PRODUCTION: Looking the
problems in favor of and against the
Pennsylvania potato grower for 1942
straight in the face we conclude the
following to be problems that must be
satisfactorily met:
Lack of labor.
Lack of equipment.
Higher cost of seed, fertilizer, and
spray materials.
Higher cost of bags.
Transportation problems.
In favor of the Pennsylvania grower,
however, are a number of points which
we list as follows:
Adaptable land, soil, and climate.
Knowledge of production and educa-
tional facilities.
Potatoes, a necessary war and peace
time food.
Vast markets— 25,000,000 people with-
in a radius of 250 miles of central Penn-
sylvania.
A Marketing Program that works.
Prospects for favorable prices.
You mav have other points that you
would add to these enumerated above.
This is one way of analyzing the situa-
tion, for those who are in great doubt.
NATIONAL FARM SCHOOL PUR-
POSES: The National Farm School,
Doylestown, Pennsylvania founded in
1896 bv the late Rabbi Joseph Kraus-
kopf, D.D., of Philadelphia, aims to:
"Divert worthy boys from overcrowd-
ed professions of congested areas to
productive and satisfying careers on the
idnu. (Continued on page 18)
8
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
ATTENTION — GRADE SUPERVISORS
We are now on the home stretch.
Up to here you have run a good race.
Many laps are behind you, well run laps,
steady and consistent through Septem-
ber, October, November, December, Jan-
uary, February and now you are in
March rounding the curve into the home
stretch.
What are you going to do? Are you
going to stumble, run out of wind, get a
sore leg, or in some other manner lose
the race?
A good job of grading from here out
cannot be done by lack of interest, coast-
ing so to speak. It must be done by the
same effort, consistent grind of the run-
ner, that you showed back there in the
fall and winter. You can do it. We have
faith that you can do it. That is why you
were licensed as an Association Grade
Supervisor.
We are counting on you. Others are
counting on you. The growers whom you
serve, the distributors, and last but not
least the consumers who pay the cash
for each Blue Label you pack are count-
ing on you.
There are a few stones on the road
over which you might stumble during
the coming weeks that we will point out
so that you can finish the home stretch
and have it said, "He ran a good race."
SPROUTING: The pack is out of grade
when over 10% of the potatoes have
sprouts over three fourths of an inch
long. Don't guess at it. Examine the
packs after packing and check it care-
fully.
SHRIVELING: The pack is out of
grade if the potatoes are at all spongy or
flabby. This is certain to be true if they
are badly sprouted in bin or have been
exDosed to heat such as in a heated
cellar.
SOFT ROT OR WET BREAKDOWN:
Cut or otherwise injured tubers are most
certain to be showing signs of soft rot or
wet breakdown at this time unless the
storage is unusually good. The best
policy is to remove all such stock as it
will soon show rot in warm warehouses
or stores once packed out of storage.
STEM END DISCOLORATION: Stem
end discoloration will increase in stor-
age, therefore you should check the
stock pile from time to time to make cer-
tain that this has not happened in the
case of otherwise good stock a month or
so ago. Do not rely on making this check
alone on the stock pile or on the picking
table. Check a number of pecks after
packing from time to time with a sharp
knife.
DISCOLORATION FROM BRUISES:
Bruises often show up quite brown or
gray late in the season and cause exces-
sive waste in paring.
FROZEN POTATOES: Watch pota-
toes rolling down from the wall, from
near windows or doors, or from exposed
walls for wet or soft potatoes. This is not
enough. Pick off potatoes from time to
time from such points, cut them through
to see if they are in proper white starchy
condition. Chilled potatoes often do not
show wet, but on cutting will show a
gray to dark texture.
WEIGHT: Better recheck your scales
from time to time to be sure you are not
caught on this point at this time of
season. Do not pack too close the line.
Most packers are weighing at 15 pounds,
6 ounces on dry potatoes.
WATCH OTHER DEFECTS: With
emphasis placed on the above, do not
forget Scab, Wire worm. Grub worm.
Growth cracks. Second growth. Sun
burn. Caked dirt, Mechanical injuries.
Hollow heart, and other injuries that can
put you off grade.
Let's wind up the job by leaving a
good taste with ourselves, the distribu-
tors, and the consumers. The millions of
pecks that have gone across the store
counters is evidence of real progress for
the 1941-42 season. Yours has been a
most important job in making it so. You
could break down what you have so
nobly built up during the season to date.
Don't do that, for another season is com-
ing around the bend.
Stick by your guns, and keep firing!
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Will handle your
Lower Grades
in the Philadelphia Area
122 Dock Si.
4-
Potato Fertilization In 1942
by J. B. R. Dickey, Extension Agronomist, The Pennsylvania State College
Farmers who went through the last
war will recall the frantic search for
substitutes for the potash which we had
been getting from Germany; and how
one was lucky to get two or three per
cent of it in mixed goods instead of 8 or
10 We now have an ample source ot
potash of excellent quality developed
in New Mexico and already supplying
all our needs. The only trouble may be
in getting transportation from the
source to the farm. However, smce a
ton of muriate of potash carries two or
three times as much actual plant food as
does a ton of most other material, a lit-
tle goes a good way.
Transportation of rock phosphate
from Florida and sulfur from Louisiana,
both ordinarily coming by boat, may
also run into difficulties, but the supply
for this season should be adequate if
used efficiently. Many inquiries are com-
ing in about raw rock phosphate from
Tennessee. It is nearly twice as high in
analysis as ordinary super and the de-
livered price is about the same ton for
ton. While we have no comparative
tests on potatoes we have plenty on
other crops. Practically all of them were
decidedly in favor of the super when
used at the same rate. If we cannot get
super the rock is a possible substitute,
but very heavy applications would ap-
parently be required.
The war has already seriously affected
the nitrogen situation. Nearly all the
companies making very high nitrogen
material, such as Ammophos, Uramon,
etc., have turned their plants over to de-
fense work. This means that, except for
outfits which arranged for their stocks
early, there will be no double strength
goods this year and none at all here-
after "for the duration." The govern-
ment has taken over for the manufac-
ture of explosives all the nitrate of soda
not vitally needed for special production
jobs. There is no more tankage, fish, etc.,
than before, and there has never been
a great deal in terms of total nitrogen
needs. Cottonseed and soybean meal are
out of sight in price for feed, which
means they are out of reason for fertil-
izer.
This leaves sulphate of ammonia and
some ammonia liquor as the only con-
siderable sources of fertilizer nitrogen.
The sulphate is a by-product of coke
manufacture, but the steel and coke
boom means no more sulphate right
now since the extra coke is being made
in the old "bee-hive" ovens which waste
all the by-products. A half dozen op-
erating plants to fix atmospheric nitro-
gen such as they have in Europe, would
come in handy in the present emer-
gency.
As to what the farmer can, and should
do, to adapt his course to the way the
wind blows, the grower who has his sou
in good fertility, and can keep it so
through manure and clover sods, will be
at a distinct advantage. If things get
worse he may be the only fellow who
can continue to produce profitable crops.
It is no time to bring under intensive
cultivation land which is low m fer-
tility and can only produce through the
liberal use of complete fertilizers. We
have had 400 bushel potato crops where
no fertilizer was used, and plenty witn
only superphosphate or phosphate and
potash; but all of them were made on
well-manured sods. Certainly one
should take the best care and niake the
best use of the manure available, and
should plan to have a clover sod of some
cort to plow whenever possible. It one
does not have a use or a market for the
clover hay there are some very interest-
ing and profitable possibilities m the
production of red and other clover seed,
with the minimum of labor expended,
during the full year the land should be
in sod. One potato grower in north-
western Pennsylvania produced and
combined four bushels of red clover
seed per acre on a large acreage last
year. The entire crop, except the seed,
was left spread on the ground for soil
improvement. Soybeans combined seem
to remove nearly all the nitrogen which
the crop gets from the air and the
rather coarse organic material lett on
the ground is of somewhat doubttui
value in real soil improvement, es-
pecially if the field must be left bare
to leach and wash over the winter. The
roots of a sod crop are what really seems
to put life and fertility into a soil.
The nitrogen situation will probably
teach late potato growers with good soil
conditions that they can get along as
(Continued on page 14)
10
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
Symposium on Marketing War-Time Machinery
Clinic Held at National Farm School
National Farm School Host to
Chain Store Council and Farm Cooperative Groups
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
Marketing Pennsylvania farm prod-
ucts during and after the war, and the
construction, repair and adjustment of
farm machinery to meet war conditions
formed the basis of discussion for a two
day conference at the National Farm
School, at Doylestown, March 5th and
6th. Officials of the Potato Growers As-
sociation and growers from a number of
south-eastern counties joined in the two
day discussion along with officials and
producers of other cooperative groups
representing poultry and poultry prod-
ucts, milk, fruit, and vegetables.
The conference was appropriately
opened by a warm welcome from Dr. H.
B. Allen, President of the National Farm
School, who was responsible for making
the fine facilities for meeting rooms,
meals, banquets, and dormitory facili-
ties available to those in attendance. The
opening session Thursday morning was
presided over by Loyal D. Odhner, Man-
aging Director of the Pennsylvania
Chain Store Council. Mr. Odhner re-
ferred to the conference as a pioneering
event in the field of Cooperative Mar-
keting.
Roland N. Benjamin, Executive Sec-
retary of the Pennsylvania Farm
Bureau Cooperative, speaking from the
viewpoint of the cooperative movement
outlined in an enlightening address a
number of problems for consideration.
They were as follows:
(1) Need of anticipating problems —
not waiting for them to happen.
(2) A working program of food dis-
tribution.
(3) Elimination of steps in distribu-
tion and profits on all articles we use.
(4) The need of the producer and dis-
tributor getting together around a con-
ference table to work out programs in
fairness to producers, distributors, and
the consumer.
(5) Cooperative selling of Pennsyl-
vania farm products.
Mr. Benjamin referred to the Potato
Growers Marketing Program as a "pilot
plan" for the successful marketing of
other products of Pennsylvania farms.
He stressed the difference between co-
operative groups controlled and oper-
ated by the producer, as contrasted to
pressure groups operating under the
guise of cooperation but working for
selfish interests. He pointed out the
danger of unionizing of farmers by
demagogue leaders, possible bread and
milk lines, and stringent government
regulation if producers and distributors
do not move closer together and solve
these problems.
Earl R. French, National Marketing
Director of the Atlantic Commission
Company, New York stressed the point
that while a "Long Time Program"
must be kept in mind that the immediate
need was a "Short Time Program" of
production and distribution to win the
war. He pointed out that the farmer
was going to have to produce more with
less: less labor, less farm equipment,
etc. Mr. French emphasized the point
that cooperative leaders must solve
many problems for their groups in both
a long time and short time program
and that cooperative marketing must
bend every effort to bridge the gap be-
tween producer and consumer in this
crisis.
Mr. French stated that distribution
was more of a problem than production,
over a long time program. Even in a time
of plenty, with food surplusses, nearly
one third of our people Were under
nourished. That farm products in gen-
eral were poorly processed and that
assembly from small producers was in-
adequate, were problems presented by
Mr. French for consideration. He be-
lieves that the small producer must
be reached in a long time program by
cooperative effort. He further stated
that speculation was not efficient mar-
keting, that a steady flow of supplies in
volume must be a part of any market-
ing program, if it is to succeed.
Mr. French pointed out that factors
in preventing the producer from receiv-
ing his just share of the consumers dol-
lar were:
Multiple handlings.
Circuitious routings.
Delays in service.
(Continued on page 24 )
For Five Million Farms
More than 800,000 tons of potash materials for fertilizer use
left American mines and refineries last year for farming areas
where soil deficiency of potash— an essential plant food— is
limiting crop production. About two-thirds of this tonnage was
in the form of muriate of potash (60-63% K.O). a form highly
concentrated to reduce the Farmer's fertilizer freight bill. Im-
mediately upon the outbreak of war in 1939. the American
Potash Industry began a rapid increase in production capacity.
This expansion program is still continuing to meet the demands
for Increased food production— FOOD /or V/CrORY.
VK
AMERICAN POTASH INSTITUTE
Incorporated
1155 Sixteenth St.. N. W. Washington, D. C.
means
more Crops
12
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
Grower to Grower Exchange
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
FOR RENT: Will lease our Seed Potato
Farms and storage to a responsible
party. Consists of 100 acre farm, 25,000
bushel storage, Caterpillar and Wheel
tractor, 2-row Planter, 2-Row Digger, 2
Cultivators, 22 in. Disk, Harrows, 19 hoe
grain drill, 2 trucks, Hoggs Grader and
Picking Table, 2 Scales, new workshop
and packing shed. 65 acres of rye to plow
down this Spring. Have no help. Son
enlisted in the United States Air Ser-
vice. Write W. D. Finzer & Son, R. F. D.
No. 1, Akeley, Penna.
FOR SALE: One No. 15 Caterpillar Trac-
tor; one 22 inch off -set disc harrow. Both
in good condition. Write W. H. Gregory
Sons, R. F. D. No. 2, Weatherly, Carbon
County, Penna.
FOR SALE: Potato Sprayer. Built on
Mack truck; 35 Royal Bean Pump; ten
row boom; 410 gallon tank. Good condi-
tion. Selling on account of help. Write:
John N. Stoltzfus, R. F. D. No. 1, Parkes-
burg, Penna.
FOR SALE: Bean potato Sprayer; 8
rows for mounting on Cletrac Tractor.
Like new; less than half price. Write R.
E. Weingart, Kent, Ohio.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Belief on te, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
NOT AVAILABLE: Copies of Dr. E. L.
Nixon's book, "The Principles of Potato
Production." It is necessary to refuse all
requests to supply this book at the pres-
ent time, as the first edition is out of
print. Dr. Nixon is now revising this
book, and a new edition will be run in
the near future. When these are avail-
able, we will advertise them in this
column.
AVAILABLE: Standard Association In-
voice and Receipt Books (described in
this issue) for growers packing in the
Association Labeled bags. 30c a set.
Write Association office, Bellefonte, Pa.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neefe, Couders-
port. Potter County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Copies of the New A. B.
Farquhar IRON AGE High Pressure
Sprayer catalogue might be had for the
asking. This new catalogue, just off the
press, is both attractive and informative.
Write today for your copy to: A. B.
Farquhar Company, Limited, York, Pa.
SEED POTATOES FOR SALE: Rural
White Seed Potatoes, Certified and one
year removed from Certified; No. 2's
also; prices reasonable. Write Don
Stearns, Coudersport, Potter County,
Penna.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: John Bean 200
gal. tank, 8 row boom, with 12 horse-
power Leroi engine, 4 cylinder. Ready
to go to work. Write John H. Richtcr,
Benvenue Farm, Duncannon, Penna.
FOR SALE: Water storage tanks for
spraying 7' x 6', with 2" staves, used in
distilling wood alcohol. $20.00 each. Cost
new, $85.00. Write Don Stearns, Coud-
ersport, Potter County, Penna.
FOR SALE: Two International T
Twenty Crawlers, Three Farmall
Twenties, Two Farmall Thirties, All
Blue Ribbon guaranteed. One Cletrac,
in good condition. New and used tractor
cultivators; Two John Bean Rubber rvuu
Power graders, less motor; One Rubber
Roll Picking table; used sprayers of
various makes; Parts and Service. J.
Jacobsen & Son, Phone 54-R Girard,
Erie County, Pa.
Two men were discussing the reasons
for success and failure.
"A good deal depends upon the for-
mation of early habits,*' said one.
"I know that," replied the other.
''When I was a baby my mother hired
a woman to wheel me about, and 1 have
been pushed for money ever since."
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
i
X
PACKING
POTATOES
PROPERLY
Suggests
Hammond Betterbags
To
Pennsylvania
Potato
Producers
k
for
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
Hammond Betterbags
PROVIDE A PACKAGE
You Can Be Proud to Market
and
Your Customer Can Be
Proud to Buy
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
POTATOES ABE
ESSENTIAL!
Both inexperienced and trained
farm labor is scarce. Potato grow-
ers will cooperate and fully meet
their responsibility by varying
standard practices and utilizing
all available help. They will plant
in season and with confidence that
labor from some source, whether
rural, town, or city, because of
patriotic motives, will be at hand
for the peak digging and storing
period.
APPROVED \
You will want to make every
acre produce its utmost. Demon-
strations conducted in numerous
field tests prove — certified seed,
that has passed rigid inspections,
direct from the producing areas of
Maine and Michigan with their
cool soils and climate, will play an
important part to insure maxi-
mum yields with minimum grad-
ing waste.
Dougherty Seed Growers
WILLIAMSPORT PENNA.
A Goal Has Been Set
To Build
YOUR MEMBEBSHIP
A strong cooperative is essential
in this period of National crisis.
The war cannot be won by in-
dividuals alone; it must be won by
large numbers cooperating in con-
certed action.
The future success of the Penn-
sylvania Potato Industry and its
individual members, and the solu-
tion of the many problems that
will face it and you during this
critical period needs the coopera-
tion and support of you and the
thousands of other growers
throughout the State.
YOU MUST HELP TO
BUILD YOUR ASSOCIATION'S
STRENGTH
CONTRIBUTE A MEMBER—
That neighbor who holds
no membership —
TODAY
USE THE ENCLOSED BLANK
Do Your Share — In
Budding For Your
Strength
DIRECTOR HUGH McPHERSON
LIKES PACKING PECKS
When the season is closed. Director
Hugh C. McPherson, of Maple Lawn
Farms, Bridgeton, will have packed
many thousands of fine quality Blue
Label pecks. Here he is, pictured beside
a pile of Quality potatoes, ready for de-
livery into the Baltimore market.
POTATO FERTILIZATION
IN 1942
(Continued from page 9 )
well, or perhaps better, with less nitro-
gen than they have been using. Many
of our experiments showed that a 1-3-3
ratio, as in a 4-12-12 produced less top
to keep covered with spray, but a larger
crop of tubers, than a 1-2-2 ratio, such
as a 4-8-8. If excessive vine growth is
the rule, a 1-4-4, such as a 3-12-12, may
be all right. With 12 per cent of phos-
phate and potash instead of 8 per cent,
the amount per acre can be cut one-
third. For early potatoes and less pro-
ductive soils the 1-2-2 ratio is probably
all right.
With labor and seed high it is not a
good time to cut down on the amount of
plant food applied unless its cost goes
up radically. The latest government
regulation calls for no increases in price
for the next 60 days.
(Continued on page 22)
,f.
♦
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
TMiS
and a SPRAYER Too
• Breakdowns, clogged nozzles, un-
even ground do not interfere with
row crop spraying when you do it
with a Hardie. New adjustable steel
axle, sensational new booms, pressure
line strainer and other improvements
feature the new Hardie line of row
sprayers in many models for spraying
2 to 12 rows. Write for catalog. The
Hardie Mfg. Company, Hudson, Mich.
The ONLY Spray Pump that is
COMPLETELY LUBRICATED
^^^^^^^^ ^
^_,
^^!^$^S55«S?.
for BIGGER
PROFITS
on Potatoes
EUREKA POTATO MACHINES lower the co«t per acre in pouto growing.
S»ve time. Save labor. Increase yields. Make more money for you and Tree you
from the hardest work. They're modem, improved, dependable machines, built
rif ht to fit each job, and used by succeMful pouto growers for over a quarter
oentury.
Tmtmim Catter om ■•• mMhia* . Opn«
Cato uniform Mcd. O^ fan**. dro|M Mad, ••••
•talaa mih boib baada (amiuar. if dcauad. c«t-
fr«a for faaduif. are aad aurii nail r««—
all la •■• opanuoa.
midUatfMaleh»rorWe«4er Potato Dltfer
•raaka cniau. nulcbaa aoil. aad kiUa weed* F aaoui (or geibnn all ih« Doialoaa,
«beo pouio crop i* youaf aad trader. 1 1 aad arparauaf aod •uodu>|; hard uaa.
12 h. aura. Maoy olkar Maa, with or witlival Wiih or wichuul cogine aiuihaasl
tttijiag aitacluBaal. or tractor anachaaai.
Send for free Catalog $koti>ing all uiaiTaanrsu"^
the Eureka Machine*. Write today. »» •^'"» Mach.oaa.
AU Bacbiaaa ta riCKk
Sprayers
Tractioa or Vwn. !••
•aro Uia crop. Suca, 4,
6 or Mora row*. 60 w
ISO galloa uaka. AU
aiylaa of boona.
Also the
COCKSHUTT
DISC PLOW
and the
BABCOCK
WEED HOG
Eureka
Mower Co.
UTICA. N. Y.
16
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
THE POST-WAR
FARMER AND BUSINESS
(Continued from page 5 )
you have to offer. But unless they know
what you have, where it is and how it
can be gotten, you cannot profit from
this demand. Somehow, individual
growers must be turned into exper-
ienced salesmen over night. It's a big
job. But certain it is, that it is just as
necessary for the farmer to use modern
salesmanship for profitable operations as
it is the manufacturer in the city.
Seven million farmers cannot be turn-
ed into good salesmen in a short time.
Many of them cannot be trained in a
lifetime. But that is where your Associa-
tion comes in. And here again, we have
cooperation. Your Association can create
markets for you and can sustain those
markets as long as you cooperate with
it. And by cooperation, I do not mean
simply buying goods at wholesale prices
so that you can profit by the savings. I
mean cooperation in good farm manage-
ment so that your labor hours produce
more than they ever have before; I mean
producing high quality potatoes with
high yields, packed and prepared for
market so that your Association can,
from that point on, exercise good busi-
ness management and sell them under
favorable price conditions. Nor do I
mean, shopping around on your own to
find some little independent buyer who
might offer you a few cents more per
bushel for your potatoes. Cooperation
cannot work one day and be cast aside
the next. It must be continuous; it must
be honest and loyal and vigorous.
While my particular and personal in-
terest is the advertising of farm prod-
ucts, I must impress upon you that
advertising is only one small part of this
cooperative cycle. True, it is the most
practical and economical means of draw-
ing buyers to the products you have to
sell. But advertising will not sell pota-
toes. You, or someone representing you
must do the selling. Advertising will
make the selling easier and will save
you endless time in finding the buyers
that you want and in putting them in the
proper frame of mind to buy your prod-
ucts. There must also be machinery for
getting your potatoes to market, for dis-
tributing them economically over a
range of markets, for actually taking
orders from the ultimate buyer. Put all
of these things together and you have a
cooperative sales campaign that will do
what must be done in this state — name-
ly, to supplant most of the ten million
bushels of potatoes that are imported
into Pennsylvania and to assure you a
fair return on your productive efforts.
But in your desire to make a profit, all
important as that is, don't lose sight of
the responsibilities that are involved in
these tasks. In the old days if you fell
down on your job, none suffered but
yourself. But now there is much more at
stake than that. If you fail in your job,
you spoil the efforts of many individuals
dependent upon you. You nullify the
work of those who prepare your potatoes
for market, you make my job of adver-
tising so that new markets are created
of no avail. You bring hardship on every
individual involved in making the im-
plements that you use, the fertilizer, the
bags, the seed, in fact every item on your
farm and in your home. And you place
the consumer in the dangerous position
of shortage. You must realize that this
cooperative cycle is utterly dependent
for its success upon the individual suc-
cess of everyone involved in it. You can-
not be prosperous if industry wanes. You
cannot be well fed if the consumer is
poor. Nor can industry thrive if you fall
down on the job and the consumer is
in a hazardous position the moment you
fail.
Does it not seem then that the most
practical step toward these new and
impelling obligations is an all out
support of your Association. Every prac-
tical and intelligent potato grower in
the state should be a member of this
Association. The stronger it is, the better
it can function for each of its members.
If it were twice its size it would have
the power to create favorable sales
situations for you, to take over the busi-
ness details of your operations so that
every individual dependent upon you
could count on your success with surety.
If you would ask me how to advertise
potatoes, I think I would suggest that
you do not advertise them at all — at this
time. I would much rather see you build
your Association to a powerful group
that represents majority interests in the
state. That is a big job. It will take time
and money. It cannot be done casually
but must be planned just as carefully as
you would plan your sales campaign.
But if it were accomplished, you would
be strong and powerful — not strong to
(Continued on page 20)
J,
),
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Our art and research departments (a gratis service
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18
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued jrom page 7 )
"Offers to young refugees fleeing the
chaos of Europe, new hope for useful
lives as tillers of the soil."
"Contributes to our first line of de-
fense through its program of training in
the operation and maintenance of mod-
ern machinery and in the production of
agricultural commodities so vital to the
nation's economy."
Here are a couple of National Farm
School slogans: "TO FARM IS TO
ARM!" **THE NATIONAL FARM
SCHOOL PREPARES YOUNG MEN TO
SERVE ON AMERICA'S FARM
FRONT."
WINDING UP THE 1941-42
MARKETING SEASON: As of March 1,
potato supplies yet on hand with the
growers were becoming light in many
southern counties. This is as it should be.
Unless very good storage for holding
stock for later marketing \yas at hand
growers were wise in keeping the flow
to market steady, during recent months.
A number of counties or producing
areas to the north still had considerable
tonnage to move. With wider market
outlet for this stock, due to other areas
cleaning up, there should be no need for
alarm on the part of these growers.
Prices have held fairly steady with a
tendency to weaken rather than
strengthen during past weeks. Growers
throughout the state should bear in mind
that a good reputation gained by good
grading and packing early in the season
can be injured by packing poor condi-
tioned stock from here out. Spongy or
badly sprouted stock should not go in
Blue Label bags. Let's make sure we
leave a good taste in the mouth of the
buyers and the consumers by keeping up
the quality right down to the last bag.
VIRGINIA LOOKS TO HARVEST
LABOR PROBLEMS: During the last
war Boy Scouts were sent from Norfolk,
Virginia to assist in the potato harvest
on Eastern Shore. The boys according to
reports did very well at the job.
Virginia producers are already taking
steps to solve the labor problem for the
coming harvest. Patriotic men, women,
and children have been urged to register
with the local employment office at Nor-
folk to assist in the harvest work. Hous-
ing facilities are being arranged by the
Farm Security Administration to alle-
viate the housing situation and prevent
exploiting of workers by high rent
chargers.
Thousands of Pennsylvania folks who
have not heretofore participated in the
potato harvest will, I am sure, gladly roll
up their sleeves and face down the pota-
to rows next fall to do their part in their
Nation's greatest emergency. We must
not, we will not fail to do our part.
ALABAMA AND LOUISIANA EX-
PERIENCE WET PLANTING SEASON:
Reports dated February 27th. are to the
effect that both Alabama and Lousiana
growers are going through one of those
unusual wet periods at planting time.
More than three fourths of the seed was
in the ground at this date, still growers
are questioning if this is for good or bad.
With around six inches of rain in the
past two weeks much of this seed may
rot, especially in the low areas. Some
are estimating the loss may be as high
as 20% or more.
I am sure that hundreds of Pennsyl-
vania growers well know what six
inches of rain would do to seed under
Pennsylvania conditions especially if it
came immediately after planting. This
is one good reason why hundreds of our
growers on heavier soils have turned to
the use of good whole seed so long as it
can be had.
ORDERING SEED BAGS: Growers
planning on ordering Association paper
bags for packing and shipping seed
should figure out their needs and place
their orders considerably in advance of
use. Trucking and shipping deliveries
are becoming increasingly uncertain,
due to war priorities.
A number of growers have already
ordered bags for seed and indications
point to a good number more before the
season is over. Do it the easy way, and
avoid delay, order now.
HINTS ON SAVING TIRES: There is
no use kidding ourselves, the present
tires will not last for ever. The situation
will with out question get worse before
it gets any better. How much worse no
one can tell. Why not get on the safe
side and start now to do all you can to
better your own situation, by saving
your tires. And you come back of course
and say. How?
Set a lower maximum speed at which
you will drive and see that your hired
men adhere to it too.
Set a still lower speed for curves as
taking curves at high speed increases the
wear on tires four fold.
Avoid sudden stopping. Start stopping
good distances from intersections.
(Continued on page 20)
{'
\
I
18
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued jrom page 7 )
"Offers to young refugees fleeing the
chaos of Europe, new hope for useful
lives as tillers of the soil."
"Contributes to our first line of de-
fense through its program of training in
the operation and maintenance of mod-
ern machinery and in the production of
agricultural commodities so vital to the
nation's economy."
Here are a couple of National Farm
School slogans: "TO FARM IS TO
ARM!" **THE NATIONAL FARM
SCHOOL PREPARES YOUNG MEN TO
SERVE ON AMERICA'S FARM
FRONT."
WINDING UP THE 1941-42
MARKETING SEASON: As of March 1,
potato supplies yet on hand with the
growers were becoming light in many
southern counties. This is as it should be.
Unless very good storage for holding
stock for later marketing was at hand
growers were wise in keeping the flow
to market steady, during recent months.
A number of counties or producing
areas to the north still had considerable
tonnage to move. With wider market
outlet for this stock, due to other areas
cleaning up, there should be no need for
alarm on the part of these growers.
Prices have held fairly steady with a
tendency to weaken rather than
strengthen during past weeks. Growers
throughout the state should bear in mind
that a good reputation gained by good
grading and packing early in the season
can be injured by packing poor condi-
tioned stock from here out. Spongy or
badly sprouted stock should not go in
Blue Label bags. Let's make sure we
leave a good taste in the mouth of the
buyers and the consumers by keeping up
the quality right down to the last bag.
VIRGINIA LOOKS TO HARVEST
LABOR PROBLEMS: During the last
war Boy Scouts were sent from Norfolk,
Virginia to assist in the potato harvest
on Eastern Shore. The boys according to
reports did very well at the job.
Virginia producers are already taking
steps to solve the labor problem for the
coming harvest. Patriotic men, women,
and children have been urged to register
with the local employment office at Nor-
folk to assist in the harvest work. Hous-
ing facilities are being arranged by the
Farm Security Administration to alle-
viate the housing situation and prevent
exploiting of workers by high rent
chargers.
Thousands of Pennsylvania folks who
have not heretofore participated in the
potato harvest will, I am sure, gladly roll
up their sleeves and face down the pota-
to rows next fall to do their part in their
Nation's greatest emergency. We must
not, we will not fail to do our part.
ALABAMA AND LOUISIANA EX-
PERIENCE WET PLANTING SEASON:
Reports dated February 27th. are to the
effect that both Alabama and Lousiana
growers are going through one of those
unusual wet periods at planting time.
More than three fourths of the seed was
in the ground at this date, still growers
are questioning if this is for good or bad.
With around six inches of rain in the
past two weeks much of this seed may
rot, especially in the low areas. Some
are estimating the loss may be as high
as 20% or more.
I am sure that hundreds of Pennsyl-
vania growers well know what six
inches of rain would do to seed under
Pennsylvania conditions especially if it
came immediately after planting. This
is one good reason why hundreds of our
growers on heavier soils have turned to
the use of good whole seed so long as it
can be had.
ORDERING SEED BAGS: Growers
planning on ordering Association paper
bags for packing and shipping seed
should flgure out their needs and place
their orders considerably in advance of
use. Trucking and shipping deliveries
are becoming increasingly uncertain,
due to war priorities.
A number of growers have already
ordered bags for seed and indications
point to a good number more before the
season is over. Do it the easy way, and
avoid delay, order now.
HINTS ON SAVING TIRES: There is
no use kidding ourselves, the present
tires will not last for ever. The situation
will with out question get worse before
it gets any better. How much worse no
one can tell. Why not get on the safe
side and start now to do all you can to
better your own situation, by saving
your tires. And you come back of course
and say, How?
Set a lower maximum speed at which
you will drive and see that your hired
men adhere to it too.
Set a still lower speed for curves as
taking curves at high speed increases the
wear on tires four fold.
Avoid sudden stopping. Start stopping
good distances from intersections.
(Continued on page 20)
i
I I _—
THE COCKSHUTT "31" PLOW
Potato growers
say it costs less to
use the "31." It
"takes" the hard
knocks in stride.
Builds the seed
bed DEEP —
down to 16" if de-
sired. Holds more
moisture against
critical dry days.
COCKSHUTT disc plows with from two to six discs, carried in
Pennsylvania warehouse with complete repair service.
Write for folder and prices.
Eureka Mower Co., Utica, N •¥
Duane H. Nash, Dist. Representative
Haddonfield, New Jersey
When you discover how much more you can put into your job you'll b^
surprised to see how much more you are getting out of it.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock St.
Philadelphia
Lombard 1000
POTTER COUNTY
DISEASE FREE PRODUCTIVE SEED POTATOES
White Rurals Houma
Russet Rurals Katahdin
Pennigan Chippewa
Potter County Foundation Seed Potato Growers
Association
Robert Bar net t« Coudersport, President
Letha Roberts, Coudersport, Secretary-Treasurer
20
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
March, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
21
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS
(Continued from page 18)
Avoid rapid starting. Kicking up the
dirt so to speak.
Keep tires inflated to required pres-
sure. Check them more often than usual.
Avoid rough, craggy, or otherwise
dangerous roads where possible.
THE NEW RECEIPT AND INVOICE
BOOKS, A BIG HELP: The new uni-
form receipt and invoice books of the
Association are proving a great help in
keeping deliveries and records straight.
They are meeting with wide approval
by both the grower and the buyer. These
books are available through the Associa-
tion office at a nominal cost. Growers or
shippers who still have stock to move
should put this system in operation at
once.
TOM, DICK, AND HARRY IN THE
SEED BUSINESS: It appears that al-
most every Tom, Dick, and Harry so to
speak is in the seed potato business this
year. There is plenty of room for good
honest legitimate seed dealers in the
seed game but certainly all of those
posing as such are not of the same color.
Nor is the fact that a dealer is handling
certified seed enough to prove his hon-
esty.
The problem of where, or from whom
to buy seed becomes increasingly diffi-
cult under such conditions. If I were the
grower I would either stick to an agency
that has Droved reliable in past seasons,
or investigate any new agency or dealer
who might tempt me on the following
points:
1. Is the seed I am offered from a
proven seed growing source?
2. What assurance have I that it has
been grown as represented?
3. Is the integrity of the grower or
dealer good?
4. Are the erower and dealer depend-
able? Will thev deliver as promised or
will there be delavs?
5. Does the erower or dealer give any
guarantee with his product?
6. What has been the productive rec-
ord by other Pennsylvania growers with
this seed during past years?
TIME TO DO A FEW ODD JOBS:
Keep checking your potato equip-
ment, making repairs and ordering
parts.
Haul out those rotten potatoes around
the storage.
Take a hike out over your fields to
look things over.
Check your tile drain outlets.
If you are still packing, keep the Blue
Labels rolling.
AVAILABILITY OF FERTILIZERS:
I was informed by a reliable source to-
day that double and triple strength fer-
tilizers will be more difficult to secure
this season and more expensive than
heretofore due to the lack of the more
concentrated carriers — for example
superphosphate.
Present indications are that there will
be no actual shortage of fertilizer for
the potato grower for the coming crop.
Growers however, should place their
orders early in view of dealers having
difficulty securing certain ingredients,
and in view of trucking and shipping de-
lays.
CAUSES OF POOR STANDS: Head-
ing the list of all causes of poor stands
is, POOR SEED. A poor stand is a handi-
cap that cannot be overcome after the
season is under way. Good Seed planted
in a properly prepared seed bed full of
humus, followed by timely spraying and
cultivalion leads to a good potato crop
that can be capped off with profitable
marketing, in Blue Labels of course.
THE POST-WAR
FARMER AND BUSINESS
(Continued from page 16)
bully your way along, but strong in your
ability to cooperate with other people
and other groups so that your position
in the general scheme of things would
be permanent, equitable and profitable.
If you will look upon your problems for
the coming year with this broader vision,
with the knowledge that you are a
vitally necessary part of a program
whose ultimate success depends upon
you, you will then have taken the first
step toward a cooperative policy that
will bring prosperity to you as an in-
dividual and as a member of this Asso-
ciation.
for Lower Grades
in Pittsburgh
DOBBINS BROTHERS
2014 Pike St.
Today's 1 Need
-BETTER FOOD AND PLENTY OF IT
GOOD food and plenty of it — that is the foundation of national
defense. That is why food and nutrition are first-page news
. . . why you hear so much talk about vitamins and minerals and
nutritive values. And where do minerals and vitamins and all good
nourishment come from.^ From well-fed crops •— nowhere else.
Cash in on today's opportunity . . . get higher acre yields of top-
quality crops . . . use Agrico, the Nation's Leading Fertilizer, and
enough of it to do a real job. Leading growers everywhere have
proved by actual crop tests that Agrico has the EXTRA plant-
feeding efficiency which means top yields and top quality.
Why Agrico Is Today's #1 Value
There's an Agrico specially formulated
for each crop and each principal crop-
producing section. Each hrand of Ag-
rico supplies all the needed plant-food
elements in just the right form and
in the proper balance. By soil and crop
tests, Agrico is kept abreast of the
changing needs of the changing soil.
Use Agrico under your own crops . . .
see for yourself the profitable differ-
ence it makes in yield, quality and
extra cash income.
Agrico is Manufactured ONLY by
The AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL Co.
Baltimore, Md. Buffalo, N.Y.
Carteret, N. J.
THERE'S A BRAND OF AGRICO FOR EACH CROP
AGRICO
THE NATION'S LEADING
FERTILIZER
I
I
22
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
USE GOOD SEED
When you plant, be sure of your seed.
Much good seed is produced in Pennsyl-
vania. The above is a field of Chippewas,
in blossom, on the farm of Thos. J. Neefe,
Coudersport, who grows line seed.
W. O. Strong Appointed
Dean of Agriculture
At National Farm School
Individuals and organizations that
have long followed the progress of The
National Farm School in Bucks Co., Pa.,
where city boys are taught to be practi-
cal farmers, will be interested to learn
of the appointment to its Faculty, as
Dean of Agriculture, of William O.
Strong. The announcement of Mr.
Strong's appointment has just been
made by the President of the School, Dr.
H. B. Allen.
The new Dean of Agriculture, suc-
ceeding C. L. Goodling, who recently
resigned after fourteen years of service,
brings to his new position a broad back-
ground of experience in practical farm-
ing and agricultural education. A gradu-
ate of Cornell University, Mr. Strong
successively taught agriculture in New
York State, managed a large commercial
farm in Virginia and taught vocational
agriculture and farm shop under the
Smith- Hughes Act. Following these ap-
pointments, he served as Superintendent
of the Eastern Shore Branch of the Vir-
ginia Truck Ebcperiment Station for 16
years and during the same period, by
popular demand of the farmers of Ac-
comac County, held the post of County
Agent. Recently Mr. Strong has been
associated with the Farm Security Ad-
ministration as program analyist for
Region I which includes the eleven
Northeastern States.
POTATO FERTILIZATION
IN 1942
(Continued from page 14)
The fact that sulphate of ammonia is
to be the main source of nitrogen is
probably nothing to worry about. It has
been the cheapest and consequently one
of the main sources for years. If the soil
is not too sour it seems perfectly satis-
factory, and where fertility is fair there
is little need for the more slowly avail-
able organic nitrogen. Sulphate may al-
so help to reduce scab through render-
ing the soil in the row a little more acid,
and consequently less favorable for scab
development. If, however, the soil is
already at or above the neutral point,
as in a field where alfalfa is growing,
the use of an "acid" fertilizer may in-
crease scab since the scab organism does
not develop best in either very sweet
or very sour soils. Most companies
make both "acid" fertilizers and those
to which limestone is added to render
them "basic," "neutral" or "non-acid
forming." The latter will probably be
best on very sour soils and on land at or
above the neutral point from both the
standpoint of yield and scab.
To get the best yield fertilizer should
be applied with a planter which puts
it in bands at the sides of, but not in con-
tact with, the seed. A new development
is the "high-low" idea which places the
band on one side at about the seed level
and the one on the other side about as
deep as one can get it. The idea is that
the high band helps the crop to a good
start and the low band is down where
the moisture supply is more constant
and adequate and will stimulate deeper
rooting and better growth in dry
weather. Some tests have been shown
attractive increases in yield from this
system which often can be easily adopt-
ed by adjusting the opening disks to
different depths.
Some experiments have been con-
ducted on plowing down potash and
nitrogen. Last year the plowed down
potash seemed to increase yields as
extra potash often does in a dry fall.
With the fertilizer situation as it is,
however, with short nitrogen and no
potash to waste, it might be wise to con-
tinue to experiment but to go on with
what we know until something better
is thoroughly proven. This also means
planting potatoes only on land which
we know will produce a good yield, put-
ting in no more than we can put in
right and take care of properly.
I
Certified
KATAHDINS
k
J
"BLUE TAG" BRAND
Clean Field Readings
College Inspected
Florida Tested
BEST SEED
BEST BUY
Write us for prices
NEW YORK COOP. SEED POTATO ASSN.. INC.
GEORGETOWN
NEW YORK
24
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
'/
Hi
I
SYMPOSIUM ON MARKETING
AND WAR-TIME MACHINERY
CLINIC
(Continued from page 10)
Consideration of terminal markets.
Waste, rot, and decay.
Extra cartages, or deliveries.
To prove this point he showed that
whereas, the average return of the con-
sumers' dollar to the producer of all
fruits and vegetables marketed in the
United States was less than 35%; the re-
turn to Pennsylvania potato growers in
central Pennsylvania through their As-
sociation Marketing Program on direct
store door delivery was 86%.
In discussing a short time program
Mr. French declared that the issue is
clear, the contest certain, that the con-
flict is on the home front as well as at
the battle front. He stated that food for
ourselves and our allies is essential —
that an army of seven to ten million may
be necessary before the conflict is won —
that war supplies for ourselves and al-
lies must be provided — that a two ocean
navy must be built— that Washington,
Main Street, Coal Hill, Steel Way, Grain
Lane, Live Stock Yard, Potato Road,
and all the rest must join in one great
effort for all out war. Our homes,
friends, country, liberty, and all that we
hold dear are at stake. We need action
now, the job must be done, and done
with all our might.
Other speakers appearing on the two
day program included: H. C. Fetterolf,
Chief of Agricultural Education, Penn-
sylvania State Department of Public In-
struction; C. A. Bogar, General Manager
Lehigh Valley Cooperative Farmers;
Honorable John H. Light, Pennsylvania
Secretary of Agriculture; Dr. E. L. Nix-
on, Agricultural Counsellor, Pennsyl-
vania Chain Store Council; P. Daniel
Frantz, President Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers Association;
W. T. Spaulding, Manager Hazelton
Farmers Dairy Cooperative; Noah Her-
shey, President Coatesville Producers
Cooperative Exchange; Samuel L. Alt-
house, Associate Editor, American Poul-
try Journal; Joseph C. Trainer, Chair-
man Industrial Relations Committee the
Philopatrian Institute, Philadelphia; W.
O. Strong, Dean of Agriculture, National
Farm School; C. W. Waddington, Atlan-
tic Commission Company, Philadelphia;
H. D. Williamson, American Stores
Company, Philadelphia; and Merton L.
Corey, A. & P. Tea Company, New
York City. Others contributed timely
discussion contributing to the success of
the conference. We regret that space
will not permit us to cover a number of
other fine contributions from those
listed above, in this issue. We will con-
tinue the reports in a future issue of the
Guide Post.
Machinery Repair Clinic
Both floors of the large Farm Ma-
chinery Building of the Farm School
were turned over each afternoon for
use in connection with this phase of the
two day program, along with various
units of equipment such as sprayers,
tractors, cultivators, etc.
A. C. Ramseyer, Smithville, Ohio who
has fostered similar meetings, acted as
general chairman introducing various
subjects for discussion and the expert
men in the field of construction, repair
and adjustment of farm machinery, who
handled the technical explanation and
demonstration of doing the various jobs.
Included in this group were: Abner
Troyer, Smithville, Ohio; William Rob-
erts, Coudersport, Pa.; J. M. Snyder,
Neffs, Pa.; Frank Antonioli and Norman
Meyers, National Farm School; Am-
mond Stauffer, Martindale, Lancaster
County; and W. W. Tranter, A. B. Far-
quar Company, York, Pa. Professor R.
U. Blasingame, Agricultural Engineer-
ing Department, Pennsylvania State
College, joined the clinic on Friday
afternoon and in his masterful way,
gave valuable assistance in directing the
discussion and program.
Mr. Ramseyer in opening the clinic
Thursday afternoon emphasized that
there was a need for such meetings both
in peace and in war times. With the war
upon us it is all the more important for
farmers, and especially potato growers,
to learn the steps or means of construc-
ting, repairing and adjusting available
equipment for production, grading and
marketing. The availability of new
equipment, he pointed out, will be
limited and the repair of present equip-
ment will save greatly in materials.
Mr. Tranter, of the A. B. Farquar Co.,
discussed the care of sprayers, particu-
larly the spray pump. A full presenta-
tion of his discussion will appear in the
April issue of the Guide Post.
Mr. Troyer explained how to build up
the planter picker release arm so as to
insure accurate dropping of seed in
planting, the building up of the planter
shoe to insure depth of planting, and
(Continued on page 26)
^«fV
\
rCjjjssfaBkfi'
IS TO KEEP
AMERICANS
WELL-FED!
lef DAVCO GRANULATED
help you get greater yields!
Uncle Sam is depending upon you to force
bigger potato crops from your land with the
most efficient fertilizer you can buy. That's
where high-analysis Davco Granulated scores
heavily over low-analysis types. For Davco
Granulated drills easily and distributes
evenly — produces the higher yields of vitally
important potato crops that America needs.
It's granulated — no dust or waste.
Use Davco Granulated 4-8-8 or 5-10-10 to
produce a Victory potato crop! Ask your
agent TODAY.
BE WISE. . . take deliveries early! Your agent
has been requested to order in capacity
carloads. Please cooperate with him.
DAVCO
u/ta^n4<£atecC
•^ FERTILIZE
a product of
THE DAVISON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
BALTIMORE
MARYLAND
26
THE GUIDE POST
March, 1942
li
SYMPOSIUM ON MARKETING
AND WAR-TIME MACHINERY
CLINIC
(Continued from page 24)
welding of new points and cutting edges
to the plow point which, he stated,
could be done at one half the cost of new
points with a big saving in steel.
Mr. Roberts showed how the digger
points could be rebuilt at a cost not ex-
ceeding $3.00 as against the cost of new
points at $7.00 to $8.00, rebuilding of
digger web rollers, rebuilding of plow
points, and repair or adjustment of drive
shafts.
Mr. Antonioli demonstrated a product
known as "Lingerwett" made by the
Wilson Imperial Co., Newark, N. J., for
removing paint, grease and particularly
Bordeaux where new painting is to be
done. The product sells for $1.25 per gal-
lon, with a quart being enough to do
the job of cleaning up the sprayer for
the new paint job. For 25 cents you can
save 16 hours of hard scraping, accord-
ing to Mr. Antonioli.
Many other items came in for dis-
cussion including the use of direct power
take-off for truck sprayers, spray boom
adjustment time savers, etc.
All those in attendance, including
Farm School students, a group of 40
Future Farmers from near by Bucks
and Montgomery County, and farmers
from 14 counties of South Eastern Penn-
sylvania were intensely interested in
the program. But for the wear and tear
on tires, it is likely that hundreds more
would have been in attendance.
SEASON'S MARKETING TO
SHOW REAL SUCCESS
AND ENORMOUS GROWTH
With the Pennsylvania potato crop
now almost moved to market with prob-
ably less than a sixth of supplies yet to
be delivered, we are ready to write off
the season as the most successful in your
Association's history. Records show a
tremendous increase in the number of
markets served, in the number of
growers who enjoyed the benefits of the
Association sales effort, and in the num-
ber of potatoes used by all buyers over
previous seasons. It shows a substantial
increase in the number of Counties
which participated in the Association
activity, and increase in the use of the
consumer package over the bulk pack-
age, and an enormous increase in direct
delivery, which brought the grower in
direct contact with the produce men
handUng the potatoes for the consumer,
and netted the grower a premium for his
direct delivery service. Many of the suc-
cesses of the present marketing season
are almost intangible, but mean a world
of encouragement in this great move-
ment. The feeling of certam, once an-
tagonistic potential purchasers has alter-
ed. They recognize the Pennsylvania
Trade-Marked pack with a respect never
enjoyed in previous seasons; this list
grew steadily throughout the season.
Other purchasers, somewhat luke-warm
in the past to exclusive use of the Penn-
sylvania potatoes have all but admitted
that the Blue Label pack does compete
most favorably.
The idea of moving the clocks ahead
an hour in war time is to get us all up
earlier to get ahead of the Rising Sun.
When high speed planting "bottlenecks" your seed cutting-
use a
Trexler Power Seed Potato Cutter
/ //
"Better'an hand cuttin
ALBERT E. TREXLER
Phone: KrumsviUe 36-12 Troxlor, Pa.
CAN YOU MAKE THE GRADE?
You con if you Use a Bean Rubber Spool Grader
You Can Help
DEFENSE AND HELP YOURSELF
3 Capacity Sizes of Bean Graders
YOU DON'T LIKE BRUISING
YOU DON'T LIKE CUTTING
YOU DON'T LIKE INACCURACY
IN YOUR POTATO GRADING.
YOU DON^T GET IT
WITH A BEAN RUBBER SPOOL
The most efficient Potato Grader made
Our Catalog Shows Your Way to Profit
John Bean Mfg. Co
LANSING
MICHIGAN
— mJ"
« . . . the Band-Way method of applying fer-
tilizer is far superior ..." says Joseph Taylor
Two Iron Age users get to-
gether! Growers Joseph Taylor
and W. C. Smith, his neighbor,
who bought an Iron Age
planter out of the first carload
to be shipped to his territory.
.J,**-"*-
Joseph L. Taylor, of Horsey, Virginia,
has 200 acres under cultivation — and plants
90 of them in potatoes. In the 28 years he
has been farming he's used Iron Age plant-
ing equipment continuously . . . and just
last year purchased a new, two-row Hi-
Speed planter (like the one shown here).
Grower Taylor's enthusiasm for Iron Age
can best be supported by his own words. *T
am very much pleased with the
accuracy, easy handling, lack of
seed injury ... the covering
gang gives a good list and the
belt feed fertilizer attachment
is superior to any I have seen or
used." Mr. Taylor goes on to say
that he thinks the Band-Way
method of applying fertilizer is
far better than any method he
has ever tried.
"The Hi-Lo method, which I
tried last year, showed up well
both in spring and fall crops — I
expect to continue Hi-Lo in the
future," he states.
Mr. Taylor's experience with
Iron Age is just one of hundreds
that money potato growers
throughout the country experi-
ence all the time. Make crops
pay, plant the Iron Age way.
Iron Age Hi-Speed Planter, with 16 Picker Arms
A. B. FARQUHAR, CO., Limited, 111 Duke St
YORK. PA.
%
I
■{
f) m ») vj'-A
NUMBER 4
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY
IHE PENNSYLVANIA bUlE COLLEGE
"PENN SPUD" Says-
Food Will Help Win
The War !
On Your Home
Tront", PRODUCE
To Do Your Part!
APRIL « » 1942
PaJflidkea Im tke
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
Consider what ihis combination of a high-
speed coniacl insecticide^ a stomach poison,
and a potverful fungicide can do for you.
Care and Repair of the Sprayer
W. W. Tranter, Chief Engineer, A. B. Farquhar Co., Ltd.
THERE is a trend among potato
growers toward the use of
faster acting insecticides. Lethane
CO and rotenone, acting together
as a contact insecticide, give a
QUICK kill of Colorado Potato
Beetle — prevent most of the dam-
age. This combination controls
not only the larval form, but also
a good percentage of the adult
beetles, thus striking at the source
of reinfestation.
The residue of rotenone on the
plants acts as a stomach poison. It
controls beetles and larvae not hit
by the dust or spray, and larvae
which hatch soon after the ap-
plication.
Lethane 60 and rotenone also
control apliids, leaf hoppers, flea
beetles, psyllids. Most potato pro-
ducing areas now have to contend
with one or more of these insects,
which are controlled by a good
contact insecticide.
The damage insects do by feed-
ing on the plants is not the whole
story, however. Plant disease or-
ganisms enter the plant through
the wounds insects make in the
foliage. Insects also act as car-
riers of certain plant diseases.
Control the insects with HIGH-
SPEED LETHANE-rotenone, and
you retard or prevent the spread
of diseases.
Lethane 60 is a synthetic con-
tact insecticide. As a source of in-
sect killing power, it is cheaper
than botanicals such as derris,
cube, etc. Combining it with a
reduced amount of rotenone gives
you finished dusts and sprays
w ith :
• Faster Insect Kill.
• Higher Percentage KilL
• Lower Cost.
Lethane 60 is not dependent
on imported raw materials. By
using it your supplier gives you
better insecticides and conserves
the limited derris stocks.
For control of early and late
blights. Yellow CuPROClDE is in-
corporated in the dust or added
by you to the spray tank. See
CuPROCiDE bulletin 18 for the
complete advantages of this fungi-
cide which has won such tremen-
dous acceptance.
Lethane 60-rotenone may be
used for insect control without the
CuPROCiDE. And CupROCiDE may
be combined with arsenicals or
applied alone as a straight fungi-
cide dust or spray. But for maxi-
mum protection to your crop this
season, use the triple combina-
tion: Lethane 60-rotenone-Cup-
ROCIDE.
♦T. M. Reg. U. S. Pat. OJf.
4-
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASIILYGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA
Manufacturers of C U PRO C I D E " and LETHANEMO for dust and spray
We are now feeling the pressure of our
war program in the Agricultural Indus-
try. Many of the high-class alloys which
we use in our modern machines are now
denied to us, as these must be used in
the more important machines for our
National Defense. We are facing an ex-
tended period during which only a few
new machines will be available and our
old machines must do the job. To do this,
they must be put into first class condi-
tion. We are facing the greatest food
production job of all time, and avoidable
breakdowns, with consequent loss of
time and material, are inexcusable.
This is particularly true in the case of
sprayers. It is important, at this time,
that all operators look their machines
over very carefully, secure the necessary
repair parts, and put their machines in
first class shape in order to have trouble-
free operation. The tank should be
thoroughly cleaned, and if metal, re-
painted inside with a rust-inhibiting
paint. All piping and nozzles should be
thoroughly cleaned of rust scale and
spray residue, as far as possible, so that
loose pieces of material will not cause
trouble at the nozzles when the spraying
operation starts. A general clean-up of
the machine, including tank running
gear, pump and drive unit is valuable in
that it uncovers worn-out and broken
parts.
Special attention should be paid to the
power unit. If the sprayer is engine
driven, repairs must be ordered early,
as all engine manufacturers are on war
work and repairs are hard to get. Before
a machine goes in the field, the engine
should have a thorough over-haul and
the ignition and fuel system put in per-
fect condition for maximum power and
efficient burning of fuel. Worn seals or
piston rings that will cause an excessive
use of lubricating oil should be correct-
ed. If the machine is driven from a
tractor power take-off, the universal
joints and slip shaft and the power unit
on the sprayer should be checked and
the proper adjustments of bearings
made. If universal joints are badly worn,
repair or replace these in order to pre-
vent costly break-downs during the
growing season. Adjust the chain or belt
drives used between the engine or
power take-off and the pump. Remove
and wash the roller chains in gasoline,
then clean with oil, and reinstall on the
machine.
All modern sprayer pumps are built
for hard, continuous use, but long life
is not realized unless these units are
properly cared for. Before entering the
spraying season, the drive part of the
pump, that is, that portion of the pump
which houses the crankshaft, counter-
shaft, gears, connecting-rods, etc., must
be thoroughly cleaned and the connec-
ting-rod bearings taken up so that there
is no excess play in the bearings. This is
done by taking out several thousandths
of shim in each bearing. Examination
of the ring gear at the drive end of the
crankshaft sometimes reveals that the
gear is wearing at three places, that is,
where the greatest load comes on the
gear during the revolution of the crank-
shaft. Much greater life can be secured
from a pump if this gear is changed in
position periodically. This can be done
by taking out the cap screws which bolt
the ring gear to the crank, and turning
the gear over one bolt space. This will
put the worn part of the gear at the
light load position and the unworn por-
tion of the gear will then carry the high-
est load.
The roller bearings used for mounting
the crack and countershaft are not ad-
justable and if properly cleaned and
lubricated periodically, will out-live the
other parts of the pump. The gear case
is protected from dirt and leakage of
oil at the point where the countershaft
passes through the crank case heads and
also where the pistons pass through the
oil seal plates. If these seals are badly
worn and leak oil, they should be re-
paired. The brass sleeves which operate
in the piston seals should be replaced if
scored, as a scored sleeve will destroy
the action of the oil seal. These repairs
are simple and easy to make and mater-
ial required is inexpensive.
Any over-haul of the sprayer pump
should include the replacement of
plunger cups and the examination of the
plunger tubes. If the pump is equipped
with stainless steel tubes, and for any
reason these are badly scored, long cup
life will be impossible. Due to the war
demand for stainless steel, it is impos-
sible to purchase repairs for stainless
steel tubes; however, replacements can
be secured from the factory if your old
tube is returned. If time does not permit
making this exchange the average good
automobile repair shop can re-hone the
(Continued on page 20)
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Well Stored Seed An Advantage
Remember — **You Reap What You Sow''
• • •
*fe#S*<l
it.jrJii,. Ararfaj
The polaloes shown here were stored under three different conditions. Which
bushel would you prefer to plant? Good seed is essential to a good crop at
harvest time.
There is an old saying, "You reap what
you sow." In speaking of potatoes we
might change it to, "You dig what you
plant."
Potatoes that are badly shrivelled,
sprouted, or as some would say, with-
ered, can in no sense be classed as seed
potatoes. There may be exceptions
where conditions of moisture of the
seed bed or weather conditions were
just right and fair to good yields were
obtained from planting such stock. Who
knows however that the same fields
might not have produced as much as
100 bushels more per acre had good seed
in good condition been planted.
It takes more shrivelled seed to plant
an acre, it does not work well in the
planter especially if all the sprouts are
not removed, and chances of a good
stand and yield are definitely impaired.
Seed that is out of condition often does
not heal well when cut for planting.
Growers who are unable to hold their
seed in good condition due to the lack
of proper storage will profit by cleaning
up their crop and securing their needs
from a proven seed source or of a good
local grower who has favorable storage
facilities.
Seed prices are relatively high this
spring and may lead to some growers
making false economies in using what
is at hand. The cost of plowing, seed bed
preparation, fertilizer, cultivating,
spraying and harvesting are too great
in potato growing to chance the kind
of seed you plant.
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
^^
You Can Help
Announcing An Association
Membership Canvass
It has never been the policy of this
Association to make a concerted drive
for members. The steady growth of the
Association has been founded on the
desire of the growers to seek member-
ship rather than on a policy of high
pressuring them into it. We believe that
this has been a sound policy.
In recent years the membership has
been around 1,000 or more growers
representing all potato growing areas of
the State. We believe that during the
war emergency, and for the good of our
growers and the industry, to meet prob-
lems certain to appear during and fol-
lowing the war, that a larger member-
ship would be an advantage to the
individual members, the industry, and
the Association. We therefore, are plan-
ning a State-wide canvass of growers,
pointing out the value of a strong State
Association and the advantages for the
grower to keep informed through the
Guide Post on the many problems fac-
ing him and the industry.
As an active member of the Associa-
tion, you can help in this canvass in
your local community by contacting
growers and pointing out to them what
membership in the Association and the
Guide Post has meant to you, and what
the Association has meant to the indus-
try of the State.
Appearing in this issue of the Guide
Post are Membership Goals, set up by
counties, with the counties having simi-
lar goals grouped together. These county
goals were arrived at by using a factor
based on potato acreage, potato produc-
tion, and the number of growers per
county growing five acres or more of
potatoes according to the 1940 census.
The goal for the State is set at 2,000
members with an additional goal of 500
members from out of State, or a total
goal of 2,500 members. We believe that
through plans being completed by the
Association office and with your help
that this canvass can go over the top
during the coming months. Growers
turning in new members will be so
credited in each succeeding issue of the
Guide Post.
The counties in each group have been
rated as of April 1st on a percentage
basis — the number of active members in
relation to their goal. Where does your
County stand? What can you do to raise
it if your County is low in your group?
Only one answer: help get some new
members.
The ten leading Counties as of April
1st are listed and will be carried in each
issue of the GUIDE POST.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
and
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
GOALS BY COUNTIES
Group 1
County
Standing
Goal
Erie
3rd
96
Lancaster
6th
128
Lehigh
1st
183
Northampton
4th
101
Somerset
5th
156
York
2nd
Group 2
94
County
Standing
Goal
Berks
5th
56
Cambria
2nd
55
Chester
3rd
42
Columbia
1st
47
Crawford
6th
68
Luzerne
7th
50
Mercer
8th
46
Potter
4th
56
Schuylkill
9th
Group 3
74
County
Standing
Goal
Bradford
nth
30
Bucks
2nd
25
Butler
8th
38
Carbon
7th
24
Centre
3rd
23
Clearfield
6th
27
Indiana
5th
31
Jefferson
12 th
29
Lackawanna
9th
21
Lebanon
1st
33
Lycoming
4th
32
Northumberland 10th
23
Tioga
10th
Group 4
23
County
Standing
Goal
Armstrong
15 th
16
Bedford
nth
16
Blair
12 th
13
Clarion
5th
16
Clinton
13th
11
Cumberland
8th
11
Dauphin
4th
12
(Continued on page 20)
6
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Plant Varieties of Potatoes Adapted
To Your Soil Conditions
• • •
.i
Very few potato diseases have been
worked on more than potato scab. Thou-
sands of dollars have been spent by
potato growers on treating materials to
prevent the disease that might just as
well have been poured down the ditch
at the end of the potato rows. Thousands
of duplicated College experiments have
been conducted throughout the country
in an attempt to find a satisfactory con-
trol. The potato grower still has the
problem to face but is gradually solving
the problem in a practical way.
Potato scab is primarily a soil prob-
lem. It is tied up with the PH of the
soil or in common words the sweetness
or acidity of the soil. Careless liming
practices are a contributing factor. In-
ability of growers to produce crops free
of scab has caused a good number of
Needless lo say the crop of potatoes
from which the accompanying hill was
dug were not readily received in the
market. It is doubtful if they were mar-
keted at all.
Rural Russets or some other scab re-
sistant variety might have grown in the
same field comparatively free of scab
injury.
growers to abandon the production of
the crop, not only in Pennsylvania but
in other sections as well. In a few cases
growers have moved to areas where scab
is not a problem.
It is well known that some varieties
do not scab as readily as others. This is
a practical solution for hundreds of
growers who have year after year been
troubled with the scab disease injuring
their crop. Growers who know that they
are apt to have scab should avoid varie-
ties that are particularly susceptible,
such as Green Mountain, Irish Cobbler,
Chippewa, etc.
Markets have become more exacting
in their requirements in recent years
with scabby potatoes definitely on the
black list.
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Timely Observations and Suggestions
by L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
NOW IS THE TIME TO:
To open up ditch drains.
To lay out areas or fields that wash
badly in strips or adopt other means of
soil preservation.
To repair the potato sprayer and other
potato equipment you have not yet been
able to get to fixing.
To lay out that long contemplated
potato storage and start excavation.
To gather up all unused bags and store
them in the dry safe from rodents.
To trim the shrubbery and plan for
new plantings.
To make a clean-up of rubbish around
the premises.
To mend fences or relocate present
ones to gain time or convenience for the
busy season ahead.
To clean up the potato storage and
arrange a suitable place to hold your
seed until planting time.
To buy LIBERTY BONDS and
STAMPS.
POTATO CHIP MEN MEET AT YORK
The Eastern Division of the National
Potato Chip Institute held a meeting at
York, Pennsylvania on March 3, with
Dr. E. L. Nixon as one of the principal
speakers. Dr. Nixon reported to the
Chippers, as these men often call them-
selves, on the progress and development
of Camp Potato. He told of the long
hours devoted to breeding work, pollin-
ating, selecting, and grading that must
of necessity precede any actual success-
ful results.
The Potato Chip Institute is making
a notable contribution toward the suc-
cess of the Camp Potato project in con-
tributing a Research Fellowship. This
Fellowship is now held by Robert Keith
who spent all of last summer at the
Camp and will be on hand this spring
when planting time rolls around. Mr.
Keith, better known as "Bob" to most
of us, hails from Lewistown and is
rounding out his second year in the
School of Botany, at Penn State.
SEEDING THE COVER
CROP FOR POTATOES
Wheeler McMillan once said, "One of
the difficulties about farming is that so
much of the work comes in the months
of May and June when there are so
many other things one would like to do.
The same is true, in a sense, with seed-
ing the cover crop for the succeeding
potato season or the ones to follow.
There are so many other things to be
done at the same time. Then, too, we
cannot see much result from our labors
for a year or more hence. The real test
of our labor comes with the kind of a
potato crop we produce on this land
when it comes back in the rotation.
The results cannot be measured alone
in total yields produced. A quality grow-
er can find himself out of business today
on the score of poor quality just as
quickly as on low yields. Scab and Wire
Worms are two of the most guilty thieves
when it comes to poor quality. Two prac-
tices, both of which are aimed at high
yields, are contributing factors to hun-
dreds of growers who are pestered with
these injuries. The one is careless liming,
the other, long rotations. There is more
profit and a lot more satisfaction in
marketing a crop of 300 bushels per acre
of Quality notatoes than there is in mar-
keting a' 350 or even a 400 bushel vield
tered with scab or eaten up by wire
worms.
Getting back to the subiect. "Seeding
the Cover Crop for Potatoes." it would
be well to answer the Question, what
are vou seeding for, yield or quality?
If your aim is the cover cron alone, then
lime excessively and grow clover m
abundance, or go to a long rotation with
timothy taking over after the clover has
run out. However, if you do this, don t
blame me if your potato crop is plas-
tered with scab or eaten up by wire
worms.
The grower troubled with scab has
two possible choices, abandon potatoes
on these fields or grow varieties that
are resistant to scab. Seed free of scab,
of course, should be used. This holds
good at all times.
I am satisfied and have been for years
from experience on the home farm, that
wire worms can be eradicated with a
Sov Bean rotation. Do not exnect the
first crop of potatops following Beans to
be free 'of injury, nor the second crop
to be entirely free, but my observation
is that when you come around the third
time vou will have no trouble parkmg
U. S. No. 1 stock or a good pack of Blue
Labels. , ._,
(Continued on page 16)
8
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec'y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes,. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M, P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
YOUR TIRE SITUATION
The present tire rationing regulations
provide that the following are eligible
for new, recapped, or retreaded tires:
"A truck operated exclusively for
transportation of farm products," except
a truck "used for transportation to the
ultimate consumer for personal, family,
or household use."
"Tractors or other farm implements
other than automobiles or trucks, for the
operation of which rubber tires or tubes
are essential."
"Trucks used exclusively for servicing
farm machinery and equipment."
The following are eligible for retread-
ed or recapped tires after needs in the
above list are covered:
"Passenger cars used principally for
transportation of produce and supplies
to and from the farm if the applicant
operating such farm does not possess a
truck or other practicable means of
transportation."
"Passenger cars used principally for
transportation of workers to and from,
or within agricultural establishments."
In the case of automobile rationing,
"farmers who lack other means of trans-
porting produce and supplies to and
from market," may apply to the local
rationing board for the permission of
purchasing automobiles.
HOW TO GET FARM TRUCKS
The Department of Agriculture has
estimated that approximately 196,000
trucks and truck trailers will be avail-
able for rationing during the coming 22
months.
Under the new truck rationing pro-
gram, a farmer who wishes to purchase
a new truck or trailer will go to his local
truck dealer, get an application form,
fill it out and mail it to the Local Alloca-
tion Office of the Office of Defense
Transportation. The dealer will give you
the address of the proper office. If ap-
proved, the application will go to the
War Production Board. The Board will
issue a certificate which will authorize
the farmer to purchase from any dealer
who has the desired vehicle in stock.
In the order of eligible classes for
trucks, farmers are covered in Classes 2
and 3, which allow the purchase of "ma-
terials and equipment directly connec-
ted with the war effort, including farm
and forest products and food."
Keep in touch with your local board
for further regulations.
USDA Announces
Price Support Program
For 1942 Crop Irish Potatoes
The Department of Agriculture an-
nounced recently a program for the
support of prices for the 1942 crop of
Irish potatoes. The program is designed
to encourage growers who cooperate in
the Agricultural Conservation Program
to plant their full potato acreage allot-
ments in 1942.
The price support will be provided
in each of the major producing areas, at
scheduled base prices, for potatoes grad-
ing U. S. No. 1 or better, sacked, f.o.b., in
carlots. Appropriate price adjustments
will be made for marketable potatoes
grading 85 percent U. S. No. 1 and for
potatoes in bulk and in storage, if it
(Continued on page 27)
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
r
Pennsylvania Potato Growers' Honor
Designer of Raydex
R. J. Altgelt Awarded Medal for "Outslanding Improvement in Plowing'
At its Annual Banquet on January
20th, the nationally known Pennsyl-
vania Cooperative Potato Growers* As-
sociation presented its Gold Medal to
R. J. Altgelt, Chief Engineer of Oliver's
plow works, who designed the Oliver
Raydex plow base. The Association also
presented its "Certificate of Merit" to
the Oliver Farm Equipment Company.
The Association's award for improve-
ments in potato growing and harvesting
machinery has been made to very few
designers and manufacturers. Great care
is taken in choosing the recipients. In its
1942 award to R. J. Altgelt and the
Oliver Equipment Company the Asso-
ciation called the development of the
Raydex base an "outstanding achieve-
ment." In discussing the award, Dr. E.
L. Nixon, internationally recognized
potato culture authority and agricultural
counselor of the Association, specifically
called attention to the fact that the Ray-
dex base not only represents an im-
provement in plowing, but particularly
stressed that Mr. Altgelt designed a base
that costs the farmer considerably less
money than a conventional plow base of
similar size. It is Dr. Nixon's opinion
that the Raydex base, with its cheaply
replaceable points, is the first real im-
provement that has been made in plows
for a great many years.
Raydex Base Satisfactorily Used
In Variety of Soils
According to Dr. Nixon, the Raydex
base is well suited to the stony Pennsyl-
vania soils where potatoes are grown.
During the past four years these bases
have also given a satisfactory account of
themselves in different types of sod, the
loam soils of the central states, the clay
soils of the mid-south and the volcanic
soils of the Pacific states. R. J. Altgelt,
designer of the Raydex base, points out
that much of the versatility of the Ray-
dex base is due to its shape. Both mold-
board and point are formed on a perfect
circle, rather than the multi-curved
shape, tjrpical of the conventional-type
base. The circular shape of the Raydex
base allows it to be drawn through the
ground with less power, pulverize the
soil better and to scour well under most
conditions.
Points Packaged Like Razor Blades
Raydex points are sold in boxes of
six, much like the way razor blades are
sold. Instead of re-sharpening or re-
pointing a conventional-type share, the
farmer discards the Raydex point when
it gets dull or loses its suck and puts on
a new factory sharp point which costs
him approximately what the blacksmith
charges to sharpen or re-point the con-
ventional-type share. The Raydex points
are also said to wear as long or longer
than a conventional-type share.
Pennsylvania Cooperative Famous
For Accomplishments
Since it was established in 1916, the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers* Association, has attained na-
tional recognition for its successful
efforts to increase the yield of better
quality potatoes and to improve the
methods through which they are
marketed. The potato grower members
of the Association have been called "real
farmers who are applying scientific
methods to potato growing."
There are 1800 members of the Asso-
ciation's "400 Bushel Club"— growers
who have raised 400 bushels or more
per season on a "measured acre." The
1941 champion of the club raised 571
bushels per acre. Other champions have
grown as high as 640 bushels.
The Association's marketing program
was started six years ago. Approximate-
ly a million pecks of Association trade-
marked potatoes were sold the first year.
For the 1941-42 marketing season, to
date, sales have been at the rate of about
a million pecks per month.
(Editor's Note: The above article was
released by the Oliver Farm Equipment
Company, for publication in numerous
farm journals and trade papers. It pays
a fine compliment to your program, and
we have reprinted it here in full just as
it was released.)
There is Strength in Numbers!
Sign up a New Member, Today!
10
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Deep Versus Shallow Planting
Most commercial growers know that
deep planting, 3 to 4 inches below the
level, is the proper thing to do yet many
of them fail to carry this out. There are
a number of reasons for this failure with
the following ones the most common:
(1) A hard compact seed bed, plowed
wet, harrowed down too often rather
than worked up with a limited number
of operations running deep.
(2) Planter shoe worn out. (This can
be remedied by welding two to three
inches to the planter shoe.)
(3) Improper hitch to the planter
whether tractor or horse drawn, but
more often wrong with tractor hitch.
The danger is that the front of the plant-
er is hitched up too high. This leaves the
front dicks running shallow, and the
planter shoe running deep. It should be
the reverse.
(4) Failure on the part of the grower
to check the depth of planting, leaving
the job to someone else. Growers using
the high ridge covering method are
more guilty of shallow planting than
those using a modified or shallow cover-
ing system.
Shallow planting results in sunburned
potatoes, in odd shaped potatoes, clus-
tered setting of tubers, and the crop will
suffer more severely during drought
periods. This result is shown clearly in
the accompanying cut where seed was
purposely planted at a depth of one inch
and four inches respectively. Note the
clustered roots on the shallow planted
row and the small percentage of mer-
chantable tubers, as contrasted to the
deep planted row.
These two rows of
potatoes were planted on
the same date, with the
same seed, the same fer-
tilizer was used, the same
cultivation and all other
practices except the depth
of planting.
Can you tell which row
was planted shallow and
the one planted at proper
depth?
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
POTATO CHIPS
To realize the staggering importance
of American food products, cite these
figures: 3,747,000,000 pounds of agricul-
tural commodities were delivered to
representatives of the United Nations
for Lend-Lease shipment up to Febru-
ary 1, 1942. Total cost of these com-
modities, bought by the Agricultural
Marketing Administration, since opera-
tions began in April, 1941, was $417,-
000,000. The Lend-Lease program is
growing; America's food needs are
growing; the demands for our expedi-
tionary forces are growing. The chal-
lenge is, American farmers — keep
growing food in pace with the war de-
mands.
The more waste, the less speed in
doing America's job in war.
Everything must be made to last just
as long as possible. Think of this, con-
stantly. Farmers are responding,
readily, to the appeal to repair farm
machinery and make it go as far as pos-
sible. The demand for repair parts is
the greatest in history. The government
is asking that the same effort be made
with regard to rubber goods, bags,
boxes, barrels, tubs, rope, jars and
leather goods. In fact, there is no ob-
vious exception. Everything should be
treated as though it is the last obtain-
able.
• • •
When you "beat" the ration, you de-
feat your nation.
• • •
"Auto graveyards" are going to be
cleaned up and are being cleaned up as
rapidly as possible, so don't think, be-
cause some junk dealer near you seems
to have a lot of idle scrap, that your old
scrap is not needed. Scrap is more than
needed, and your contribution, small or
large will mean much to the war effort.
Much of the scrap now accumulated will
be put to use very shortly. County war
boards are busily listing outlets. Your
early contribution will assist the compi-
lations of your county war board.
Farmers who operate trucks in con-
nection with agricultural commodities
may secure complete information on
tire rationing from their Local Tire
Rationing Board. If you have a tire
problem, which will prevent your get-
ting your farm products to market,
place it before your Local Rationing
Board immediately. Elsewhere in this
issue are printed some regulations for
tire eligibility. Read these regulations,
and if you are eligible, see your local
Rationing Board.
Your Association is growing in
strength by cooperation of its member-
ship. Enthusiastic booster members are
contributing the memberships of their
neighbors — to help these neighbors
benefit by cooperative strength, and to
help themselves belong to a strong co-
operative. It takes very little effort to
make such a worthy contribution. It is
a worthy contribution. It is not a task,
anyhow — its a privilege. A blank is en-
closed with this Guide Post for your
convenience in enrolling your non-mem-
ber friend. You need him in your Asso-
ciation— Now.
The Association Marketing Plan, in
its system of orderly distribution has,
during recent weeks, figured most suc-
cessfully in getting potatoes into stores
which might otherwise have not been
reached. With the demand for railroad
cars — came the dire necessity of prompt
unloadings from cars frequently held
on track until distribution could be
made from them. This carload warehous-
ing affected dozens of commodities.
With suddenly curtailed warehouse
space, the direct delivery of Pennsyl-
vania Blue Labels permitted their un-
hampered fiow to market, and proved a
great help to cooperating distributors.
As we go to press, hearings are being
scheduled on H.R. 5218 to control union
unloading activities. Details are not
available, but it is encouraging that
hearings are to be granted. It is hoped
that, before another Guide Post ap-
pears, some of our Pennsylvania grow-
ers will have testified in favor of this
bill.
12
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Working Up The Good Earth
Preparing the "seed bed," or better
stated, the "root bed," is one of the most
important steps in starting the 1942 po-
tato season. Much will depend on the
way in which this job is done. If the soil
is plowed or worked too wet, especially
in the case of heavy soils, permanent
damage is most certain to result.
Overworking the soil to get it fine too
often results in making it too compact,
hard, and in poor condition for growing
a good potato crop. The ideal is to have
a loose friable seed bed with the or-
ganic matter, or humus, well distributed
throughout. This cannot be accom-
plished with a worn-out harrow that
can no longer be set deep. Soil that is
plowed in proper season, or in proper
condition is much easier fitted for the
crop, with good working conditions
throughout the season more definitely
assured.
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The polalo seed bed should be loose from the bottom up. The organic matter,
or humus, should be distributed throughout the soil.
Large growers with a big acreage to
plant, of necessity turn to modern trac-
tor power units that will pull large,
heavy tools that readily do the job. This
does not mean that the smaller or aver-
age grower cannot accomplish the same
results with smaller power units or a
good farm team. It is being done and
can be done by hundreds more with
adoption of the principles involved and
the proper use of tools.
With definite limitations on new
equipment, growers will have to make
the very best use of equipment at hand.
Extravagance in the use of equipment
has been one of the sins of modern farm-
ing. Let's get the best out of our present
equipment and where replacements are
needed, let's make certain we are get-
ting the tool that will do the job we want
done.
Use The Grower To Grower Exchange To "Swap" Used Machinery
and help the War Effort.
Machinery Ads can be run free. Advertise what you don't need
if it will help another grower.
^
Mti
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
Association Marketing Sales Program Virtually
Completed For Season
Spell successful with a capital when
you choose it to describe your market-
ing program! This program which,
though still revolutionary, actually is
the answer to the market problem.
Records are now being worked up
which will show tremendous increases
in tonnages of Blue Labels moved dur-
ing the past season — which will show
great advances in consumer acceptance
in certain markets — which will show
growth of marketing activity in numer-
ous counties, with proof of profit to the
participants— and many other interest-
ing figures which will read only in lines
of growth and satisfaction.
With the winding up of crops the
Management is constantly receiving ap-
preciative letters from grower-packers,
which letters prove no act of coopera-
tion with participants in the program is
too big if such satisfaction can be
achieved. For example, here are only
several of these gratifying letters:
H. R. Snoberger, of New Enterprise,
Bedford County, new to the Associa-
tion program this year, writes:
'This is once in my life I am both
glad and sorry, but I am reporting to
you that we do not have any more pota-
toes.
"I wish to thank one and all of you for
your service, and to say that this is the
first time in my life that I have had a
market that was regular, so that we
could arrange our work, and know from
week to week just how we were going
to dispose of our crop."
Richard Reitz, one of the Reitz Broth-
ers operating Broadacres, Inc., at Brook-
ville, Jefferson County, wrote:
"We delivered our last load today for
this season and we wish to express our
appreciation of the fine service we re-
ceived through your office.
We tried our best to give a good clean,
full weight pack and were fortunate to
get all deliveries made on the day speci-
fied and without frost.
Our aim was to leave the trade in bet-
ter shape than whn we started and we
did not receive one kick on our pack."
These are representative of the doz-
ens of Pennsylvania Packers who have
been served well through the program.
Then, customers, have not hesitated to
approve the Blue Label by letter. Cus-
tomers from all the markets served with
the Association pack have found our po-
tato worthy of praise.
For example, from Brown's Mills,
New Jersey, a consumer wrote:
"We have just used a bag of your po-
tatoes and I must tell you they are
really good — the best potatoes we have
ever had. The bag is marked "Grade
Supervisor No. 306, and we bought it in
the supermarket in Mount Holly, New
Jersey."
Incidentally, congratulations are due
Clinton Bastian of Wescoville, Lehigh
County, who placed his stamp No. 306
on that compliment provoking bag of
Blue Labels.
If space permitted dozens of similar
letters could be printed and in another
issue, more will be quoted for your
further appreciation of the fact that
your program is taking tenacious hold
— on the farm, in the produce buying
terminal and in the kitchen.
There was never a time during the
1941-1942 season that all the Associa-
tion Blue Labels offered, for all mar-
kets, from all packers, could not be
moved — readily and systematically into
one of several markets. There were few
weeks that thousands more could not
have been moved into all markets. This,
in itself, proves your success story.
An Association Canvass
Is Outlined on Page 5.
READ THIS
Then Show How You
Can Help !
NOW!
14
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Save Time and Expense in Cutting Seed
:■■<■
A Potato Seed Cutting
Box that can easily be
adapted to the individual
grower's needs to speed
up the job and save time
and labor costs at plant-
ing time.
It requires over 3,000,000 bushels of
seed to plant Pennsylvania's annual po-
tato crop. Although many commercial
growers have turned to the use of whole
seed (seconds and thirds from good seed
crops), by far the greater portion of this
3,000,000 bushels of seed must be cut
before planting. There is a grand oppor-
tunity of saving both time and expense
in the cutting of this seed by thousands
of our growers. This is exceedingly im-
portant under present war conditions.
There are a number of mechanical cut-
ters on the market, but their cost and
availability are prohibitive to thousands
of our growers.
We show here a drawing of a simple
cutting box with a stationary knife that
should be suggestive to growers for ar-
ranging for this job which will be upon
us in most planting areas within the next
few weeks. Many adaptations of this
idea have been used by growers
throughout the State. A larger box may
be used, a bin can be constructed against
the inside of a building, or a wagon bed
or truck bed can be utilized for the pur-
pose if given the proper slope. The idea
lends itself to any number of cutters if
the box is long, rather than to make a
number of separate outfits. Those who
prefer to cut the seed on flat surfaces
rather than on an upright stationary
knife can quickly change over to this
method.
The knife should have a four to five
inch blade that is quite thin for speedy,
accurate work. It can be most easily
held in place by driving it upward into
the proper sized auger hole.
Cutting can be done into either crates
or bags. Bag hooks can be secured at
any hardware or ten cent store counter
and screwed into the frame so as to hold
the bag in proper position. Large opera-
tors have, in a number of cases, arranged
to bag the cut seed at one end of the
cutting box by the use of a continuous
belt running the full length of the box.
The making of a seed cutting box is
an excellent shop project for Vocational
Schools and evening farmers* classes.
The project can be completed in a shop
or evening period and the numerous
variations or adaptations discussed. The
average grower can, in a single evening
or a rainy forenoon, construct a box, or
arrange for his seed cutting in a way
that will speed up the operation and
save time and labor costs at planting
time.
PENNSYLVANIA GROWERS!
i^ LIVER is proud of the recognition your distin-
guished association has given to Raydex, succes-
sor to the plowshare. In Raydex, Oliver has given
to farmers all over America a better way of plowing
• • . lighter draft, better scouring, and lower cost
share replacement.
Oliver is justly proud of the contribution made
to agriculture by Mr. Altgelt, chief engineer of its
plow works. And Oliver welcomes this opportvmity
to reaffirm its pledge of unceasing effort at the task
of designing better, more productive tools for the
farmers of America.
The Raydex base fits any Oliver tractor plow.
^Tii/WV'^^^^^^'^''^'^ OLIVER
MAKER OF RAYDEX, SUCCESSOR TO THE PLOWSHARE
16
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued from page 7)
Potatoes are potatoes; they grow in
the ground. Corn, wheat, and oats are
something else. They produce their crop
above ground. I wonder if corn, wheat,
and oats crops however would not be
increased materially if wire worms were
eradicated.
CAMP POTATO COMES
OUT OF REFRIGERATION
Signs of Spring are moving in at
*'Camp Potato" as the snow drifts begin
to melt away and seed potatoes are
being graded for distribution to points
out over the State. A short visit to the
Camp on March 25th revealed a snow
drift in front of the storage fully six
feet deep. This will melt away gradually
during the coming weeks.
Needless to say the seedling potatoes
are keeping in excellent shape. They
are dormant, no sign of sprouts, and as
firm and crisp as when dug in the Fall.
Mervin Hanes, who was caretaker and
operator of the Camp Farm during the
past year and did a good job of it, has
taken a job with the York County Farm
Bureau Cooperative, York. Those of us
who are accustomed to spending a good
deal of time at the Camp during the
summer will miss "Merve" as we all
knew him, Mrs. Hanes and daughter,
Joan. We wish him the best of success
in his new work, and know that his job
at "Camp Potato" not only helped him
to get his new position but we also trust
that his experience gained at the Camp
will be useful in his new work.
Very shortly after Mr. Hanes took up
his new work. Director Ed Fisher was
fortunate to secure Robert Crosby and
his wife to take over at the Camp. Mr.
Crosby, native of Potter County, has had
several years' experience in potato oper-
ations under Potter County conditions.
Whatever the plans of the Camp for the
summer may be, we look forward to a
successful completion of the plan with
"Bob" and Mrs. Crosby in charge.
THE CENTER OF POPULATION
AND POTATO PRODUCTION
Where would you guess the center of
population is for Pennsylvania? In other
words if you were to draw a line East
and West across the State that would
divide the State's population, half to
the North and half to the South, and
then another line drawn North and
South dividing the population, half to
the East and half to the West, where
would these two lines cross? The point
would be in Dauphin County slightly
North of Harrisburg.
If we follow the same procedure on
potato production, dividing the produc-
tion North and South, and East and
West, we will find that the point is
about 40 miles due north of Harrisburg
in Snyder County.
THE NEW "ALLEGHENY MT."
The new "Allegheny Mt." potato de-
veloped at "Camp Potato" has been in
good demand with all supplies of seed
exhausted for some weeks. The coming
season, with rather wide distribution of
this new variety over the State, should
prove to a large degree what place this
new variety may play in future potato
production in Pennsylvania. It's cook-
ing quality has proven to be superb, it
is an attractive white potato in strong
demand in many markets, and it has
shown good yielding ability. Like many
other new promising varieties, develop-
ed not only in Pennsylvania but in other
States, disease may yet prove to be its
downfall. Plantings during the coming
season will be watched with much in-
terest.
STORAGES UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
The first grower to my knowledge to
break ground for a new potato storage
for the season was Alfred Rice & Son,
Dallas, Luzerne County. I visited the
Rice Farm on Friday, March 20th, when
the tractor shovel had just moved in
and moved away the first dirt. This iob
was being tackled in a business-like
way, with the excavation job farmed
out on contract. This is going to be a
busy and interesting summer on the
Rice Farm with both father and son
equally interested in the job at hand.
Up the road a few hundred yards is
the fine home and farm of George Rice
& Son, which I visited the same day.
These two brothers operating as Father
& Son combinations have been steady
cooperators in the Association Market-
ing Program.
SOME CAUSES OF POOR STANDS:
Poor seed — diseased, poor condition,
chilled or frosted, or heated.
Carelessly cut seed — seed pieces with-
out eyes, small or poorly shaped seed
pieces.
Exposing cut seed to hot sun or wind.
Allowing seed to heat after cutting —
holding in full crates, bags, or deep piles.
(Continued on page 22)
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
•J^
i
For Five Million Farms
More than 800,000 tons of potash materials for fertilizer use
left American mines and refineries last year for farming areas
where soil deficiency of potash — an essential plant food — is
limiting crop production. About two-thirds of this tonnage was
in the form of muriate of potash (60-63% K.O). a form highly
concentrated to reduce the Farmer's fertilizer freight bill. Im-
mediately upon the outbreak of war in 1939, the American
Potash Industry began a rapid increase in production capacity.
This expansion program is still continuing to meet the demands
for increased food production— FOOD /or VICTORY,
i
AMERICAN POTASH INSTITUTE
Incorporated
1155 Sixteenth St., N. W. Washington, D. C
means
inore Crops
♦>
18
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
How Large Should Your Seed Pieces
Be For Planting?
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Uniform, blocky seed pieces are essential to uniform planting and stands.
Cut seed should average around li ounces per piece for average conditions
and best results.
This question has been debated as
long as potatoes have been grown com-
mercially. There is no exact size or
weight of seed piece that can be defined
as correct. Conditions for planting, such
as soil, temperature, moisture, etc., are
so variable that what may prove best or
most economical in one section may not
prove to be best in another. Conditions
vary greatly even within our own State.
In a general way, it is fair to state that
the seed should average not less than an
ounce, and costs make it prohibitive to
go beyond two ounces. Most producers
of early potatoes are in the habit of using
larger seed pieces than producers of the
late crop. Large vigorous plants, off to a
good start, is the aim in using larger
seed. A week's difference in the ad-
vancement of the early crop may mean
a difference of 50 to 100 bushels per acre
in yield. The late crop has a much longer
growing season, and depends on favor-
able weather during the fall months for
maximum yields.
Seed cut to one ounce pieces will give
960 pieces to the bushel, li ounce pieces
will give 720 pieces to the bushel, and
2 ounce pieces will give 480 pieces to
the bushel. Two ounce seed pieces at
12 X 32 inch spacing in planting will re-
quire approximately 34 bushels of seed
per acre. This makes a heavy seed cost.
Growers using large seed pieces are in-
clined to space farther in the row.
Pennsylvania's commercial late grow-
ers are inclined to cut around a li ounce
seed piece. At \\ ounces, a bushel of seed
will cut around 720 seed pieces, and if
this seed is spaced 12 x 32 inches, will
require approximately 22 bushels of
seed per acre. Growers using whole seed,
especially in northern or cooler areas,
find that small whole seed does equally
as well as cut seed, often better, and
that less than 20 bushels per acre will
seed an acre.
In using cut seed, it should be kept
in mind that the pieces should be cut
blocky; that the seed should not be al-
lowed to heat in crates or bags; should
not be exposed to the hot sun, wind, or
concentrated fertilizers; nor should it be
exposed to water such as dashing rains.
Smaller seed, cutting to two, three and
not more than four pieces, can be cut
much faster as no particular attention
need be given to eyes in cutting. In
cutting large potatoes for planting, care
must be exercised lest a high percentage
of the pieces be barren of eyes, which
will result in poor stands.
(
IS
^tmn
FARM
PRODUCING AT CAPACITY?
l/Sf D4VC0
GRANULATED FERTILIZER
Uncle Sam is asking the help of every
farmer in America! He asks that you con-
serve everything helpful to Victory — money,
materials, labor and transportation — and
at the same time, produce record crops of
potatoes.
Use of Davco Granulated high analysis fer-
tilizer is the answer! A 4-8-8 or 5-10-10
analysis forces yields UP into the high
brackets. Davco Granulated drills easily,
distributes evenly, feeds crops evenly — a
combination that can't be beaten! Its proved,
more efficient granular form eliminates
waste.
Use Davco Granulated for your 1942
Victory crop! Ask your agent today.
BE WISE . . . fake deliveries early! Agents
have beer) asked to fake deliveries ir) capa-
cify carloads. We ask your cooperafion.
-DAVC©
product of
THE DAVISON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
BALTIMORE
MARYLAND
*^;
20 THE GU
CARE AND REPAIR
OF THE SPRAYER
(Continued from page 3)
inside of your stainless steel tube and
make it as good as new, unless through
accident or inattention the scores are too
deep. Do not throw away any worn
stainless steel tubes but trade them in
for replacement tubes or have them re-
finished as above. Always start the
season with tubes and cups in perfect
condition and eliminate interruptions in
your spraying program with a conse-
quent loss of labor and material.
The valves in a modern sprayer pump
rarely give any trouble if the pump is
thoroughly cleaned before the operating
season. However, the valve and the reg-
ulator will show some wear and, if this
is serious, the valve seat and ball should
be replaced and the valve properly ad-
justed. During operation the pump
should be run at a speed that will just
supply enough liquid to the spray boom.
Any excess material pumped must be
returned through the regulator valve
and, since all spray material is more or
less abrasive, re Emulator valves and balls
wear rapidly. The proper speed can be
determined by watching the pressure
gauge on the pump when the boom is
turned on. If the pressure drops slightly
as the boom is turned on, you will find
little or no material is being bi-passed to
the tank and all of the spray material
being pumped is taken by the nozzles
of the boom. If this condition is main-
tained, no material is bi-passed and the
regulator valve will not be subject to
any wear. This condition, of course, is
very difficult to maintain, but the
smaller the amount of material that is
bi-passed, the smaller the amount of
wear in the regulator valve.
These regulator balls and seats are
made of hardened stainless steel which
is now used entirely in the war effort,
and as soon as present stocks are ex-
hausted, only substitutes will be avail-
able. We must, therefore, make every
effort to cut down wear as far as possible
on every operating part of our sprayer
units.
Care saves wear and prevents loss of
time and material. Care also will
lengthen the life of machines that can-
not be replaced until our enemies are
defeated — and our American Liberties
made secure.
IE POST
April,
1942
YOU CAN HELP
(Continued from page 5)
Elk
3rd
10
Franklin
15th
16
Huntingdon
16th
10
Lawrence
10th
15
Monroe
9th
17
Montgomery
6th
15
Snyder
16th
10
Susquehanna
17th
11
Union
2nd
13
Venango
7th
16
Warren
1st
16
Wayne
14th
14
Westmoreland
15th
16
Wyoming
10th
12
Group 5
County
Standing
Goal
Adams
5th
8
Allegheny
9th
5
Beaver
14th
8
Cameron
6th
3
Delaware
10th
6
Fayette
8th
9
Forest
12 th
9
Fulton
13th
7
Green
nth
3
Juniata
13th
7
McKean
2nd
6
Mifflin
9th
5
Montour
12 th
5
Perry
4th
9
Philadelphia
1st
5
Pike
nth
3
Sullivan
3rd
5
Washington
7th
4
Ten Leading Counties in Order
as of
April 1
, 1942
Warren
1st
Philadelphia
2nd
Lebanon
3rd
Columbia
4th
Union
5th
Elk
6th
Dauphin
7th
Bucks
8th
Centre
9th
McKean
10th
Did you
find a
NEW MEMBER
Blank in this
issue of the
Guide Post ?
Use It, Today! Boost !
^
BEAN POTATO SPRAYERS
EARN BIGGER PROFITS
Wherever you find a Bean Potato Sprayer protecting
the potatoes, you will find a keen, two-fisted grower who
knows that the best sprayer obtainable is the sure way to
potato profits. And you find more of them than any other.
These Bean Sprayer users know that in order to com-
pete today, they must keep their spraying costs down and
at the same time raise a larger and better crop at lowest
possible complete cost. That is why so many growers have
and are standardizing on modern Bean Sprayers and Dus-
ters. There is one in your neighborhood.
Investigate the rugged construction, the money saving
features, the modern design, the new style booms, the un-
interrupted operation and the low cost spraying of Bean
Sprayers, all of which you can buy at no extra cost.
There is a Bean Sprayer that will protect your crop and
save you money every time you spray. Better coverage with
less material.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
•t-t-*/
22
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
You Should Grow
Potatoes IN the SoiL Not on Top of It
Tomatoes grow on
vines, but potatoes need
the protection of the good
earth to prevent green-
ing, to insure good type
and to preserve their food
value. A loose friable soil
is desired. To gain this
point, good judgment
must be exercised in pre-
paring the seed bed be-
fore planting.
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued from page 16)
Better cut as you plant and plant as you
cut.
Allowing fertilizer to fall or blow
over cut seed when filling the hoppers.
Failure of the planter to be properly
adjusted to feed the seed down evenly to
to the pickers.
Damaged picker points.
Failure of the picker release to drop
the seed — this cannot be determined by
seeing that all pickers have seed. Check
the position of the seed pieces in the
row after planting at the time of plant-
ing.
Improperly prepared seed bed result-
ing in poor coverage.
Poor adjustment of covering disks —
although seed should not be covered
deep it is still worse if it is not covered
at all.
Heavy rains immediately following
planting — this one is hard to overcome
if it happens to you. Under such condi-
tions, whole seed (seconds or thirds) will
come through much better. Many
growers are in the habit of using whole
seed for this reason especially on lower
fields or heavy soils.
Careless cultivation.
Soil born diseases such as Rhizoctonia
and Black Legshallow covering has
helped many a crow on this score.
PRESIDENT FRANTZ
ADDRESSES MEETING
Speaking to those in attendance at the
^'Symposium on Cooperative Market-
ing," National Farm School, Dolyestown,
on March 6th. President P. D. Frantz
outlined the history of the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers' Associa-
tion and its many activities. Mr. Frantz
pointed out that the early activities of
the Association dealt mostly with edu-
cational meetings and production prob-
lems. These activities were unusually
successful as shown by the records of
the states "400 Bushel Club" in the at-
tainment of high acre yields throughout
the State.
President Frantz stated that produc-
tion had progressed satisfactorily but
that there came a time when the pressing
need of our growers and the industry
was a modern system of marketing or
merchandizing. In early Joint Confer-
ences of the Association with Food Dis-
tributors in setting up the present
Marketing Program such topics as
grades, identified packages, deliveries,
etc., were topics of discussion that were
met squarely and fairly by both pro-
ducer and distributor and solutions
evolved. Mr. Frantz explained how the
present efficient Grade Supervisor Sys-
tem was established and developed.
In reviewing the many conferences
held by the Association and its producer
(Continued on page 24)
I
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
i
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles make us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC.
4700 31st Place Long Island City/ N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
T
r»
jiiife tiii::^
24
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Be Prepared To Spray
Uninlerrupled spraying of Ihe 1942 potato crop will depend to a large degree on
how thoroughly the sprayer is overhauled and put in condition. Appearing in this
issue of the Guide Post is an article on conditioning the sprayer by W. W. Tranter.
Mr. Tranter is well qualified to discuss this problem that is so vital to the coming
season's success.
Further discussion of spraying and spraying practices will appear in the May
issue of the Guide Post.
PRESIDENT FRANTZ
ADDRESSES MEETING
(Continued from page 22)
representatives with the Food Distribu-
tors, President Frantz emphasized the
spirit of cooperation and confidence
which led to the solution of many prob-
lems that made the present workable
plan possible.
The method of assembly and distribu-
tion was shown graphically and the
method by which deliveries are made
to prevent overlapping and extra haul-
ing was stressed. Prompt service is main-
tained, the grade is kept to a high
standard, and a general good-will re-
lationship is maintained with the stores,
superintendents, and buyers. With this
relation continued Mr. Frantz pointed
out that it was not difficult to hold the
markets to Pennsylvania Blue Label
Packs throughout the season.
Perhaps the high point of his talk was
the statement that this system of
marketing Pennsylvania Potatoes had
returned from 80% to as high as 86%
of the consumer's dollar to the Pennsyl-
vania potato grower participating in the
program.
Speaking at a later session of the con-
ference Mr. C. W. Waddington, of the
Atlantic Commission Company, Phila-
delphia, and Mr. H. D. Williamson,
American Stores Company, Philadel-
phia, commented on the Potato Market-
ing Program and pledged their con-
tinued interest and cooperation.
Buy Today !
Defense Stamps and Bonds !
+
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
25
Meeting Today's Challenge with
0fus^a/ PERFORMANCE
/l^ya/f^et/ FEATURES
• The new Hardie Levelrite
boom provides quick center level-
ing and any desired ground clear-
ance on either or both wings.
Controls easily operated from
driver's seat. This is only one of
many new labor-saving improve-
ments in the new Hardie line,
which includes many models for
spraying 2 to 12 rows. Write for
catalog. The Hardie Mfg. Com-
pany, Hudson, Mich.
The OHl^ Spray Pump that is
COMPLETELY LUBRICATED
Thanks, Jioosters!
-«r
The Association canvass for increased
membership is bringing a steady flow of
memberships from loyal former boost-
ers, and many new helpers.
All of these are doing a real job of
boosting and setting an example for
some of you who can help if you take
the few minutes needed to sell a
neighbor a membership.
Our thanks, in behalf of our entire
benefitted Membership, go to these
member boosters who have already
contributed:
M. C. McPherson, Bridgeton
P. G. Niesley, County Agent, Blooms-
burg
Joseph Murphy, Dushore
E. J. Waltz, Montoursville
Francis E. de Long, Harrisville
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport
Ellis Artley, Catawissa
Elam King, Parksburg
Walter Bishop, Doylestown
C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Warren
M. L. Jones, Westtown
Geo. W. Buss, Easton
Roy R. Hess, Stillwater
Some of the above have more than
done their part!
Ellis Artley's list of new members
was long!
H. C. McPherson*s list was just as long.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff enlisted five times
one new member!
P. G. Nissley's contribution was two
new members — and one renewal.
Follow this example! One new receipt
from you will double your membership
strength.
There's a blank here for your contri-
bution. Use it today!
T
26
THE GUIDE POST
April, 1942
Grower to Grower Exchange
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
FOR SALE: Select Size B Nittany Cob-
bler, Chippewas, Katahdin, Pennsigan,
and Rural Russet Seed Potatoes. Also
one Oliver No. 70 Tractor with Culti-
vator and Rubber Tires. Write W. D.
Finzer & Son, Akeley, Warren County,
Penna.
FOR SALE: One No. 15 Caterpillar Trac-
tor; one 22 inch off-set disc harrow. Both
in good condition. Write W. H. Gregory
Sons, R. F. D. No. 2, Weatherly, Carbon
County, Penna.
FOR SALE: Potato Sprayer. Built on
Mack truck; 35 Royal Bean Pump; ten
row boom; 410 gallon tank. Good condi-
tion. Selling on account of help. Write:
John N. Stoltzfus, R. F. D. No. 1, Parkes-
burg, Penna.
FOR SALE: Bean potato Sprayer; 8
rows for mounting on Cletrac Tractor.
Like new; less than half price. Write R.
E. Weingart, Kent, Ohio.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Bellefonte, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
NOT AVAILABLE: Copies of Dr. E. L.
Nixon*s book, "The Principles of Potato
Production." It is necessary to refuse all
requests to supply this book at the pres-
ent time, as the first edition is out of
print. Dr. Nixon is now revising this
book, and a new edition will be run in
the near future. When these are avail-
able, we will advertise them in this
column.
AVAILABLE: Standard Association In-
voice and Receipt Books (described in
this issue) for growers packing in the
Association Labeled bags. 30c a set.
Write Association office, Bellefonte, Pa.
SEED FOR SALE: No. 1 Certified White
Rural and Russet Rural seed Potatoes.
Write Lyle G. Tarbox, Ulysses, Potter
County, Penna.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: Hardie 10-row
potato sprayer with 400 gallon tank.
Truck mounting. Starter and radiator
cooling. Excellent condition. Write
John K. Graham, Adams Mills, Ohio.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neef e, Couders-
port. Potter County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Copies of the New A. B.
Farquhar IRON AGE High Pressure
Sprayer catalogue might be had for the
asking. This new catalogue, just off the
press, is both attractive and informative.
Write today for your copy to: A. B.
Farquhar Company, Limited, York, Pa.
SEED POTATOES FOR SALE: Rural
White Seed Potatoes, Certified and one
year removed from Certified; No. 2's
also; prices reasonable. Write Don
Stearns, Coudersport, Potter County,
Penna.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: John Bean 200
gal. tank, 8 row boom, with 12 horse-
power Leroi engine, 4 cylinder. Ready
to go to work. Write John H. Richter,
Benvenue Farm, Duncannon, Penna.
FOR SALE: Water storage tanks for
spraying T x 6', with 2" staves, used in
distilling wood alcohol. $20.00 each. Cost
new, $85.00. Write Don Stearns, Coud-
ersport, Potter County, Penna.
FOR SALE: Two International T
Twenty Crawlers, Three Farmall
Twenties, Two Farmall Thirties, All
Blue Ribbon guaranteed. One Cletrac,
in good condition. New and used tractor
cultivators; Two John Bean Rubber Roll
Power graders, less motor; One Rubber
Roll Picking table; used sprayers of
various makes; Parts and Service. J.
Jacobsen & Son, Phone 54-R Girard,
Erie County, Pa.
(Continued on page 27)
April, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
27
I
-^
USDA Announces
Price Support Program
For 1942 Crop Irish Potaloes
(Continued jrom page 8)
proves necessary to handle bulk or
stored potatoes.
Prices will be supported through one
or more of the following methods:
1. Purchases for relief distribution
by the Agricultural Marketmg
Administration; distribution to
low-income families through the
Stamp Program;
2. Diversion to starch, livestock
feed, and other products under
AMA programs;
3. Loans or purchases by the Com-
modity Credit Corporation.
Department officials point out that
the potato price support program is not
aimed toward expanded production in
1942, but rather to assure the full plant-
ing of the allotted acreage which is the
same as in 1940 and 1941. This acreage
is sufficient to produce the 365 million
bushels needed to meet normal domes-
tic requirements. To further encourage
full planting, the Agricultural Conser-
vation Program regulations will provide
that potato producers must plant an
acreage equal to at least 80 and not over
110 per cent of their allotment in order
to qualify for the full ACP potato pay-
ment.
Low prices for the past few years
have caused a considerable reduction
of the acreage planted to potatoes, De-
partment officials say, but due to high
yields per acre, production has been
adequate.
GROWER TO
GROWER EXCHANGE
(Continued from page 26)
PLANTER FOR SALE: A used, Two-
Row International Picker-type potato
planter, with fertilizer attachment and
tractor hitch, in running condition.
Write: G. L. Allen, Wysox, Bradford
County, Penna.
Remember That New Member
Enlist him. Today !
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
in
Hammond Betterbags
♦ * •
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
Tht PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE
E. H. Deller, York County,
Pa., picks Iron Age to
protect his potato crop.
Spraying potatoes
on the Deller farm
with strong solu-
tion of hluestone
lime. Mr. Deller
uses an Iron Age
power take-off
row crop model.
j\ FTER 4 years of hard use, Mr. E. H. Deller's power take-off
■"" Iron Age sprayer is still working perfectly . . . keeping more
than 60 acres of fine York County potatoes in tip-top condition
throughout the season. Grower Deller says he likes his Iron
Age machine far better than the sprayer he had previously,
pointing out that he uses his sprayer hard 6 to 8 times each year
for not only his own crop, but also for that of his son on an
adjoining farm.
"It really gets a tough workout," he says, "but the 20-23 G.P.M.
Victory pump delivers up to 800 lbs. pressure consistently . . .
and that's all I ask." The Dellers — father and son— farm over
277 acres between them, and are sold on Iron Age planting,
spraying and digging equipment. In 24 years of farming, Mr.
Deller, Sr. has seen no equal to the Iron Age planter . . . and
he claims he'll keep on buying Iron Age as long as he stays on
the soil.
A. B. FARQUHAR, CO., Limited, 111 Duke St.
YORK. PA.
» m ») t»> "A
■i.
i
NUMBER 5
"PENN SPUD" Says-
/
A- .■
^
/
i
(^
-
• •
'W/ien \n Doubt-
SPRAY!
9f
MAY . « » . 1942
PuMliAed Im ike
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
Consider what this combination of a high-
speed contact insecticide^ a stomach poison^
and a poiverfiil fungicide can do for you.
THERE is a trend among potato
growers toward the use of
f aster acting insecticides. Leth AN E
60 and rotenone, acting together
as a contact insecticide, give a
QUICK kill of Colorado Potato
Beetle — prevent most of the dam-
age. This combination controls
not only the larval form, but also
a good percentage of the adult
beetles, thus striking at the source
of reinfestation.
The residue of rotenone on the
plants acts as a stomach poison. It
controls beetles and larvae not hit
by the dust or spray, and larvae
which hatch soon after the ap-
plication,
Lethane 60 and rotenone also
control apfiids, leaf hoppers, flea
beetles, psyllids. Most potato pro-
ducing areas now have to contend
with one or more of these insects,
which are controlled by a good
contact insecticide.
The damage insects do by feed-
ing on the plants is not the whole
story, however. Plant disease or-
ganisms enter the plant through
the wounds insects make in the
foliage. Insects also act as car-
riers of certain plant diseases.
Control the insects with HIGH-
SPEED LETHANE-rotenone, and
you retard or prevent the spread
of diseases.
Lethane 60 is a synthetic con-
tact insecticide. As a source of in-
sect killing power, it is cheaper
than botanicals such as derris,
cube, etc. Combining it with a
reduced amount of rotenone gives
you finished dusts and sprays
with:
•
• Faster Insect Kill.
• Higher Percentage Kill,
• Lower Cost.
Lethane 60 is not dependent
on imported raw materials. By
using it your supplier gives you
better insecticides and conserves
the limited derris stocks.
For control of early and late
blights, Yellow CUPROCIDE is in-
corporated in the dust or added
by you to the spray tank. See
CuPROCiDE bulletin 18 for the
complete advantages of this fungi-
cide which has won such tremen-
dous acceptance.
Lethane 60-rotenone may be
used for insect control without the
CuPROCiDE. And CupROCiDE may
be combined with arsenicals or
applied alone as a straight fungi-
cide dust or spray. But for maxi-
mum protection to your crop this
season, use the triple combina-
tion: Lethane 60-rotenone-Cup-
ROCIDE.
♦T. M. Reg. U. S. Pat. 0#
ROHM Sc HAAS COMPANY
WASHLXGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA
Manufacturers of C UPRO C I D E * and LETHANEMO for dust and spray
Nixon's Potato Spray Program Stands the Test
of Time
^
^
r
f-
I
It is twenty-five years, a quarter of a
century, since Dr. E. L. Nixon arrived
in Pennsylvania and inaugurated what
has come to be known as Pennsylvania's
Potato Spray Program. During these
twenty-five years many another idea,
plan or program has been conceived and
inaugurated for the benefit of Pennsyl-
vania Agriculture, some remained on
paper, while others were put into opera-
tion, but many of them have long since
been forgotten.
Previous to 1918, when Dr. Nixon set
foot on the Penn State Campus, potato
spraying on the College Farm had shown
but an average increase of 13.6 bushels
per acre over the six-year period from
1910 to 1917 inclusive. This was the best
that could be secured by the use of
commercial bordeaux, low pressure (100
pounds per acre), one nozzle per row,
with little thought of proper adjustment
or nozzle construction, and two to four
sprays per season. Results in the border
states, particularly New York and New
Jersey, showed little more in the way of
encouragement for inaugurating a pota-
to spray program, and the methods em-
ployed were equally primitive.
Without fear or favor, Nixon set out
in 1918 to organize 32 potato spray dem-
onstrations in 11 counties which involv-
ed the spraying of 314 acres on the farms
of cooperating growers. The results, if
interpreted in the light of present day
potato spraying, would not be consid-
ered exciting, but in 1918 an increase of
34.8 bushels per acre was not only sig-
nificant but encouraging to both the
Doctor and the cooperating growers. The
following year 224 demonstrations in 23
counties showed an average increase of
42.9 bushels per acre. By 1920 the
records show that demonstrations were
organized in 42 counties involving over
5,000 acres of potatoes and the records
in the fall showed an average gain of
74.7 bushels per acre over unsprayed
checks. As a direct result of these in-
creases over 500 sprayers were intro-
duced with Pennsylvania growers in
1920. From here on, the stream flowed
deeper, with the high water mark not
to be reached until 1927, when 245 dem-
onstrations showed an average increased
yield of 136.7 bushels per acre.
Pennsylvania's Potato Spray Program
had arrived, even the most skeptical had
to admit it. By 1927, *'400 Bushel" yields
were commonplace, increases of 100 and
even 200 bushels per acre from spraying
were unquestioned, and by 1930 it was
estimated that 10,000 sprayers were in
operation in the State.
The Program
WHY SPRAY? It is questionable if
anyone ever wrote a clearer, more con-
cise explanation of why we spray pota-
toes than was written by Dr. Nixon in
his potato spray bulletin of 1922, and
later included in his book, "Principles
of Potato Production." This story is so
fundamental to potato spraying that it
is included here in its entirety.
"The potato plant has roots, stems and
leaves, and tubers or potatoes which are
underground modified stems. The roots
absorb water and mineral salts from the
soil. The stems display the leaves to the
sunshine and air and serve to transport
to the leaves what the roots absorb from
the soil. The chief function of the leaves
is to manufacture starch. By the action
of the energy of sunUght, the green
leaves convert or combine carbon di-
oxide obtained from the air and water
obtained from the soil into starch.
A small portion of this starch is used
by the potato plant in its growth pro-
cesses, but a great excess is made by the
leaves and this is transferred through
the stems to the tubers, where it is
stored. The valuable starchy material in
the tubers is then actually produced in
the leaves. It takes an entire leaf sur-
face to make maximum tuber produc-
tion. Every spot, hole, or burned edge
on the leaf surface reduces tuber pro-
duction in the same ratio that the size
of the defect bears to the entire leaf
surface.
The purpose of spraying consequently
is to prevent the formation of defects;
such as spots, holes and burned edges.
These defects can be avoided only by
preventing their appearance. They can-
not be cured after they appear. Spraying
is the only means of prevention, and the
three factors: Time (when to spray),
Manner (how to spray), and Material
(what to use) play the important part.
WHEN TO BEGIN SPRAYING: In
1918, most spraying was begun when the
plants were ten inches to a foot high.
Nixon's Program called for making the
first spray before all the plants were
through the ground. He stated, "In a
general way, one should begin spraying
before the appearance of flea beetles,
which is frequently before all the plants
are through the ground Spraying
\
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
should begin before the trouble is ap-
parent. The best rule is to begin early
and continue spraying until the vines
are dead."
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE SPRAY?
In the early period, Nixon stated that
spraying should be made at not longer
than ten-day intervals. He said, "Spray-
ing which thoroughly protects at any
given time does not suffice ten days
later." He found that eight sprays under
optimum conditions may suffice, ten ap-
plications were more like it, and that
twelve may be necessary.
HOW LATE SHOULD WE SPRAY?
Nixon said until the vines are dead. He
pointed out the danger of infection from
LATE BLIGHT at the very end of the
season, resulting many times in severe
tuber rot. He stated that tuber produc-
tion continued so long as the plants are
kept green.
WHAT PRESSURE SHOULD WE
USE? Nixon championed high pressure
as against low pressures. He stated,
"High pressure, with proper nozzle ad-
justment, puts a film over the entire
plant, provided there is enough mater-
ial." He insisted in the days when trac-
tion sprayers were the rule, that they
be kept in condition to deliver the high-
est pressure possible.
HOW MUCH MATERIAL SHOULD
WE USE? From the beginning he in-
sisted on 100 gallons per acre per ap-
plication, more if needed to make a
Condition and readjust your Spray Boom on the next rainy day.
complete coverage of all the foliage. He
did not aim at drenching the plant but
rather, as stated in his own words, "A
film is all that is needed; that which
runs off is wasted. A plant may be drip-
ping and still be only half sprayed."
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPLETE
COVERAGE: Nixon stated in his bul-
letin in 1922 that, "if the under surface
of the leaf is not covered, less than half
a job has been done. Of the two surfaces,
the under is the more important. It is
on the under surface that insects deposit
their eggs. The under surface remains
moist longer than the upper, thereby
aiding infection from disease germs. A
host of ills befall the lower surface
which do not endanger the naturally
better protected upper surface."
SPRAY BOOM CONSTRUCTION:
Spray booms in 1918 were of every con-
ceivable type and construction. Some
were stationary, others hung loose, some
were built of large pipe, some of small,
while still others were a mixture of all
of the above. It wasn't just an arbitrary
decision on the part of Nixon that he set
about to design and construct a spray
boom best suited to do the job. He knew
what he was about, as T. B. Terry would
say. He reasoned there must be a def-
inite relationship between the size of the
different pipes in the make-up of the
boom. Likewise, he reasoned there must
be a certain position at which the great-
est coverage can be obtained. Therefore,
he decided upon a certain length for the
drop arm pipes. The Nixon Spray Boom,
not a particular make or trade name, but
a particular type of spray boom as to
fundamental construction, is in univers-
al usage throughout Pennsylvania to-
day, as well as in most potato growing
sections of the Nation.
(Continued on page 16)
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
i
War Emergency Care of Farm Equipment
Contributed by
Agricultural Engineering Department
The Pennsylvania State College
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
by R. U. Blasingame
While in Harrisburg recently I called
on the service men of the Massey-Harris,
Oliver, Allis-Chalmers, International
Harvester, Huber, Deere, Caterpillar,
Cletrac, and Case Companies. I asked
them to outline briefly a preventive
maintenance farm tractor program in
order to prevent abnormal wear, ex-
pense, and trouble with those machines.
Almost to a man they listed among the
important precautions in operating farm
tractors something like this:
1. It saves time and expense to take
time to give farm tractors the care which
they deserve.
2. This is called preventive mainten-
ance because it stops trouble before it
starts.
3. Use good fuel from a reliable firm.
4. Keep that fuel clean. The jet on
your tractor is only a very tiny hole. The
least particle of trash stops it up.
5. Cans, funnels, and dust blowing
around cause lots of tractor troubles.
6. Most of the water and other foreign
material in the fuel can be removed by
cleaning out the sediment bowl between
the fuel tank and the carburetor. This
needs regular servicing.
7. Fuel stored in a tank under ground
or in drums, kept away from the direct
rays of the sun, has less harmful gum
deposits because the light portions do
not evaporate so rapidly.
8. When 10 gallons of fuel are burned
in a tractor, the engine consumes enough
air to fill two 90-ton silos. If this air is
laden with dust the engine will be worn
rapidly if the air cleaner is not serviced
often. The instruction book tells how to
keep the air cleaner in good shape. It is
well to service the air cleaner at least
once a day in average operating condi-
tions and several times a day in very
dusty fields.
9. No matter how well the air cleaner
is working, dust will enter the engine
through cracks in the air hose or con-
nections between the cleaner and car-
buretor. All of these connections must
be kept dust tight.
10. Then, there are carburetor and
manifold gaskets which may be loose
and let dust enter the engine.
11. Too often the breather is forgot-
ten. It is another entrance through
which dirt may enter the engine. Breath-
ers are equipped with caps which are in
reality miniature air cleaners. To keep
them working right remove the cap and
wash it in kerosene. Before replacing it
dip the cap in clean engine oil.
12. Use good grade oil and keep the
measuring cans and funnels clean. This
means spotlessly clean.
13. Clean off the dirt which always
collects around the crank case filler pipe
before putting in new oil.
14. Oil filters remove dirt, sludge and
foreign matter from the engine oil. This
filter will clog if it isn't serviced or a
new one put on as the instruction book
recommends.
15. Each tractor manufacturer has a
lubrication chart for the grades of oil to
use in summer and winter. Also, these
charts tell how often the oil must be
changed when burning kerosene, fuel
oil or gasoline. To neglect these recom-
mendations one is burning his tractor
at both ends.
16. Warm-up periods are important.
These tractor manufacturers say that
the most engine wear comes in the first
few minutes of operation. This is be-
cause the tractor is cranked and the load
thrown on at high engine speed all at
once. Take a tip from the aviator. He
gives his engine a warm-up run before
he takes off.
These service men for the tractor com-
panies know about troubles because that
is all they do, fix these machines in the
field. A few tips from them are worth
remembering.
MORE TRACTOR WORK PER
GALLON
by A. W. Clyde
More than 1,500,000 gallons of gaso-
line and other tractor fuel could be saved
each year if all of the farm tractors in
the state were operated as efficiently as
some are. This may seem an outlandish
estimate, but I think it is a conservative
one. Specific ways of getting more work
from each gallon of fuel are listed below.
1. Burn Gasoline with High Compres-
sion
Compression is power is the first law
of the gas engine. The reason we have
many low compression tractors is be-
cause heavy fuels, such as kerosene, are
^»
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
low priced. They can be used with low
compression, but will knock badly if the
compression is raised beyond a certain
point. This fuel knock is such a handicap
that it has been called the "cancer of
combustion." Gasoline has better anti-
knock quality and may be used with
higher compression. But it also costs
more than heavy fuels, particularly in
this state where the tax on gasoline must
be paid. My purpose is not to convince
anybody which fuel he should use, but
to point out that it is wasteful to burn
a good fuel like gasoline in a low com-
pression engine. With low compression
a tractor will use as many or more gal-
lons of gasoline in plowing an acre as of
heavy fuel because each gallon has
fewer pounds. If a man has a tractor
made for heavy fuel and decides to use
gasoline exclusively, he should increase
the compression of the engine. He can-
not hope to save any gallons if he burns
gasoline with low compression.
2. Check Carburetor Adjustment
A rich mixture is needed for full
power but a rich mixture is wasteful.
Most work does not require the last
ounce of engine power, hence a leaner
economical mixture can be used. If the
carburetor has a needle valve for ad-
justing the load mixture, this should be
adjusted to give as lean a mixture as
will fire regularly and pick up the load
satisfactorily. Do not, however, tinker
with the idling adjustment for this pur-
pose. On some tractors the carburetor
may need adjustment when changing
from heavy work, like plowing, to a
lighter job. This is because some car-
buretors give a richer mixture for a light
load than for full load.
3. Reduce Engine Speed for Light Work
Every needless revolution of the en-
gine wastes fuel. When the load is light,
full speed is not necessary and, if prac-
ticable, the speed should be lowered. The
reason for this goes back to compression.
At full speed with light load the actual
compression pressure is very low and
little work is done by the fuel used. At
a slower speed, the throttle opens wider,
and the compression pressure is higher.
This gives fewer explosions per minute,
but each one makes better use of the
fuel. For half load with some 2-plow
tractors, as much as 3h gallons can be
saved each day by reducing engine speed
and readjusting the carburetor.
4. Have a Big Enough Load But Not
Too Big
When a tractor is pulling a drawbar
load, the drive wheels always slip, and
slip is a loss. But if we make the load
very light so as to have little slip, we
lose in another way. We then have to
move the tractor more miles to plow an
acre or do any certain amount of work.
Hence the size of load must be a com-
promise between two conflicting things.
Extensive tests at this college and in
Iowa show that the greatest amount of
engine work gets to the drawbar if the
slip is as follows:
Wheel tractors, either air or steel —
10% slip on average surfaces. On a
firm surface such as sod, the slip
should be a little less, and on a very
soft surface it should be more.
Tracklayers — 2 to 4% slip.
A slip test is easy to make. Measure
off 100 feet and see how many revolu-
tions the drivewheels make in this dis-
tance without any load. Then attach the
load and see how far the tractor goes in
the same number of revolutions. Sub-
tract this figure from 100 and the result
is the per cent slip.
If the slip is found too low, then per-
haps something can be done to pull a
bigger load and cover a wider strip of
ground. If the slip is too high, then
choose between (a) adding weight to the
drive wheels, or (b) reducing the load.
KEEP MACHINERY GOING BY
KNOWING WHEN, WHAT,
AND HOW
by D. C. Sprague
Have the satisfaction of knowing that
you will get the job done on time to-
morrow, with the least work, and with
those old machines too. Why wait and
worry? Yes, why do like this fellow?
He is up feeling fine and does the
chores with a bang! Puts away a good
breakfast and starts off to the field.
Whoa! That jingle stops him. Something
is wrong! Yes, there it is. A dangling
cultivator shovel and one bolt gone.
Now, he is back to the shed still feeling
pretty good as such things generally
happen at the other end of the field. Yes,
this is the can but it is too dark to see,
so the contents are dumped on the floor
by the door. He is lucky. Found just the
right bolt with a nut. Now he remem-
bers that the wrench is in the garage so
leaves the can and bolts strewn in the
doorway, arguing that the kids ought
to know enough to let them alone.
As he tightens the nut he wishes for a
washer, and upon seeing the wife, gets
ready to grumble, "Don't have time,"
(Continued on page 20)
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Timely Observations and Suggestions
hy L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
"WHAT DO WE CULTIVATE FOR/'
BY T. B. TERRY:
"To keep weeds down, and the surface
mellow , so as to let air in and
check evaporation from below. These
are the main reasons. By cultivation I
mean, of course, all stirring of the soil —
harrowing as well as the work done by
the weeder and different cultivators.
Have you ever stopped to think how
much damage weeds do? There is no
question on this point; they eat up plant
food and deprive your potatoes of it
just as certainly as a rat eating some of
the oats fed your horse cheats your
horse out of some of his food. If you let
them grow, they will eat, and you pay
the full bill in potatoes. And, what may
be still more important some years,
weeds will drink. And do you know how
much they will drink? one pound
of weeds (dry weight) evaporates or re-
moves approximately 300 pounds of
water from the soil. Think of this when
you let weeds grow, particularly in a
dry year. Potatoes need abundant mois-
ture; weeds rob them of it. Are you
going to let the tramps eat and drink at
your expense? Are you going to treat
them better than your own family? Alas!
Some farmers do. Shame on them. Let
us do all we can, friends, to show them
more businesslike and manly methods.
With drained soil and proper food, and
persistent, systematic effort, we can
keep weeds practically down, never let
Keep the Weeder Going
Early and Late.
them see daylight, (nothing short of this
is perfect), and still we shall only be
giving the crop the tillage that it needs
and what it will pay for. The weed fight-
ing has really cost nothing to speak of.
What did Providence give us weeds for?
Partly to oblige us to till well, perhaps."
SOME SIMPLE PROVEN
RULES OF CULTIVATION:
The first or early cultivations on pota-
toes can and should be deep and close
to the rows.
The harrow, spike or springtooth,
preferably the springtooth set shallow
should be used prior to the potatoes
coming up, either lengthwise or cross-
wise of the rows.
The weeder, the best time and labor
saver the potato grower has, (one of the
cheapest too) should be started early,
used often, and continued late. Bear m
mind it is not a weed eradicator, it is a
weed preventer. It has no equal if
properly used.
After the potatoes are six inches high,
actual cultivation should be shallow and
not too close to the rows or plants. Deep
cultivation after mid-season has ruined
many an otherwise promising potato
crop. The weeder can and should be
used into mid-season or later, particu-
larly on the Rural or late crop. As Dr.
Nixon has often said, "Weed until they
are knee high, and then once or twice
more."
Ridging or hilling for weed control
should not be necessary. What little
ridging or hilling is done should be
aimed at preventing the sunburning of
/fOr
8
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
tubers that lie near the surface. The
ridge or row should be wide or flat when
the job is complete.
SPRAY BOOM
ADJUSTMENT IS IMPORTANT:
It is depressing, it is discouraging, yes,
even disgusting to see an otherwise good
spray outfit, proper pump capacity and
motor power, good pressure and all that,
and then find the spray boom completely
out of line or adjustment. Before going
into the field this year, of all years, when
every move must count, check over your
spray boom. See that it is rigid, in line,
firmly fastened so as to not change its
position once in the field, that the drop
pipes are positioned properly. Some
people, it seems, never learn to paint,
some never learn how to spray. Thous-
ands have done it, and you can do it too.
A word of caution, however: Proceed
with this job with care to prevent break-
age of fittings or pipes.
CONSERVE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES:
The wise potato grower will begin
now to conserve many essential supplies
that will become increasingly hard to
replace as war production and the offen-
sive drive comes into action. All of the
following items will be affected directly
or indirectly by the war effort:
Bags (particularly burlap)
Farm tools and shop tools.
Rubber products, such as rubber belt-
ing, tires, hose, etc.
New machinery, graders, sprayers, etc.
Pipes of all kinds.
Engines and pumps.
Certain kinds of rope and twine.
Scales.
Tarpaulins.
All aluminum products, potato forks,
etc.
All tin products, such as funnels, etc.
Certain kinds of paint.
By being thrifty or saving, even
though many items may still appear to
be in abundance, you will be cultivating
a good habit for the day when these
items are not to be had so readily. You
may be helping another soldier or sailor
out of a tough spot.
In the December, 1940, issue of the
GUIDE POST, I published a potato
growers* inventory. Perhaps now is a
good time to take stock of some of your
equipment or supplies, where it is stored,
and in what condition.
AVAILABILITY OF
BLUE STONE AND LIME:
I am informed that the principle Penn-
sylvania lime plants that furnish the
bulk of potato spray lime are all work-
ing at 100% capacity. The bulk of their
output is for industry, steel mills, chemi-
cal plants, etc., in the connection with
the production of war goods. In talking
with one of the higher officials of one of
these plants, he assured me that every
effort will be made to meet spray lime
requirements. He pointed out that in
some instances there may be delays,
due to full capacity operation and in-
ability to secure cars immediately for
shipment. Growers who have been in
the habit of going direct to the plants
for truck pick-up of their spray lime
needs will be cared for as in the past.
So as not to cause delay, both for the
grower and the lime company, it will
be advisable for the grower to contact
the company a few days in advance to
date of trip.
I am informed that there will be
ample Blue Stone for spray needs for
the present season. Here again the prob-
lem of possible delay in shipment should
be taken into account. A price ceiling of
six cents per pound has been placed on
Blue Stone. Although I am not so in-
formed, I asume this is a manufacturers'
plant price. At any rate, if this can be
maintained, it is a much different situa-
tion than during the last war, when Blue
Stone went as high as fifteen cents per
pound.
A FEW FARM HAZARDS THAT
CAN BE FIXED ON A RAINY DAY:
Broken wobbly steps, that may mean
a broken leg. Missing steps, broken
railings, broken floor boards, and
cluttered up stairways are definite
hazards.
Broken or cracked ladder rungs, side
pieces, and damaged step ladders, all of
which are often used accessories on the
farm, can easily and quickly be repaired
and made safe. Plenty of danger of an
accident here.
Loose handles in the axe, maddock,
pick or sledge waste time for the user,
and make someone liable to permanent
injury.
If you have lumber that has been
used in some temporary job, and is full
of nails, rainy days will be well spent
in cleaning the lumber which will save
time when again needed.
Door hinges, roller door tracks, and
safe door latches can be quickly fixed
with but little cost.
If you have not already done so,
arrange a convenient, permanent tool
(Continued on page 22)
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Large Increases in Movement of Potatoes for the
1941-42 Marketing Season
The 1941-32 Marketing Season just
closed shows marked increases over
past seasons in volume of potatoes
moved, number of buyers and distribu-
tors served, number of communities and
stores to receive direct store-door de-
liveries, and in number of participating
growers.
Chain stores continued the leading
cooperators, with increases in their par-
ticipation with the Association over
previous seasons. An analysis of the
season's business shows a great in-
crease in the participation of indepen-
dent chains and independent coopera-
tors.
Other significant facts shown by the
analysis of the past season's marketing
activities were a marked increase in the
movement in the Southeastern Market-
ing area, made possible largely by the
establishment of the Allentown Branch
Office, a wider distribution over past
seasons, with potatoes having been de-
livered to distant points such as Bos-
ton, Richmond, Roanoke, Columbus,
etc., an increase in the quality of the
Association pack, as shown by increased
demand by buyers and the reduction of
market rejections to the lowest figure
since the initiation of the program, and
the increased cooperation of various
other agencies.
Movement Virlually Reaches 5,000,000 Packs
District
Northeast Marketing Area
Southwest Marketing Area
Central Marketing Area
Northwest Marketing Area
Southwest Marketing Area
B-15's
464,176
1,413,293
600.775
440,050
1,132,711
Red 15's
11.500
9,435
64,170
22,061
59.859
E'15's
34.200
5,809
BSO's
24.703
88,491
12,924
5,300
19,057
Total 4.051,005
Total Equivalent in pecks: 4.918,499
167.025 40.009 150,475
Unci. 50's
7,800
640
4,600
10,550
24,073
Value
$156,611.64
489.169.84
184.162.75
141.019.00
353.101.98
47,663
$1,324,065.21
From the vast volume of figures avail-
able, and by careful computations where
definite figures were not obtainable, the
season's movement reached an equiva-
lent of 4,918,499 pecks. Breaking this
down to the various Association packs,
the volume or number of each pack
moved was as follows: Blue Label 15's
—4,051,005; Red Label 15's— 167,025;
Economy 15's— 40,009; Blue Label 50's—
150,475; Unclassified 50's— 47,663.
While participating growers will tell
you they received an increased price
for potatoes merchandised through the
Association Program, thousands of other
growers benefitted directly and indirect-
ly through stabilization of prices and
increased prices at the farm -yard. The
total value of all the potatoes sold dur-
ing the year amounted to $1,324,065.21.
This vast volume of business was
handled, to the everlasting credit of the
distributors and buyers, without any
short paying or rubber checks.
Much of the credit for the increased
volume, the increased demand for the
Association pack, should go to the Local
Association Grade Supervisors who bore
the brunt of the job of seeing that the
pack was right. The Marketing Pro-
gram and the activities of these local
men in establishing better grading,
packing and merchandising, is leading
to better production methods and bet-
ter care of the crop both in the field and
in the storage.
Potatoes were moved from practic-
ally all the leading potato growing
areas of the State during the past season,
and from many widely scattered grow-
ers and points. Figured on a county
basis, the ten leading shipping counties
during the past year were: Erie, Somer-
set, Lancaster, Lehigh, Cambria,
Chester, Northampton, Columbia, Car-
bon and Potter.
Big Increase in Store -Door Deliveries
Direct store-door deliveries more than
doubled that of a year ago, with oyer
2,000 stores in 416 communities receiv-
ing supplies in this manner. Over fifty
percent, 56.2% to be exact, of all Blue
Label pecks sold took this direct route
from grower, to store, to consumer. The
movement of the same pack, the Blue
Label peck, to strictly Pennsylvania
stores on this direct store-door delivery
program was close to 65% of all pecks
moved within the State,
^^4».
10
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
In many communities, the entire
movement was by direct store-door de-
livery, with individual growers and
groups of growers cooperating through-
out the season to keep up prompt and
constant store supplies. The movement
in the Metropolitan area of Pittsburgh
was better than 80%, direct to the
stores, while the Philadelphia move-
ment direct store-door increased to
close to 60%.
Direct store-door deliveries have re-
sulted in a closer and better relation-
ship between the buyer, the store mana-
ger, and the grower or shipper. All of
this great movement was made with a
very minimum of complaint on the part
of store managers as to deliveries, and
our growers have reported, with few
exceptions, the most courteous treat-
ment. It is evident that the farmer, in
this case, the potato grower, and the
business man, the distributor of essen-
tial food, can cooperate for the good of
all three groups concerned, the produc-
er, the distributor and the consumer.
In addition to the large share of the
consumers' dollar returned to the pro-
ducer, which has in many cases been as
high as 85%, direct store-door delivery
has proven, in most cases, to be more
economical to both the shipper and the
distributor.
Southeastern Marketing Area
Leads in Distribution
Of the five marketing areas — the
Southeastern, the Northeastern, the
Southwestern, the Northwestern and the
Central — the Southeastern area showed
the largest increased movement for the
season, as well as the largest total ton-
nage. The movement credited directly
to the Allentown Branch Office, which
figured largely in the increases, totaled
the equivalent of 1,341,973 pecks, or an
increase of 54.44% over the movement
in the same area a year ago.
Although the greater portion of this
movement was Blue Label pecks, the
Blue Label 50's had their heaviest move-
ment in this area, with the total reach-
ing 87,514 fifty-pound bags for the sea-
son.
The movement in the Southwestern
area totaled 1,342,146 pecks, with an in-
crease of 39.02% over that of last year,
while the movement in the Northeastern
area totaled 584,019 pecks, the North-
western area used 549,144 pecks, and
the movement into the Central area was
723,358 pecks. These figures represent
the volume handled by food distribu-
tors in these areas, and should not be
confused with the volume or tonnage
packed by growers within the areas.
The populations and the numbers of
cooperating distributors and stores in
the above areas determined, to a large
extent, the volumes of movement.
Increase in Number of Buyers and
Distributors
While the chain stores continued as
the leading cooperators and distribu-
tors of Pennsylvania Blue Labels, an
increased number of participating inde-
pendent chains and operators resulted
in a considerable increase in the move-
ment to independent outlets. By far,
the largest increase in this independent
movement was shown in the North-
western and Southwestern areas.
Through personal contacts with buy-
ers, made by the Association and by
grower-shippers, many markets that
had been lost to outside competitors
were reclaimed for the movement of
Pennsylvania grown potatoes. These
buyers and distributors, many of whom
had lost confidence in Pennsylvania po-
tatoes, because of former poor gradin'g
and uncertain supplies, had to be shown
that quality and supplies would be con-
sistent. With growers meeting these re-
quirements with the Association pack, a
number of these new buyers and dis-
tributors have been steady cooperators
throughout the year.
Whereas many of the same buyers
accused the grower in years past of
crooked grading and packing, and the
grower, in turn, accused the buyer of
low prices and crooked dealing, they
are now beginning to meet each other
on a common ground founded on the
principle of cooperation. No one can
deny that better relationships have been
established, in which each can share
and share alike.
Blue Labels from Boston to Virginia
When the Association Marketing Plan
was inaugurated in 1936, we were think-
ing largely in terms of Pennsylvania
and Pennsylvania markets. This still is
the ^'battle cry", for in spite of the pro-
gress made, the movement of increased
volumes of potatoes, improvement in
grading and packing, and a better un-
derstanding and relationship, there are
still thousands of growers who are not
directly benefitting and thousands of
stores still to be reached.
(Continued on page 17)
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
The Home Front and Victory
-m^
From week to week and month to
month more people are realizing that
this war is not "something apart," not a
task for someone else to do. Hundreds
and thousands more must come to this
realization during the weeks ahead.
There is a job for all of us, not alone the
soldier at the front, but all of those on
the "Home Front," including the mmer
digging the necessary coal for the
molders of steel, the machinists at their
benches turning out tools and parts for
war equipment, the producer and dis-
tributor of the necessary food to feed
the masses at home and the allies abroad
as well as our soldiers on the field of
battle.
All of these and many more are in
this war, and until VICTOY is won, all
will either volunteer or be called upon
to work, give, sacrifice, fight and even
die, so that our way of life, as Lmcoln
said, "Shall not perish from the earth."
Gas Rationing Effective May 15th
With gasoline deliveries to retailers
reduced by one third, the War Produc-
tion Board ordered a gas rationing
plan effective in 17 eastern states be-
ginning May 15th. It is pointed out that
the plan was adopted to assure the
public of fair distribution of the cur-
tailed supplies of gasoline in the Atlantic
sea-board area, including Pennsylvania.
The shortage arises not from a scarcity
of crude oil or from refinery facilities,
but from a lack in transportation means.
Normally, more than 90 9^^ of the supply
of gas on the east coast is brought in by
tanker. Since the start of the war, many
tankers have been sunk by enemy sub-
marine action, and sinkings continue.
At the same time, the Army and Navy,
preparing for offensive action at the
earliest possible moment, need every
tanker that can be pressed into military
service. In addition to this, the great
industrial empire of the east is using
increasing amounts of petroleum prod-
ucts in the production of necessary war
equipment.
Under present rulings, trucks will not
come under the restrictions set forth
in the order for May 15th. This may be
changed, however, as further restric-
tions are most certain to follow if the
public does not do its part in conserving
fuel. The Government is asking motor-
ists to:
1. Eliminate all unnecessary driving.
2. Form car sharing pools with neigh-
bors working in the same general
area.
When use of the car has been reduced
to the minimum, gasoline consumption
may be further conserved by observing
the following suggestions:
1. Drive under 40 miles per hour.
Studies have shown that gasoline con-
sumption increases with the speed of a
car. A car getting 16.4 miles to a gallon
of gas at a speed of 40 miles per hour
will get only 14.6 miles on a gallon at
50 miles an hour; 12.6 at 60 miles; 10.6 at
70 miles, and 8.6 at 80 miles per hour.
2. Don't idle the motor unnecessarily.
The Bureau of Standards report that a
30-second "idle" uses one-sixth as much
gasoline as would be consumed by a
car going one mile at 50 miles per hour.
3. Keep your car in good mechanical
condition.
4. Align the wheels properly.
5. Lubricate all parts of the car regu-
larly with proper lubricants.
6. Drive at steady speeds. Avoid
spurting.
7. Start slowly. Don't attempt quick
get-aways.
8. Keep braking to a safe minimum.
9. Inflate tires properly.
10. Don't drive on curves at speeds
that "pull" the car.
The same rules can and should be
applied to the use of gas on the farm,
gas engines, the sprayer and the tractor
included.
Rubber Wheeled Farm Machinery Out
Because of the critical rubber situa-
tion, the War Production Board has
ordered production of farm machinery
and equipment requiring rubber tires
discontinued after April 30, except for
combine harvest thrashers. Production
of combines requiring rubber tires must
be dropped also after July 31.
Transportation Restrictions
Moving to counteract a rapidly dwind-
ling supply of motor trucks in the face
of increased demands on the country's
transportation facilities, the Office of
Defense Transportation, April 23rd,
ordered the trucking industry to put its
over-the-road freight operations on a
more efficient basis. The new regulations
(Continued on page 22)
^'
muliStsti^..
12
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher* Coudersport Vice-Pres.
E, B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec*y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridge ton, York
W. W. Hayes, . . . Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretary-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
GROWER TO GROWER
EXCHANGE SERVES USERS
THE GROWER TO GROWER EX-
CHANGE, carried entirely for the con-
venience of growers who wish to buy,
sell or swap farm products, farm ma-
chinery, and the like, has served many
of its users well, procuring them a ready
sale for the article they wanted moved,
or securing for them the machinery they
needed to buy.
Recently we received a letter from J.
C. Jacobsen, of Girard, who has used
the GUIDE POST many times in the
past several years, which proves the
worth of the GROWER TO GROWER
EXCHANGE as an advertising medium.
Mr. Jacobsen's letter read as follows:
"We are writing you in appreciation
for the results obtained from our ads
in the Guide Post. We have been running
these ads quite frequently in the past
three years and have been very well
pleased with the response we have re-
ceived from them. The ad is always set
up in nice form and placed in the Grower
to Grower Exchange where you just
can't miss it.
"Another feature of advertising in the
Guide Post is the great span of territory
it covers. We have received inquiries
from such places as Coudersport, Pa.,
St. Mary's, Pa., Dalton, Pa., Pennsyl-
vania Furnace, Pa., Williamsport, Pa.,
and even from Elmira, Michigan.
"We have moved a number pieces of
machinery through this source and feel
assured that this is really the very best
paper we hav found for advertising pur-
poses."
With Sympathy
This office was indeed sorry to
hear of the passing of Mrs. Thomas
Buell, Elmira, Michigan.
Those of us who have at various
times over past years made trips
into the seed potato section of
Northern Michigan will long re-
member the friendly greeting and
welcome from Mrs. Buell at the
Buell Homestead, near Elmira.
We express our deepest sym-
pathy to Mr. Buell and members of
the family.
FOUND !
A NEW-MEMBER BLANK
in this issue
of the GUIDE POST !
Use it, today/ to sign up a member-
subscriber.
His receipt of the Guide Post is as
good as attendance at a good Potato
Meeting — which he probably can't
attend — without gas, tires and time.
Help him to be informed !
Treat him to the privileges of
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
T
Pennsylvania Potato Growers Appear Before
Judiciary Committee of the House
of Representatives
'3U:
A delegation of Pennsylvania potato
growers took time out, in a busy season,
to attend a legislative hearing and pre-
sent testimony in support of legislation
aimed at putting a stop to unjust loading
and pilot charges, made on the producer
and trucker of farm produce, in a num-
ber of our metropolitan markets. The
hearing was held on April 24th, before
the subcommittee of the Judiciary Com-
mittee of the House of Representatives.
The delegation, speaking in behalf of
Pennsylvania potato growers included:
P. Daniel Frantz, Lehigh County, Presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania Potato
Growers' Association, E. B. Bower,
Centre County, General Manager, Secre-
tary and Treasurer of the Association,
Ivan Miller and A. C. Harwood, Erie
County, Irvin H. Hostetter and Hugh C.
McPherson, York County, John Stoltz-
fus and Aaron W. Gehman, Chester
County, and Dr. E. L. Nixon, who testi-
fied as a grower from Centre County.
The Bill under consideration was
entered in the House of Representatives
by Congressman Hobbs, of Alabama, and
states in its title, "An Act to protect trade
and commerce against interference by
violence, threats, coercion, or intimida-
tion." Provisions of the Bill, under Sec-
tion 2, state, as follows:
"Any person who, in connection with
or in relation to any act in any way or
in any degree affecting trade or com-
merce or any article or commodity mov-
ing or about to move in trade or
commerce —
"(a) Obtains or attempts to obtain, by
use of or attempt to use or threat to use
force, violence, or coercion, money or
other valuable consideration; protection
or protective service, or the expressed
or implied promise thereof; or the pur-
chase or rental of property; or
"(b) Obtains the property of another,
with his consent, induced by wrongful
use of force or fear, or under color of
official right; or
"(c) Commit or threatens physical
violence to any person or property in
furtherance of a plan or purpose to
violate subsections (a) or (b) of this
section; or
"(d) Conspires or acts concertedly
with any other person or persons to
violate any of the provisions of this sec-
tion; shall, upon conviction thereof, be
guilty of a felony and shall be punished
by imprisonment of not more than 20
years or by a fine of not more than
$10,000, or both."
Brief and Testimony Presented
by Pennsylvania Delegation
In addition to direct testimony, a brief
was preparded by the Pennsylvania
delegation, representing you and your
Association, at the hearing and filed by
Dr. Nixon with the subcommittee of the
Judiciary Committee at the close of his
testimony. This brief explains pretty
clearly the problems involved and the
position taken by your Association.
"We, the undersigned, represent the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association. We deliver pota-
toes to every city in Pennsylvania, and
into many cities of states bordering
Pennsylvania. Many members of our
organization have trouble in various
cities both within and without the State
with certain so-called representatives of
labor unions. Their tactics are as follows:
"As the trucks drive up to a ware-
house, store, or other terminal, one or
more of these so-called union men de-
mand a fee ranging from $2.50 to $9.00
before the potatoes can be unloaded.
There is no uniform basis of charge. It
varies with the resistance of the driver,
either from his persuasive ability or out
of respect for his size.
"The potato growers of Pennsylvania
like those from other states do not have
wide margins of profits on which to
operate. These racket fees comes as a
distinct hardship to our growers for
they are paid directly out of the pockets
of our growers. Frankly, we do not like
the attitude of these agents or racke-
teers. There is a difference whether a
man offers his services for hire or de-
mands that 'You cannot unload here
yourself. You have to pay a fee for this
privilege.' (See receipts). These fees are
exhorbitant even if they are justified.
They amount to more money (approxi-
mately 2 cents per bushel) for merely
(Continued on page 24)
t
14
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
Vital Needs for Victory
(Released by R. U. Blasingame, Chair-
man, Agricultural Committee, State
Council of Defense)
SCRAP IRON IS VITAL TO VIC-
TORY: For every ton of scrap that is
used, we conserve between 4 and 5 tons
of iron ore, coal, stone and other raw
materials, and in fact, our steel industry
is based around the use of scrap.
If the steel mills had to erect blast
furnaces to make steel out of new pig,
the cost would be exorbitant, and we
couldn't begin to build, especially at this
time, the freight cars, the vessels, the
blast furnaces, and the coke ovens, to
make that additional tonnage of pig. So
scrap is a very essential raw material
at this time, and the steel that is made
through scrap is stronger and it is
cheaper.
In 1917, which was the peak year of
the first World War, we consumed in
this country 26,800,000 gross tons of iron
and steel scrap. In 1940, which was a
transitional year, or a defense year, our
consumption was 40,000,000 tons of
scrap. In 1941, we went up to 53,600,000
tons of scrap, twice what we did in the
best year of the first World War.
Gather up your scrap iron and put it
where it will count. Keep the steel mills
rolling.
RUBBER IS VITAL TO VICTORY:
No person shall, unless expressly per-
mitted by the Director of Industrial
Operations, destroy, by burning or any
other means, all or any part of rubber
tires, tire casings, tire tubes, waterproof
footwear, heels, soles, hose, belting or
storage battery boxes, whether these
products are worn out or not, which is
composed in whole or in part of any
kind of rubber.
Rubber reclaimers' stocks of scrap will
run out in about four months unless we
increase their current collections. They
are now running to the poorer grades of
scrap to supplement tires and tubes.
Gather up your rubber and put it
where it will count. Keep the rubber
factories working.
WASTE PAPER IS VITAL TO VIC-
TORY: Waste paper is vital to victory
because it is a basic resource from which
are made millions of containers which
are essential to supply our armies on the
fighting front, our soldiers in training,
our allies overseas, and our vastly ex-
panded defense industries.
Trade estimates that the average fam-
ily can save a pound of waste paper a
day. This is the important source of
waste paper that must be salvaged if a
serious shortage is to be averted.
A ton of paperboard, from which con-
tainers are made, contains 1906 pounds
of waste paper, cardboard, and corru-
gated board. America's war effort now
takes one-fourth of the more than 8,000,-
000 tons of paperboard scheduled for
manufacture in the United States this
coming year. By the end of 1942, it will
be utilizing two-thirds of an estimated
9,000,000 tons. One ton of waste paper
will produce any of the following: 1500
shell containers, 47,000 boxes for 30-
caliber ammunition, 71,000 dust covers
for airplane engines, or 36,000 practice
targets.
Army ordnance plants require 30,000
tons of paperboard each month just for
packaging the shells they turn out. To
keep the soldiers in the service supplied
with milk, army quartermasters need a
million paper milk containers a day. Just
to pack the canned tomatoes which the
army boys will eat this next year will
require a thousand tons of paperboard.
The paper collection drive must rake
together almost 2,000,000 pounds of
waste paper just to make the paper-
board for these canned tomatoes.
Gather up your waste paper and put
it where it will count. Keep the paper
mills rolling!
Also for Victory-
Buy Defense
Stamps and Bonds
Regularly !
This is Vital Too !
r
^^
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
Association Membership Shows Gain for Month
of April
The membership canvass announced in
the April issue of the Guide Post is under
way with a substantial gain in member-
ship in a number of countries for the
month. The canvass of growers will con-
tinue with the support of many volun-
teer workers in numerous potato
growing sections throughout the State.
As an Association Member you are
invited and urged to support this move
in your community and county. The best
increase in membership for the past
month was turned in by Union County
with an increase of 38.4 per cent. Other
counties making substantial gains were:
Sullivan with a gain of 20%, Cambria
16.4%, Bedford 12.5%, and Columbia
with a gain of 10.6%.
Counties that have reached or ex-
ceeded their goal are; Warren, Phila-
delphia, Columbia, Lebanon, Dauphin,
and Elk.
The State Goal is 2,000 Members for
the current year. This State-wide goal
is broken down to the Counties on an
equitable basis, using a factor based on
acreage, production, and number of
growers per county growing five acres
or more of potatoes according to the last
census.
The Counties have been arranged into
five groups. Those with similar member-
ship goals have been grouped together
for the purpose of comparison.
The standing of a County in its group
is determined on the basis of the per-
centage of its membership goal attained.
For example, the goal for Lebanon
County is 33 members. Lebanon County
on May 1st had actually 43 members
which places the County over its goal at
130.3%, and 1st in its group.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
RATING AND GOALS
BY COUNTIES
County
Erie
Lancaster
Lehigh
Northampton
Somerset
York
County
Berks
Group 1
Standing
3rd
6th
1st
4th
5th
2nd
Group 2
Standing
5th
Goal
96
128
183
101
156
94
Goal
56
Cambria
2nd
55
Chester
3rd
42
Columbia
1st
47
Crawford
7th
68
Luzerne
6th
50
Mercer
8th
46
Potter
4th
56
Schuylkill
9th
Group 3
74
County
Standing
Goal
Bradford
12 th
30
Bucks
2nd
25
Butler
8th
38
Carbon
7th
24
Centre
3rd
23
Clearfield
6th
27
Indiana
5th
31
Jefferson
13th
29
Lackawanna
9th
21
Lebanon
1st
33
Lycoming
4th
32
Northumberland 10th
23
Tioga
nth
Group 4
23
County
Standing
Goal
Armstrong
15th
16
Bedford
9th
16
Blair
nth
13
Clarion
5th
16
Clinton
14 th
11
Cumberland
7th
11
Dauphin
3rd
12
Elk
3rd
10
Franklin
13th
16
Huntingdon
16th
10
Lawrence
10 th
15
Monroe
8th
17
Montgomery
4th
15
Snyder
16th
10
Susquehanna
17 th
11
Union
2nd
13
Venango
6th
16
Warren
1st
16
Wayne
12 th
14
Westmorland
13th
16
Wyoming
10th
Group 5
12
County
Standing
Goal
Adams
5th
8
Allegheny
9th
5
Beaver
nth
8
Cameron
6th
3
Delaware
10th
6
Fayette
8th
9
Forest
nth
5
t
i!
(Continued on page 20)
^ifi— mri
16
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
NIXON'S POTATO
SPRAY PROGRAM
(Continued from page 4)
NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION: With
the advent of higher pressure came the
necessity of a change in nozzle construc-
tion. The weakness of nozzles at that
time was lack of volume and faulty con-
struction of the whirl chamber. Here
again Nixon, without fear or favor, criti-
cized many of the faulty makes and co-
operated with manufacturers who were
progressive, in designing and construct-
ing nozzles that would do the job.
BOOM AND NOZZLE ADJUST-
MENT: Boom and nozzle adjustment
went hand in hand with their proper
construction, yet there is no one in the
Nation who has placed more emphasis
and spoken oftener on the necessity of
proper boom adjustment than has
Nixon. He stated, *'After all, spraying
a plant is no different from painting a
house, in that the job is not complete
until all the exposed surface is covered."
It should be clear to all of us that a faulty
boom or nozzle adjustment will not do a
complete job of spray coverage. At thou-
sands of spray demonstrations, lime
slaking demonstrations, and on all other
occasions, Nixon stressed proper boom
adjustment. The height of the boom, the
proper angle of the drop arm pipes and
*y jt- ■'■'•
->>. M^
frti!
I.
Lfc r
^S^^H"^-
wH <* ^ *v.
at ^^ <J^^ 5r^
*-'»j*iti
•<**^^ jjgJjf'Jf
1iX«.
.^Mttk d«>
Growers of The Lehigh Valley walch Roy Wotring follow Ihe practice of making
the first spray while the plants are still quite small.
the exact turn or position of the nozzles
is as fundamental today as it was back
in the twenties.
THREE VERSUS ONE NOZZLE TO
THE ROW: Early spraying in Pennsyl-
vania and in the border states was done
with one nozzle per row, spraying only
the top of the plants. The results were
so meager that even College workers in
that day were saying that it didn't pay
to spray potatoes. This was in the years
immediately preceding Nixon's Pro-
gram. The Doctor never faltered in his
belief that three nozzles properly spaced
so as to reach all the plant were essen-
tial to a complete job of potato spraying.
Some so-called spraying specialists in
other states have questioned the neces-
sity of the three nozzle arrangement in
the past, but where did it lead their
growers in the face of blight epidemics?
The records are plain: into abandoning
potato growing.
SPRAYING UNDER CRITICAL
CONDITIONS: Nixon, early, through
his keen observation and experience,
found that there were certain critical
periods in the spraying of the potato
crop. These periods may be defined as
the first few weeks of the young plant's
growth, the hot period of mid-summer,
and the rainy season of the fall. In meet-
ing these critical periods, he referred to
the Foundation Series of sprays, the
Heat Series, and the Blight Series. He
(Continued on page 18)
.
^r
Members Are Contributing To Canvas
A host of new members have been
added to the Association rolls during
the month passed. Some were unsoli-
cited— many were contributed, directly
or indirectly, by supporter cooperators.
New members whom we welcome into
our group, among the recent "enlist-
ments," include:
Edgar Gooderham, Patton, Cambria
Raymond Haas, Ebensburg, Cambria
L. E. Helsel, Elton, Cambria
E. J. Hughes, Ebensburg, Cambria
Pius Kirsch, Carrolltown, Cambria
L. W. Kline, Cresson, Cambria
J. C. McGough, Dysart, Cambria
Gerald Springer, Carrolltown, Cam-
bria
W. A. Westrick, Patton, Cambria
Harry E. Graver, Lehighton, Carbon
Lee P. Smeltzer, Bellefonte, Centre
Henry J. Stover, Aaronsburg, Centre
Newton Lantz, Parkesburg, Chester
Carl Ecklund, Berwindale, Clearfield
Lorenzo Fetterman, Catawissa, Co-
lumbia
Cassel Landis, Hummelstown, Dauph-
in
Jacob Gearhart, Chambersburg,
Franklin
J. Ralph George, Schnecksville, Le-
high
Russell W. Jacoby, Allentown, Lehigh
Walter H. Jarrett, Macungie, Lehigh
William J. Lichtenwalner, Breinigs-
ville, Lehigh
John Remaley, Schnecksville, Lehigh
Stine Brothers, Macungie, Lehigh
Park Speicher, Somerset, Somerset
Joseph Keating, Dushore, Sullivan
Beck & Piatt, New Columbia, Union
R. C. Betting, Lewisburg, Union
W. I. Dyer, Winfield, Union
Leon Musser, Lewisburg, Union
A. M. Fries, Aldenville, Wayne
Norman Schneider, Cochocton, N.Y.
G. B. Townsend, Greenville, O.
For contributions among the above
new members, on behalf of the entire
membership, we express appreciation to
these contributors:
Clinton T. Bastian, Wescoeville, Le-
high, who forwarded five memberships
to the Association.
H. R. Snoberger, New Enterprise, Bed-
ford County, who is continually boost-
ing.
Morris Kriebel, Barto, Berks County,
whose three contributions make his long
list of "plugs" for the Association dur-
inga period of years very long indeed.
Daniel J. Frantz, of Coplay, Lehigh
County, who, as Secretary of the Lehigh
County local Association, keeps "push-
ing" gave a substantial start to putting
Lehigh County back in an enviable posi-
tion among the leading counties in the
State.
Clinton E. Snyder, of Neffs, Lehigh
County, too, knew what the blank, in-
serted in his April GUIDE POST meant
— and used it!
You can help! Remember, if each of
you contributes one new member, you
will double your memberships' strength.
In these times, this strength is essential.
There is another blank with this
GUIDE POST. Use it today! Enlist your
new member. You will be helping your-
self and your fellow members, and doing
a real service for the new member you
enroll.
LARGE INCREASES IN
MOVEMENT OF POTATOES
(Continued from page 10)
It is significant, however, that at a
time when most potatoes are moving
southward to market, we should be ship-
ping Pennsylvania Blue Labels to Bos-
ton. To the South, Richmond and Roa-
noke, Virginia, were constantly seeking
supplies. Blue Labels reached into all
of the border states, including New
Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia,
Maryland, Delaware, and were on sale
in stores in the District of Columbia and
in the state of Indiana.
The greater portion of this out of state
movement was unsolicited. Were il
sporadic, one would conclude it was
prompted by curiousity, but the de-
mand and movement was steady and
continuous, so long as supplies were
available.
Coming back to Pennsylvania, as
stated previously, the number of stores
and communities served with Pennsyl-
vania potatoes in the Association pack
during the past season were greatly in-
creased over previous years. This in-
creased movement, in our own stores,
along with the more distant demand re-
ferred to above is some evidence that
Pennsylvania potatoes are reasserting
themselves in the market and that we
are regaining much of our lost prestige
as growers and shippers of quality po-
tatoes.
•/>
18
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
NIXON'S POTATO
SPRAY PROGRAM
(Continued from page 16)
stated, in referring to the Foundation
Series, that "This series, as the name
implies, is basic for the control of many
insects, such as flea beetles and the com-
mon Colorado potato bugs, but more
especially, it is indispensable for the
control of late blight." He recommended
to begin spraying as soon as the rows
could be distinguished and to make three
applications during the first ten days.
During extreme heat periods, 90 de-
grees in the shade, Nixon recommended
shortening the spray period, and during
the latter part of the season, when damp
cool weather was the rule, he empha-
sized the necessity of spraying even if
it was done in the rain.
HOME MADE VERSUS COMMER-
CIAL SPRAYS: The stand of Dr. Nixon
on this point is well known by growers
everywhere, and who wants to deny that
he not only made the potato growers of
the State millions of "potato dollars" by
this stand, but saved them from aban-
doning potato growing as well? Where
would thousands of our growers be to-
day, or the industry of the State as a
whole, if it had not been for the sound
fundamental teachings of the late teens
and twenties, on the preparation of eco-
nomical, efficient, home-made Bordeaux
for potato spraying?
FORMS OF LIME AND BLUE
STONE: Nixon recommended the use
of crystal form of Blue Stone, believing
that there was less chance of adultera-
tion which was a definite threat to up-
setting results in the early period. The
same can be said of lime, with the addi-
tional fact that it was his observation
that burnt lump lime, properly slaked,
made a quality of Bordeaux that was
more adhesive to the plant and caused
much less wear on spray nozzles and
pumps than did other forms of lime. No
one has claimed to this day, and proved
it, that other forms of lime are superior
to burnt lump lime.
PROPER SLAKING OF LIME: No art
was ever taught with more sincerity,
definiteness, precision, and for a more
definite purpose. Is the slaking of lime
to be a lost art? The Doctor said that
hydrated lime, which requires no slak-
ing, is a stepping stone to dusting, and
that dusting is one way to go out of
potato growing. There is considerable
evidence in support of this contention.
Hydrated lime and dusting may be the
easy way, but is it most profitable?
PUMP AND ENGINE CAPACITY:
With the advent of power sprayers in
a large way during the twenties and the
years to follow, the question of just what
is required was important. What should
the power unit be and what should be
the capacity of the pump? Again, by ob-
servation and trial, it was quickly es-
tablished that a minimum engine capa-
city of a horse power per row, and a
minimum pump capacity of two gallons
per minute per row, were essential to
maintain pressure and attain proper
spray coverage. This was a simple rule
that should still be followed in the pur-
chase of new equipment.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SPRAY
PLANT: In order to save time, labor,
and for efficiency, Nixon preached the
value of the grower's constructing or
arranging a convenient spray plant for
mixing of sprays and the filling of the
sprayer. Time saved on these jobs, he
reasoned, meant more hours in the field
spraying and lessened the chance that
the grower would sour on the job.
SPRAY RINGS: The oldest coopera-
tive Spray Ring in America was organ-
ized by Nixon in 1919, in the Horsham
Community of Montgomery County.
Shortly afterward, a similar ring was
organized in the Fawn Grove Communi-
ty of York County, which claims to be
the longest continuously operated ring
in existence. J. C. Wiley, who died but
a few years ago, was an active leader in
this latter ring.
The cooperative spray ring movement
increased rapidly during the succeeding
years — making it possible for thousands
of small growers, growers who were
rapidly cutting down on potato acreage
due to blight, insects and unprofitable
yields, to test out the possibilities of a
new day in potato growing. At the peak
of this activity, there were 125 Coopera-
tive Spray Rings in operation in the
State. The results were so favorable and
encouraging that hundreds of growers
began to increase their acreage to an
economic unit and bought their own
sprayers. This trend increased rapidly
in the late twenties and early thirties
when thousands of sprayers were
bought, even to the point of swamping
certain sprayer manufacturers with or-
ders.
These early rings were organized on
a cooperative cost basis — of share and
share alike. Each grower learned the
fundamental principles and details of
proper spraying and took an active part
(Continued on page 24)
,.
wmh
HEADY to serve
Recognizing that an efficient use of fertilizers de-
pends upon facts, the American Potash Industry main-
tains an Institute for investigations in the practical use
of potash. This Institute has branch offices in the
South, Midwest, Northeast, on the Pacific Coast, and
in Canada. Its staff of trained agronomists cooperate
with State and Federal institutions in research and ex-
perimental work and with growers having specific prob-
lems in the use of plant food. This service is supported
by the American Potash and Chemical Corporation,
Potash Company of America, and the United States
Potash Company.
AMERICAN POTASH INSTITUTE
Incorporated
1155 Sixteenth St., N. W. Washington. D. C.
tfS
sseaiijlmmitu
20
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
WAR EMERGENCY CARE
OF FAM EQUIPMENT
(Continued front page 6)
should she mention anything to be done.
Now a half-hour of weed-killing sun-
shine has gone forever. More work, less
done, and worry.
Following good machinery mainten-
ance practices will help prevent costly
delays, save time, and make the old
machines last longer. The success of such
a program depends upon knowing when,
what, and how.
The importance of when to do it, what
to do, and how to do it is well illustrated
in the maintenance of fertilizer drills
and planters. Broken chains and sprock-
ets, twisted shafts, and other damage are
often caused by frozen bearings and
other parts, corroded by the fertilizer
left in or on the machine. At the end of
each season's work these machines
should be thoroughly cleaned, lubri-
cated, and stored out of the weather.
While being cleaned, greased and oiled,
the working parts should be checked for
wear and adjustment. These points
should be noted and later, during a slack
period well in advance of the next sea-
son in which the machine is to be used,
they should be corrected. This should
not be put off until just before the ma-
chine is needed as then it is very apt not
to get done, and, too, repair parts may
have to be ordered. This same procedure
should be followed in maintaining
sprayers and other such equipment.
Before hitching to such machines at
the beginning of the season and apply-
ing power to them, it is good practice to
jack up one wheel and turn it by hand
to make certain all parts are working
freely. A few turns of the wheel with
the machine in gear, seed in the box,
and fertilizer in the hoppers will also
show whether or not equal amounts of
these are getting in each row. At the
same time the setting can easily be
checked for the proper quantity.
A daily procedure to be followed in
the maintenance of machinery is as im-
portant as the "between" season care.
This should include more than just oil-
ing in the field. For example, upon quit-
ting for the day, the tractor operator
must decide whether to service it then
or the next time it is to be used. He can
put it off, which means gambling with
delay in getting to the field on time or
putting off the job again. The latter may
mean rapid wear and future break-
downs on the job. A simple but accurate
record of when to grease, when to
change oil, when to check spark plug
gaps, and the like, should be kept. What
to do can be readily found in the instruc-
tion book, bulletins, and the like. How
to do is ordinarily simple and doesn t
take long to learn or do. But when to do
the job is elusive. It is habit. Maybe it
would help the tractor operator to serv-
ice the air cleaner and otherwise inspect
and care for his machine on time, if upon
quitting at night he would say:
Grease and oil flow better now than
if stiffened by morning cold,
And servicing on schedule keeps ma-
chines from getting old.
Remember dirt and oil or grease, if
mixed will grind.
And all loose nuts or bolts will put
you behind.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
SHOWS GAIN
(Continued from page 15)
Fulton 11th 7
Green Hth 3
Juniata 11th 7
McKean 3rd 6
Mifflin 9th 5
Montour Hth 5
Perry 4th 9
Philadelphia 1st 5
Pike nth 3
Sullivan 2nd 5
Washington 7th 4
Ten leading Counties in order as of
May 1, 1942
Warren 1st
Union 2nd
Philadelphia 3rd
Columbia 4th
Lebanon 5th
Dauphin 6 th
Elk 7th
Bucks 8th
Sullivan 9th
Centre
10th
1
GROWERS !
Where does your country
stand? Help it, Today, to
meet its goal !
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
21
i
n
Official Opening
of
"Camp Potato
Arrangements have been
completed to ofl&cially open
"Camp Potato" on Monday,
June 1. At this time, the
most promising seedlings
selected from over 100,000
propagated will be planted
for further testing. In addi-
tion to these, totaling about
3,000, there will be about
2,000 new seedlings propa-
gated in the Hershey green-
houses this winter from
seed collected at the Camp
last summer.
Considerable work is al-
ready under way at the
Camp which will continue
during the coming weeks
leading to the official open-
ing date.
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
m
Hammond Betterbags
J
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG. W. VA.
•.:>
22
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
(Continued jrovfi page 8)
room, bench, and a place for tools, nails,
extra bolts, etc. This will save a lot of
steps and a lot of lost time.
One person out of every ten was acci-
dentally injured or killed last year in
the United States. In other words,
twelve million people were accidentally
hurt, 90,000 were killed, and 24,000 of
these were killed in and around their
homes.
SEED SOURCES
LATE IN THE SEASON:
I have pointed out the advantage, in
previous issues, of placing seed orders
early. I always receive numerous in-
quiries, personal, by telephone, and by
letter, as to where seed may be secured
at a late hour. This year is no exception.
I guess it will always be that way.
I suggest looking to areas of high ele-
vation, to the north, or to growers having
exceptionally good storage. A few weeks
ago there was still some good seed avail-
able in Potter County. This can definite-
ly be ascertained by contacting the
Potter County Seed Potato Growers'
Association, by writing Mrs. WiUiam
Roberts, Coudersport, Penna. There was
a limited supply of seed left in Cambria
County when I was there a few weeks
ago. Mrs. Alex Strittmatter, R. F. D. No.
1, Ebensburg, Penna., was offering seed
at the farm that was still in excellent
condition. The Rohe Brothers, Frank
and Ralph, at Dushore, Sullivan County,
had considerable seed at the time of the
Farm Show, but I do not know what
they still have on hand.
THRIFT AND PATRIOTISM:
Our older daughter, Barbara, who was
eleven on her last birthday, is a very
active, busy ''Girl Scout" these days,
collecting license plates, paper, tin-foil,
and books for soldiers, all in connection
with the war effort. The amount that
any one Scout or troop collects may not
be great, but if the collections all over
the country were brought together, it
would be amazingly large. In addition,
there is a lasting quality to such pro-
grams, the imprint it leaves on the young
mind of THRIFT AND PATRIOTISM.
I well remember back around the age
of ten, and I have no doubt many of you
do too, how we youngsters, each Spring,
were permitted to gather up all the old
scrap iron and scrap rubber for the junk
dealer, who, at that time, made the
rounds from farm to farm. I don't re-
member much about the pay and just
what we did with the money, yet it was
a great day when the junk dealer ar-
rived. (Dad had to watch us a little to
see that we didn't get the new sledge
with the broken handle, or his hip boots
in the junk piles.)
All of this material is needed now as
never needed before. I know that your
boy or girl or one of a neighbor, would
enter into this worthy task with energy
and enthusiasm if given the opportunity.
There is something more than the price
involved when our boys and girls deny
themselves ice cream, pop-sicles, and
chewing gum to buy war savings stamps
and bonds. You will find that much of
the junk money, too, will go into stamps
and bonds.
THE HOME FRONT
ANDVICTORY
(Continued from page 11)
go into effect June 1st. The purpose of
the orders is two-fold:
1. Elimination of less than capacity
loads through a general overhauling of
schedules and, in the case of the common
carriers, out-right pooling of facilities.
2. Conservation of tires and equip-
ment through the establishment of
ceilings on overloading and elimination
of hauling by circuitous routes.
Although farm trucks are exempt
from these orders, by the time the 1942-
43 marketing season rolls around some
application of the rules herein stated
may be applied to delivery of farm pro-
duce to market. It will be well to study
these rulings and others to follow.
Representatives of America's million
farm truck operators met with Govern-
ment officials April 16th, under the
auspices of the Office of Defense Trans-
portation to work out plans for obtain-
ing maximum use of farm vehicles for
the duration of the war.
In summarizing the conference, Mr.
Robert Hicks, in charge of the farm
vehicle section of the Defense Trans-
portation Division stated:
"The truck and the automobile are
so extremely important in the marketing
of farm produce that it is vital for the
farmer to do everything possible to con-
serve the existing supply of vehicles,
tires and parts.
"At the same time the increased war-
time output of farm products must be
(Continued on page 24)
May, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
23
r
I
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection ■ Service ■ Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231
Annville, Pa.
• Labor saving, good performance,
dependability and low operating cost
are designed and built into every
Hardie row sprayer whether it is a
2-row outfit for small acreages or a
big 12-row sprayer. Write for the
Hardie catalog and see the many ex-
clusive, advanced features in the
Hardie line this spring. The Hardie
Mfg. Company, Hudson, Mich.
^
The ONLY Spray Pump that is
COMPLETELY LUBRICATED
rM^l^^
•i^
24
THE GUIDE POST
May, 1942
NIXON'S POTATO
SPRAY PROGRAM
(Continued from page 1 8)
in the mixing of the sprays and their
application on his farm. This is in con-
trast to recently organized Spray Rings
set up on "doing the job on a hire basis,"
in which the operator is, in many cases
at least, working on a personal profit
incentive. Unless many of these rings
lean more toward a cooperative enter-
prise, in which the grower has a more
direct part in the work, one can predict,
with reasonable certainty, that many
growers will in time turn to buying their
own machines once more and doing their
own job. These growers will increase
their acreage while others will drop out
of the potato picture.
GROWERS APPEAR BEFORE
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
(Continued from page 13)
getting unloaded, than it costs the
farmer for packing and loading the same
quantity. Woe to the consumer — the city
workers' family included — when such
rates for all similar services are added
to his cost of living.
**It seems to us there is a better way
for unions and union men to survive
than the inauguration of such a hold-up
system. Potato growers would like to
think that it should require no law to
break up such an iniquitous racket.
Producer-consumer relationship should
never be strained but rather cooperative.
This is clearly not the way to go about
building up good will between the city
dweller and the farmer. If this type of
racket is really what the unions (of
whatever affiliation) stand for, then the
other non-union city dweller should be
made familiar with this union philos-
ophy and corrective measures inaugu-
rated, legislative or otherwise. The
American potato grower has taken his
reduction to hold down living costs as
figures from the United States census
will testify— prior to 1929 the average
price of potatoes at the farm was
approximately $1.25 per bushel. Since
1929, the average price at the farm has
been less than $.60 per bushel.
"We expect the cooperation of all
agencies in passing these economies
right on to the consumer. This certainly
is not the spirit which prevails in this
unloading racket."
"(Signed) P. D. Frantz, President
E. B. Bower, Sec'y-Treas.
Ivan Miller
A. C. Harwood
Irvin H. Hostetter
Hugh C. McPherson
John N. Stoltzfus
Aaron W. Gehman
E. L. Nixon"
THE HOME FRONT
AND VICTORY
(Continued from page 22)
transported, not only in 1942 but in later
years as well, from the farm to the
points of consumption here and abroad."
Investigations by the division of motor
transportation prove that there is a great
deal of unnecessary duplication and in-
efficiency in country assembly and city
distribution, of farm products. Develop-
ments toward correcting some of these
duplications should be carefully
watched during the coming months.
"Home Front" Hems
Sugar rationing began with registra-
tion throughout the Nation May 4th, 5th,
6th, or 7th.
In order to give our soldiers the very
best care, the new War Manpower Com-
mission is seeking 15,000 additional doc-
tors and 3,000 additional dentists in the
Army and Navy. This must be done
without impairing the health of the
"Home Front" army.
Passenger car tire prices increased
16% to cover the cost of the return plan
now in effect. This, of course, won't
bother a lot of people as they will not be
buying tires anyhow.
Beet sugar will be in common usage
in the Northeast area of the Nation dur-
ing the coming months.
Ceilings have been placed on the price
of practically all processed cotton prod-
ucts.
All cargo and tank ships have been
requisitioned by the Government
through the War Shipping Administra-
tion.
Large supplies of cotton have been
requisitioned by the Government for
the manufacture of bags.
<^v
^
BEAN POTATO SPRAYERS
EARN BIGGER PROFITS
Wherever you find a Bean Potato Sprayer protecting
the potatoes, you will find a keen, two-fisted grower who
knows that the best sprayer obtainable is the sure way to
potato profits* And you find more of them than any other.
These Bean Sprayer users know that in order to com-
pete today, they must keep their spraying costs down and
at the same time raise a larger and better crop at lowest
possible complete cost. That is why so many growers have
and are standardizing on modern Bean Sprayers and Dus-
ters. There is one in your neighborhood.
•^Vt4V<tw>AAAiO0^^
L »!-
^•^^■'•^•■■y-^<^'-^<j^'y--^<j^^'-'--^-----'^-''^^^^
. ^ f^jttjUtl
Investigate the rugged construction, the money saving
features, the modern design, the new style booms, the un-
interrupted operation and the low cost spraying of Bean
Sprayers, all of which you can buy at no extra cost.
There is a Bean Sprayer that will protect your crop and
save you money every time you spray. Better coverage with
less material.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
A;-;"^'
-t
26
THE GUIDE POST
May, li)42
Grower to Grower Exchange
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
FOR SALE: One No. 15 Caterpillar Trac-
tor; one 22 inch off-set disc harrow. Both
in good condition. Write W. H. Gregory
Sons, R. F. D. No. 2, Weatherly, Carbon
County, Penna.
FOR SALE: 1936 Chevrolet Spray
Truck, squipped with dual transmis-
sions, dual speed rear axle, 11.25 x 24
Tires i nrear and special high clearance
front axle. Motor overhauled and in
very good shape. Call or write, Ivan
Miller, Corry, R.F.D. 3, Erie County,
Penna.
FOR SALE: Two Wheeled Bean Sprayer
on Rubber; Power take-off, 300 gallon
tank, copper boom. Used by small
grower. Reason for selling, quit farming.
A-1 condition. Also 18-inch, 7-foot Disc
Harrow. Write: J. Glenn Manchester,
Fairview, Erie County, Penna. (Phone:
Girard, 404-J-2).
FOR SALE: Bean potato Sprayer; 8
rows for mounting on Cletrac Tractor.
Like new; less than half price. Write R.
E. Weingart, Kent, Ohio.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Bellefonte, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
NOT AVAILABLE: Copies of Dr. E. L.
Nixon's book, "The Principles of Potato
Production." It is necessary to refuse all
requests to supply this book at the pres-
ent time, as the first edition is out of
print. Dr. Nixon is now revising this
book, and a new edition will be run in
the near future. When these are avail-
able, we will advertise them in this
column.
SEED FOR SALE: No. 1 Certified White
Rural and Russet Rural seed Potatoes.
Write Lyle G. Tarbox, Ulysses, Potter
^ County, Penna.
PLANTER FOR SALE: A used, Two-
Row International Picker-type potato
planter, with fertilizer attachment and
tractor hitch, in running condition.
Write: G. L. Allen, Wysox, Bradford
County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Standard Association In-
voice and Receipt Books (described in
this issue) for growers packing in the
Association Labeled bags. 30c a set.
Write Association office, Bellefonte, Pa.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: Hardie 10-row
potato sprayer with 400 gallon tank.
Truck mounting. Starter and radiator
cooling. Excellent condition. Write
John K. Graham, Adams Mills, Ohio.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neefe, Couders-
port. Potter County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Copies of the New A. B.
Farquhar IRON AGE High Pressure
Sprayer catalogue might be had for the
asking. This new catalogue, just off the
press, is both attractive and informative.
Write today for your copy to: A. B.
Farquhar Company, Limited, York, Pa.
SEED POTATOES FOR SALE: Rural
White Seed Potatoes, Certified and one
year removed from Certified; No. 2's
also; prices reasonable. Write Don
Stearns, Coudersport, Potter County,
Penna.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: John Bean 200
gal. tank, 8 row boom, with 12 horse-
power Leroi engine, 4 cylinder. Ready
to go to work. Write John H. Richter,
Benvenue Farm, Duncannon, Penna.
FOR SALE: Water storage tanks for
spraying T x 6', with 2" staves, used in
distilling wood alcohol. $20.00 each. Cost
new, $85.00. Write Don Stearns, Coud-
ersport, Potter County, Penna.
FOR SALE: Two International T
Twenty Crawlers, Three Farmall
Twenties, Two Farmall Thirties, All
Blue Ribbon guaranteed. One Cletrac,
in good condition. New and used tractor
cultivators; Two John Bean Rubber Roll
Power graders, less motor; One Rubber
Roll Picking table; used sprayers of
various makes; Parts and Service. J.
Jacobsen & Son, Phone 54-R Girard,
Erie County, Pa.
^^
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
tor
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
4^-
And all other types of heavy duty '
pasted bottom paper sacks
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles make us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC
4700 31st Place
Long Island City, N. Y,
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
'<f-f^:^>i^:i-'^^S'^^':\
J^^ "" dusted as h ■ u
Vf^ff^R DUSTER',^
Jack Rayner, Salisbury, Md., and
his brother rely on the strong
blast of their engine-powered
Farquhar machine to protect 550
acres of Eastern Shore crops.
■pLITZKREIGING bugs and
blight in record time is the
way the Rayner brothers of
Salisbury, Md., do it on their large Eastern Shore farm. Dust-
ing 30 acres in five hours may not be the world's record, but
it wins the praises of these progressive growers who have over
550 acres of sweet potatoes, cucumbers, beans and strawberries
under cultivation. High speed, high velocity, thorough crop
protection is what they get from their tractor-drawn, engine-
powered Farquhar duster— just what every grower gets when
he relies on the quick, sure-fire dust blast of a flexible, eco-
nomical Farquhar machine. All models: traction, engine-trac-
tion, power take-off, tractor-mounted and engine-powered types
for all dusting jobs.
A. B. FARQUHAR CO., Limited
IRTCUL
miE PENNSYLVANIA STAiE COLLE
NUMBER 6
"PENN SPUD" Says-
"Make That
400-Bushel Yield
in 1942!"
511 Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania
JUNE «» 1942
pMUnked l^f ike
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
^^X^HJtLV/,^,^
Consider what this combination of a high'
speed contact insecticide^ a stomach poison^
and a powerful fungicide can do for you.
THERE is a trend among potato
growers toward the use of
faster acting insecticides. Leth ANE
60 and rotenone, acting together
as a contact insecticide, give a
QUICK kill of Colorado Potato
Beetle — prevent most of the dam-
age. This combination controls
not only the larval form, but also
a good percentage of the adult
beetles, thus striking at the source
of reinfestation.
The residue of rotenone on the
plants acts as a stomach poison. It
controls beetles and larvae not hit
by the dust or spray, and larvae
which hatch soon after the ap-
plication.
Lethane CO and rotenone also
control apliids, leaf hoppers, flea
beetles, psyllids. Most potato pro-
ducing areas now have to contend
with one or more of these insects,
which are controlled by a good
contact insecticide.
The damage insects do by feed-
ing on the plants is not the whole
story, however. Plant disease or-
ganisms enter the plant through
the wounds insects make in the
foliage. Insects also act as car-
riers of certain plant diseases.
Control the insects with HIGH-
SPEED LETHANE-rotenone, and
you retard or prevent the spread
of diseases.
Lethane 60 is a synthetic con-
tact insecticide. As a source of in-
sect killing power, it is cheaper
than botanicals such as derris,
cube, etc. Combining it with a
reduced amount of rotenone gives
you finished dusts and sprays
with:
• Faster Insect Kill,
• Higher Percentage Kill,
• Lower Cost,
Lethane 60 is not dependent
on imported raw materials. By
using it your supplier gives you
better insecticides and conserves
the limited derris stocks.
For control of early and late
blights, Yellow CUPROCIDE is in-
corporated in the dust or added
by you to the spray tank. See
CuPROCiDE bulletin 18 for the
complete advantages of this fungi-
cide which has won such tremen-
dous acceptance.
Lethane 60-rotenone may be
used for insect control without the
CuPROCiDE. And Cuprocide may
be combined with arsenicals or
applied alone as a straight fungi-
cide dust or spray. But for maxi-
mum protection to your crop this
season, use the triple combina-
tion: Lethane 60-rotenone-Cup-
ROCIDE.
♦T. M. Reg. U. S. Pat. Ojf-
ROHM 8c HAAS COMPANY K
WASH LYGTaJV SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA ^
Manufacturers of C UPRO C i D E * and LETHANE*60 for dust and spray ^^
Soil Conservation Aids Potato Growers
A recently v^ritten book entitled "Van-
ishing Lands" starts out with the state-
ment, "To gain control over the soil is
the greatest achievement of which man-
kind is capable."
Dr. Jonathan Forman, Editor of the
Ohio State Medical Journal, and special-
ist in nutritional diseases, Columbus,
Ohio, says "That we and our allies shall
win the present war, none of us doubt.
From the long range point of view, how-
ever, there is something more threaten-
ing to our civilization than the Third
Reich, and this is the depletion of our
soils."
Experiments from various parts of the
country show that erosion removes four
to ten times as much fertility from the
soil each year as any crop grown. Be-
cause of this, as well as other reasons,
erosion control has become a matter of
great concern to the American farmer
and to the public. Soil depletion through
bad farming practices has affected the
vitamin and mineral content of foods,
according to Doctor Forman. The quality
of food, as well as the quantity, there-
fore, depends primarily upon the soil.
George Washington, while in public
life, wrote many letters to his farm
managers about conserving the soil.
Thomas Jefferson made mention of the
fact that the fields were greatly re-
freshed at times of rain where the plow-
Contoured potato rows on the farm of Walter S. Bishop, past president of the
Pennsylvania Potato Growers Association. His farm is just outside of Doylestown,
Pennsylvania.
ing and cultivating were done on the
contour or on the level around the hill,
and Patrick Henry said that, "After
achieving independence, he was the
greatest patriot who stopped the most
gullies."
But for many years after this, erosion
control was practically disregarded be-
cause of the settling of new lands in the
West. Since moving westward to new
land has become a thing of the past, the
problem now becomes that of taking
care of the land that we have. It is true
that some farmers practiced various
kinds of erosion control many years ago.
But it seems that, until recently, few of
these ideas were carried from one farmer
to another to any great extent. Now
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
there is much publicity through writing,
speaking, demonstrations, etc., so that
any farmer can now have information
and help on erosion control.
In the early days when gullies were
spoken of, it is likely that little or no
attention was paid to the very serious
form of erosion known as sheet erosion,
whereby thin layers of soil are removed
from sloping lands over entire fields.
Since this has occurred several times a
year on much of our cultivated land here
in the East for many years, it is not hard
to believe what is told to us by soil
scientists— that approximately fifty per
cent of our top soil has already been re-
moved. This can be noticed at the time
of every storm when the streams, small
and large, carry muddy water, removing
soil, lime, manure, and commercial fer-
tilizer from our agricultural lands. When
soil, soil fertility, and fertilizer wash
away, production costs go up and yields
go down. There is something very in-
efficient in our farming methods when
we permit soil erosion and its partner
in crime, waste of moisture, to continue
unchecked.
In Pennsylvania, there are Soil Con-
servation Associations in many of the
counties. A few examples from the ex-
periences of some of these Association's
members should help to prove the state-
ment that conservation improves yields.
For instance, in 1938, Association mem-
ber, George B. Kutz terraced and con-
toured the fields on his Indiandale
Potato Farm in the rolling hills of Berks
County, near Kutztown. The following
year, he reported to the local Soil Con-
servation Service field man that he had
averaged a 430-bushel to the acre yield,
(Continued on page 14)
MMMAMMWmWWWWMMfWMVWWWi
Top view is an aerial picture
of the Indiandale potato farm
of George V. Kutz in Berks
County, Pa., near Kutztown. In
1939 he averaged his highest
yield of 430 bushels to an acre.
Below at right is picture of a
terracing machine at work on
a Lancaster County farm.
In Order: 1942 "400-Bushel Club" Membership
To grow 400 bushels of potatoes on
an acre is an accomplishment! It re-
quires the best cultural practices and
produces an economy crop. It is some
growing — and some spuds!
Your Association recognizes this feat
and encourages 400-bushel yields by
maintaining the honored ;;400-Bushel
Potato Club,'' and by awarding club in-
itiates the beautiful gold "400-Bushel
Club" medal.
This year you have a double objec-
tive if you strive for "400-Bushel Club"
membership. On the one hand, you
have the National Defense "Food for
Victory" program, looking to you for
just such economical and prontabie
production— and on the other hand, the
"400-Bushel Club" to welcome you into
its group. You should make an earnest
effort from this moment until harvest
time to come through— for the personal
satisfaction in achievement, for receipt
of the honor of your award, and tor
National Defense, in producing needed
high yields economically.
Run that weeder and Preserve for
vour potatoes the food and drink that
the weeds will steal; keep your sprayer
running, regularly, to keep your fields
clean of insect injury and disease— es-
pecially where you have had excessive
rains— run your sprayer a .^i^tle more,
and beat a possible epidemic of blight,
plan your harvest, systematically, now,
while you still have days in adyance, so
you can have your digger in adjustment
to avoid injury, your storage in readi-
ness to avoid improper handling from
the field.
You have an investment in your crop
now. Don't risk the chance of not re-
ceiving your due returns on this invest-
ment bv any careless cultural over-
s"|ht. V a little "interest", if you
must, for an unplanned spray, if this
spray is necessary. You may harvest
"compounded interest", capital, princi-
ple and profit, all for this effort and ex-
pense. A foolish risk with a v^uable
investment is one you cannot afford-
neither can your country. Your per-
sonal investment this year though
great, is only a part of the challenge you
face— the patriotic call you must an-
swer. You cannot forget that American
soldiers, sailors and marines, our allies
and our defense workers look to your
food production as your war effort to-
ward their success in their jobs; you
cannot forget that every possible effort
is being made in your behalf by your
government to make it possible for you
to produce large, economical yields —
you are provided scarce steel, in ma-
chines and parts, rare tires and trucks
for your needs, ceilings for fertilizer
and spray treatments, so you can afford
to produce, and encouragement which
should carry you far. On all sides they
have cried, 'give the farmer the sup-
plies and equipment he needs, so he can
produce'. Do not miss this call for food,
or mistake the help being given you. :
Make this your year to join the "400-
Bushel Club". Many growers have made
it_few by the exact same plan: all
varieties have been planted; all types of
soil, in all climates of the State, have
produced 400-Bushel yields through the
steadfastness of all kinds of growers—
but the one sure prerequisite for each
400-Club membership has been a real
cultural program, based on proper po-
tato producing principles— the proven
principles which we attempt to pass on
to you in the GUIDE POST for your
guidance.
Your Government's Food for Victory
program is a challenge to your cultural
practices; your Associations' enthusiasni
for the greatest "400-Bushel Club
single year membership another. These
should provide patriotic and personal
incentives. If you are not yet deter-
mined, however, take a scratch pad, and
figure a bit. At present potato prices,
to what would your returns amount
from a 400-bushel field? At even a dol-
lar a bushel, would you get that interest
back? Just figure it!
So you will aim at "400-Bushel Club"
membership? Fine! (Those of you who
have made it, can be working on the
"500-Club," which is more exclusive!)
We are with you, 100 percent, and will
guide you, as best we can, through the
GUIDE POST. You grow the yield. Club
membership, then, is a cinch. Any
Pennsylvania potato grower is eligible
to make application to qualify for mem-
bership, in the 400-Bushel Club; no
documents or reports will be required;
applications are available at your As-
sociation office, and your yield can be
checked by your County Agent, a
County Vocational Supervisor, or vo-
(Continued on page 20)
6
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
E. B. Bower, Bellefonte,
Sec'y-Treas. and Gen. Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frants Coplay. Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes,. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenighl Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This in-
cludes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to E. B. Bower, Secretory-Treas-
urer and General Manager, Bellefonte,
Pennsylvania.
The Barefoot Boy
Blessings on thee, little man,
Barefoot boy, with cheek of tan!
With thy turned-up pantaloons.
With thy merry whistled tunes;
With thy red lip, redder still
Kissed by strawberries on the hiU;
With the sunshine on thy face.
Through thy torn brim's jaunty grace;
From my heart, I give thee joy —
I was once a barefoot boy!
Prince thou art— the grown-up man
Only is republican.
Let the miUion-dollared ride!
Barefoot, trudging at his side,
Thou hast more than he can buy
In the reach of ear and eye-
Outward sunshine, inward joy:
Blessings on thee, barefoot boy!
Oh for boyhood's painless play,
Sleep that wakes in laughing day,
Health that mocks the doctor's rules,
Knowledge never learned of schools,
Of the wild bee's morning chase,
Of the wild flower's time and place,
Flight of fowl and habitude
Of the tenants of the wood;
How the tortoise bears his shell,
How the woodchuck digs his cell,
And the ground-mole sinks his well;
How the robin feeds her young,
How the oriole's nest is hung;
Where the whitest lilies blow,
Where the freshest berries grow,
Where the ground-nut trails its vine.
Where the wood-grape's clusters shine;
Of the black wasp's cunning way,
Mason of his walls of clay,
And the architectural plans
Of gray hornet artisans!
For, eschewing books and tasks.
Nature answers all he asks;
Hand in hand with her he walks.
Face to face with her he talks.
Part and parcel of her joy, —
Blessings on the barefoot boy!
Oh for boyhood's time of June,
Crowding years in one brief moon,
When all things I heard or saw.
Me, their master, waited for.
I was rich in flowers and trees
Humming birds and honey bees;
For my sport the squirrel played.
Plied the snouted mole his spade;
For my toste the blackberry cone
Purpled over hedge and stone;
Laughed the brook for my delight
Through the day and through the
night.
Whispering at the garden wall.
Talked with me from fall to fall;
Mine the sand-rimmed pickerel pond.
Mine the walnut slopes beyond,
Mine on bending orchard trees.
Apples of Hesperides!
Still as my horizon grew,
Larger grew my riches too;
All the world I saw or knew.
Seemed a complex Chinese toy.
Fashioned for a barefoot boy!
Oh for festal dainties spread,
Like my bowl of milk and bread;
Pewter spoon and bowl of wood,
On the door-stone, gray and rude!
O'er me, like a regal tent.
Cloudy-ribbed, the sunset bent.
Purple-curtained, fringed with gold,
Looped in many a wind-swung fold;
While for music came the play
Of the pied frogs' orchestra;
And, to light the noisy choir,
Lit the fly his lamp of fire.
(Continued on page 8)
T
M^
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
''Camp Potato" Officially Opened June 1
For the third successive year, the the
honor of officially opening ''Camp Pota-
to" for the season was extended the
Oakland, Maryland Chapter of Future
Farmers under the leadership of their
Vocational Supervisor, O. T. Graser.
Arriving in Camp late Saturday night,
May 30th, twenty-nine strong, these
husky boys from the Maryland hills
around Oakland were much in evidence
in the fields at work and around camp
until their departure Tuesday morning.
Included in the group were: Paul
Welch, driver of the bus, O. T. Graser,
Vocational Supervisor, and Future
Farmers James Baker, Claude Beckman,
Thomas Beckman, Doyle Balyard, David
Bowman, Wells Bray, James Durst,
James Friend, Roy Friend, Wilmer
Friend, Denver Gank, La Verne Gank,
Evening time at "Camp Potato/' by the fountain and fireplace Standing by the
fountain, which she decorated with moss and ferns is Mary Ghck. Seated by the
fireplace is Joe Click and Mrs. Click, etc. etc.
Paul Gilbert, Charles Groves, Junior
Harvey, Elmer Miller, William Nichol-
son, Richard Reckner, Lee Shillingburg,
Lawrence Sines, Ronald Steyer, Sam
Steyer, Boyd Sukow, James Werde-
baugh, Carmon White, Orville Whitmer,
and Paul Wilt.
Participating the opening day activi-
ties June 1st, as well as days preceding
and to follow were: Robert ("Bob )
Kieth, who will be at the Camp for the
summer on a Fellowship provided by
the National Potato Chip Institute;
Robert C'Bing") Crosby, caretaker at
the Camp and in charge of field work;
Mrs. Robert (Lida) Crosby, who capably
manages the preparation of meals and
kitchen activities, and Herbert Crosby;
S. D. (Sam) Gray, of the American
Potash Institute, Inc., who directed and
layed-out various fertilizer treatments;
Doctor Nixon, who was everywhere at
once; P. Daniel Frantz, President of the
Association; E. B. Bower, Secretary-
Treasurer and General Manager of the
State Potato Growers' Association, Ed.
r
8
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
Fisher, Vice-President of the Associa-
tion, L. T. Denniston, Association Field
Representative, and Jacob K. Mast,
Association Director from Lancaster
County; Joe Glick, Mrs. Joe (Emma)
Glick, Mary Glick, and Martha (Matz)
Mast, all from Elverson, Lancaster
County, were ever-present and on the
job.
Jessie (Jess) Stoltzfus, Mrs. Jessie
(Sadie) Stoltzfus, Edwin (Grubby)
Grubb, and Ruth Stoltzfus, from Elver-
son, Lancaster County, also, Louis (Bud)
Bailey, State College, Centre County,
and Robert (Bob) Coyle, and trucking
assistants from Coudersport, Potter
County.
Others who participated or visited at
the Camp during these days included
William (Bill) Roberts, Coudersport,
William (Bill) Fish, Editor of the Potter
County Enterprise, Coudersport, Philip
Antes, WilHamsport, M. L. Van Wegen,
Coudersport, Foster Blough, Couders-
port, Leigh Neff, Coudersport, Ray
Briggs, Nescopek, Luzerne County, Mrs.
Ed. Fisher and Mrs. Wilham Roberts,
Coudersport.
Heavy rains interfered with the sched-
ule of seedling planting, and required
constant changes in plans. Monday
morning, June 1st, broke favorably, and
by noon, with all hands on deck, planting
of two acres of small batches of seedlings
was completed. Organization, and a will
to stick to the task turned the trick. Joe,
Bing and Bob were early on the job to
prepare the ground, open up the rows
and apply the fertilizer. The planting of
seedlings is a hard job from there on.
Each has his task— carting the small bags
of seedhngs from the storage to the field,
distributing them along the short rows,
cutting the longer tubers, dropping the
seed pieces, and covering them — all re-
quired teamwork. O. T. Graser had his
boys well organized, so that the work
moved along with clock-like precision.
Although rain during the past three
weeks often necessitated shifts in plans,
there was always something to be done —
grading potatoes from storage, cutting,
loading trucks, carting out seed to be
cut, plowing, fitting ground, planting
when fit, picking stones, building roads,
cutting and hauling wood, and cleaning
up the Camp.
When it comes to cutting potatoes,
Martha Mast, Ruth Stoltzfus, Mrs. Emma
Glick, and Mrs. Sadie Stoltzfus were
tops. Mary Glick helped too, but she did
her best turn at helping in the kitchen,
setting and waiting tables, and in doing
a fine job of decorating the fountain in
the club room.
Joe Glick was at his best on the trac-
tor, and his poorest with a rake! Don't
blame him, though, for there were others
who would have broken that handle, and
Joe didn't! To his everlasting credit, he
completed the assignment!
President Frantz is handy with a
wheel-barrow, but don't get in his way!
A couple of potato bags did, and did he
slay them?
Then someone put salt in Joe's bed —
and sewed up the arms and legs of Den-
ny's pajamas! Who? Ask Sadie Stoltz-
fus!
There was a lot of talk about crunch-
ing and canoodling, too. For particulars,
ask Martha Mast!
The most diplomatic proceeding of the
week, probably, was the handling of ar-
rangements for a fishing trip by Jakie
Mast. Jakie insisted that all work and
no play made Jakie a dull boy. Denny
was his partner in crime. Where they
caught them, no one will ever know, but
they returned Wednesday morning with
a creel of eighteen Brookies!
THE BAREFOOT BOY
(Continued jrovn page 6)
I was monarch: pomp and joy
Waited on the barefoot boy!
Cheerily, then, my little man.
Live and laugh, as boyhood can!
Though the flinty slopes be hard.
Stubble-speared the new-mown sward.
Every mom shall lead thee through
Fresh baptisms of the dew;
Every evening from thy feet
Shall the cool wind kiss the heat:
All too soon these feet must hide
In the prison cells of pride.
Lose the freedom of the sod,
Like a colt's for work be shod.
Made to tread the mills of toil
Up and down in ceaseless moil:
Happy if their track be found
Never on forbidden ground;
Happy if they sink not in
Quick the treacherous sands of sin.
Ah! that thou couldst know thy joy.
Ere it passes, barefoot boy!
— John Greenleaf Whittier
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
^^
II
If
Timely Observations and Suggestions
by L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
THE BAREFOOT BOY:
I have been requested to include in
this issue of the GUIDE POST a poem
that I well remember myself from the
days I attended country school (too
many) years ago. The last day of school
each year was a picnic day with a pre-
pared program for the parents. Having
heard my neighbor, Gus Black, give this
poem, "The Barefoot Boy," on several
occasions, I decided to learn it and recite
it on my final day at country school. The
more I read it, the more I wished I could
have known John Greenleaf Whittier,
the author. If you have boys of your own,
I suggest you gather them around you
some evening and read it to them. The
poem appears in this issue.
SOIL CONSERVATION
AND THE POTATO GROWER:
During recent weeks heavy rains have
prevailed in practically all sections of
Pennsylvania. In some sections, these
rains were so continuous and heavy that
small streams, creeks, and rivers over-
flowed to flood stage. Most notable, per-
haps, was the Lehigh River, which
reached its highest stage on record at
Allentown. Streams everywhere flowed
thick with the rich yellow brown top
soil from thousands of farms. These rains
came at a time when perhaps more farm
land was subject to erosion, having re-
cently been plowed or seeded, than any
other time of the year. Roads were
blocked with slides, and mud washed
from the fields, deep gullies were cut
in the freshly plowed or cultivated fields
and sheet erosion, the washing away of
top soil, was observed everywhere. Com-
ing at potato planting time, potato
growers suffered badly.
It is most timely, therefore, that we
should pubUsh in this issue of the GUipu.
POST a discussion of Soil Conservation
as it affects potato growers. There is no
one better fitted to discuss this topic
than Harry O. Kimmel, a farmer and a
potato grower in his own right, as well
as State Coordinator of the Soil Con-
servation Program for Pennsylvania.
Rather than preach a thousand theories
or ideas to you, he tells you what others
have said, and done on the problem, not
only in connection with potato growing
but in other types of farming as well.
Read and study this article carefully in
relation to what may be happening on
your own farm. When you see a yellow-
brown stream, remember, it may be rich
with soil from your fields.
POSSIBILITY OF EARLY
APPEARANCE OF BLIGHT:
Recent heavy rains extended over
periods of several days followed by
gullies, ponds and unusual wet areas in
potato fields are conducive to the early
appearance of late blight. We are now
well into June and it is a good guess
that late blight will make its appearance
somewhere before the month is over.
The excessive wet conditions in many
areas have prevented growers from
making the needed early sprays to meet
such a threat. Some growers are now
making double applications in order to
get thorough coverage. If we have
normal or wet conditions during the
coming weeks and months we are cer-
tain to have blight to fight. Thorough
coverage now when the plants are yet
small is of vital importance.
CARE OF YOUR TRUCK:
In view of the vital need of maximum
trucking facilities and the preservation
of trucks in use, we suggest that potato
growers take every precaution m pre-
serving and lengthening the life of their
farm truck. Since these trucks are of
many different makes, we suggest that
each grower consult his local dealer on
means of best doing the job. Read your
truck instruction book. If you do not
have one, get one from your local dealer.
Better mileage and power can be had
if your truck motor is checked for the
best use of present fuel.
VARIATIONS OF SEEDLINGS
AT "CAMP POTATO":
In grading, cutting and planting the
thousands of seedlings at "Camp Po-
tato" during recent weeks, an excellent
opportunity was provided to note the
numerous differences and variations. It
is difficult to tell how great these differ-
ences are without actually seeing, cut-
ting or planting these vast numbers of
seedlings. Some of the most striking
differences noted were: (1) Color of
skins: white, pink, blue, russet and
various shades of these colors; (2) Shape
ranged from round, to long, to flat, to
pointed; (3) Texture was best noted by
\
10
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
T
cutting, with some varieties or seedlings
tending to toughness, others cutting
slippery or soft. Still others cut with the
freshness and snap of a radish or fresh
cucumber. In many cases the tuber broke
ahead of the knife, instead of being cut;
(4) Sprouting varied greatly with some
seedlings being practically dormant,
while others ran to sprouts as long as
ten inches. This is not consistant as to
earliness and lateness, since some early
varieties were late sprouters, and some
late varieties were very early sprouters.
(5) Keeping quality — some varieties kept
well, while others did not. Some will
chip direct from storage while others
will not chip satisfactorily; (6) Depth
of eye — some varieties are smooth,
others run to roughness, deep eyes and a
great variation in the number of eyes
per tuber. (7) Size of tubers — seedling
varieties vary greatly as to size, irre-
spective of variations in stand, fertility
and other growing factors. Some varie-
ties set much heavier than others; (8)
Palatability — some seedling varieties
taste much better than others, both in
the raw form, and in the skillet. Some
mash white, others dark, some are firm
to even solid when boiled, others cook
away, while still others are most de-
sirable in every particular.
MARKETING CONFERENCE
AT PENN STATE:
As I write this, I am sitting in a
marketing conference at Penn State.
The call of this conference, as stated by
Professor Henry Reist, Head of the Di-
vision of Extension Economics, was for
the purpose of "discussing problems
arising from the war emergency and, if
possible, to formulate some plan for
facilitating the movement of these farm
products to the consumer. Representa-
tives of the following groups were in-
vited to the conference, Chain Stores,
Commission Men, members of the De-
partment of Agriculture, members of the
College staff, and leading producers
representing the fruit, vegetable and
potato industries.
Potato growers in attendance at the
conference were P. E. Strittmatter and
J. A. Farabaugh, Cambria County, Leslie
Dodd, Warren County, John Richter,
Perry County, Miles Horst, Lebanon
County, P. Daniel Frantz, Lehigh Coun-
ty, J. A. Jones, Northampton County,
and E. L. Nixon, Centre County.
Store companies represented were A
& P Tea Conipany, American Stores
Company, Shaffer Stores Company,
Kroger Grocery & Baking Company,
Penn Fruit Company, and Atlantic Com-
mission Company.
The College was represented by var-
ious members of the Departments, most
directly concerned with marketing, as
well as representatives of the State De-
partment of Agriculture.
Problems presented for discussion in
the potato section involved grades, and
grading, direct distribution of Pennsyl-
vania Farm Products to consuming '
centers and trucking regulations. It was
the general consensus of the conference
that increased supervision of the grading
and packing should be provided. E. B.
Bower, our General Manager, speaking
in behalf of the Pennsylvania Potato
Growers' Association, stated that over
60% of the Association's movement of
potatoes during the past marketing
season was made in direct deliveries to
the stores.
It was the opinion of the conference
that it would be extremely difficult for
farmers marketing their crops to do so
under recent trucking rulings particu-
larly in reference to return loads.
An elderly couple, down from the hills
in an ancient jalopy, appeared before
the little ticket office and anxiously in-
quired about trains:
"Has the 3:10 train gone yet?", in-
quired the man.
"The 3:10 left an hour ago," replied
the agent.
"Is the 4:15 on time?"
"Yes, it will be here on the dot."
"Aren't there any other passenger
trains due before then?"
"No Sir."
"Any freights coming through?"
"None at all."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure!" snapped the ex-
asperated ticket agent.
"Then, Bessie," said the old man, "I
guess its alright to cross them tracks."
O
"I'm a self-made man," said the pug-
nacious clubman glaring around the
room in the midst of an argument.
"Sir," said one of the older members,
"we accept your apology."
O
Perhaps it is well to be reminded that
worse things can happen to us than that
of being limited to one pound of sugar
when two are wanted. Pearl Harbor
woke us up, but the tendency is to turn
over and go to sleep again.
II
I
^N
II
ri
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
Future Farmers Judge Seed Potatoes
Close to a thousand members of the
Keystone Association of Future Farmers
of America met at The Pennsylvania
State College Mav 15th for their thir-
teenth Annual State Contest These
young men, students of Vocational Agri-
culture, make the annual trek to the
Nittany Valley under the capable lead-
ership of their Vocational Instructors
and County Supervisors.
Contests this year included judging of
dairy cattle, livestock, poultry, seed po-
tatoes and corn; identification of plant
insects and diseases; feeds; and contests
in farm mechanics and public speaking.
These contests were well planned ana
conducted by the Department of Rural
Education under the direction of Henry
S Brunner and members of his Depart-
ment, in cooperation with the Vocation-
al Supervisors and Instructors. Playing
a major role, too, was the State Depart-
ment of Public Instruction Head, Mr. H.
C Fetterolf, and Mr. V. A. Martin, of
the Division of Vocational Education.
The Seed Potato Judging Contest was
set up several years ago by L. T- Dennis-
ton, Field Representative for the State
Potato Growers' Association. Instead of
following the traditional type of con-
test, in judging potatoes for beauty of
appearance, uniformity, off-shape, eye
characteristics, etc., this contest was de-
vised to acquaint these "future farmers
with some of the more practical phases
of selecting seed potatoes. Professor
Broyles, Mr. Brunner, Mr Petterolf,
Supervisor E. W. Wood, Chairman of
the potato contest, and others have ex-
pressed their approval and praise for
the potato contest. That the contest is
popular with the Future Farmer mem-
bers is amply shown by the fact that
more than two hundred members par-
ticipated in it each year.
The contest involves the judging of
four classes, with each class composed
of four exhibits (each a half bushel of
seed). Actual judging is based on four
points: (1) Field Record-extent of dis-
ease in the crop as it grew, yield and
cultural methods followed; (2) Tuber
Born Diseasesr— scab, stem rot, black
leg etc.; (3) Size and Shape— involving
uniformity of shape or type and the
Question of size as to economy of cutting
and planting; (4) Condition-firmness,
degree of decay, excessive sprouting,
etc.
The contest this year was ruji off with
utmost precision by Chairman Wood and
his committee of assistants, including
A. B. Young, George Reisner, O. A. t'or-
ter F. S. Aumiller, G. M. Snyder, J. C.
Billick and C. R. Morrison.
Future Farmer Russel Deppen, of
Lower Mahanoy High School, Northum-
berland County, deserves special men-
tion for having achieved a perfect score
ni placing the exhibits. The ten leading
contestants, with their school, county
and score were as follows:
Contestant
Number
1. No 10
2. Mg 43
3. Lw31
4. Ce 10
5. Me 10
6. Fu 19
7. We 6
8. Lw 32
9. Br 26
10. Ce 8
Score Name
400.0
391.0
378.0
376.0
376.0
376.0
371.0
366.0
364.0
363.0
Russel Deppen
Paul Hamm
Ernest Allison
Ralph Alters
Cyril Quarterson
Herman Swope
Felix Kontor
Delphine Baurer
Alton Welch
Francis Stover
School
Lower Mahanoy
Slatington
Harlansburg
E. Penns Valley
Hickory Twp.
Green Hill
Latrobe
Winfield Twp.
Troy
E. Penns Valley
County
Northumberland
Lehigh
Lawrence
Centre
Mercer
Westmoreland
Butler
Bradford
Centre
"Ah, good mornin', Mrs. Murphy, and
how is everything?"
"Sure, an I'm having a great time, uv
it, between me husband and me fire. If
I keep me eye on the wan, the other is
sure to go out."
"By Jove," said a stranger at a party.
"What a long and lanky girl."
"Hush!", his host whispered, "she used
to be long and lanky, but now she is tall
and statlly. She's just inherited one
hundred thousand dollars.
\
12
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
Seventeen Counties Show Gain in Membership
for Month of May
Adding to the State goal of 2,000 As-
sociation members for the year were
seventeen counties, including — Lan-
caster, Lrehigh, Berks^ Cambria, Co-
lumbia, Luzerne, Potter, Schuykill,
Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Centre, Clear-
field, Indiana, Clarion, Monroe and
Adams. Most substantial gains were in
Cambria County, with an increase of
14.5% placing this County close to its
goal of 55 members; Clarion County
with an increase of 12.5%; Monroe
County increased 11.8%; Lehigh moved
up 4.9%, Berks 3.6%, Columbia 4.2%,
Schuylkill 5.4%, Luzerne increased 6%.
There was no change in the standing
of the ten leading counties during the
month.
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
RATING AND GOALS
BY COUNTIES
County
Erie
Lancaster
Lehigh
Northampton
Somerset
York
Berks
Cambria
Chester
Columbia
Crawford
Luzerne
Mercer
Potter
Schuylkill
Group 1.
Standing
3
6
1
4
5
2
Group 2
6
2
4
1
7
5
8
3
9
Group 3
Bradford
Bucks
Butler
Carbon
Centre
Clearfield
Indiana
Jefferson
Lackawanna
Lebanon
Lycoming
Northumberland
Tioga
12
2
8
8
3
7
5
13
9
1
4
10
11
Goal
96
128
183
101
156
94
56
55
42
47
68
50
46
56
74
30
25
38
24
23
27
31
29
21
33
32
23
23
Armstrong
Bedford
Blair
Clarion
Clinton
Cumberland
Dauphin
Elk
Franklin
Huntingdon
Lawrence
Monroe
Montgomery
Snyder
Susquehanna
Union
Venango
Warren
Wayne
Westmoreland
Wyoming
Adams
Allegheny
Beaver
Cameron
Delaware
Fayette
Forest
Fulton
Green
Juniata
McKean
Mifflin
Montour
Perry
Philadelphia
Pike
Sullivan
Washington
Group 4
15
9
11
4
14
8
3
3
13
16
10
6
5
16
17
2
7
1
12
13
10
Group 5
5
9
11
6
10
8
11
11
11
11
3
9
11
4
1
11
2
7
16
16
13
16
11
11
12
10
16
10
15
17
15
10
11
13
16
16
14
16
12
8
5
8
3
6
9
5
7
3
7
6
5
5
9
5
3
9
4
Ten Leading Counties, in Order,
Asof Junel, 1942
Warren 1st
Union 2nd
Philadelphia 3rd
Columbia 4th
Lebanon 5th
Dauphin 6th
Elk 7th
Bucks 8th
Sullivan 9th
Centre 10th
uh
HEADY to serve
Recognizing that an efficient use of fertilizers de-
pends upon facts, the American Potash Industry main-
tains an Institute for investigations in the practical use
of potash. This Institute has branch offices in the
South, Midwest, Northeast, on the Pacific Coast, and
in Canada. Its staff of trained agronomists cooperate
with State and Federal institutions in research and ex-
perimental work and with growers having specific prob-
lems in the use of plant food. This service is supported
by the American Potash and Chemical Corporation,
Potash Company of America, and the United States
Potash Company.
AMERICAN POTASH INSTITUTE
Incorporated
1155 Sixteenth St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.
14
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
SOIL CONSERVATION
AIDS POTATO GROWERS
(Continued jrom page 4)
the highest on record for his farm.
Although the soil conservation system
of farming had been in effect only a
year, he gave it most of the credit.
Five years ago, Almus Shoemaker,
well known Association member from
the vicinity of Christiana, in Lancaster
County, was growing good potatoes. To-
day he says they are twenty per cent
better as a result of the conservation
system of farming he adopted in 1937.
He also says that he uses less fuel and
finds the work easier on his contour
fields. Letters from dozens of other Lan-
caster County farmers bear him out in
this. Some of them are potato farmers,
some are dairymen, and some are
general farmers. Most of them live in
the soil conservation district organized
by southern Lancaster County farmers.
From Bucks County comes further
word about soil conservation from
Walter Bishop, past president of the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association. He grew some of
the first contour potatoes in the County
on his place near Doylestown three years
ago, and says contouring is the only way
to get the most out of fertilizer and use
moisture to best advantage.
In the Western end of the State, high-
producing growers like J. A. Donaldson,
of Venango County, and Tom Denniston,
from Slippery Rock, Butler County, re-
port that contouring and strip cropping
make potatoes easier to grow. In 1937,
at the Harrisburg Farm Show, a Certifi-
cate of Merit and Medal of Award was
given Tom Denniston, in recognition of
his vision and contribution to better
potato farming in Pennsylvania. Just a
few years back, he grew 547 bushels to
the acre. He says, "Protecting the soil
calls for a farming system that sees to it
that the top soil and fertilizer aren t
washed away when it rains. A few years
ago, we had square fields and ran the
rows up and down the hill. We changed
the direction of the rows and farmed in
strips because hard rains were cutting
the rows into gullies so deep we couldn t
use the sprayer and had to dig some of
the potatoes by hand. I am glad my son
and I changed over to strip farming
across the slope, because the soil does
not wash away now as it did formerly.
When we put a heavy application of
fertilizer on the strips, we know it is
all going to stay there until we haul it
off in the shape of potatoes. Mr. Dennis-
ton told me that he got the idea of strip
cropping from viewing the soil conser-
vation work in the Crooked Creek Dem-
onstration Project in Indiana County in
1935.
A number of potato men in the Brush
Valley section of Indiana County also
have adopted soil conservation methods
since the Black Lick Soil Conservation
District started operations three years
ago. They all report yield increases,
some of them ranging as high as twenty-
five per cent. Some of them also have
hit the 400 bushel mark for the first time.
Ben Stutzman, prominent potato grower
in this district, told me this week that a
1300-foot diversion ditch, built on his
farm through cooperation with the Soil
Conservation District Supervisors, saved
a good many tons of soil on one-third of
his farm which was below the ditch. A
two-inch rain in thirty minutes ran this
ditch full of water in spite of the fact
that he was using strip cropping
methods. A diversion ditch in the middle
of a sloping field divides in half the
amount of excess water that must leave
the field at the time of a heavy rain
when the soil will not absorb all of the
rainfall. There is a possibility at times
like this that soil may become too wet
for optimum moisture conditions for
potato growing. Diversion ditches and
terraces properly built, leading into
woods, pastures, or masonry outlets are
often necessary in connection with other
practices to help carry away excess
water at times when we have the
heaviest rainfalls.
Many other Association members in
the State have reported better yields and
more efficient farming after revising
their farming methods in favor of soil
conservation. Over the northeastern
states, from Maine to West Virginia,
potato growers have generally reported
yield increases ranging from five to
twenty-five per cent as the result of
adopting soil conservation farming.
The agricultural research stations
have an explanation for these increases.
They show enormous losses in yields due
to soil erosion. Perhaps this is the reason
why yields, in general, have not in-
creased as fast as the use of fertihzer
and improved farming methods during
the last half century. For some crops
notably corn, research men in at least
one state report no general increases in
yield since 1880 despite revolutionary
advances in farming methods.
(Continued on page 16)
June, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
4i#>
I
Grower to Grower Exchange
The rate for advertising in this column
is a penny a word, minimum cost 25
cents, payable with order. (10% reduc-
tion when four or more insertions are
ordered at one time.) Count name and
address. Send ads to reach the GUIDE
POST, Masonic Temple Building, Belle-
fonte, Penna., by the 20th of the month
previous to publication.
FOR SALE: One No. 15 Caterpillar Trac-
tor; one 22 inch off-set disc harrow. Both
in good condition. Write W. H. Gregory
Sons, R. F. D. No. 2, Weatherly, Carbon
County, Penna.
FOR SALE: 1936 Chevrolet Spray
Truck, equipped with dual transmis-
sions, dual speed rear axle, 11.25 x 24
Tires in rear and special high clearance
front axle. Motor overhauled and in
very good shape. Call or write, Ivan
Miller, Corry, R.F.D. 3, Erie County,
Penna.
FOR SALE: Two Wheeled Bean Sprayer
on Rubber; Power take-off, 300 gallon
tank, copper boom. Used by small
grower. Reason for selling, quit farming.
A-1 condition. Also 18-inch, 7-foot Disc
Harrow. Write: J. Glenn Manchester,
Fairview, Erie County, Penna. (Phone:
Girard, 404- J-2).
FOR SALE: Bean potato Sprayer; 8
rows for mounting on Cletrac Tractor.
Like new; less than half price. Write R.
E. Weingart, Kent, Ohio.
AVAILABLE: Pistol-Grip Twisters for
tying paper bags, $1.25. Write the As-
sociation Office, Bellefonte, Penna.
WANTED: A used Two-Row Iron Age
Potato Planter, not particular as to con-
dition. Raymond Strobel, Cohocton, New
York.
AVAILABLE: At the Association office
is kept a very limited supply of Chatillon
Scales, for the convenience of growers
wishing to purchase them. Price $3.50.
SEED FOR SALE: No. 1 Certified White
Rural and Russet Rural seed Potatoes.
Write Lyle G. Tarbox, Ulysses, Potter
County, Penna.
PLANTER FOR SALE: A used, Two-
Row International Picker-type potato
planter, with fertilizer attachment and
tractor hitch, in running condition.
Write: G. L. Allen, Wysox, Bradford
County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Standard Association In-
voice and Receipt Books (described in
this issue) for growers packing in the
Association Labeled bags. 30c a set.
Write Association office, Bellefonte, Pa.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: Hardie 10-row
potato sprayer with 400 gallon tank.
Truck mounting. Starter and radiator
cooling. Excellent condition. Write
John K. Graham, Adams Mills, Ohio.
FOR SALE: CERTIFIED SEED POTA-
TOES. Chippewas — 90 day Whites.
Senecas — heavy yielding white rural
variety. Sequoias — Excellent quality,
blight resistant. Thos. J. Neefe, Couders-
port, Potter County, Penna.
AVAILABLE: Copies of the New A. B.
Farquhar IRON AGE High Pressure
Sprayer catalogue might be had for the
asking. This new catalogue, just off the
press, is both attractive and informative.
Write today for your copy to: A. B.
Farquhar Company, Limited, York, Pa.
SPRAYER FOR SALE: John Bean 200
gal. tank, 8 row boom, with 12 horse-
power Leroi engine, 4 cylinder. Ready
to go to work. Write John H. Richter,
Benvenue Farm, Duncannon, Penna.
>>
Bride: "Now, dear, what will I get if I
cook dinner like this for you every night
you come home?"
Husband: "My life insurance, dear!
O
Speaker: "Now, ladies and gentlemen,
I want to tax your memory."
Voice in Audience: "Good grief! Has
it come to that?"
O
Drill Sergeant: (to married recruit)
"Button your coat!"
Recruit: (absently) "Yes, dear."
O
"Well, Paul, aren't you going to play
this afternoon?"
"No, I've got to stay home and help
Dad with my home work."
Buy Defense Siampi^
and War Bonds!
'/
16
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
SOIL CONSERVATION
AIDS POTATO GROWERS
(Continued from page 14)
At the Arnot research station, just
over the Pennsylvania line in central
New York State, contour farmed plots
have consistently yielded more potatoes
than nearby plots farmed in the con-
ventional straight-row manner. Since
1935, yields have ranged from five to
twenty-five per cent better on the con-
tour plots, regardless of whether it was
a dry or a wet year.
Yields from New England experi-
ments have shown even greater differ-
ences in yields resulting from the use of
the simplest conservation measures.
With such results coming from the ex-
periment stations, it is no wonder that
potato farmers adopting complete soil
conservation systems of farming have
reported yield increases rangmg, m a
few cases, up to fifty per cent.
In most sections of the northeastern
states, soil conservation methods have
been well adapted to local field, soil,
and machinery requirements through
seven years of painstaking experiment
and farm demonstration that started in
1935. Farmers anywhere can now turn
to them with the certainty that they can
adopt such methods gradually without
disrupting their system of farming.
Based on the results from agricultural
experiment stations and from hundreds
of farmers who have tried soil conserva-
tion methods for three years or longer.
Alternate strips of potatoes and sod or stubble ground on the farm of Thomas
Denniston, Slippery Rock, Butler County.
farmers in every section of Pennsylvania
can increase their yields with less work
and expense. This will not only help in
our war efforts, but benefit the farmers
financially and otherwise.
The late Robert Marshall, of Indiana
County, who had a complete soil con-
servation plan made for his 404-acre
farm in 1935, asked me to make the
following remarks to a group of people
who were touring the project a few years
ago: "We are getting better crops, we
are doing the work more easily, and I
know of no place on the farm where I
would like to have the plan changed."
Mr. Marshall was unable to be present
at the time, but it was unnecessary to
tell this to the group because it was told
to them by Mr. Marshall's farm manager,
who was responsible for doing the work
on the farm.
From seven Lancaster County farmers
come the following quotations:
". . . crop yields increased ... I have
six farms using soil conservation
methods . . . much easier for tractors and
horses to work contour strip fields . . .
(Continued on page 22)
SPRAY and DUST
'»
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection - Service - Reasonable Cost
.Oh
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231
Annville, Pa.
J
\
m You will find the row
sprayer your individual
need requires in the big
new Hardie line. New im-
proved boomS/ pressure
line strainer, n on -clog
nozzles, adjustable axles,
and many other
features save time,
labor, trouble. . . •
Write for catalog.
The Hardie Mfg.
Company, Hudson,
Mich.
Hardie row sprayers are built in many models and
sizes for spraying 2 to 12 rows with tractor, horse
or truck power and steel or rubber-tired wheels.
v^^^^N^x^^^^^^^^^^x>^x^>^^^^^^^s^■:i^v^^
The ONLY Sproy Pump that is
COMPLETELY LUBRICATED
18
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
More New Members ''Enlist''
Though recent weeks have not
brought the many new memberships
that we have hoped for, still, the ef-
forts to increase the new members have
not been entirely fruitless.
Schuylkill County, recently, had the
most new members, and Cambria came
next, but other counties, too, had small
increases; the total list of new members
since the last report includes:
Lloyd Tyler, Coudersport, Potter
County
Fred Bechel, Nick town, Cambria
County
Guy S. Reed, Summit Station, Scuyl-
kill County
Ralph M. Hetherington, Ringtown,
Schuylkill County
John C. Hetherington, Ringtown,
Schuylkill County
Saxon Baum, Nuremburg, Schuylkill
County
George E. Kunkel, Orwigsburg,
Schuylkill County
Charles R. Miller, Quakertown, Bucks
County
Elmer E. Hess, Nescopeck, Luzerne
County
Mike Olcnchok, Berwick, Luzerne
County
J. W. Kraus, Barnesville, Schuylkill
County
Wise Delicatessen Company, Berwick,
Columbia County
Zigmont Venesky, Carrolltown, Cam-
bria County
Kenneth Sharbaugh, Loretta, Cam-
bria County
Bob Huber, Carrolltown, Cambria
County
Harvey J. Rinker, Prospect, Butler
County
Allen Metzgar, Gcrmansville, Lehigh
County
Principal boosters this month inclu-
ded Paul Yahner, of Patton, Cambria
County, who enlisted three new mem-
bers— one on each of the blanks for-
warded him with each of his more recent
GUIDE POSTS; C. O. McCandless, of
Prospect, Butler County, who found his
new member, and James MacCrindle,
of Lehigh County, who also found his
new member.
Many of you have not contributed.
Perhaps some of you feel that you know
no one who would profit by Association
membership — but you are the exception.
Most of you can — and should, to do your
share of boosting.
This is a rather important time for
all potato growers. Why not enlist
your new member, now, so that he can
benefit by what help we can give him
at this important, critical time? There
is a blank enclosed for your convenience.
Teacher: "I want all you children in
the class to think up a good original
definition of home. Who will be first?
All right, Charles."
Charles: "Home is where you can
scratch any place that itches."
O
A youngster from the city, visiting
his country cousin, saw his first chest-
nut burr. "Lookee," he yelled, "here's
a porcupine egg!"
O
In a school essay on "Parents" a small
girl wrote:
"We get our parents when they are so
old that it is very hard to change their
habits."
O
"I tell you. Officer, 1 didn't knock this
pedestrian down! I just pulled up to him,
stopped my car and waited to let him
pass. He fainted."
O
A word that is not spoken never does
any mischief. This is a good thing to re-
member when you discuss the "wheres
and whys" of our American boys in
camp and overseas.
-o-
More than 2,000,000 farmers were
listed to file Federal income tax returns
this year on their 1941 income. Many of
these filed their returns for the first time.
Though these taxes seem burdensome to
us personally, let us be thankful that
last year we made enough that our in-
comes were taxable, and that your
government has your liberty in mind in
requesting this tax increase.
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
SPRAY
WITH
-r
t
1
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
in
Hammond Betterbags
FOR BEST RESULTS
Use
Whiterock Lump and Pebble Lime
Whilerock High Calcium
Quadruple Separated
Superfine Spray Hydrate
or
Whiterock Micro-Mesh
They lead the field in Spray Limes
Write
Whiterock Quarries
Bellefonte, Pa.
HELP!
Do Your Pari To Boost The
Association
Membership
Canvass
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
Use The Enclosed Blank To
Enroll Your Membership
Contribution
20
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
POTATO CHIPS
In North Carolina, the potato deal is
under way. The yield is extremely
light, it is reported, in some sections,
and exceptionally good in others, with
a somewhat better average than a year
ago.
The Baldwin County, Alabama potato
deal is nearly over for the present sea-
son. Daily shipments of about 200 cars
caused a tapering off of supplies about
June 15th, and a clean up was expected
by the end of the month.
"If cooperatives rise to their oppor-
tunities and come through the war crisis
in good shape, with a splendid record
of service back of them, people will
turn to them naturally after the war is
over as a better way of delivering goods
and services." — Howard Cowden, Presi-
dent, Consumers Cooperative Associa-
tion, N. Kansas City, Mo.
By June 1st, 128 potato growers had
applied for State Certification of all or
part of their potato plantings for seed
purposes, in Pennsylvania. With the
closing date already reached (June
15th) for receiving applications, it was
expected considerably more than last
year's 138 would be reported.
Many new growers have been apply-
ing this year, because of the excellent
demand for the 241,000 bushel crop pro-
duced last year under certification.
• • •
The Irish potato outlook on the East-
ern Shore of Virginia this season is
spotty, according to recent reports.
While the prospects are far brighter
than a year ago, still drought conditions
prevailed until the middle of May, and
heavy yields are not generally expected.
This year's Eastern Shore acreage is
approximately 10 to 15 per cent less
than that of 1941, when about 32,000
acres were produced.
Since Bill Has Got A Girl
His gun stands in the corner and his
traps hang on the wall.
He hasn't touched his fishing line since
early in the Fall.
His skates are gettin' rusty, but the
grindstone doesn't whirl;
Even Shep has been neglected since
Bill has got a girl!
He just goes 'round so solemn, in an ab-
sent sort o' way,
And stands before the lookin' glass a
dozen times a day.
And Ma must press his trousers, and
his hair must show its curl;
He even washes in his ears, since Bill
has got a girl.
Now, if I want to see a show, or ride
along to town,
He dumps me out and rides away —
don't want no kids around.
You'd think that snub-nosed Betty Jane
was some exclusive pearl;
Life simply isn't fit to live since Bill
has got a girl!
IN ORDER: 1942 "400-
BUSHEL CLUB MEMBERSHIP
(Continued from page 5)
cational Agricultural teacher, or a
competent person designated by the As-
sociation.
You must sign your application and
have it at your Association office before
December 1, 1942, and be an Association
member, to receive your award during
the Association Annual Meeting at the
January, 1943 Farm Products Show.
Meanwhile, of course, you will be
enjoying worth-while financial returns
from a worth-while business venture,
and a pride in patriotic performance.
Start now — and never let up! You
can be a *'400-Bushel Club" grower!
Visitor: "If your mother gave you a
large apple and a small one and told
you to divide with your brother, which
apple would you give him?"
Johnny: "Do you mean my big
brother, or my little one?"
The editor's little daughter returned
from Sunday School with an illustrated
text card.
'What's that you have there, Betty?"
'Oh, just an ad about Heaven."
■•^
BEAN POTATO SPRAYERS
EARN BIGGER PROFITS
Wherever you find a Bean Potato Sprayer protecting
the potatoes, you will find a keen, two-fisted grower who
knows that the best sprayer obtainable is the sure way to
potato profits. And you find more of them than any other.
These Bean Sprayer users know that in order to com-
pete today, they must keep their spraying costs down and
at the same time raise a larger and better crop at lowest
possible complete cost. That is why so many growers have
and are standardizing on modern Bean Sprayers and Dus-
ters. There is one in your neighborhood.
p MiJJjKAfUUjJUU.i
r^'^'VK?^"rf'\f**V*m-^" lU^Ll^^^^^^HM■M'M;^»y■»^M"^'^^'W '^
M
]«m» *r:^:.'.^
Investigate the rugged construction, the money saving
features, the modern design, the new style booms, the un-
interrupted operation and the low cost spraying of Bean
Sprayers, all of which you can buy at no extra cost.
There is a Bean Sprayer that will protect your crop and
save you money every time you spray. Better coverage with
less material.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
«n
(ii
22
THE GUIDE POST
June, 1942
SOIL CONSERVATION
AIDS POTATO GROWERS
(Continued from page 16)
longer fields and less turning with con-
touring."
". . . more moisture, better yields . . .
especially potatoes . . . raising more feed
than ever before . . . with less fertilizer
. . . wear and tear on machinery less on
contour . . . tractor runs in higher gear,
too . . . ."
". . . five years of conservation have
raised crop yields twenty per cent . . .
less fuel and less work on contour . . .
getting more fed than ever before . . ."
"Yields higher on wheat, tomatoes,
corn, and other crops . . . now getting
tremendous hay crops . . . most efficient
way to save moisture I have ever seen
. . . team can do twenty per cent more on
contour . . . ."
". . . tobacco and corn yields better,
especially . . . corn at least fifteen per
cent better and tobacco 200 to 300 pounds
an acre more than when farmed in
square fields . . . hay yields doubled in
five years . . . contour strip easier on
team . . . would not think of farming
square field method again . . . valuation
of farm increased . . . land built up into
better state of fertility . . . ."
". . . crop yields up to twenty per cent
already ... by five more years will be
up to fifty per cent . . . save fifteen per
cent fuel by working in contour strip
fields instead of square fields . . . would
not try to farm any other way again . . ."
". . . in three years think strip fields
and contouring increased yields toma-
toes, corn, tobacco . . . especially tobac-
co .. . last year the moisture saved by
this system raised yields about twenty
per cent . . . got 2400 pounds tobacco
to the acre ... 70 tons on a little over
four acres . . . longer rows and easier to
work in contour fields . . . save ten to
fifteen per cent on fuel, too ....'*
Hundreds of quotations from other
cooperators are on record.
No doubt soil conservation makes it
difficult to harvest potatoes in the fash-
ion of the legendary West Virginia
farmer who punched a hole at the foot
of each of his sky-ward slanting potato
rows and watched the potatoes roll into
a bag, but large numbers of growers
each year are turning to conservation
practices as an efficient way to farm.
In Pennsylvania alone, some 4,000
farmers have tried out complete soil
conservation plans on their farms. Com-
plete plans mean proper land use for
every acre on the farm — trees, pasture
and other crops in the right places and
amounts for each farm and for each
farmer, according to his needs, with
proper treatment following good farm
managemnt principles.
Recently a group of farmers met at
The Pennsylvania State College and
organized the Pennsylvania Land Con-
servation Association. The purpose is to
promote the welfare of the people of
Pennsylvania by encouraging the con-
servation of land, water, forest, and
wildlife resources. Details concerning
this new organization can be had by
writing Hartwell E. Roper, President,
Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, or P. A. War-
ing, Secretary, New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Since the organization, in 1938, of
four soil conservation districts by
farmers in Lancaster, York, Clarion,
Indiana and part of Cambria Counties,
the soil conservation work has spread
more rapidly than before. These districts
are legal subdivisions of the State under
the terms of the Pennsylvania Soil Con-
servation Districts Act and are run by
farmers. They make it possible for local
farmers to guide the conservation work
of federal, state and local agencies in a
way best suited to agree with local soil
needs and erosion conditions.
In the United States, there are 736
districts covering approximately 432
million acres of land, including over 2
million farms. Farmers in those districts
cooperate with each other, shape their
own programs, and operate them in ac-
cordance with their traditional methods
of self-government. If this principle can
be carried on and extended, rural Ameri-
ca will continue to be a bulwark of
democracy.
Teacher: **Who can tell me what
agriculture is? Alright, Thomas?"
Thomas: "Well, it's just about the
same as farming, only in farming you
really do it."
"He has a hearty contempt for any-
body who doesn't know as much as he
does."
"I should think he would!"
"Is your husband a good provider,
Liza?"
"Yassah, he's a good providah, all
right, but I'se afraid he's guine t' get
caught at it."
<v
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
fOi*
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles make us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC.
4700 31st Place
Long Island City« N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
E. H. Deller, York County,
Pa., picks Iron Age to
protect his potato crop.
Spraying potatoes
. on the Deller farm
with strong solu-
tion of hluestone
lime. Mr. Deller
uses an Iron Age
power take-off
row crop model.
n FTER 4 years of hard use, Mr. E. H. Deller's power take-off
■"■ Iron Age sprayer is still working perfectly . . . keeping more
than 60 acres of fine York County potatoes in tip-top condition
throughout the season. Grower Deller says he likes his Iron
Age machine far better than the sprayer he had previously,
pointing out that he uses his sprayer hard 6 to 8 times each year
for not only his own crop, but also for that of his son on an
adjoining farm.
"It really gets a tough workout," he says, "but the 20-23 G.P.M.
Victory pump delivers up to 800 lbs. pressure consistently . . .
and that's all I ask." The Dellers-father and son-farm over
277 acres between them, and are sold on Iron Age planting,
spraying and digging equipment. In 24 years of farming, Mr
Deller, Sr. has seen no equal to the Iron Age planter ... and
he claims he'll keep on buying Iron Age as long as he stays on
the soil.
A. B. F ARQUHAR, CO., Limited, 111 Duke St.
YORK. PA.
y Ml ?»> >» W_A
\
NUMBER 7
AGRICUITURAL LIBRARY
THE P£NN;>YLVAwiA ^tAiL COLLEGE
Potato Growers In Working Togs At "Camp Potato.'
'0^^y'\m
CiiewrM
**%W**w*| . «»
JULY « » 1942
PuJfUiked Im the
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
l^OWfVU
W^rite /or Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
Timely Observations and Suggestions
by L. T. Denniston, Association Field Representative
LATE BLIGHT OBSERVED
IN WIDELY SCATTERED
AREAS BY MID-JUNE:
The nations potato crop is either in for
a wild scare or a catastrophy from Late
Blight. Much will depend on the type
of weather the crop must experience
during July, August, and September.
Late May and Early June brought heavy
rains that were ideal for the mcubation
of Blight and observations over a wide
area in Pennsylvania and other States
revealed Blight infection had a good
start by the middle of May with an in-
creasing number of reports from widely
scattered areas of production during the
past two weeks. Growers throughout
Pennsylvania who are on the job and
well aware of the danger should have
little trouble in controlling any serious
infection by preventing the disease from
getting a start. Once infection has a foot-
i-;^
\/V
ExceDlionallY line field of Katahdins on the farm of Director Wm. Hays, Jersey
Shore Ly?3gC^^ Good care of the soil, the use of disea^-free-seed, timely
cultivation and thorough spraying were back of this achievement.
hold the grower is in for a real battle to
prevent serious damage to the crop both
in yield and quality of the tubers.
Printed elsewhere in this issue is an
article giving some of the pit-falls that
hamjper the grower in attaining Blight
control. It will be well to read these care-
fully and be sure you have the right
answer and are not wasting your labor
on short cuts that do not give results.
HEAVY BLOOM ON KATAHDINS:
One of the heaviest blooms I have
ever seen on Katahdins or on any other
variety for that matter, was on two
beautiful fields of Director Wm. Hays at
Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. These
fields were at their height of bloom on
Thursday, June 25th. I tried my best to
get a good picture of these fields with the
Mountains in the background. The above
picture is the result of my effort. Should
have had the grower or his wife in this
flower bed when taking such a picture
but we were unable to locate Mr. Hays
at the time of the visit.
Not only potatoes but wheat, barley,
and other crops look bountiful on the
Jersey Shore river flat where Mr. Hays
farm is located.
(Continued on page 12)
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
r
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Franlz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Masl Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Franlz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenighl Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson, R.l, Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
Annual membership fee $1.00. This
includes the Guide Post.
All communications should be ad-
dressed to the Association office, Masonic
Temple Building, Bellefonte, Pennsyl-
vania.
AN OPEN LETTER
TO THE MEMBERS
I wish to express my deep apprecia-
tion to the members of the Pennsylvania
Potato Growers' Association for their
constant cooperation with the Associa-
tion office during the period of my
managership.
It was both a pleasure and a privilege
to work in your behalf, and toward the
success of your potato program. It is my
sincere hope that the program wil I grow
to greater successes for the Association
and its individual members during the
seasons to come.
Sincerely,
E. B. Bower
Buy War Saving Stamps and Bonds
Wake Up, America —
It's Late!
(This Editorial was printed in the New
York World-Telegram some weeks ago,
and is worthy of the attention of every
American).
The Nation needs to awaken to the
full gravity of the peril that confronts it.
It needs to appreciate how badly we
have been defeated in three months of
war.
It needs to understand that it is pos-
sible for the United Nations and the
United States to lose this war and suffer
the fate of France — and that this possi-
bility may become a probability if the
present tide does not change.
It needs to realize that there is a grave
chance of the Japanese pushing through
India and the Germans driving through
the Near East, to join their armies and
resources in an almost unbeatable com-
bination.
It needs to get away, once and for all,
from the comforting feeling that while
we may lose at the start, we are bound
to win in the end.
Only when fully aware of existing
perils will the United States do its ut-
most. Pray God that awareness will not
come too late, as it did in France!
Production Director Donald Nelson
appeals for vastly increased industrial
output, on a twenty-four-hour, seven-
day, basis — 168 hours a week. Maximum
production, in short.
Can we get it?
Not on the present basis — not under
the psychology of recent years.
Not until we quit thinking in terms of
less work for more money.
Not while there is greater concern
about overtime pay than overtime pro-
duction.
Not while farmer politicians are more
interested in higher prices than raising
more essentials.
Not while Government bureaus —
created to meet a depression emergency
that is ended — continue to grab for
themselves money needed for arma-
ments.
Not while an army of Federal press
agents clamor to promote and perpetu-
ate activities that have no present need
or value.
(Continued on page 9)
July, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
.,
r
E. B. Bower Resigns As General Manager
of Association
It is with sincere regret that we an-
nounce the resignation of Mr. E. B.
Bower, General Manager of the Penn-
sylvania Cooperative Potato Growers
Association, effective July 1, 1942.
Mr. Bower has been connected with
the Potato Growers in this official capa-
city for the past six years. It is fitting
and proper to recount some of the con-
tributions made by Mr. Bower during
this period and trace the progress which
the Association has made in its struggle
to help the Potato Industry help itselt.
The Pennsylvania Potato Growers
Association was organized in 1917 with
a membership of 36 and annual dues of
25 cents per member. The Association
met annually in connection with the
Pennsylvania State Farm Products
Show, conducted a few educational
meetings on production, reorganized by
electing a president, vice-president and
secretary and remained dormant for a
year.
In 1922 it organized as a cooperative
under the "Cooperative Act'' of the
Pennsylvania legislature of 1919. ihe
Association continued to function as an
educational organization on production
and occasionally listened to a lecture
about marketing, but growers kept right
on selling "all the little ones all the
crooked ones, all the cut ones in 4-8-7
fertilizer bags to whom-so-ever at what-
so-ever. And why not? Did we not have
the most large cities, the best distributed
of any state in the union, providing
markets right at our very door step?
A half dozen years ago a few leaders
of the industry began to discover that
this "door step" market was not what it
used to be if it ever really did exist.
Ruinous surplusses began to pile up on
the farm which were fat picking for the
buzzards of the industry. It was not
long before the leaders became aware ot
the fact that, "you cannot sell a dis-
tressed commodity at a profit to the pro-
ducer " There were coming to be more
and more distressed potatoes, even in a
10 000,000 bushel deficiency producing
state and in spite of large cities ad-
vantageously located to furnish back
yard" markets. It finally became appar-
ent that a coordinating infiuence was
needed to stabilize the movement of
potatoes from the farms to the markets,
and insure a steady and dependable
supply.
At this juncture representatives of
the chain stores both large and small
under the tireless leadership of Fred W.
Johnson at present, President of the
Pennsylvania Chain Store Council,
offered their help and cooperation to the
Potato Growers Association. Then begun
E. B. Bower
a series of memorable conferences
almost endless in subject matter dis-
cussed, out of which there finally
emerged some practical, fundamental,
workable principles which have become
the marketing beatitudes of our Asso-
ciation.
Read them now, six years after their
adoption.
(a) Determine a standard grade, high
enough to meet exacting demands
for all practical consumer accep-
tance and low enough to make the
most of our local crops.
(b) Adopt and trade-mark a distinc-
tive, practical and attractive pack
6
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
of a size to meet the widest market
demand.
(c) Determine definitely and accurate-
ly the merits and qualities of our
own potatoes.
(d) Determine the true status of the
potato in the diet of the normal
and subnormal person.
(e) Determine and develop varieties
most adapted to our growing con-
ditions and most suited to special
culinary uses.
(f) Set up machinery by which the
grading and packing of the
adopted brands will be guaranteed
to the consumer and made avail-
able in sufficient volume to in-
terest large purchasers.
Every one of these items from (a) to
(f) inclusive, is being worked on con-
stantly to the end that better quality
potatoes are being grown; better con-
sumer packages are being packed; better
consumer acceptance is being enjoyed;
a more equitable delivery system is be-
ing inaugurated; more of the consumers
dollar is going back to the producer. The
program was built to be flexible and
adaptable and to keep it so, a permanent
Joint Conference Committee made up
of Directors and Advisors of the Potato
Growers Association and representa-
tives of the Food Distributors including
their practical and technical experts
meet at sufficient intervals to keep the
marketing plan on a practical working
basis.
Six years ago this program looked
pretty big for the Potato Growers Asso-
ciation to tackle. Not that the Pennsyl-
vania Potato Growers were inexper-
ienced in inaugurating new and expen-
sive projects. Had they not tackled the
job of producing 400 bushels of potatoes
on a measured acre and attained many
600 bushel yields and over? Had they
not toured from Maine to Michigan, first
in busses and later more extensive tours
in solid puUman trains? Had they not
contributed almost $100,000 to a Student
Hospital at Penn State? What then look-
ed so big in the inauguration of such a
marketing program? Buying and selling
potatoes had never been anything more
than a strictly business transaction, with
a dash of worry and the high hope of a
profit and little else. This new potato
marketing plan required a new type of
business transaction, in which personal
contact, pride of product, and friendly
understanding were to replace some of
the age old practices of merely "buyer
and seller" manipulation and misunder-
standing. Here at last was to be some-
thing that puts a firmer foundation and
a fresh infusion of faith into the business
affairs of men.
With the deck cleared as to the aims,
purposes, and aspirations, the directors
of the Association had enough confidence
in the plan to throw the working ma-
chinery into gear. Since the Association
had been incorporated away back in
1922 to do business as a cooperative it
was already tuned up. The next job of
the directors was to procure a General
Manager and establish a business office.
Mr. Bower was elected General Manager
and the business office was opened at
Bellefonte.
There was no end of details in estab-
lishing the office set up and getting ready
to move potatoes from the farm direct
to the cooperating Food Distributors —
the chain stores.
Office supplies and personel had to be
secured.
A survey of available potatoes to be
marketed through the Association and
explanation of the marketing plan to
the growers of the State.
Size and kind of packages had to be
determined. Paper was adopted exclu-
sively for the first time for packing
potatoes. This idea had to be sold to all
sorts of doubting Thomases.
Trade-marking the Association pack-
ages and a system for ordering and dis-
tributing bags had to be established.
Potatoes were assembled, graded, and
packed under supervision.
County Contact Men were selected
and instructed.
Schools for training Grade Super-
visors were set up.
Methods of terminal distribution and
deliveries worked out.
The building of "Camp Potato"— a big
enough project in the language of any
cooperative.
The bringing together of all allied in-
terests back of a growers cooperative
plan — in short Pennsylvania's Coopera-
tive Potato Marketing Plan refused to
be balked by many an unexpected
hurdle to chart a brand new course in
a very old industry. In all the six years
in not a single instance did there develop
any friction or unpleasantness between
distributors and producers — a splendid
tribute to the earnestness and sports-
manship of all concerned.
July, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Working But Not Accomplishing
During recent years we have heard
much about the inability to control Late
Blight. Have the seasons changed? Has
a more virulent form of Blight made its
appearance? Or, have spraying practices
changed, with less attention to details
and a slipping away from the orthodox
spray methods on which Blight control
was established in Pennsylvania?
Even though there may be reason to
think that the first two factors are possi-
bilities, it takes no stretch of the imag-
ination or much observation to know
that many growers are resorting to short
cuts in the preparation of Bordeaux and
its application. Exactness has given way
to speed. Precision has given way to
slip-shod-methods in may cases.
Large spray outfits delivering high
pressure are no assurance of perfection
in the job at hand. These machines do
not buy the proper spray materials, or
mix them into a Bordeaux that will
insure Blight control. Nor are the booms
of these machines self adjusting, neither
can we expect them to guide themselves
down either straight or crooked rows.
The following are some of the pit-falls
that are tripping some of our growers
into a poor or inefficient job of spraying.
1. Disposing of junk potatoes by haul-
ing them out onto the potato field thus
setting up a perfect incubation spot for
Late Blight.
2. Slip-shod planting such as uneven
or crooked rows. Neither uneven width
or crooked rows can be sprayed effi-
ciently. Exactness in boom adjustment
cannot be attained in either case.
3. Improper boom adjustment. The
boom too high or two low. Drop arms
unevenly set, set at improper angle for
the size of the plants, and nozzles at
improper angle.
4. Mixing concentrated lime and blue
stone solution directly together. Yes
they will mix and may not give nozzle
trouble but this will not make efficient
effective Bordeaux.
5. Holding a tank of spray over night
and applying it in the morning. Better
pull the plug and run it down the ditch.
Some have suggested using sugar in the
past, but not now.
6. Guessing at the amount of lime or
blue stone either in original form or
in solution. Better use the scales and be
sure of the required gallons when in
solution.
7. Continuing to spray with clogged
nozzles. Lack of coverage on one row is
as bad as lack of coverage on all rows
if there is danger of Blight.
8. Boom too high or too low. The
boom should be low on early applica-
tions. The boom can and should be raised
as the foliage or plants gain in height.
9. Putting off spraying until tomor-
row. Many excuses can be found or con-
cocted to make this mistake. No use of
locking the door after the horse is stolen.
10. Missing a few plants at the end of
the rows. If you cannot spray all the
plants at the ends each spray you had
better rogue or cultivate them out.
11. When a tank of spray runs out a
couple hundred feet before reaching the
end don't make the mistake of forgetting
it and figure as some growers have said,
"I will spray it next week."
12. Waiting until the tops are knee
high can be fatal. This has been a season
when this was true. Blight was in many
fields before the first spray was applied.
Growers experiencing this mistake are
fighting a losing battle.
13. Pay no attention to pressure so long
as the nozzles are at least sorinkling
some solution on the plants if you are
not particular about Blight control.
When the pressure drops it is quite like-
ly that a few moments will correct the
trouble. Dirt somewhere is likely to be
the cause.
14. I have heard growers say they
would never spray in the rain. No not in
a downpour of course. But you had
better be on the job on misty days and
in-between showers if you reallv mean
business in keeping ahead of Blight.
15. You might say. "Don't pay anv at-
tention to flea beetles, the poor little
fellows must feed on something, why not
on the potatoes." The good grower gives
them a run for their money the same as
Blight.
16. If you break a drop arm on the
boom just plug the hole up as some say,
"One nozzle to the row is as good as
three." I don't believe this, do you?
17. True or false? If the blue stone
solution barrel springs a leak, just fill
up again with water as it was only water
(Continued on page 14)
8
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
Like Summer's Clouds
The Glossamer Dreams of Boyhood
(This is a condensation of a slory written
by Merle Crowell for the Rockefeller
Center Magazine, for the Readers' Di-
gest. Young and old should reach for
the Summer's Cloud — .)
All around the boy were wonders of
which he must find the meaning. The
wonder of day-break, for example. Often
he stood at his attic bedroom window,
or on the hill back of the barn, and
watched dawn come striding over the
eastern hills in its flowing crimson robes.
As he waited, the first breeze would
ruffle the grass, dewdrops would sparkle,
and the trills of birds, those minstrels of
the morning, would suddenly blend into
a chorus. Sometimes the boy would find
himself trembling from ecstasy.
What was back of it all — those magic
moments when the heart was lifted out
of the rut of life? Who lit the funeral
flares in the sky at the death of day?
From what cradle of creation came the
mystery of a May night with apple
blossoms white in the moonlight? Who
turned the hills to scarlet in October,
wove the lacework of ice on the bare
branches and twigs in winter?
Was it God? He would like to believe
so. But somehow, these miracles did not
fit the God of eternal hell-fire, of infant
and heathen damnation, whom they
preached about in the white meeting-
house on the hill.
The boy was profoundly puzzled.
He craved understanding and found
little — for the ways of a boy's mind are
hard to fathom. "What are you dreaming
about?" the boy's father would ask.
"Oh, nothing."
He saw men work from dawn to night,
plowing and planting. He saw them
struggle against weeds and insects. Then
would come drought. And hopes of the
harvest would shrivel with it.
Life on a rocky New England farm
was hard enough anyway. Why must
men fight also against wanton fate?
He saw death steal down and carry off
those whom the countryside could least
afford to lose. And those whom few
would miss lived on and on.
He saw the homes of the thrifty struck
by lightning, well-kept herds hit by dis-
ease, careful folk the victims of accident.
If life was part of a purposeful plan,
he could find no pattern for it.
And yet in the deepest shadow
bloomed the twin flowers of faith and
courage. Men whose fields had been laid
waste squared their shoulders and look-
ed hopefully ahead to another planting
and another harvest. In homes brushed
by the wings of the dark angel the battle
of living went doggedly on. There was
something invincible, indomitable,
about the soul of man. Something that
could not perish.
In the winter evenings, after the wood
box had been filled and the horses
bedded, and the cows milked, the boy
curled up in front of the fire with a book,
to find things that were lacking in the
world he knew. It stirred his imagina-
tion to learn what men and women were
doing — and had done, — far beyond those
encircling hills. He dreamed of princi-
palities and powers, of things present
and things to come. Out there was a
world he did not know. One day he
would find out more about its mountains
and deserts, rivers and plains. He would
go to that great city where men were a
milling herd striving for fame and for-
tune. Other farm boys had gone there
before him. There must be room for one
more.
The strings of his heart were strumm-
ed, too, by the cold fingers of the Maine
winter. There was the endless sweep of
snow punctuated by pines and firs, the
snapping of nails in the roof as he lay in
his attic bed at night, the thick white
arabesques on the windowpanes when
he crawled out of the warm hollow in
the featherbed of a January morning.
Blizzards might mean a snowbound
household, but the howl of the wind
along the eaves, the steady swish of the
snow, drifts piling up till the windows
were half hid, all talked to him of the
mighty menace of nature. And when the
skies were blue again, and men were
breaking the roads with four or five
teams of horses a-tandem, he felt a grow-
ing conviction that the wild will of the
universe could never quite quell the
human spirit.
The boy was acutely sensitive to sights
and sounds and smells. In summer, at
(Continued on page 16)
July, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Sixty Acres in Two Rows
"Believe it or not." This is one for
"Ripley." Don't be surprised if it makes
"Ripley's" column.
We challenge the world on this. The
field belongs to Director and Vice-Presi-
dent of the Association Ed. Fisher, and
of all unbelievable places, is located in
the hills of Potter County only six miles
from "Camp Potato."
You say it can't be! Well it is, you
figure it out. And while you are doing
it here are a few more things you might
figure on .
How much longer is the one row than
the other?
With 32 inches betv/een the rows how
far is it across the field?
How much more seed will be required
to plant the longer of the two rows with
IJ ounce seed pieces spaced 10 inches
apart?
In planting the 60 acres in two con-
tinuous rows one wheel of the planter
had to travel farther than the other.
How much farther? The same will be
true of the cultivator, sprayer, and dig-
ger.
If you cultivated the field with a team
of mules how much more oats will you
have to feed the one mule than the
other?
Taking two rows at a time how long
would it take you to rogue the field?
How far would you walk? It is an Alle-
gheny Mt. seed field.
The only way you can really see this
field is by aeroplane. We will try to
get a picture of it for a coming issue of
the Guide Post.
"Louie" Reitz has always had his
potatoes picked by the row. We might
ask him how he would figure out the
charge per row in this case?
If you are visiting Potter County this
summer and want to take a look for
yourself, you can get directions at the
Fisher Warehouse, Coudersport or at
Camp Potato on how to reach the field.
(P.S. For your information in figuring
out the above, this field was planted in
a circle, beginning in the centre and
winding out. We will be glad to have
any answers you arrive at on the differ-
ent questions listed above.)
Contribute a new membership to the
Association
WAKE UP, AMERICA IT'S LATE!
(Continued from page 4)
Not while Congressmen try to put over
useless canals and river schemes and
take up the time of defense officials
clamoring for factories and contracts as
if war were a great gravy train.
Not while WPA, despite a shortage of
labor, seeks to carry on projects which
it doesn't have the men to perform or
thp need of performing.
Not while CCC and NYA stretch
greedy hands for funds to pamper young
men who ought to be in the armed forces
or the war plants.
Not while strikes hamper war produc-
tion, despite a solemn promise that they
would stop.
Not while the life-and-death need for
uninterrupted production is used as a
weapon to put over the closed shop.
Not while double time is demanded
for Sunday work, which is only part of
a forty -hour week.
Not while a man can't be employed on
an Army project or in a war plant until
he pays $20 to $50 or more to a labor
Not while fifth columnists are pamper-
ed and enemy aliens move freely in de-
fense areas.
Not while the grim job of preparing
our home communities against air raids
and sabotage is gummed up with a lot
of high-falutin, boon-doggling, social
service activity.
Not while pressure blocs clamor for
higher benefits, bounties and pensions.
We will not get maximum production,
in short, unless, first, we fully realize
our awful peril; and, second, get over the
gimmes of recent years.
Gimme shorter hours, gimme higher
wages, gimme bigger profits, gimme
more overtime, gimme less work, gimme
more pensions, gimme greater crop
benefits, gimme more appropriations and
patronage, gimme plants for my Con-
gressional district, gimme fees and dues
to work for Uncle Sam, gimme ham 'n
eggs, gimme share-the-wealth, gimme
$30 every Thursday.
France had the gimmes, too — ^had
them till the Germans were close to
Paris. Then everybody went frantically
to work — too late.
France has no gimmes today — except
gimme food for my baby, gimme a place
to lay my head, gimme death.
10
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
POTATO CHIPS
Do you remember Lincoln's story
about the little steamer with the big
whistle? Every time they tooted the
whistle it blew off so much steam that
the boat stopped running. That's the
trouble with lots of people today. If they
would only use their energy to drive the
paddle wheel of opportunity instead of
eternally blowing the whistle of discon-
tent, they would find themselves going
up the stream of success so fast that the
barnacles of failure wouldn't have a
chance in the world to hook onto their
little craft.
O
Agriculture, the Nation over, is being
urged to support the Anti-Racketeering
Bill, H.R. 6777, now in Congress, to re-
strict the activities of certain types of
labor leaders.
Only chartered unions would enjoy
the benfits of the national labor rela-
tions' act if this bill becomes law in its
present form. Only citizens could be
union officers or leaders, all union offi-
cers would be required to give bond,
unions would be required to give accu-
rate financial statements to all members,
employees would be permitted to volun-
tarily form and join labor unions, no
regard to hiring employees, and strikes
would be illegal if called before expira-
tion of a 60-day cooling off period.
This bill is the outgrowth of the
several other previous anti-labor ac-
tivity bills which failed to become law
during the past year.
O
The longer we fight the war, the more
permanently self-sufficient we shall be-
come. It brightens my heart in a dark
hour to know that in fighting the Japan-
ese, we are also fighting to free ourselves
forever from future economic threat
from overseas.
— John Chamberlain
O
A five-state farmers' council has been
organized, its main objective being to
oppose John L. Lewis in his alleged
attempts to unionize the nation's dairy-
men. The group will correlate activities
of major farm groups and cooperatives
in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia,
Delaware and Pennsylvania. Crop
growers generally are being admitted to
membership.
The council will attempt to protect the
individual rights of farmers to prosecute
their business in their own way. Philip
C. Turner, President of the new Inter-
state Farmers' Council, said this protec-
tion applied against "anyone who may
attempt through intimidation, fear or
dictation, to take away from the farmers
their rights. The Interstate Farmers
Council, nor the farmers generally, have
no quarrel with organized labor as such.
Farmers have always given labor the
same right they held for themselves —
the right to organize and work together."
O
"We have been a pleasure-loving
people, dishonoring God's day, picnicing
and bathing; now the seashores are
barred, no picnics, no bathing. We have
preferred motor travel to church-going;
now there is a shortage of fuel oil. We
have ignored the ringing of the church
bells, calling us to worship! Now the
bells cannot ring except to warn of in-
vasion. We have left the churches half
empty when they should have been filled
with worshippers; now they are in ruins.
We would not listen to the way of peace;
now we are forced to listen to the ways
of war. The money we would not give
to the Lord's work now is taken from us
in taxes and higher prices. The food for
which we forget to say thanks is now un-
obtainable. The service we refused to
give God is now conscripted for the
country. Lives we refused to live under
God's control are now under the nation's
control. Nights we would not spend in
watching unto prayer now are spent in
anxious air-raid precautions."
The above confession was written by
a preacher in a much-bombed country,
no doubt, England. But not one of us
knows when similar change^-- will come
into our circumstances. There is no
guarantee that the security we enjoy
today will be ours tomorrow. If we have
been guilty of neglect, of slothfulness, of
indifference, in the affairs of His King-
dom, or of those things that pertain to
eternal life, God grant that we may
awake before it is too late. In every truth
the night cometh, when no man can
work.
Synodical Bulletin, Synod of Northwest
(Continued on page 13)
V
READY to serve
Recognizing that an efficient use of fertilizers de-
pends upon facts, the American Potash Industry main-
tains an Institute for investigations in the practical use
of potash. This Institute has branch offices in the
South, Midwest, Northeast, on the Pacific Coast, and
in Canada. Its stafif of trained agronomists cooperate
with State and Federal institutions in research and ex-
perimental work and with growers having specific prob-
lems in the use of plant food. This service is supported
by the American Potash and Chemical Corporation,
Potash Company of America, and the United States
Potash Company.
AMERICAN POTASH INSTITUTE
Incorporated
1155 Sixteenth St., N. W. Washington, D. C
IMU/II— i|g»'.
12
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS
(Continued from page 3)
THOROUGH WEED CONTROL
IN A WET SEASON:
One of the best jobs of weed control
by proper and timely use of the weeder
I have seen was that of Brion & Goodall,
Liberty, Tioga County. I should include
in this credit my good friend Harlan
Phelps who is actually on the firing line
from day to day to accomplish this re-
sult. Not only are the weeds under con-
trol but a good job of cultivating is
being done as well as proper spraying.
The earliest plantings had had four
sprays beginning when the rows could
be followed. To these men I say, "You
are on the way, don't fumble the ball
now.
>>
HASTE MAKES WASTE:
I have observed and had numerous
reports of poor stands and spotty fields.
It is not true in all cases but certainly
in many cases the cause can be traced
to too much haste during wet weather
at planting time. We got off to too hasty
a start at Camp Potato. Ten days later
would have been much better at least
for one field. The drowned area of
course had to be right in front of the
Camp, just the same as your wet spot
has to be where your neighbors and
visitors can readily see it. Perhaps this
is a good thing, it reminds us more often
of the old saying, "Haste makes waste."
SOME THINGS TO DO
AT CAMP POTATO:
I have been asked on numerous occa-
sions by individuals and particularly by
a number of Vocational Instructors and
Supervisors, just what work or jobs
there are at Camp Potato that groups,
especially boys, could do. I list here a
number of jobs as they come to mind.
There are and will be many others when
time and circumstances will permit full
development of a number of projects in
mind.
Cutting wood for fire-place and
kitchen stoves — involving use of axe,
cross-cut saw, and buz saw. (No trees
are cut on the Camp property without
permission of the Camp Officials)
Pick stones from potato fields — in-
volving the use of the Camp truck (jit-
ney) or the tractor and trailor.
Building or repairing roads — involv-
ing placing and cracking stones, opening
ditches, etc.
Planting, cultivating, spraying, rogu-
ing, harvesting, grading and packing the
potato crop. Jobs in this connection in-
clude— cutting seed, actual planting,
cultivating, weeding, slaking lime and
preparing Bordeaux, actual spraying,
disease identification and roguing, hoe-
ing (baby seedlings) digging (two row
digger) and all jobs incident to harvest-
ing, grading and marketing the crop.
Equipment in this work includes —
tractors, two row planter, cultivators,
weeder, power sprayer, two row digger,
and rubber spool grader.
Painting of the flag pole. This is a time
to show your patriotism. The "Big Flag"
Stars and Stripes, flow over the camp
each day the weather is clear.
Mowing the lawn and grass areas
marked for mowing. The front lawn is
coming nicely as is the right side lawn
which were seeded early this spring. (Do
not mow any areas other than the Camp
Lawn proper without permission)
Cleaning and greasing machinery —
these jobs are completed as soon after
use as possible. They involve the potato
planter, grader, sprayer, tractor, and
other incidental equipment.
Sorting and stacking odd remnants of
lumber.
Construction of walking bridges
across from Oakland Trail to the. picnic
grove. The bridge constructed by the
Clarion, Venango, Jefferson Future
Farmers last summer at the upper end
of Oakland Trail is a good general
pattern to follow.
Clearing land, cutting trees marked
for removal, burning brush. (Do not
build fires without permission.)
Constructing lake. Sodding banks and
permanent construction of breast works.
All work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy. Forms of recreation at the dis-
posal of Camp visitors are:
Baseball, swimming (modern swim-
ming pool about 8 miles from Camp at
special Camp rates), roller skating
(Coudersport a distance of 8 miles) hik-
ing (numerous trails leading into the
"Big Woods" where deer and possibly
bear can be seen). In Camp on rainy
days, Ping-pong tournaments, checkers,
cards, and other games are available.
HOW MUCH SCRAP RUBBER
DID YOU TURN IN:
I have an authentic report of one
farmer in Pennsylvania who turned in
over a 1,000 pounds, better than a half
(Continued on page 18)
July, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
THE COMING WEEKS ARE
IMPORTANT TO YOUR
POTATO CROP
PROTECT THIS CROP
UNTIL HARVEST
with
LIME
Especially processed for
Spraying and Dusting
Write for prices and
particulars
Whiterock Quarries
Bellefonte, Pa.
1
POTATO CHIPS
(Continued from, page 10)
The Texas panhandle, in the experi-
mental stage of development into a
possible real commercial potato produc-
ing district, is now ready to move its
early crop of Triumphs and Cobblers.
The crop is reported to be of fine
quality and of good yield on the approxi-
mate 7,500 acres planted in the area.
O
The Office of Price Administration has
ruled that proportionately higher
brokerage rates are permissible on carlot
shipments with heavier than normal
loads, as the broker is performing an
additional service for which he is en-
titled to the extra proportionate rate of
compensation.
O
Department of Agriculture reports
indicate that signs, at mid-year, con-
tinued to point to a high record of agri-
cultural production in 1942. Farm in-
come to date this year has run over 1941,
but production and harvest costs are
rising.
(Continued on page 18)
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
in
Hammond Betterbags
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
vflHffRSK.
14
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
TIMELY OBSERVATIONS
AND SUGGESTIONS
(Continued from page 12)
ton, of scrap rubber in the form of
tractor tires, truck tires, worn out tires
from the family car, and various other
items including rubber hose, old rubbers
and boots, rain coats, etc.
It is not too late to take a crack at our
enemies with your scrap rubber if you
have any still laying around. Every
small bit counts in war. A man may be
pretty well down and still fire the final
shot that is heard round the world. So
chins up, we are just beginning to fight.
THE POTATO FAMINE OF 1845-1846:
Alfred Smee, Surgeon to the Bank of
England and holder of numerous other
important medical positions in England
during the years of 1845-46, wrote the
following in his book, "The Potato Plant,
Its Uses and Properties."
In the year 1845 scarcity existed
throughout all Europe from a deficiency
in the potato crop; and this year (1846)
an even more alarming failure threatens
these realms; so much so, that public
prayers have been ordered in all the
English churches and Jewish syna-
gogues for its abatement.
In the present year, 1846, from one-
half to two-thirds of our potatoes are
destroyed, our grain is short, perhaps
from the same cause our vegetables are
injured, our cattle and sheep are scarce.
The present year may be considered one
of great scarcity, and to Ireland even
one of absolute famine, for there scarce
one potato exists. In Devonshire the
crop of potatoes is so bad, that in some
places three men only raised 160 lb. in
a day.
In estimating the present famine, we
must not be unmindful that we are at
peace with all the world, our commerce
unshackled to procure food from distant
climates. This equalization of food has
prevented want; but, doubtless, had it
iDeen otherwise, this would have been
one of the most dreadful famines in
particular localities that the world eyer
saw."
WORKING BUT NOT
ACCOMPLISHING
(Continued from page 7)
that leaked out. False, for blue stone
went out with the water.
18. Never stir the blue stone solution
as it is always blue on top, therefore
must be equally strong throughout. True
or false? False. Always stir both lime
and blue stone concentrates before filling
the tank if more than is required for
one spray is in the stock solution barrel.
19. True or false? If the field looks
white it has been well sprayed. False.
A well sprayed field is definitely a clear
sky blue.
20. True or false? Blight will not at-
tack early varieties such as Nittany,
Irish Cobbler, Bliss, Chippewa, etc.
False. Of this group Nittany and Irish
Cobblers are the least likely to blight
badly. Chippewa is quite susceptible.
21. I have heard growers say that they
miss the Blight by planting very late in
June. This does not hold true. In fact
such growers are taking the chance of
not getting their seed back.
22. Others have said that they miss the
Blight by planting on high hill fields.
There is no definite assurance in this
practice. It is true that low lying fields
subject to overflow water, fog, shade,
and late sun rise, and early sun down are
more subject to Blight.
23. True or false? Unless there are
rotten tubers at digging time there need
be no concern of Blight rot in storage.
False. If there was blight on the foliage
and the tubers were a bit green when
dug resulting in skinning, severe rot
from blight may occur in storage.
24. Blight originates only from plant-
ing Blight infected seed. True or. false?
Blight origin in most cases is not known.
It may come with the seed but will come
anyhow if conditions are right and
thorough spraying is not practiced.
25. Which is correct? Blight spreads
most rapidly in warm wet weather, cool
dry weather, hot dry weather, or cool
wet weather. Cool wet weather.
26. Many attempts have been made to
change the Bordeaux formula for lime
and blue stone but none has proven more
efficient in the control of Blight than
the 8-8-100 standard formula, when
properly prepared, and applied with
precision, exactness, and a wholehearted
desire to get results.
Making the rounds at Fort Custer,
Michigan, is the following note: "With
the rationing of tires, and sugar, and
scarcity of many articles, civilians are
having a rough time. To bolster civilian
morale, soldiers should write home more
often."
— Colliers
rp
BEAN POTATO SPRAYERS
EARN BIGGER PROFITS
Wherever you find a Bean Potato Sprayer protecting
the potatoes, you will find a keen, two-fisted grower who
knows that the best sprayer obtainable is the sure way to
potato profits. And you find more of them than any other.
These Bean Sprayer users know that in order to com-
pete today, they must keep their spraying costs down and
at the same time raise a larger and better crop at lowest
possible complete cost. That is why so many growers have
and are standardizing on modern Bean Sprayers and Dus-
ters. There is one in your neighborhood.
Investigate the rugged construction, the money saving
features, the modern design, the new style booms, the un-
interrupted operation and the low cost spraying of Bean
Sprayers, all of which you can buy at no extra cost.
There is a Bean Sprayer that will protect your crop and
save you money every time you spray. Better coverage with
less material.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
MU!M£«UA.%L
le
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
THE GLOSSAMER
DREAMS OF BOYHOOD
(Continued from page 8)
haying time, the frightened flit of a
ground sparrow as the horse rake came
close; the fresh swaths in their green
geometric patterns; the bulging muscles
of the hired man as he tossed titanic
forkfuls of hay into the rack; even the
clank of ice in the tin pail as he brought
water flavored with molasses and ginger
to the men at work.
Autumn held for him a special spell.
The round harvest moon rising over a
field of shocked corn; the drift smoke of
burning leaves; trees rustling in the
wind; hills and valleys afire with color;
in all these there was something eerie,
as if ghosts of summer were riding the
October air.
The boy looked forward to Thanks-
giving for v/eeks on end. While rolling
pimipkins into a dumpcart, filling the
cellar with a hoard of potatoes, and
battening the barns against the inevi-
table onslaught of winter, he was for-
ever anticipating that November day
when the end of fall's work would be
celebrated vnih feast nnd fun.
Yes, it was a good life. From the
simplest things— a few toys at Christ-
mas, a trip to the county fair, a husking
with its yellow lanterns and kissing
games and six kinds of frosted cake-
he extracted a succulence that some-
times in later years he was to look back
on with envy.
Does youth, with its tremendous
trivialities, its glossamer dreams, its
fantastic despairs, really transcend the
more durable satisfaction of manhood?
I suppose not. And yet youth has a
special flavor that inevitably is drained
dry as a boy or girl grows up.
Richard Henry Stoddard captured that
thought:
"There are gains for all our losses,
There are balms for all our pain;
But when youth, the dream, departs,
It takes something from our hearts,
And it never comes again."
A restaurant in Tampa is plugging a
drink called Slapajap. When you order
one, the barkeeper pours colorless
liquids from four bottles, add ice and
shakes wildly. You put down two bits,
get your drink — and a 25 cent war bond
stamp. When you've tossed off the Slap
ajap, you realize you've had a nice long
dring of ice water. But you have the
stamp.
MEMBERS!
You are not all
contributing
New Members
In These Times
Your unity with your fellow
growers, and the strength of
your Association is Essential!
Help to Build
It is to your advantage
and to the weight of
your individual
strength !
^u^e£cf. Potato Diggers
Get the potatoes
with least cost. Re-
quire few repairs
and have unusually
long life because of
construction and
material used. Re-
sult of more than 40
years experience
making Diggers.
EUREKA NO. 5480 POTATO DIGGER
Operates from Tractor Power Take Off
Heavy duty construction. Low upkeep.
The Eureka is also available with engine mounted on Digger, and in
Traction horse drawn styles.
Virile for catalog.
Ask About the Famous Cockshutt "31" Disc Plow
EUREKA MOWER CO.. Utica. New York
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection - Service - Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231
Annville, Pa.
- - " - ■■—'-■'■ ■■•« *»
18
THE GUIDE POST
July, 1942
POTATO CHIPS
(Continued from page 13)
Higher price ceilings on canned goods,
recently announced by the Office of
Price Administration, is tending to lend
encouragement to the country's fruit
producers.
O
Extension of Government price con-
trol has put ceilings on 83 per cent of the
commodities farmers buy for use in the
production of farm products, and on 86
per cent of the items entering the cost
of farm family living. Principal excep-
tions in the cost of production items are
mixed feeds and seeds; principal excep-
tions in the cost of living items are flour,
butter, cheese, and fresh fruits. There
are no ceilings on 38 per cent of the items
which make up the farm family food
budget. .
There are no ceilings en the prices the
farmer receives for raw products, e :v-*£pl
wool, but there are ceilings on the
wholesale and retail prices of commodi-
ties processed from about 60 per cent of
the products contained in the Govern-
ment index of prices received by
farmers. All processed commodities pro-
duced and sold by farmers also are
exempt from ceilings at the farm level
in the amount of $75 per farm in any one
calendar month.
Protection has been afforded the
farmers by the floors which have been
placed under farm prices of all major
products in connection with the 1942
farm production program, and farmers
are assured that the OPA will use its
power to see that the things that farmers
buy are held down so that farm produc-
tion would not be restricted by unneces-
sarily high production costs.
O
The Association membership canvas
is, presently, inactive. Few membership
contributions are coming in, and the
slogan — "Each member get a new mem-
ber" is not being heeded too much. You
have a non-member neighbor who needs
your Association. Enlist him! Keep this
canvas going, your county in the con-
test for the greatest increase in member-
ship, and your Association growing to
the size it hopes to attain.
* * free men and women * * deem it a
privilege rather than a sacrifice to work
and to fight for the perpetuation of the
democratic ideal.
— Franklin D. Roosevelt
"8?
The Grower to Grower Ex-
change is a service of The
Guide Post to Association
members — it advertises
machinery free, for the du-
ration, and other items you
want to buy, sell or swap at
a penny a word.
Let this service serve you —
It has proven itself valuable
to those who have used it
in the past.
Write your Association of-
fice of the items you want
to buy and sell and let The
Grower to Grower Ex-
change prove itself to you.
-^
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
«.i
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles makes us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC.
4700 31st Place
Long Island City. N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
■^ ..^ ^ . .m
H IS NAME is Strong, and he feels just that way about the
performance of his Iron Age row crop sprayer, which he
uses on 107 acres of Long Island potatoes. Grower S. T.
Strong, Wainscott, N. Y., helps his father operate a 152-
acre farm — and in 25 years of farming, has been a constant
Iron Age user.
You can now choose from 7 sizes of the high pressure Vic-
tory pump — with capacities from 6 to 40 gallons per
minute, pressures from 500 to 1000 lbs. per square inch.
Make your crops pay, spray the Iron Age way.
A. B. FARQUHAR CO., Limited
111 Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania
NUMBER 8
"Camp Potato'
« »
1942
^\#^l%/;
CilOWfflS
AUGUST
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
AGRICULTURAL UBRARV
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
^.
nnouncma:
9'
Potter County Patriotic Rally
And Potato Field Day
Coudersport, Tuesday Evening, August 25th
''Camp Potato", Wednesday, August 26th
We cordially invite all potato growers and their friends to join
us in this event which is staged in cooperation with the State
Potato Growers' Association and other interested groups.
We are mindful of the rationing of tires, gas and oil and other
factors tending to curtail attendance from distant points. Potatoes
are a most vital food on the home front, to our own soldiers and to
our allies. Your morale and patriotism will be heightened by at-
tending the Patriotic Rally and Field Day here on the 25th and 26th.
We invite you to inspect our seed potato fields at a time when
tubers show up best. You will be combining business and patri-
otism by visiting Potter County August 25th and 26th.
POTTER COINTV FOUNDATION
SEED POTATO GROWERS'
ASSOCIATION
Robert Barnett, President Mrs. William Roberts, Secretary
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Mr. C. F. Henry Wuesthoff New Manager of
The Pennsylvania Potato Growers' Association
For fifty years the American farmer
has suffered outrageously from a
grossly inefficient marketing system; in
fresh fruits and vegetables alone grow-
ers get but a $1,000,000,000 return on
food which costs the consumer $3,000,-
000,000. This price difference is either
unfair to the producer or unfair to the
consumer, or unfair to both. It has show-
ered a shocking array of rural ills on
the producer — unpicked crops rotting
in the fields, soaring debts, unpainted
and unroofed buildings, a lowered
standard of living, reduced purchas-
ing power, resulting in closed factories
and unemployment with not enough
food to maintain even the health and
stamina of the city dwellers, and the
whole Nation has paid the bill.
The Pennsylvania potato growers
have recognized these inconsistencies
and have set about to do something. Now
one of agriculture's most remarkable
developments — the farm marketing co-
operative has come to the rescue. Teach-
ing growers to pool their crops for sale,
cutting selling costs to the bone, work-
ing closely with retailers, abolishing
waste through streamlined selling tech-
nique and gearing itself to our war-
time economy by direct from farm to
store delivery resulting in 86% of the
consumer's dollar reverting to where it
belongs — the producer, is the story of
cooperative selling. Cooperation is no
longer a theory; it is an economic ne-
cessity.
No one is better equipped to lead the
cooperative potato marketing move-
ment than our General Manager, Mr. C.
F. Henry Wuesthoff, former area super-
visor of the Warren-Forest County Area
of Vocational Agriculture for the De-
partment of Rural Education.
In the first place, he is "nobodys
fool". He knows the ways of men. He
has a trained mind. He is honest, he is
conscientious, he is industrious, he has
enthusiasm. He is a believer in the
C. F. H. Wuesthoff
farmer business-man get together idea
— not in a sentimental way, but with a
genuinely friendly business relation-
ship for the mutual benefit of all con-
cerned. Mr. Wuesthoff has had both
practical and successful experience in
this type of public relations program
with his home people of Warren and
surrounding rural area.
Mr. Wuesthoff is deserving of the
enthusiastic support of every potato
grower in the State as well as our food
distributors and other cooperating
agencies, not for his sake, but for the
everlasting good that will come to our
great Commonwealth and her people
through friendly cooperation in these
troublesome times.
Dr. E. L. Nixon
J
i
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers,' Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson .... Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
MANAGEMENT
C. F. H. Wuesthoff
Executive Sec'y and General Manager
Main Office:
410 Campbell Street, Williamsport Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
300 East Brady Street, Butler, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
702 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa.
Annual membership fee is $1.00 This in-
cludes the GUIDE POST.
All communications should be addressed
to C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Executive Secre-
tary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Members of the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers
Association
It is my aim and ambition to bring
about closer cooperation between pro-
ducers, distributors and consumers
through appreciative understanding.
The interdependence of these groups is
obvious to many, yet not quite clear to
all. It is my further ambition to bring
about a united effort on the part of
public agencies, distributors and pro-
ducers of farm commodities, without
compromising any, in the cause of eco-
nomical and equitable distribution of
agricultural products. Each agency with
its definite function can assist in the
cause of production and marketing to
the credit of all concerned. With this
united front, the Pennsylvania Coopera-
tive Potato Growers' program will grow
into one of the most unique cooperatives
of all times.
The program is sound and basically
it can support a tremendous super-struc-
ture of service.
Cooperatively speaking, I believe in
Informed Membership —
Sound Financial Structure
Strong Leadership
Sufficient Volume of Business
and will work toward this end.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff
Executive Secretary
Expansion For
Greater Service
The Board of Directors of our As-
sociation has seen fit to establish three
offices throughout the State in order to
further increase the efficiency of distri-
bution and give better service to its
producer members and its cooperating
distributors. The Central office at
Williamsport (after September 1st) will
be responsible for general supervision
of sales and producer service through-
out the State. It will also be the func-
tion of the Central office to coordinate
the three offices, to initiate and support
a satisfactory public relationship and
to establish general cooperative poli-
cies under the direction of the Associa-
tion's Board of Directors.
The Branch offices at Allentown and
Butler will carry on in accordance with
above, sensing the problems of produc-
tion and distribution within their area
by:
1. Ascertaining production with re-
spect to supplies within the area.
2. Ascertaining whether or not re-
spective crops can be profitably
packed in the Association pack-
ages.
3. Familiarize producers with our As-
sociations "set-up", as to grading,
packing, transporting and pack-
ages.
(Continued on page 16)
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Pennsylvania Potato Crop Conditions and Prospects
X
The 1942 potato season to date (Au-
gust 8th) has been a most unusual one.
It has been interspersed with dry con-
ditions in some sections early in the
season, with ideal growing conditions
prevailing in other areas, over to the
extreme of unprecedented floods in still
other sections.
Good to bumper potato crops require
ample moisture during the growing sea-
son, and it can be said of the 1942 sea-
son to date that no section of Pennsyl-
vania has suffered from drought. Neither
has there been any extended period of
intense heat so fatal to the early crop
and in many seasons extremely injuri-
ous to the yield and quality of the late
crop.
The conditions, however, enumerated
above (ample to abundant moisture,
floods and cool moderate weather) have
been conducive to blight, and Penn-
sylvania growers like growers of other
states to the north, north-east and in
the north-central area, are waging bat-
tle with this enemy of the crop. This
fight is not new to Pennsylvania grow-
ers. They have waged it before and
won. With more and higher powered
equipment than any similar group of
growers, with ample blue stone and the
best possible lime in abundance, and the
morale gained from having licked this
enemy before, puts Pennsylvania grow-
ers in an enviable position to come
through.
It is inevitable and unfortunate that
thousands of garden and truck patches
throughout this vast area of the north-
east and north-central states will bear
meager crops. Commercial growers,
however, who are properly equipped
and on the job should come through
with one of the best crops on record.
Harvesting of Pennsylvania's early
crop — Cobblers and Chippewas — has
been under way for several weeks with
both yield and quality satisfactory to
both the producer and the distributor.
Reports of both yield and quality above
average are reaching us from widely
scattered areas of the State. Pennsyl-
vania Blue Label Pecks are already in
demand in the markets, with increasing
numbers of growers getting under way
with digging and packing each week.
Indications point to heavy volume move-
ment much ahead of past seasons.
The commercial late crop is now re-
ceiving the full attention of the Penn-
sylvania grower, and which constitutes
80 to 85 per cent of the State's total crop
is making a heavy vine growth and an
exceptionally heavy tuber set. Harvest-
ing of this crop does not get under way
until mid-September, with the peak of
digging reached in early October. Penn-
sylvania growers will make every effort
to bring the 1942 crop into storage ahead
of the first freeze which, on the average,
for most of the State, comes in mid-
October.
Marketing prospects for the 1942 crop
are favorable. Pennsylvania potatoes
have attained the best reputation in re-
cent years they have enjoyed in decades.
Price prospects for the present crop
favor the producer. There are, how-
ever, problems that must be met. Labor,
transportation, distribution, orderly
movement, etc., all must fit into an un-
precedented war effort. There will be
necessity of changes and adjustments in
marketing the 1942 crop.
Perhaps at no time in the history of
Pennsylvania's Potato Industry has
there been such a vital need of a strong
State Association leading the way with
meditated thought and aggressive ac-
tion. The officers and personnel of the
Association are pledged to the task. We
solicit and welcome your cooperation
and support.
Farm Product Truck
Regulations Eased
In a further step to permit the free
movement of farm products and suoplies
during the harvest season, the Office of
Defense Transportation has issued a
general permit relieving common
carriers when engaged in such service
from the necessity of clearing their
trucks through the Joint Information
Offices. Contract and private carriers
likewise have been relieved from this
requirement and also from restrictions
on mileage and limitations on numbers
of deliveries when engaged in hauling
products and supplies to and from the
farm. Both exemptions become void
after October 31.
6
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
Association Bag Prices and Ordering Instructions
1942 Marketing Season
Specifications:
15-pound bags, two wall 60/50 - 110
weight, Natural Kraft.
50-pound bags, two wall 70/60 - 130
weight, Natural Kraft.
Prices:
Blue Label, 15's (2 wall)
$25.00 per M, delivered
Red Label, 15's (2 wall)
$24.50 per M, delivered
Economy, 15's (2 wall)
$24.00 per M, delivered
Blue Label, 50's (2 wall)
$57.00 per M, delivered
Unclassified, 50's (2 wall)
$52.00 per M, delivered
The above prices are for delivery to
any point in Pennsylvania, and include
the wire loop ties and the commission
to the Association.
Terms:
All Association trade-marked paper
potato bags are shipped on a C. O. D.
basis. When bags are forwarded by rail,
shipments will be made Sight Draft,
attached to Bill of Lading; when ship-
ments go forward by truck, arrange-
ments must be made by the consignee
to settle for same at destination, either
by check (Certified check not required),
or in cash.
Distributing Points:
Hummel Warehouse Company, Inc.
728-40 North Fifteenth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Jacob K. Mast Warehouse
Blue Ball, Pennsylvania
(On U. S. Route No. 322)
M. P. Whitenight & Sons Warehouse
700 Market Street
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Somerset County Farm Bureau
Cooperative Association Warehouse
South Edgewood Street
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
J. Jacobsen & Son
Girard, Pa.
Cochranton Cooperative Association
Cochranton, Pa.
All bags released by an authorized
representative of the Association, on a
bag release order, for pickup at any of
the above authorized distributing points
will, in all cases, be subject to the above
cash terms.
Bag Orders:
All orders for Association trade-
marked paper potato bags, for either
rail or truck shipments, must clear
through the Association office, Williams-
port, Pennsylvania. No exception will
be made to this regulation.
When placing orders for bags which
are to move by rail, be sure to designate
correct shipping address and name and
address of the bank through which the
draft is to be drawn. When movement is
by truck, be sure to have check or cash
arranged for when the bags arrive at
designated destination.
Payments:
When bags are shipped Sight Draft,
attached to Bill of Lading, pay only the
amount of the draft. When bags are
shipped by truck, pay either by check
(Certified check not required), or in
cash. In either instance, when draft or
invoice corresponds with the number of
bags ordered, and in accordance with
the above schedule, do not pay any addi-
tional Collection, Freight, Handling or
Trucking Charges. Prices quoted are de-
livered.
Packing:
All bags are bundled, wrapped and
tied. The 50-pound bags are packed 200
to the bundle, and the 15-pound bags are
packed 250 to the bundle.
Ties:
The 50-pound bags will have 200 wire
loop ties in a Kraft envelope wrapped
with each bundle, and the 15-pound bags
will have 250 wire loop ties in a Kraft
envelope, wrapped with each bundle.
Additional wire loop ties (5-inch ties,
250 per envelope), and (6-inch ties, 200
per envelope), will be made available at
all distributing points and will also be
supplied with freight or truck shipments
when ordered.
Price:
5" Wire Loop Ties, 250 per envelope
(Continuecl, on page 22)
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
The Problem Ahead in Potato Marketing
1
by R. B. DONALDSON
Extension Service
The Pennsylvania State College
Anyone who has been associated with
potato marketing for the past few years
realizes that tremendous strides have
been made in developing greater con-
sumer acceptance of Pennsylvania po-
tatoes. In a large measure, this has been
due to the fact that a much higher per-
centage of Pennsylvania potatoes now
grade U. S. No. 1, or better, than was
the case in the past. This is borne out
by the results obtained through regular
visits to retail storekeepers and whole-
sale distributors in which over 90 per
cent of those interviewed stated that
there has been a decided increase in the
percentage of U. S. No. 1 stock found in
Pennsylvania potatoes. Further evi-
dence of this fact is to be found in the
preliminary figures of the Potato Law
Enforcement Branch of the Pennsyl-
vania Bureau of Markets. These figures
show that during the 1939-40 season, an
average of 43 per cent of the potatoes
inspected were in violation of the Penn-
sylvania Potato Branding Law, whereas
during the 1940-41 season, the average
has dropped to 14 per cent, and during
last season, 1941-42, there were only nine
per cent of the potatoes inspected found
to be violations.
Our improved marketing position in
Pennsylvania can be attributed to a
number of factors. The program of the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Grow-
ers' Association has been to encourage
growers to develop a high quality pro-
duct, packed in an attractive consumer
package. The decree of cooperation upon
the Dart of the distributors has been an
additional important factor. Coupled
with this, the State-wide eradinff pro-
gram, as developed by the Potato Grow-
ers' Association, the Pennsvlvania De-
partment of Agriculture, and The Penn-
svlvania State College, which includes
the training of local supervisors as well
as the general education of growers as
to grade requirements, has done much
toward our recent developments.
And so, as we approach the 1942-43
marketing season, it is quite obvious that
in order to continue our present market-
ing success, a greater effort than ever
must be made to maintain our standards
of quality. Standard of quality is repre-
sented by the "Blue Label" pack of the
Association.
Someone has defined U. S. No. 1 po-
tatoes as those which mother brings up
out of the cellar when she is preparing
the evening meal, and culls as those po-
tatoes which are found in the bin when
we clean out the cellar in the spring of
the year.
More specifically, a U. S. No. 1 or "Blue
Label" grade denotes a standard quality
with certain definite requirements and
liberal tolerances to take care of a cer-
tain percentage of off-grade potatoes
which occasionally will escape the eyes
of the most careful grader. Size is an
important requirement of a U. S. No. 1
grade, which, in the case of a "Blue
Label" pack is a 2-inch minimum, and
a 1-pound maximum. Potatoes must be
fairly well formed, that is, the appear-
ance of individual potatoes or the gen-
eral appearance of all potatoes must not
be materially injured by pointed, dumb-
bell shaped, or otherwise ill-formed po-
tatoes. Occasionally, in Pennsylvania,
we have a season when dirt or mud is
an important factor in grading potatoes.
It is well to keep in mind that potatoes,
in order to meet U. S. No. 1 require-
ments, must not be badly caked with
mud or badly stained with any foreign
matter. For most defects, such as bruises,
sunburn, cuts, pitted scab, grub injury,
etc., a five per cent tolerance is per-
mitted; which means that there shall
not be over five per cent waste, by
weight, on an individual potato caused
by the various defects mentioned.
For a comnlete description of the U. S.
No. 1, U. S. Commercial. U. S. No. 2, and
U. S. No. 1, Size B, grades, growers are
advised to contact their Extension Rep-
resentative, who will gladly furnish
them a copy of Circular 190, "Potato
Grading," issued by the Pennsylvania
State College Extension Service.
The problem ahead in potato market-
ing for the coming year is to a great
extent that of grading and continuing
to give consumers a pack which will
assure us of continued consumer accept-
ance. A good start has been made: let's
keep up the good work, potato growers.
(Editor's Note: Quality, in the As-
sociation's consumer packaf'e, will
continue to be the by-word. War con-
ditions make economical grading and
(Continued on page 16)
f
i
8
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
Pennsylvania Employment Service Will Help
Secure Farm Workers
If you need a farm hand, experienced
in harvesting, or stock raising, or dairy-
ing, or possibly just a dependable handy
man to help around your farm, appeal
to your nearest Pennsylvania State Em-
ployment Service Office.
This agency is ready to help you in
every way possible to find the worker
you need.
Experienced staff members in your
State Employment Service Office are
familiar with present day farm jobs, and
are trained to select suitable applicants
for jobs. From among these selected
applicants, you pick the worker you
want.
There is no charge for this service.
All you need to do is make your needs
known, and the State Employment Serv-
ice will do its best to help you.
By the same token, if you are a farm
worker, and want a farm job, you are
urged to register, at once, with your
nearest Pennsylvania State Employ-
ment Service Office. While it cannot
guarantee you a job, it will greatly in-
crease your employment opportunities.
You will be referred to any farm job
you are qualified to fill, and no charge
will be made for helping you to find
suitable work.
The following are the State Employ-
ment Offices, equipped to fulfill employ-
ment needs, which are located nearest
the needs of Pennsylvania potato grow-
ers:
ALLENTOWN— 812-14 Hamilton Street
Phone Allentown 3-3251
ALTOONA--1421-29 Twelfth Avenue
Phone Altoona 3-1191
BEDFORD— 107 South Richard Street
Phone Bedford 107
BELLEFONTE— Spring & Pike Streets
Phone Belief onte 1021
BERWICK— 123 West Front Street
Phone Berwick 1271
BETHLEHEM— 457 Main Street
Phone Bethlehem 6213
BRADFORD— 83-85 Main Street
Phone Bradford 6196
BUTLER— 106-08 North McKean Street
Phone Butler 4724
CARBOND ALE— 9-11 N. Main Street
Phone Carbondale 1970
CARLISLE— 6 West Pomfret Street
Phone Carlisle 1226
CHAMBERSBURG— Pa. Railroad Ad-
ministration Building, Railroad
Street
Phone Chambersburg 1194
CHESTER— Ninth & Welsh Streets
Phone Chester 8157
CLARION— 514 Main Street
Phone Clarion 228
CLEARFIELD— 23 South Second Street
Phone Clearfield 489
COATESVILLE— 231 East Main Street
Phone Coatesville 1720
CORRY— 136J North Center Street
Phone Corry 34-511
COUDERSPORT— 206 North East Street
Phone Coudersport 389
DOYLESTOWN— 11 West Oakland Ave.
Phone Doylestown 1100
E ASTON— 15 North Fourth Street
Phone Easton 6295
ERIE— 126-28 East Eleventh Street
Phone Erie 26-781
GETTYSBURG— 100 York Street
Phone Gettysburg 220
HARRISBURG— 120-24 S. Second St.
Phone Harrisburg 4-4081
HAZLETON— 124-48 N. Broad Street
Phone Hazleton 4214
HUNTINGDON— 416 Penn Street
Phone Huntingdon 44
INDIANA— 39 North Seventh Street.
Phone Indiana 1400
JOHNSTOWN— 806-08 Bedford Street
Phone Johnstown 81-211
LANCASTER— 214 North Duke Street
Phone Lancaster 7293
LEBANON— 816 Cumberland Street
Phone Lebanon 2340
LEWISTOWN— 5 West Market Street
Phone Lewistown 897
LOCK HAVEN— 209 Bellefonte Avenue
Phone Lock Haven 679
MAUCH CHUNK— Broadway & Sus-
auehanna Streets
Phone Mauch Chunk 445
MEADVILLE— 246i Chestnut Street
Phone Meadville 1365
NEW CASTLE— 132i E. Washington St.
Phone New Castle 5440
NEW KENSINGTON— 700 Fifth Ave
Phone New Kensington 736
NORRISTOWN— 533-35 Swede Street
Phone Norristown 5020
OIL CITY— Drake Theater Building
Seneca Street
Phone Oil City 330
(Continued on page 22) i
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
PENNSYLVANIA'S 400-BUSHEL CLUB
Record of Official Application for Having an Acre
Of Potatoes Checked and for Qualifying for
Membership in Pennsylvania's 400-Bushel Club
, .......•••• J.27 • • • •
Gentlemen: In accordance with the regulations and instructions promul-
gated by the Association for administering Pennsylvania's 400-Bushel Club
I, of
(Signature of applicant in own hand writing) (Post Office)
R.F.D , , Pennsylvania have requested and had
(County)
an acre of potatoes checked by who
(Name of Official Supervisor)
has performed this service as evidenced by his official report appearing be-
low. I understand that any grower who has an acre of potatoes officially
checked and makes the required yield, thereby becomes a bona fide mem-
ber of Pennsylvania's 400-Bushel Club, (see Regulation 1) . It is under-
stood, however, that in order for a Club member to be awarded the Official
400-Bushel Club Medal, applicable to his class, (Regulation 8) that Regu-
lation 7, parts a. and b., must be fully complied with.
Check one: ( ) I am a member of the Pennsylvania Cooperative
Potato Growers' Association, Inc., in good standing
for the current year, or
( ) I apply hereby for membership in the Association,
and my dollar membership fee is attached to this
application.
AS A MATTER OF HISTORICAL RECORD: In view of the many new
varieties being introduced, this yield was made with
^ (Name variety)
Recognizing the possibilities of other improvements or innovations, the
following departure from the usual practices was used:
OFFICIAL RECORD: As supervisor in the checking of an acre of potatoes
for the above named applicant I, hereby certify that I have performed that
service and the yield as stated below is official. I recommend, provided ap-
plicant has fully met the conditions set forth in the regulations and instruc-
tions, that the Official Association 400-Bushel Club Medal, applicable to
his class, be awarded as a mark of distinction.
Yield per acre: : bushels. Date checked: 19
(Signed)
County Agent
Vocational Instructor
Association Representative
10
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
PENNSYLVANIA'S 400-BUSHEL CLUB
Regulations for Checking Yield of Potatoes
For 400-Bushel Club
HINTS ON LOCATING BEST ACRE:
Determine by lay of land, by sampling, knowledge of the grower, and
character of vine growth, where the probable high yielding acre lies.
A few preliminary checks made by digging and weighing the potatoes
from 50 ft. of row at different points in the acre will reveal fairly accurately
whether a 400, 500, 600, or 700 bushel yield is to be checked. The following
table gives the necessary pounds from 50 ft. of row to indicate a yield of
400, 500, 600, or 700 bushels per acre:
Length of
Width
400
500
600
700
Check
OF Row
Bushels
Bushels
Bushels
Bushels
feet oj row
inch rows
pounds
pounds
pounds
pounds
50
28
64.4
80.5
96.6
112.7
50
29
66.7
83.3
100.0
116.7
50
30
69.0
86.2
103.5
120.7
50
31
71.2
89.0
106.8
124.6
50
32
73.5
91.8
110.2
128.6
50
33
75.7
94.5
113.5
132.4
50
34
78.0
97.5
117.0
136.5
REGULATIONS FOR CHECKING ACRE:
1. The acre to be checked shall be made up of any number of continu-
ous equal length rows.
2. To qualify for a 400 or 500 bushel yield at least one tenth of the
acre must be dug and this area shall be included in the check so that not
more than ten consecutive undug rows will be left in any portion of the acre.
3. To qualify for a 600 or 700 bushel yield the entire acre shall be dug
and weighed.
4. Selection of rows to be dug may include rows adjacent to, and rows
not adjacent to sprayer wheel tracks. A proportionate number of each
shall be dug. The number of rows adjacent to, and not adjacent to sprayer
wheel tracks will vary with the size of the spray boom used.
5. Accuracy in measuring and marking the acre to be dug in weighing
and counting the yield is important to the perpetuation of the 400-Bushel
Club.
6. All applications, either for Club membership or to have the 400-
Bushel Medal awarded (including official yields) must be forwarded to the
office of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association, Inc.,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, not later than DECEMBER FIRST of each
year. Applications may be forwarded either by the grower or the Verify-
ing Officer.
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
f^attioHc IKallu and ^ietd JUa
^
auspices
COUDERSPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ROTARY CLUB
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association
Potter County Foundation Seed Potato Growers' Association
"
cooperating with
Potter County Defense Council Pennsylvania Chain Store Council
Potter County Business Men American Potato Chip Institute
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Cooperative Association
Future Farmers of America
COUDERSPORT AND "CAMP POTATO"
the home of the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association's
Potato Breeding and Development Project
• -v-;, August 25th and 26th, 1942
12
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
"Camp Potato", located at the peak of the great eastern watershed,
the source of three great river systems, namely, the Allegheny to the Gulf
of Mexico, the Genesee to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Susque-
hanna to the Chesapeake Bay. Nine miles east of Coudersport on Route
6, the scenic Roosevelt Highway, the most direct route from New York
City to Chicago.
"Camp Potato" is in the middle of Pennsylvania's most heavily
P'
toatam
f
Tuesday, August 25th
6 : 00 Preliminaries :
Pennsylvania Potato Picking Contest
State-wide Wood Chopping Contest
6: 30 County Wide "War Activities"
Parade - Industrial - Agricultural - Patriotic
8:30
I
Patriotic Rally— Consistory Building
General Chairman— Hon. Robert Lewis
Welcome— Howard Lincoln, President, Rotary Club
Address— W. S. Livengood, Secretary Internal Affairs
Address— L. Wayne Amy, James G. Lamb Advertising
Agency
Guests of Honor— State and Federal Dignitaries
Announcement of "1942 Potato Blossom Queen"
forested areas, and on the same isothermic line as that of the celebrated
Presque Isle and Mackinac Straits area. Our Camp is located on an aban-
doned farm cropped some fifty years ago where a fine family was born
and reared to manhood and womanhood. In the late pioneer days subsis-
tence and a good living was obtained on this abandoned tract— "They did it
before and we can do it again".
From its very inception "Camp Potato" was to provide facilities for the
breeding, developing and proving of new varieties of potatoes. It was
August, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
planned to kindle the everlasting fire of achievement in Pennsylvania's
rural youth. Furthermore, "Camp Potato" epitomizes in the hearts of
Pennsylvania Potato Growers — Usefulness, Enthusiasm, Integrity and
Vision. This outstanding project has taken on a still more important
aspect in relation to the potato industry; here, the American Potato Chip
Institute is helping to develop a better chipping variety; here the Ameri-
can Potato Institute is helping to determine the relation of potash to
P'
toatam
Wednesday, August 26th
9: 00 A.M. Field Inspection of Seedling Plots
Inspection of Commercial and Agricultural Displays
Finals: Potato Picking Contest — State Honors
Wood Chopping Contest — State Honors
(Prizes to be announced)
High Noon — Crowning of the "Potato Blossom Queen".
BASKET PICNIC AND OX ROAST
(Light refreshments on the grounds) .
1:30 P.M. Introductions:
Honorary Chairman, Judge Robert Lewis
Chairman, Association President, P. Daniel Frantz.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff L. Wayne Arny
Howard Lincoln Loyal D. Odhner
Robert Barnett E. L. Nixon
W. S. Livengood
potato degeneration and the place of potash in the fertilizer formula; here,
the American Paint Company is determining the effect of growth hor-
mones on various aspects of potato culture and storage; here, the Penn-
sylvania Cooperative Potato Growers' Association, the Hershey Estates,
the Pennsylvania Chain Store Council and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Cooperative, are developing and proving new seedling varieties that
might be more adaptable to soil and climatic conditions and more except-
able to the consuming public,
14
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
"Camp Potato" is a symbol of the spirit of cooperative
effort and friendly relationship between business and agri-
culture which must prevail and even enlarge to preserve our
American Way of Life.
This attitude is particularly exemplified in this year's pro-
gram by the vision, foresight and spirit of business interests
and organizations of Potter County in staging a patriotic rally
involving all interests having to do with food and defense.
I
1941 Potato Blossom Queen
Potash dnd Bugs
Good growers watch their potatoes carefully
throughout the growing season, in order to keep
ahead of insect and blight invasions. A third set-
back, for which careful watch should also be kept,
is malnutrition injury or just plain plant-food star-
vation.
When potatoes cannot get enough potash, they
will show signs of potash starvation. The potato
leaf will have an unnatural, dark green color and
become crinkled and somewhat thickened. Later
on, the tip will become yellowed and scorched, a
condition which is sometimes confused with spray
or insect injury.
The tip-burn then will extend along the leaf
margins and inward toward the midrib, usually
curling the leaf downward. In severe cases the
whole plant may be affected, resulting in prema-
ture dying. Starvation symptoms usually appear
on the lower leaves first and are more severe in dry
seasons.
When fertilizing next year, remember that pota-
toes remove from the soil more potash than both
nitrogen and phosphoric acid combined. For a high
yield of No. l*s, there must be at least 200 lbs. of
actual potash (KoO) per acre available to the grow-
ing plants.
Write us for additional information
and free literature on how to fertilize
your crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.
s9iisit9aBuiiai!mrtt&^
16
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
EXPANSION FOR
GREATER SERVICE
(Continued from page 4)
4. Constantly determine a suitable
market structure.
5. Maintain economical routing of
store-door deliveries shortening
the distance from farm to dinner
table.
6. Establish and maintain confidence
of cooperating distributors through
friendly business relationship based
on sound service and dependable
quality.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff, the Executive Sec-
retary and General Manager will be in
charge of the Central Office, with P.
Daniel Frantz, at Allentown, and L. T.
Denniston at Butler.
Farmers and contact men having po-
tatoes to market and distributors wish-
ing to purchase are urged to contact
the nearest office. Generally speaking,
Mr. Denniston should be contacted by
those in the Western Counties, includ-
ing Somerset, while those in the south-
eastern counties should contact Mr.
Frantz. The remaining counties should
get in touch with Mr. Wuesthoff at the
Central office at Bellefonte, or Wil-
liamsport after September 1st.
In order to further unify activities,
monthly meetings will be called of
the Association's Directors, the Branch
Managers and the General Manager.
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR
(R. W. Steher, Chief Burgess of War-
ren, Pennsylvania sends the following
open letter to the GUIDE POST, re-
garding the selection of his townsman
the Association's new Manager)
July 30, 1942
Editor of the Guide Post,
Bellefonte, Pa.
Dear Sir:
The Warren County Potato Growers
Association learns with the deepest re-
gret that we are to lose C. F. H. Wuest-
hoff, who becomes general manager of
the State Association.
Warren County is in the oil country-
it is not primarily agricultural and so,
of course, our association does not com-
pare in size or production with many of
the others. But whatever this associa-
tion may lack in size, I doubt if any
other has more enthusiastic support
from its members or has done rela-
tively more for the potato grower. Po-
tatoes, in Warren County, have risen
from an indiscriminate crop, lost in the
shuffle, to second place — next to dairy-
ing.
A great deal of this we owe to
"Wuesty." He has worked intelligently
and tirelessly. He has more new ideas
than a dog has fleas. Now our associa-
tion is firmly on its feet and for the
first time in the history of Warren
County a farmer's cooperative has
lasted more than two years. And be-
lieve me. Brethren, in Warren County
that's something.
We have had the finest co-operation
from the state organization not only in
the sales but especially from Denny who
has worked hard in building up the
grading. For all of which we are sin-
cerely grateful.
And so while we are sorry to lose
Wuesty from our local association, we
feel that the state association could not
have made a happier selection. With him
goes our sincere wish and expectation of
a successful administration of his new
duties.
Sincerely yours,
R. W. Steber
THE PROBLEM AHEAD
IN POTATO MARKETING
(Continued from page 7)
packing more necessary and advisable
than ever. Grade Supervisors' schools,
for all interested, will be conducted in
each area. We are of the opinion that
even though Grade Supervisors are
certified, they should attend these
schools to keep abreast of trends and
demands of our markets. There is al-
ways much to gain and little to lose.
The Department of Agriculture, Agri-
cultural Extension Service and the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers are jointly interested in
maintaining capable and informed
Grade Supervisors for the good of our
Pennsylvania Potato Industry. The
three groups will cooperate in certify-
ing all interested.)
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles makes us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC.
4700 31st Place
Long Island City# N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
18
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
Additional New Members and Renewals
Increase Membership Canvass
A number of enthusiastic supporters
have forwarded varying numbers of
membership contributions to the As-
sociation office during recent weeks, to
greatly increase the Association new
member list. The contributors, to whom
the Management issues special thanks
are!
W. W. Hayes, Jersey Shore
Roland E. Weingart, Kent, O.
Walter Schlegel, Northampton
Harry Weaver, Mahaffey
Ed Fisher, Coudersport
Karl W. Flowers, Tionesta
Robert Crosby, Coudersport.
E. E. Schmeidel, Ridgway
William N. Lane, Tunkhannock
E. L. Nixon, State College
Their contributions included the fol-
lowing new members:
H. W. Rosenberg, Jersey Shore
H. B. Treash, Kent, O.
Paul Ettinger, Bangor
Herbert Gower, Bethlehem
Stanley Hess, Bethlehem
Stanley Edwards, Nazareth
George Mann, Nazareth
Paul Seifert, Nazareth
Floyd L. Roth, Nazareth
Gaza Szylagyi, Bath
Howard Glase, Danielsville
Victor Handwerk, Walnutport
LeRoy Sawyer, Ansonville
L. Earl McLaughlin, Eldred
Carl Allio, Tionesta
Howard S. Evans, Sayre
E. R. Shaver, Ridgway
L. O. Tessier, Tunkhannock
John E. Bushey, Dillsburg
Another fine list of new members have
come into the Association through their
own initiative and interest, including:
Harrison H. Grove, Centre Hall
James Cullinan, Philadelphia
R. S. Hurley, Morrisdale
Andrew J. Karns, Emlenton
Paul Etinger, Bangor
Wheeler L. Smith, Nescopeck
Fred G. Eakin, Kennerdell
Lewis Kerstetter, Centre Hall
Andrew J. Bolish, Weatherly
Joel W. McGarvey, La Jose
Isaac Straw, Westover
H. Behrens & Sons, East Mauch Chunk
William Claypool, Kittanning
Recent renewals to further Increase
the continuing canvass came from:
John W. Warner, Indiana
B. F. Zimmerman, Ringtown
J. Harold Gibson, Blairsville
Paul R. Muse, Allentown
E. W. Strittmatter, Patton
Oscar L. Heitsman, Tunkhannock
Albert J. Graver, Bath
W. W. Hayes, Jersey Shore
W. H. Baumgartner, Kunkletown
Gladen Walker, Somerset
C. K. Phillips, New Bethlehem
John M. McDowell, Kennerdell
Harold B. Hartman, Sligo
William H. MacNeal, Parkesburg
I. L. Coursen, Wyoming
Ervin J. Keeny, New Freedom
Morris M. Miller, Somerset
Ralph A. Miller, Lynnport
W. C. Westcott, Union City
Jamison Brothers, Newtown
David H. Slinger, Randolph, Wis.
Ralph A. Hay, Saxonburg
G. A. Shafer, Barnesville
Harold C. Holmes, Waterford
Lynn Sill, Corry
Jacob D. Kuhns, Schnecksville
Melvin N. Eberly, New Holland
Henry T. Johnson, Patton
William Glasgow, Berwindale
Stale-wide Potato
Picking Contest
(Eliminations Tuesday evening, with
finals Wednesday August 25th and 26th)
1. Eligibility: No limitations as to age
or sex.
Rules:
2. Pick 120 ft. row of field run pota-
toes.
3. Potatoes must be emptied from
picking basket into field bags
placed along the row.
4. Entrants will draw for choice of
row.
5. The winner is the contestant pick-
ing cleanest in shortest length of
time.
6. Prizes: Championship Cup and a
War Bond.
7. The decision of three judges will
be final.
T
When this picture was first published, we were asking you
to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe
Now the Champion Twins ask that you bear with Uncle Sam
and with us when diggers and irrigation pipe are not too plentiful.
We realize that the day is coming when we will again beg of
YOU to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe. That is
why it is so hard for us to be forced to say, "Sorry, but there just
aren't enuff diggers to go around."
In the meantime, everyone is doing his best. Repairs for ma-
chines in use are still available and one of these days, new diggers
on rubber tires, and better than ever, will glisten in the sunshine
of the potato fields.
JOIN THE SCRAP HARVEST
HAMILTON & CO.
Ephrata^ Pa.
McCUNE & CO.
New Waterford^ Ohio
CHAMPION CORPORATION
Hammond, Indiana
20
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
Labor Situation
Resolution Passed by the Joint Po-
tato and Peach Growers* Conference,
held recently at the Penn Harris Hotel.
Harrisburg:
WhereaSj Proper nourishment of our
civilian population is essential to vic-
tory,
Whereas, Food for proper nourish-
ment originates on the farm,
Whereas, Farms can no longer be op-
erated without skilled help.
Whereas, it is conceded that it re-
quires years of training to make a com-
petent farm operator,
Whereas, The depletion of irreplace-
able skilled help on the farms will
definitely jeopardize the present and fu-
ture of agricultural production,
And whereas, Skilled young farm
workers refuse to take advantage of ex-
emptions of Farm Workers because they
want to serve their country in combat
service, and do not want to risk the
possibility of being considered as evad-
ing because of not wearing a military
uniform.
Therefore, he it resolved that, Agricul-
tural Leaders here assembled urgently
request that all necessary steps be taken
through regulation or legislation to
draft skilled farm workers into the
military forces and then reassign them,
as part of their military duty, back to
the farm to which their service is es-
sential, for the food products of the
Nation, and
Be it further resolved that a copy of
this resolution be forwarded to Hon.
Paul V. McNutt, Chairman, Manpower
Commission, and U. S. Senators Davis
and Guffey.
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection - Service - Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231
Annville/ Pa.
•Im
K»r^ia
We are now building war materials such as fire
fighters and decontaminators to within nearly 100%
of the capacity of our factory.
We appreciate the consideration and loyalty of
our many friends using our equipment and hope for
their continued consideration even though we are not
at the present time in a position to furnish equipment.
After this is over, we will be back with a complete
line of highly developed machinery for your needs.
From time to time we will be permitted by proper
authorities to build certain items of equipment for
your use. Definite information on this will be given
out later.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
22
THE GUIDE POST
August, 1942
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
in
Hammond Betterbags
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO-
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
ASSOCIATION BAG PRICES
(Continued from page 6)
at 25c per package.
6" wire Loop Ties, 200 per envelope
at 25c per package.
Additional Supplies:
The following items will be supplied
direct from the Association office, on a
C.O.D. basis only, all transportation
charges prepaid:
Pistol-Grip Twisters $1.25 each
Inspectors' Scales 3.50 each
Should any irregularities occur, con-
tact the Association office, 410 Campbell
Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, at
once.
PENNSYLVANIA
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WILL
HELP SECURE FORM WORKERS
(Continued jrom page 8)
POTTSVILLE— 374 South Center Street
Phone Pottsville 4020
PUNXSUTAWNEY— 102 W. Mahoning
Street
Phone Punxsutawney 930
READING— 615-17 Penn Street
Phone Reading 4-1101
ST. MARYS— 225-27 Market Street
Phone St. Marys 379
SOMERSET— 118-22 West Main Street
Phone Somerset 495
STROUDSBURG— 827 Main Street
Phone Stroudsburg 1818
SUNBURY— 430 Market Street
Phone Sunbury 1814
WARREN— 225 Pennsylvania Ave. W.
Phone Warren 1238
WILLIAMSPORT— 228-30 Pine Street
Phone Williamsport 2-6194
YORK— 239-49 North George Street
Phone York 6895
Blue Label Parade
Begins August Isi
The first Pennsylvania Blue Pecks of
the season moved to market simultan-
eously from two shippers, W. W. Hayes,
of Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, and
Frank A. Brooks, of Bellefonte, R. F. D.
No. 3, Centre County.
Since this initial movement, buyers
have clamored for bulk supplies of this
Label.
;¥-v
K-i ^^ ^f
if
f.
i^'"}
or
ost
*" W»o^'^** ^*'
Write for Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pot. Off.
1^R5
KID GLOVE
J
rr
Does IV s Stuff ''
for Big Ohio Grower
To MAKE SURE that he gets the greatest pos-
sible yield from his 300 odd acres of pota-
toes on his Andover, Ohio farm, grower G. H.
Shillito bought himself a 2-row Iron Age Kid
Glove digger in 1936, another in 1938 — and is
positive there is no equal on the market. Kid
Glove turns up more potatoes with less injuries
than Mr. Shillito ever believed possible . . . and
he's 100% sold on Iron Age planting and digging
equipment.
Mr. Shillito is no exception. Iron Age Kid Glove
users everywhere report bigger yields, with less
tuber injuries, year after year. Kid Glove is
the potato grower's best insurance for top crop
profits. Single or double row models.
A. B.
FARQUHAR
VOLUME XIX
NUMBER 9
DUKE STREET, YORK, PENNA. Co., Limited
<^GP)CUlTUffAL LIBRARY
«ryF PFNNSY! VA^l!^ ^■^' •? ^"^^ ' ^^^^
Annual Polato Picking Conlest in full swing.
Camp Potalo — August 1942
SEPTEMBER « »> 1942
PuUuked kf, ike
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
vliiO"^
■ ■■ *> ^ "Ji^';t"'
' i
or
pUSt
W^rite /or Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
.1
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
Dr. E. L, Nixon
writes on the
Harvesting and Storage of the Potato Crop
SoOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO€KXXXXXXXK)00000^
various areas like a cloud — the fields
took on the appearance of a light frost,
meaning that all terminal leaves and
Potato growers are just approaching
the second most critical period in this
season's production. Growers have gone
through one of the most disastrous year's
in the history of the Commonwealth.
Never has late blight been so serious on
a state-wide basis. To be sure, we have
had many years in isolated areas, where
late blight has been as disastrous and as
stubborn to control as it was so univers-
ally prevalent over almost the entire
state the past season.
Looking back, one can now make a
safe analysis of what it took to control
this late blight epidemic. You might
tuck the conclusions of this analysis
away for future reference and record,
for if history repeats itself, and if the
Universe and the elements go in cycles,
sooner or later we will have another
such session to contend with.
Somewhere it is recorded "keep your
lights trimmed and burning." The first
thing that it required this season to con-
trol late blight, was an application of
properly made and applied bordeaux by
the time the rows could first be followed
or even before. Spraying then should
have been done twice a week instead of
at seven-day intervals, as the orthodox
foundation spray calls for. Two appli-
cations a week, beginning at the time
the rows could be followed and contin-
ued until eight or ten had been made,
would have been far more effective than
three applications a week beginning
when the vines were a foot or more
high. The control of late blight is no
different from the control of weeds in
that when the dead areas appear on the
leaves it is too late to economically con-
trol late blight as when the weeds show
green, it is too late to economically con-
trol them. Thus the identification for
economical control of both nuisances is
almost microscopic.
Somewhere it has been written—
when it rains all the time, spray all the
time. This sounds like an impractical
statement, but the past season has al-
most proved its indispensability.
Now then, the season for most of us
is over. We have carried on the good
fight. Some, of course, were caught and
fell by the wayside; some gave up be-
fore they should have. This happened
when the late blight went over the
any showing new growth were just
blasted with the late blight organism.
However, such fields that were immedi-
ately sprayed two or three times a week,
survived and are producing an amazing-
ly good crop of tubers. Much low land
is showing rot. Heavy land is showing
more rot than the lighter soil in the wet
districts. Many low areas in fields are
rotting due to temporarily flooded con-
ditions or puddled soil and are rotting,
not as a result of late blight but from
excess moisture. Some areas are show-
ing a considerable amount of late blight
rot on the tubers. The best course under
such conditions is to allow the potatoes
to lay as long as possible right in the
ground, keeping in mind the labor short-
age and the d?nger of possible early
freeze, but leave them as long as practi-
cal so that the rot will run its course-
that is, infected tubers will rot up. They
will anyway, whether they are left in
the ground or brought into the storages.
You will find it more profitable to leave
such tubers in the fields than to dig them
hastily and get them into the storages.
Contrary to the belief of many, late
blight will not spread from tuber to
tuber in the soil so that when infected
tubers are rotted, those that escape in-
fection from the spores washed down
from the foilage, will run free of rot.
You will observe on digging individual
hills over fields now, that the whole
upper layer of tubers are completely
rotted and the lower layers are free of
rot. I have observed this from Somerset
to Potter and from Potter to Lehigh.
To answer at this point a curious ques-
tion that comes into the minds of the
close observers of tubers, namely— what
causes these "white pimples" on the
potatoes and is this a sign of rot? The
answer is that these "white pimples'
are nothing more than enlarged lenticels
or breathing pores on the tuber and they
take on this enlargement to get more air
which is cut off by the excess moisture
in the soil. "White pimples" on tubers
therefore are really indicative of wet
conditions and have no connection di-
rectly with rot. Wet conditions are in-
(Continued on page 8)
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
Characteristics of Leadership
I Good Address
1. He is neat and clean in body and
apparel.
2. He is always careful and obser-
vant of social niceties.
3. He has a keen sense of humor
and is not readily offended.
4. He has a variety of interests and
is effective in conversation.
5. He is genuinely interested in
people and seeks to know them
better.
6. He attracts and retains friends.
II Vitality (Forcefulness)
1. He possesses good physical and
mental health.
2. He has the habit of hard and
effective work.
3. He takes a positive and aggres-
sive attitude toward personal
and professional problems.
4. He gives prompt and definite de-
cisions.
III Courage
1. He has ideas and viewpoints of
his own based on broad and
thorough scholarship, and dares
to maintain them.
2. He refuses to grant favors to in-
dividuals contrary to his best
principles.
3. He gives frank and helpful criti-
cism when it is needed.
IV Independence, Assumption of Re-
sponsibility
1. He willingly assumes responsi-
bility for direction of important
enterprises.
2. He aids in the organization of
groups.
3. He contributes to discussions,
even in the face of popular op-
position.
4. He does more than he is ex-
pected and required to do.
V Enthusiasm and Optimism
1. He is thoroughly convinced of
the essential worth of the work
he is doing.
2. He shows a whole-hearted pur-
pose in the performance of ac-
tivities, both at work and at
play, and inspires others with
the same type of interest.
3. By teaching and example he
encourages others to believe in
their own efforts.
VI Sympathy
1. He understands people.
2. He uses judgment in dealing
with people of various moods.
3. He is careful not to embarrass
people.
4. He is never snobbish or patron-
izing.
5. He tells his associates the good
things he hears about them.
VII Loyalty
1. He gives unstinted loyalty to his
particular group and to his
friends.
2. He keeps silent about co-work-
ers rather than criticize adverse-
ly to outsiders.
3. He is devoted to his organiza-
tion, but at the same time modi-
fies its policies and practices if
necessary.
4. He shows loyalty to honor, jus-
tice, truth, and reliability.
VIII Sincerity
1. He is not a self-seeker.
2. He takes credit only for work
actually done.
3. He acknowledges his own mis-
takes and takes the blame for
them.
4. He is not influenced by personal
bias or interest.
5. He practices what he preaches.
6. He presents both sides of a ques-
tion.
IX Initiative and Originality
1. He perceives new problems.
2. He suggests new solutions and
ways of performing them.
3. He is guided in his own work by
the findings of other experi-
menters.
4. He makes his findings known to
others.
5. He has definitely outlined poli-
cies for activities he must direct.
X Progressiveness
1. He is familiar with current
events and topics of general in-
terest.
2. He takes a critical attitude to-
ward his own work, methods,
and result achieved.
3. He seeks carefully for plans to
strengthen his work.
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
4-
t
Persistence and Perspiration with Potatoes
R. W. Steber, Associate Director, Warren Potato Growers
First— Blue Label Pack on its way to the Warren Market.
It has been suggested that a brief ac-
count of the trials and tribulations 9f
starting a potato growers association in
a not-too-agricultural county, might be
of interest and benefit to others having
this in mind. So herewith is an account
of what happened in one of them.
Warren County lies in the rough and
wooded hills of Northwestern Pennsyl-
vania, in the heart of the oil region.
About five years ago it began to be pain-
fully apparent that, although the oil
and manufacturing was doing well, more
and more farms were in need of heroic
measures. Aside from dairying, the
farmer's cash crops were practically nil.
There was a bit of talk about co-opera-
tives between the urban and rural areas,
but that was about as far as it got until
a small group of business men met with
a Pomona Grange committee and set
about seeing what could be done.
These men sent to State College for
a couple of "experts" to tell us what
could be raised here besides cows and
fuzz grass. The experts arrived. One of
them turned out to be a fellow named
Dr. Nixon and he sure did have pota-
toes on his mind. "Doc" insisted that
Warren County could raise potatoes,
and darn good ones, on the hills because
the soil was inherently fertile, the cli-
mate right and the elevation particu-
larly suitable. So we went to work.
That winter business men and farm
leaders toured the outlying sections of
the county holding small (and they were
small) meetings to sell the farmers the
idea of a potato cooperative association.
Warren County raised a few potatoes
which were peddled locally. But the
larger buyers were getting their pota-
toes, several carloads weekly, from
Maine and New Jersey. Warren was a
potato importing town just as Penn-
sylvania is still a potato importing
state and for the same reasons. We didn't
have enough good potatoes of our own
to supply our own market.
So the first thing was to get an article
competitive in quality, appearance and
package. A meeting was called and an
association formed with a dozen or so
growers. Nobody had too much confi-
dence but they were willing to try. A
fellow with half a dozen acres, in those
days, was a big producer.
When it came time to dig that fall, we
had some mighty nice potatoes — not
many, but good.
A grader was put in at the county
fairs and the potatoes graded, packaged
and sold on the spot. The local public
was made aware that good potatoes
could be grown here, and the farmers
found it was no trick at all to sell po-
tatoes like these.
By the second year, many of the
growers began to increase acreage and
others who had been waiting, to see
which way this cat was going to jump,
concluded to give potatoes a try. Then
' I
6
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
the Vocational Advisor — one Wuest-
hoff— got a bright idea. He took 20 of
his "Future Farmer" boys and rented
an old farm that had been abandoned
for years — one that was definitely ready
to go back to the Indians. A local bank
loaned each of the boys, on his indi-
vidual note, $50.00 for seed, fertilizer
and the cost of getting started. If the
boys could raise profitable potatoes on
such a patch, maybe the old man would
begin to think there was something in
it. The boys cooperatively did raise a
nice crop which they graded and sold.
They paid off their notes and had a nice
profit. But best of all they learned how
to raise and market potatoes and how to
figure their costs. Better than all the
conversation in the world, this demon-
stration showed the value of good seed,
the use of modern machinery, proper
fertilizing s^nd spraying and orderly
marketing.
By this time the third spring had
rolled around and some of the growers
began getting into real acreage. But rais-
ing a lot of potatoes is one thing and
getting them on the market was an-
other. In its small way, Warren County
changed from an importing county to
one with an excess for export. At this
point the sales organization of the State
Association came to the rescue and pro-
vided a good outside market. This took
care of the surplus and allowed us to
maintain a good price in the local mar-
kets which benefited not only this as-
sociation's members but all other local
growers as well.
In the fourth year Warren County had
a poor crop and so much rain that many
fields could not be dug. Meantime there
were big crops elsewhere and prices
were rather low. This was the ideal
situation for the "blow-up" of the local
association, but to their everlasting
credit, most of the members took it
strictly on the chin, realizing that the
association doesn't make the weather or
the prices. The next year the members
were right back with good crops at
good prices.
Along with this, of course, have gone
a number of other projects — educational
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
4-
4-
F. F. A. boys of Warren County Demonstrating Grading and Packing Penn-
sylvania's Blue Label potatoes at the State Farm Show.
meetings in disease control, seed, ferti-
lizer and spraying; the formation of sev-
eral spray rings; the raising of certi-
fied seed. Out of this experience we
have learned a few things the hard way:
1. Insist on good grading and pack-
aging, for one poor grader can ruin the
reputation of a lot of good ones. We
once got back a whole carload because of
one lot of poor grading mixed in them.
A uniform product, in quality, will
guarantee a steady flow through co-
operating distributors.
2. An equitable and sensible market-
ing program — fair prices to both pro-
ducer and consumer — will result in
profitable production and will provide
an outlet which will prevent a price
collapse in the local markets.
3. Insist on ample weights in your
packages at the grader to take care of
any later shrinkage.
4. Never let up on training your grad-
ers and inspectors. Make them realize
that the success of the whole business
depends upon an honest job at the
grader.
5. Get the co-operation of the busi-
ness men who are interested in the wel-
fare of the farmers of your county. They
have no personal axe to grind and they
can be of great help in establishing a
cash crop industry. They know that a
solvent farmer has money to spend in
town.
The local man wants to trade at home
as much as he can. He wants to buy local
stuff— if it is good. But he isn't going
to pay top prices for poor potatoes in
a crummy old sack. In Warren we
started with the idea of a small as-
sociation turning out consistently good
merchandise. Where the farmer used to
get 40 to 50 cents of the consumer's dol-
lar, he now gets 80 cents of it. And the
consumer is getting first class potatoes.
What is the result? We have a steady
market for all we can raise, and then
some. Go, Thou, and do likewise.
First — Grading School in the Northwest.
*Totato Week", October 26-31, Inclusive
state wide campaign to popularize our
Pennsylvania potatoes will be launched
the week beginning October 26th. Di-
rectors of the Association have set aside
this week for its initial campaign. Com-
mittees to manage the publicity for each
area are as follows; for the Western
section of the State, R. W. Lohr, Somer-
set and L. T. Denniston, Branch Manager
at Butler; for the Southeastern section.
Hugh McPherson, York County and P.
Daniel Frantz, Branch Manager at
Allentown; for the central division com-
mittee, W. W. Hayes, Lycoming County
and C. F. H. Wuesthoff Gen'l Manager.
The official campaign was announced
by our Potato Blossom Queen who will
preside over most large scale events
throughout Pennsylvania during "Pota-
to Week."
8
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
SEVENTH ANNUAL
JOINT MARKETING CONFERENCE
WiLLiAMSPORT, Sept. 16 — ^The seventh
annual potato marketing conference
held yesterday, Tuesday, September 15,
in the William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh,
drew members of the Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers' Association,
chain store representatives and agricul-
tural officials from all sections of the
state.
Outstanding feature of the gathering
was the appearance of Pennsylvania's
1942 Potato Blossom Queen, 17-year-
old Aola Howard, high school senior and
her school's drum majorette from
Shinglehouse, Pa. To Miss Howard
went the honor of officially proclaiming
Pennsylvania Potato Week, October 26
to 31 inclusive. This week will be dedi-
cated to glorifying the Pennsylvania
potato.
Attractive and one of eight children,
Aola Howard is the daughter of Laver-
non and Eva Howard. She was chosen
Potato Queen a few weeks ago at the
potato growers' annual field day at
Camp Potato near Coudersport in Pot-
ter county.
The annual luncheon followed the
morning session at which P. D. Frantz, of
Allentown, potato growers' president,
and Fred W. Johnson, Philadelphia,
president of the Pennsylvania Chain
Store Council shared chairmanship re-
sponsibilities.
The potato marketing conferences be-
gan seven years ago with the launching
of a cooperative potato marketing pro-
gram which today is regarded as one of
DR. E. L. NIXON WRITES ON THE
HARVESTING AND STORAGE
OF THE POTATO CROP
(Continued from page 3)
dicative of late blight; and late blight is
indicative of rot.
The question is often asked "what will
we do with the tubers from these blight-
ed fields? Will they make good seed?
Many of them will be number 2's and
3's in size. Late blight in and of itself
in no way injures the tubers for seed
purposes so long as the rotten tubers
are removed. The truth is that many of
the country's most efficient distribution
programs for an agricultural crop. Last
year 75,000,000 pounds of potatoes were
marketed under the program, the bulk
being handled through a direct farm-to-
store set-up.
Reports by directors of the Pennsyl-
vania Potato Growers' Cooperative As-
sociation were given for the following
leading potato-poducing counties: Wil-
liam W. Hayes for Lycoming; Percy
Whitenight for Columbia; Hugh C. Mac-
Pherson for York; Robert W. Lohr for
Somerset; Ed Fisher for Potter; Ivan
Miller for Erie; P. D. Frantz for Lehigh;
L. T. Dennison for Butler; and Dr. E. L.
Nixon for Centre.
Principal speakers included John H.
Light, Secretary of Agriculture, Harris-
burg, Mayor Cornelius D. Scully, Peter
J. Carroll, U. S. Department of Agricul-
ture, Marketing Administration, Phila-
delphia; C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Gen'l man-
ager, Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers Association; C. W. Wadding-
ton, Philadelphia A & P Tea Company,
Roland N. Benjamin, Harrisburg, Ex-
ecutive Secretary of the Pennsylvania
Farm Bureau Cooperative Association;
Dent Williamson, Philadelphia, Ameri-
can Stores Company; Miles Hort, Harris-
burg field editor, Pennsylvania Farmer;
Lee Rummell, Cincinnati, Kroger Gro-
cery & Baking Company; L. Curtis
Baum, Pittsburgh, Atlantic Commis-
sion Co.; R. B. Donaldson, State Col-
lege, Extension Service and Cy Den-
man, Washington, National Association
of Food chains.
these fields that have blighted early,
actually will make better seed than if
they were allowed to go on to maturity.
Because, first, the tubers are a more
desirable size for planting, and second,
the tops have not been exposed so long
to the degenerative diseases, and third,
the season of late blight is naturally a
cold and wet one which is the most de-
sirable season for the production of
disease-free seed potatoes.
The next question that arises in one's
mind is — what to do with these blighted
fields from the standpoint of table stock
or culinary purposes? Well, in the first
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
place if they are rotten they are not fit
for human consumption. If they rot be-
fore they get into the skillet, whether
they are in the hands of the producer,
the distributor or the consumer, they
are a distinct injury to all three.
Growers should not rush the tubers
from these blighted fields on to the
market with the hope that they will get
them off their hands before they rot.
So far as possible it would be a good plan
for the growers to bring their first dig-
gings in on the barn floor where the in-
fected tubers will have a chance to dry
off and dry up instead of putting them
into the storage where moisture will
condense on them and the potatoes get
smeary and often cause the pile to go
down into a rottsn mess. Many have ex-
perienced putting field frosted potatoes
into the cellars in the Fall and taking
them out later with the scoop shovel.
This can happen in the case of late blight
infected tubers harvested prematurely,
and stored under moist conditions.
This is a season where extraordinary
precaution should be taken with the
harvesting and storage of the crop.
Fields that have survived the blight will
be difficult to get matured before freez-
ing weather. There may be enough late
blight prevalent on the foliage to seri-
ously infect the tubers at digging time,
and if these are taken in bruised and
uncalloused and placed in a cellar that
is precipitating the moisture on the ceil-
ing and dripping over the pile, then the
spread of late blight will actually occur
on the tubers.
It is desirable wherever possible after
laying the tubers out on the ground to
let them lie a few hours before picking
them in order for the skins to "set-up."
Wherever practical the bins then should
not be filled more than three or four feet
at a time until all the injured tubers
A well grown, a well dug, a well handled, and a well sold, field of potatoes.
/;
10
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
have had a chance to callous and to cool.
Three or four days, later, another three
or four feet can be added to the pile
and so on until the cellar is full.
It is of fundamental importance here
to appreciate that injured tubers will
callous, or grow a new skin over the in-
jured surface in about twenty-four to
forty-eight hours at approximately 70 °F.
temperature, and tubers that are unin-
jured or have had a chance to callous,
are unsusceptible to rot organisms, even
including late blight. This principle is
responsible for the recommendation that
potatoes should be cut and planted im-
mediately in moist earth in the spring-
time. If they are put into the warm soil
freshly cut, a new skin will form over the
cut surface and the seed pieces will not
rot. Many growers have experienced
planting tubers just immediately prior
to a heavy rainstorm and have observed
the following resultant poor stand. This
is due to the fact that the healing hor-
mones, a chemical substance responsible
for new skin development or callousing
has been washed off of the injured cells
of the cut surface and there is nothing
there to produce the callous, once this
hormone has been removed.
This same principle, of course, applies
to potatoes that go into storage in the
Fall. That is why in the mountainous
sections and the late-producing potato
states, varieties are often dug when the
temperatures are so low that the callous-
ing of the injuries or cut surfaces will
not take place and serious rot often
follows.
The most optimum or favorable
temperature for the rapid callousing of
potatoes is that around 70 degrees F.
Many potatoes in the Fall in the moun-
tainous areas are dug when the temper-
ature is as low as 50 degrees both in and
outside the storage and callousing will
not occur at such low temperatures; then
with the prevalence of all the rot or-
ganisms, late blight, ring rot, and the
various saprophatic bacteria and fungi
coupled with poorly constructed and
carelessly operated storages. It is no
wonder that serious rot often occurs.
The wonder is that it is not worse or
that they keep as well as they do.
This brings us to the topic of storages,
storage construction and manipulation.
Now then — too many specialists on stor-
age have gone haywire on ventilation to
the neglect of the two most fundamental
principles — namely — humidity and
temperature. The air or ventilation is
the least essential to the keeping of po-
tatoes or vegetables. The fact is a bushel
of mature potatoes can be dug and stored
in a sealed can at 50 degrees tempera-
ture until into January with no injury
whatsoever to the tubers, but a bushel
kept for the same length of time in a
desiccated atmosphere or at high temp-
*^
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
I
Enlarging the old type storage with the addition of a new straw loft construction.
erature, would result in a worthless
product for either table consumption or
seed. What then should one strive for in
keeping a bin of potatoes?
Well, the ideal would be to bring the
crop in as uninjured as possible, give
the tubers time to callous, if this were
practical under the conditions at digging
time, then lower the temperature as
rapidly as practical and keep the
humidity just below the saturation
point. It is obvious that in a natural or
common storage as we call them, temp-
eratures would be manipulated with the
outside weather. Storages should be
side cold spell. These little tile chimneys
that run up from the bottom of the cellar
to the outside ground level are abso-
lutely worthless. The coldest place in
these vents is at the lowest point in
them. Cold air will not flow down and
then flow up into the cellar anymore
than water will flow down and flow up.
In fact air behaves very much like water.
The cold air seeks the low level. Ob-
viously the best ventilators in a potato
cellar is one that allows the air to flow
equipped so that they can be thrown
wide open to take advantage of the out-
over the tops of the piles. In fact, the
best way is to lower the entire tempera-
ture at once and this is best done by
opening it wide open. We have all
known for years that storages that pre-
cipitate moisture on the top were bad
from the standpoint of properly storing
potatoes. No concrete slab, iron con-
struction, or other impervious surface is
good to have over the top of a potato
storage. The ideal storage for the main-
tenance of approximately a saturated
atmosphere is a "straw loft" type of
construction. The straw acts as a sponge
in that in periods of excess moisture it
absorbs it and gives it up under drying
atmospheric conditions. No one ever saw
a straw loft drip with moisture and no
one ever saw a cellar too desiccated or
dry having a straw loft when the re-
maining part of the storage was properly
manipulated.
After potatoes have been stored in the
Fall in as ideal a condition as possible
that is, free from digger injury falling
too far, walking over them, letting crates
or planks fall upon them, they should
be cooled off as quickly as possible. This,
of course, is easy in the late Fall or early
winter. Keep the temperature down to
approximately 50 degrees and in the
springtime never open it especially if
it is a seed bin until ready to plant.
Opening large doors when the tempera-
ture on the outside is 90 degrees in the
springtime very quickly brings the po-
tato pile to 80 degrees on the inside and
it can never be cooled off naturally
again. Consequently sprouting begins at
once. This often occurs a month before
planting time with disastrous results
from the standpoint of good seed. When
the storage can no longer be maintained
(Continued on page 18)
. ^ ^r "^^
rrr^'^T/^T'i^
,f-
*-^^
Placing the straw in the loft of a newly constructed storage. Roofing is the next step.
/\
12
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Editorial Comment
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers,' Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff Gen'l Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes . . . Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson .... Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
SALES OFFICES
Main Office:
410 Campbell Street, Williamsport, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
300 East Brady Street, Butler, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
720 North Eighth St., Allentown ,Pa.
Annual membership fee is $1.00 This in-
cludes the GUIDE POST.
All communications should be addressed
to C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Executive Secre-
tary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
"Co-operative marketing is not a
method of setting aside the law of supply
and demand, or price-fixing, but rather it
is effective and efficient merchandising.
Real Co-operation involves a large
measure of give and take, a great
amount of tolerance of the ideas of
others, and a willingness to abide by the
decision of the majority."
("News For Farmer Co-operatives")
The GUIDE POST is published as the
potato growers own technical and trade
magazine. Timely information of defi-
nite value will be included, gleaned from
the experience of those on the practical
firing line. Various subjects presented
will be of more immediate value to some
than to others.
The Editor calls your attention to two
particularly timely articles, the one,
"Persistence and Perspiration with Po-
tatoes," of concrete help to agricultur-
ally minded business men's committees,
seeking something to do in line with
county and community development.
This is a success article well named —
"Persistence and Perspiration with Po-
tatoes" written by a man who took the
farmer's interest to heart and was con-
stantly on the firing line. He is the only
High Burgess in the State of Pennsyl-
vania that has followed through with
the cooperative movement. If there are
others, let us hear their story.
The other pertinent article of the
month is "The Potato Wizzard's" on
"Harvesting and Storage." Nowhere
will you read a more sound, practical
analysis on this subject. This article
alone is worth a membership or sub-
scription to the GUIDE POST. There are
technical articles and technical articles
but this to my way of thinking is lops.
Suggest that it be read, studied and re-
read. It is different for it draws upon
your own experiences and clinches the
valuable.
400 BUSHEL CLUB
The Disease Epidemic throughout the
state will effect many producers. Yet,
even with this handicap we have had
direct and indirect reports of high
yields under good culture and manage-
ment conditions. The definite reports
to date are:
Myron D. Parsons, Hellertown, North-
ampton County, 502.3 bushels of Katah-
dins,. checked and reported by A. W.
Crouthamel, Allentown.
J. Clinton Marple, Springhouse, Mont-
gomery County, 448.3 bushel Green
Mountains, checked and reported by A.
W. Crouthamel, Allentown.
Philadelphia Prison Farm, Philadel-
phia County, 570.9 bushels, checked and
reported by Charles H. Hallowell,
County Agent, Philadelphia.
JL
r
What the Potato Marketing Program Will Do
For Pennsylvania's Growers and the Industry
RETURN a greater net profit — than
any other honest, legitimate way of
marketing the crop.
INCREASE the farm price— to all
growers.
INDENTIFY Pennsylvania QuaMty
Potatoes — to the distributors and the
consumers.
REGAIN and hold our markets — by
meeting the competition from other
states and producing areas.
LEAD to more orderly distribution
and marketing — through provision for
more adequate storage and wider
market distribution.
ASSIST food distributors in perfec-
ting a method of merchandising potatoes
— in line with the sale of other food
products, in clean, attractive, consumer
sized packages.
PROTECT the public against decep-
tion— and assure the consumer greater
food value for his potato dollar.
ASSURE the grower full confirmation
price — eliminating the possibility of
rubber checks and extending the buyer
long doubtful credit.
PROVIDE a market service — includ-
ing the attractive Association trade-
marked bags, to all growers small or
large without discrimination, as to cost.
INSPIRE growers to achieve-i-better
yields of improved quality through the
use of new varieties, good seed, proper
spraying, improvement of soils, and
careful attention to details in growing,
harvesting, storing, and marketing the
crop.
The Labor-Union
Problems
Representative of the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers' Associa-
tion met Tuesday of last week with
representatives of the Pittsburgh
Chamber of Commerce, National Labor
Relations Board and the Mayors' office
to discuss the labor situation in regard
to the unloading of farmer's produce
trucks and union labor charges in the
Pittsburgh area. The group consisting of
R. W. Lohr, Director; C. M. Shaulis,
grower; E. L. Nixon, grower, and C. F.
H. Wuesthoff, Secretary of the Associa-
tion for the potato growers; D. E. Green
and A. J. Roth of the Chamber of Com-
merce; Charles T. Dodds and James T.
Dunne of the National Labor Relations
Board, thrashed the problem out from
every conceivable angle and then ad-
journed to meet again Thursday Sep-
tember 24 at which time representatives
of the Teamsters Union were expected
to be present to outline their attitude
toward this form of taxation. The public,
the producers and administrators can
ill afford to take an indifferent position
for it is another added charge that the
consuming public will be forced to pay.
Latest Crop
Surveys
Latest revised estimates of the Fed-
eral-State Crop Reporting Service re-
leased by the Department of Agriculture
show large decreases in the indicated
production this year in this state of pota-
toes, tobacco, oats and barley.
The potato crop, hit by widespread
infection of blight as a result of wet
weather, is now placed at 18,170,000
bushels, a reduction of 1,896,000 bushels
from the Production indicated a month
previously. This figure places the yield
at more than six million bushels below
the average for the past 10 years.
Recent additional surveys over the
entire state by representatives of our
State Potato Growers Association re-
veals that our commercial growers will
have one of the largest and best quality
crops since the the management of our
marketing program. It should be remem-
bered that only one third of Pennsyl-
vania's total production is grown on two-
thirds of her acreage. The greatest
reduction this year took place on the
unsprayed acres which produce approxi-
mately 8,000,000 bushels representing
only one-third of the state's total pro-
duction.
'wm^M'7
14
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
Cooperatives in Action
Golden grain from the western plains
pours forth from cooperative elevators
—Into thousands of cities and towns
flow millions of gallons of cooperatively
marketed milk— To terminal stockyards
comes a never-ending parade of co-
operatively shipped livestock, ready for
selling by co-op agencies— The South
hauls its cotton to co-op gins and sends
it to market through cooperative as-
sociations— Maine potatoes are coopera-
tively marketed — So are Utah turkeys —
and Washington apples, Louisiana
strawberries — Colorado wool, Florida
citrus — California walnuts, Minnesota
butter, and Texas rice — ^All go to mar-
ket through cooperative associations.
The story of American agricultural
cooperation, a voluntary movement do-
ing an annual business of $3,400,000,000
—is a stirring recital of the producer's
struggle to get a better deal out of life.
Every farmer, dairyman, and live-
stock producer is essentially a business-
man, just as is the man who manufac-
tures something for sale. The manufac-
turer buys his raw materials, makes his
product, and sells it. He hopes to realize
a fair profit. The farmer starts with a
raw material — seed; the livestock pro-
ducer with breeding cattle. Each over-
sees Nature's "manufacturing" proces-
ses, and sells his products. He, too, hopes
to make a reasonable profit.
In search for a fair return for his
time, labor, and expense, the producer
turns to cooperation, joining with his
neighbor in associations dedicated to the
attainment of the goal he seeks. His
cooperative may strive to increase its
members incomes through improvement
of marketing practices; it may devote its
efforts to providing quality supplies for
use on the farm, at reasonable cost; or
it may perform services such as gin-
ning, trucking, or warehousing.
Usually it does something more, too.
It keeps abreast of the latest scientific
methods of raising better crops, and
healthier livestock, setting the pace in
providing constantly improving food
products for the Nation's grocery basket.
Further than that, the cooperative,
through its interchange of ideas and
frequent membership contacts, is an
educational asset of great importance
in the agricultural community; it is, in
fact, a vital part of the producer's way
of life.— (^Producer Co-ops in Action)
NEW AND RENEWAL MEMBERSHIPS SINCE LAST ISSUE
David George, Catawissa
Martin F. Christman, Lehighton
C. W. Hendershot, Emlenton
D. R. Hertzler, Richland
Curtis H. Adams, Reading
C. W. Waddington, Drexel Hill
Ellis Artley, Catawissa
Merl G. Davis, Benton
C. W. Billings, Edinboro
G. W. Robinson, Wattsburg
C. E. Landon, Canton
Farview Farmstead, Easton
Hans Weihermiller, Transfer
Harry L. Phillips, Sligo
Milo Freeman, Coudersport
E. M. Shaulis, Holsopple
G. D. Geiselman, Hanover
Somerset Farm Bureau, Somerset
Carl Smith, Waterford
E. C. McCall, Curllsville
Felix J. Klunk, Hanover
Robert Peck, Jermyn
Hiram A. Frantz, Coplay
Tilghman S. Frantz, Coplay
Maple Brothers, Springhouse
P. L. Holtz, Patton
W. S. Schutt, Coudersport
Russell A. Strang, Kittanning
A. B. Young, Kittanning
A. W. Thompson & Son, Coudersport
Mervin Hanes, Felten
W. P. Parker, Coudersport
Henry W. Blow, Coudersport
C. L. Hauber, Harrison Valley
E. C. McElroy, Coudersport
Ralph Ferry, Woodbury
Richard Hoffman, Slatingdon
C. A. Penney, Wellsboro
Gilbert Beaver, Millerstown
Francis Way, Coudersport
Foster Blough, Coudersport
Frank J. Kaihn, Galeton
Lawrence Corner, Coudersport
Baker Brothers, Ulysses
American Silver Truss, Coudersport
Jack E. Miller, Coudersport
Henry A. Detrick, Kane
Carl C. Struerer, Peru, 111.
Please remember — Your Dollar Mem-
bership fee will keep you informed on
your association's activities.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
'K *
11
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our ov^^n paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles makes us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER
4700 31 si Place
Long Island City, N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
16
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
Potatoes for Health
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
AvALYN M. KiSER, CouTity Adviser Home Economics Education
Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pa.
By this time practically every Ameri-
can citizen is familiar with the "yard-
stick of nutrition". This yardstick lists
the daily food requirements for good
nutrition so necessary for success in life
and for happiness. One of these require-
ments is one or more servings of pota-
toes each day. The potato is important
for its mineral salts and vitamins. It is
rather low in calcium necessary for bone
growth, and a mineral regulator but
when served with milk as escalloped or
mashed potatoes, calcium value is in-
creased. Its phosphorous content is on a
par with beets, and onions, and higher
than cabbage, turnips, turnip greens,
tomatoes, string beans and carrots. This
phosphorus plays an important part
in bone and teeth growth, in release of
food energy and for building glandular
and nervous tissues. With the excep-
tions of green leafy vegetables and peas
and beans, potatoes are far richer in
iron than other vegetables. Thus pota-
toes help supply iron so essential in the
blood stream.
A deficiency of iron in the diet re-
sults in serious anemia as well as other
defects. It contains a fair amount of
Vitamin B or thiamin. Thiamin cannot
be stored in the body but must be pro-
vided each day. A mild deficiency may
be accompanied with headaches, dys-
pepsia, persistent fatigue and irrita-
bility. While it is by no means a rich
source of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, it is
an important source when raw fruits
and vegetables are too expensive or un-
available. Its low content of Vitamin A,
so vital to resistance to disease and to
eyesight, is well taken care of with an
addition of butter especially for baked
potatoes.
Potatoes are very valuable for their
neutralizing properties. Meats, cheese,
cereal foods and breadstuffs give acid re-
actions. Potatoes help to balance this
reaction and provide an alkeline or
neutral condition in the blood and di-
gestive tract necessary for good health.
Potatoes are a cheap source of all
these nutrients, can be stored in the
average home more readily than many
other foods, are popular at all times of
the year, are easily digested, can be
prepared in more than a hundred ways,
and can be fitted into practically any
meal with any menu.
Much more can be said for the po-
tato, but these reasons alone justify its
place on "the yardstick of nutrition" and
each individual will do well to make
sure that he or she observes the rule of
"eating one or more servings of pota-
toes each day."
FOR SALE
One two-row Kid Glove Potato Digger
with Power take-off. Completely over-
hauled and new elevator chains installed
ALL READY FOR USE!
SACRIFICIAL PRICE!
John H. Hauber Harrison Valley, Pa.
J.
/
Patriotic Rally and Field Day
Attendance was beyond expectation
at the Patriotic Rally and Field Day at
Coudersport and "Camp Potato". The
event was most successful. In spite of
war conditions, hundreds managed to
attend these worthwhile events. The
cooperation between business and po-
tato interests was most noticeable.
Growers participation in the parade
with 15 units stressing "food for free-
dom" was very impressive to say the
least. Tho Potato Blossom Queen float
with the three 1942 Candidates was
doubtless one of the outstanding sights,
even California and her much vaunted
pulchritude would have difficulty in
over shadowing this fine piece of work.
The Misses Neff, Howard, Caufield, Mc-
1942 Potato Blossom Queen
Ada Howard, Shinglehouse, Pa.
Donald, did Potter County credit. After
suitable ceremonies. Miss Aola Howard
of Shinglehouse, was selected and
crowned to reign over the potato in-
terests for 1942-43. These ceremonies
were most fittingly and capably con-
ducted by Judge Robert Lewis and
Prof. Milton Braun of Coudersport.
The annual potato picking contest was
conducted under handicaps yet Mahlon
S. King of Parksburg, Chester County,
won very handsomely. Last years run-
ner up, Mervin Hanes, of York, came
out a very close second.
A particular attraction of the Field
Day events was a tour through the seed-
1942 Champion Polato Picker
Mahlon S. King, Parksburg, Pa.
ling plots and certified seed fields under
the able guidance of E. L. Nixon. Past
weather conditions made observations
somewhat inconclusive but quite worth-
while. In spite of the prevalent blight
epidemic, "Camp Potato" was still quite
free of this devastating disease due
largely to the cooperation of Ed Fisher
and the camp manager. They sprayed
faithfully even though they were
forced to use two tractors in tandem to
move the spraying equipment.
Speakers at "Camp Potato" included
Secretary J. H. Light, who gave a most
interesting discourse on food and the
war effort. He made it quite plain too,
that if potato growers needed the de-
partment's help in any way, he would
do his utmost to see that this service
was given. All present were particu-
larly pleased with the Secretary's in-
terest in "Camp Potato" activities.
16
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
Potatoes for Health
AvALYN M. KiSER, Couuty Adviser Home Economics Education
Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pa.
By this time practically every Ameri-
can citizen is familiar with the "yard-
stick of nutrition". This yardstick lists
the daily food requirements for good
nutrition so necessary for success in life
and for happiness. One of these require-
ments is one or more servings of pota-
toes each day. The potato is important
for its mineral salts and vitamins. It is
rather low in calcium necessary for bone
growth, and a mineral regulator but
when served with milk as escalloped or
mashed potatoes, calcium value is in-
creased. Its phosphorous content is on a
par with beets, and onions, and higher
than cabbage, turnips, turnip greens,
tomatoes, string beans and carrots. This
phosphorus plays an important part
in bone and teeth growth, in release of
food energy and for building glandular
and nervous tissues. With the excep-
tions of green leafy vegetables and peas
and beans, potatoes are far richer in
iron than other vegetables. Thus pota-
toes help supply iron so essential in the
blood stream.
A deficiency of iron in the diet re-
sults in serious anemia as well as other
defects. It contains a fair amount of
Vitamin B or thiamin. Thiamin cannot
be stored in the body but must be pro-
vided each day. A mild deficiency may
be accompanied with headaches, dys-
pepsia, persistent fatigue and irrita-
bility. While it is by no means a rich
source of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, it is
an important source when raw fruits
and vegetables are too expensive or un-
available. Its low content of Vitamin A,
so vital to resistance to disease and to
eyesight, is well taken care of with an
addition of butter especially for baked
potatoes.
Potatoes are very valuable for their
neutralizing properties. Meats, cheese,
cereal foods and breadstuffs give acid re-
actions. Potatoes help to balance this
reaction and provide an alkeline or
neutral condition in the blood and di-
gestive tract necessary for good health.
Potatoes are a cheap source of all
these nutrients, can be stored in the
average home more readily than many
other foods, are popular at all times of
the year, are easily digested, can be
prepared in more than a hundred ways,
and can be fitted into practically any
meal with any menu.
Much more can be said for the po-
tato, but these reasons alone justify its
place on "the yardstick of nutrition" and
each individual will do well to make
sure that he or she observes the rule of
"eating one or more servings of pota-
toes each day."
FOR SALE
One two-row Kid Glove Potato Digger
with Power take-off. Completely over-
hauled and new elevator chains installed
ALL READY FOR USE!
SACRIFICIAL PRICE!
John H. Hauber Harrison Valley, Pa.
■;1
I;
September, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
ii
.!
JL
i
J
Patriotic Rally and Field Day
Attendance was beyond expectation
at the Patriotic Rally and Field Day at
Coudersport and "Camp Potato". The
event was most successful. In spite of
war conditions, hundreds managed to
attend these worthwhile events. The
cooperation between business and po-
tato interests was most noticeable.
Growers participation in the parade
with 15 units stressing "food for free-
dom" was very impressive to say the
least. Tho Potato Blossom Queen float
with the three 1942 Candidates was
doubtless one of the outstanding sights,
even California and her much vaunted
pulchritude would have difficulty in
over shadowing this fine piece of work.
The Misses Neff, Howard, Caufield, Mc-
1942 Potato Blossom Queen
Aola Howard, Shinglehouse, Pa.
Donald, did Potter County credit. After
suitable ceremonies, Miss Aola Howard
of Shinglehouse, was selected and
crowned to reign over the potato in-
terests for 1942-43. These ceremonies
were most fittingly and capably con-
ducted by Judge Robert Lewis and
Prof. Milton Braun of Coudersport.
The annual potato picking contest was
conducted under handicaps yet Mahlon
S. King of Parksburg, Chester County,
won very handsomely. Last years run-
ner up, Mervin Hanes, of York, came
out a very close second.
A particular attraction of the Field
Day events was a tour through the seed-
1942 Champion Potato Picker
Mahlon S. King, Parksburg, Pa.
ling plots and certified seed fields under
the able guidance of E. L. Nixon. Past
weather conditions made observations
somewhat inconclusive but quite worth-
while. In spite of the prevalent blight
epidemic, "Camp Potato" was still quite
free of this devastating disease due
largely to the cooperation of Ed Fisher
and the camp manager. They sprayed
faithfully even though they were
forced to use two tractors in tandem to
move the spraying equipment.
Speakers at "Camp Potato" included
Secretary J. H. Light, who gave a most
interesting discourse on food and the
war effort. He made it quite plain too,
that if potato growers needed the de-
partment's help in any way, he would
do his utmost to see that this service
was given. All present were particu-
larly pleased with the Secretary's in-
terest in "Camp Potato" activities.
INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE
18
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
The inside of a "straw loft" Storage.
(Continued from page 11)
at 50 degrees, all potatoes for table stock
or culinary purposes should be sold for
they are unquestionably injured when
sprouting, for culinary purposes. This is
the period of the year when complaints
often come that potatoes are cooking
black. This is due to a physiological
change in the tuber caused by sudden
fluctuating temperature changes. Hold-
ing potatoes at high temperatures, ac-
celerates chippability but is disastrous
for potatoes which are to go into the
skillet.
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection - Service - Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231
Annville, Pa.
U'
When this picture was first published, we were asking you
to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe
Now the Champion Twins ask that you bear with Uncle Sam
and with us when diggers and irrigation pipe are not too plentiful.
We realize that the day is coming when we will again beg of
YOU to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe. That is
why it is so hard for us to be forced to say, "Sorry, but there just
aren't enuff diggers to go around."
In the meantime, everyone is doing his best. Repairs for ma-
chines in use are still available and one of these days, new diggers
on rubber tires, and better than ever, will glisten in the sunshine
of the potato fields.
JOIN THE SCRAP HARVEST
HAMILTON & CO.
Ephrata, Pa.
McCUNE & CO.
New Waterford^ Ohio
CHAMPION CORPORATION
Hammond, Indiana
20
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
POTATOES RATE HIGH
IN ARMY MENUS
Washington, D. C, Sept. 4.— Potatoes
leave all ofher vegetables far in the
offing when it comes to popularity in the
Army mess, according to the War De-
partment. In fact, a glance at the
Quartermaster Corps' master menu for
September reveals that potatoes are
scheduled to be served no less than 39
times and in 14 different ways in Army
posts, camps and cantonments in conti-
nental United States.
Mashed potatoes are listed eight times,
hash browns six and I.yonnaise five
times. The boiled variety is on the bill
of fare only three times, but parsley po-
tatoes are also listed thrice and they are
boiled, so the grand total for boiled
spuds is six for the month. The order of
frequency for the other types on the
menu is as follows: French fried and
baked, three times, browned, potato
cakes and ordinary baked potatoes, once,
and creamed and baked brown, one each.
Irish potatoes provide quick energy,
supply all the needed vitamins and are
a good source of minerals. They give
little roughage if peeled, but do furnish
roughage if the skins are eaten. Sweet
potatoes also have high energy value
and provide a good source of vitamins
and minerals but do not furnish much
roughage.
Often in the Army friend or hash
brown ootatoes are served for breakfast
and for dinner mashed and browned
spuds are popular. Candied sweets fre-
quently are on the soldier's bill of fare.
An interesting sidelight on the potato
situation comes from England where
soldiers and civilians alike are said to be
encouraged to eat grated raw potatoes
in generous amounts for their excep-
tionally high vitamin C content.
SOMERSET MEETING
Grade Supervisors and
Truckers Confer
Messrs. Nixon, Denniston and Wuest-
hoff met recently with a small group of
Somerset Potato Growers. It was agreed
that never before has there been a finer
assemblage of young cooperaters than
this. Like old timers, they met to discuss
present and anticipated problems in
grading, assembly ing and marketing
Pennsylvania potatoes. Last year lead
by Merle Ream and Owen Barclay of the
Somerset Farm Bureau Cooperative and
Robert Lohr, a Director of the Pennsyl-
vania Cooperative Potato Growers' As-
sociation, this young crowd moved more
than 600,000 Blue Pecks of potatoes to
Pennsylvania's Southwestern and Cen-
tral markets. October 2 was set as the
day for training, retraining, and "brush-
ing up" of grade supervisors. Repre-
sentatives of the Department of Agricul-
ture, Agricultural Extension Service and
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association will be on hand to
jointly keep inspectors and supervisors
abreast of developments in the art of
grading a quality pack acceptable to
Pennsylvania's housewife. At the con-
clusion of the day, examinations will be
given. Grader's stamps will be issued to
all receiving acceptable ratings.
Grade Supervisors Schools will be or-
ganized in every section of the state as
fast as possible because we all know
that our Sales Program depends upon
quality.
More can and will be said about this
young group in subsequent articles.
They and their kind are making history
in cooperative agriculture development.
NO MAN has a right to enjoy the benefits of good
government unless he is willing to
submit to its restraints.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock Street Philadelphia Lombard 1000
4*
I
1
We are now building war materials such as fire
fighters and decontaminators to within nearly 100%
of the capacity of our factory.
We appreciate the consideration and loyalty of
our many friends using our equipment and hope for
their continued consideration even though we are not
at the present time in a position to furnish equipment.
After this is over, we will be back with a complete
line of highly developed machinery for your needs.
From time to time we will be permitted by proper
authorities to build certain items of equipment for
your use. Definite information on this will be given
out later.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO
LANSING, MICHIGAN
22
THE GUIDE POST
September, 1942
Pennsylvania's
Potato Industry
A $30,000,000 BUSINESS, creating
millions of hours of useful productive
employment and millions of dollars in
purchasing power —
The capital investment back of this
great industry in land, buildings and
equipment is estimated to be over
$90,000,000.
Cash from potato sales has been
credited with paying off more Pennsyl-
vania farm mortgages and a higher per-
centage of farm taxes than any other
farm crop.
Tractors, trucks and sprayers on
Pennsylvania potato farms burn as
much as 100,000 gallons of gasoline daily.
This means a gasoline tax alone of $5,000
per day.
Did you know that 50,000 tons of steel
are in annual operation on Pennsylvania
potato farms— that 250,000 steel wheels
roll over Pennsylvania potato fields an-
nually— that there are more than 1,000
miles of pipe on Pennsylvania sprayers?
Did you know that Pennsylvania pota-
to growers spend more than $5,000,000
annually for seed, spray materials, fer-
tilizers, and other supplies?
Did you know that the potato industry
of the state creates over 20,000,000 hours
of labor employment in growing the
crop — that the value of labor cost in
picking the crop alone amounts to three
quarters of a million dollars?
In addition to the 20,000,000 hours of
labor in growing the crop, many more
millions are required by manufacturers
and service groups in supplying ma-
chinery, fertilizers, spray materials,
bags, transportation and merchandising.
To transport Pennsylvania's potato
crop to market and to transport the
necessary supplies to the farm, would
require 35,000 railroad cars, or a solid
train reaching from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh.
Grower To Grower Exchange
FOR SALE: Eight-row Bean Power
Take-off Potato Sprayer. Also Rubber
Roll Potato Grader. Priced to sell. Write
Chester Lee, R. F. D. No. 2, Painesville,
Ohio.
Hammond Betterbags
are Proven for
Packing Pennsylvania
Potatoes
ARE MADE FOR
Fertilizers,
Lime and Limestone,
Flour, Feed, and
Potatoes
They Combine
Strength
Quality
Fine Printing
You Can Be Proud of
Your Product
m
«
Hammond Betterbags
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
Are You Going To Make
Your Potato Goal ?
September brings plans for harvest. Are your
potatoes going to turn out the yield of No. Ts which
you set as a goal at planting time? As the growing
season nears an end, potatoes fill out into the sizes
and shapes which mean a large percentage of No.
Ts and price differences on grading tables.
Potash is the plant food which most influences
quality in potatoes. In addition to increasing yields,
it rounds out the tubers and improves the cooking
quality.
When setting your goal for next season, make
sure that your soil and fertilizer will make at least
200 lbs. of potash (KoO) per acre available to your
potatoes. If you do not know just how much plant
food your soil will provide, your county agent or
experiment station will make soil tests for you.
See your fertilizer dealer or manufacturer. You
will be surprised how little extra it costs to apply
enough potash to insure good yields.
Write us for additional information
and free literature on how to fertilize
your crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.
KID GLOVE
re
Does It's Stuff ''
for Big Ohio Grower
To MAKE SURE that he gets the greatest pos-
sible yield from his 300 odd acres of pota-
toes on his Andover, Ohio farm, grower G. H.
Shillito bought himself a 2-row Iron Age Kid
Glove digger in 1936, another in 1938 — and is
positive there is no equal on the market. Kid
Glove turns up more potatoes with less injuries
than Mr. Shillito ever believed possible . . . and
he's 100% sold on Iron Age planting and digging
equipment.
Mr. Shillito is no exception. Iron Age Kid Glove
users everywhere report bigger yields, with less
tuber injuries, year after year. Kid Glove is
the potato grower's best insurance for top crop
profits. Single or double row models.
A. B.
E FARQUHAR
DUKE STREET, YORK, PENNA. Co., Limited
NUMBER 10
^Gm^.u'
?)\H'
/ pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and the Republic for which it
stands. One nation, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
OCTOBER «» 1942
PHMUUed Im^ the
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
,^\c*'<ia%^
INCORPORATED
-mmitimma^i
I r
)
'f .
,.-<■» ^5
i^.
Write tot Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
THE GUIDE POST
VISION
^^0!(lVA^y^
published by
The Pennsylvania Cooperative
Potato Growers Association^ Inc.
Willianisport
Volume XIX
October, 1942
Number 10
E - QUALITY
"IT CAN'T BE DONE"
Sign in a General Motors plant:
According to the theory of aerodynamics and as may be readily demon-
strated through wind tunnel experiments, the bumblebee i& unable to fly. This
is because the size, weight and shape of his body in relation to the total wing-
spread make flying impossible.
BUT THE BUMBLEBEE, BEING IGNORANT OF THESE SCIENTIFIC
TRUTHS, GOES AHEAD AND FLIES ANYWAY — AND MAKES A LITTLE
HONEY EVERY DAY.
The Federal government recognizes
efficiency in the war effort. More than
600 industrial plants in the United
States have hoisted the large E over
their establishments heralding to the
world-efficiency and excellence in pro-
duction, equitable distribution and, we
hope, at equitable prices. A number of
years ago the Pennsylvania Cooperative
Potato Growers Association set out to
accomplish this same thing in the po-
tato industry — efficiency, excellence and
quality.
Efficiency by encouraging and stres-
sing economy of production thru the
400 Bushel Club.
Excellence by emphasizing improved
quality thru the use of good seed, bet-
ter varieties, proper spraying, proper
rotations and other cultural practices.
Equitable Distribution at equitable
prices fair to consumer, fair to distribu-
tor and fair to the producer. In short as
defined by Webster with ''fairness to
all."
Our Association did not set out to be-
come a high pressure group or to force
concessions thru legislative enactments.
We did not nor do we seek special privi-
leges or price fixing by governmental
agencies. Neither did we set about to
compel monopolistic control for price
regulation which, according to our way
of thinking, is not fair to all. This view-
point if carried on is due to an ultimate
crash as have many producer coopera-
tives sooner or later.
The Pennsylvania Cooperative Po-
tato Growers has a unique marketing
"set up" (in most respects so unique
that it has been considered by some
basically unsound) in that there are no
contracts, no pools, no patronage divi-
dends and at present no compulsory
membership for active participation in
marketing.
The state association is not hampered
with an elaborate system of records and
accounts involved in pooling and other
incumberances. We believe our strength
lies in the true spirit of cooperative ef-
fort and friendly business relationship
and understanding. No moneys of the
grower are handled directly, the pro-
duct belongs to the growers at all times
(even after being packed in the trade-
marked bag) until delivered and ac-
cepted by distributors. The selling price
is the price received by the grower
directly with no deductions. No grower
(Continued on page five)
:-. .-iW;-; v/;^>»;;i;»>:-?r^
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
^^TRAINING GRADE SUPERVISORS
by D. M. James, Pennsylvania Bureau of Markets and
R. B. Donaldson, Agricultural Extension Service,
The Pennsylvania State College
yj
This season marks the seventh year
of training schools for Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers Association
grade supervisors. In September, 1936,
the first inspector's school was held on
the farm of Phillip Antes, Williams-
port, Pennsylvania, and since that time
approximately 60 of these classes have
been held in all principal producing sec-
tions of Pennsylvania. This unique
method of training the farm boys (and
girls) to act as "local inspectors" in
their home communities has not only
furnished the quality control for all the
Blue Label potatoes sold during these
years but has also done much toward
making Pennsylvania producers "qual-
ity conscious" or "grade minded."
R. B. Donaldson in Action
Blakeslee Warehouse — Blakeslee, Pa.
It is estimated that approximately
1,200 have qualified to receive the of-
ficial Association inspector's stamp at
these schools. Not all of these have ac-
tually been employed as grade super-
visors, however. It is further estimated
that at least 1,000 growers or farm po-
tato graders have also attended these
grading school meetings to learn how
to properly interpret the potato grades
or to learn how to pack U. S. No. 1
quality.
The first of the 1942 series of schools
was held on the farm of O. W. Beachley,
Somerset County, on October 2, 1942.
There was an attendance of 22 at this
meeting, of which 12 qualified as As-
sociation Grade Supervisors. To in-
dicate the trend of these war times, tw^o
preachers qualified at this school as
grade supervisors.
The second school of the 1942 season
was held at the farm of A. T. Blakeslee,
Blakeslee, Monroe County, on October
6. At this school there were 20 in at-
tendance, including Roy R. Hess, As-
sociation Contactman, C. F. H. Wuest-
hoff, Association Manager, and County
Agent A. E. Ifft. There were seven
qualified at this school.
The third school was held at Warren,
Pennsylvania, on the evening of Oc-
tober 8. County Agent O. C. Tritt, active
in the potato work of Warren County,
and L. T. Denniston attended this meet-
ing at which time 12 growers qualified
for the grade supervisor's license.
A fourth school was held at the
Snyder Warehouse, Neffs, Lehigh Coun-
ty, on October 13. County Agent A. L.
Hacker opened the meeting with an en-
couraging word for the high quality of
the Lehigh County crop this season.
This school was unique in that of the
23 who qualified for the grade super-
visor's license, six were women.
In commenting on the present grad-
ing situation, it should be emphasized
that some localities of the state do not
have sufficient grade supervisors left
from the call of the draft and war pro-
duction to handle all the inspections
necessary for insuring the quality of the
I
Blue Label pack. Additional people
should be trained from each community
at subsequent schools to guarantee suf-
ficient grade supervision.
In general, the quality of the crop in
most sections of the state this season
is high. Small size will be an important
factor, however. Where the crop was
planted late and the vines killed early
by the blight, size of the tubers will run
small. It will be important for all pack-
ers and grade supervisors to see that the
Blue Label pack conforms to the 2-inch
minimum size with not over three per
cent undersize and that at least 60 per
cent of the potatoes in every bag are
2 J inches or larger — but not over 16
ounces, within 10 per cent tolerance for
oversize.
It has been noted that some grade
supervisors trained and licensed in pre-
vious years are not anxious to qualify
again this year. It might be well if all
licenses were cancelled at the end of
each packing season so that every grade
supervisor would have to take the
training again and requalify each year.
It is not difficult to forget some of the
many factors which go to make up U. S.
No. 1 quality potatoes during the off
season. It is suggested, therefore, that
all grade supervisors who have not yet
attended one of the schools during the
present season try to attend one of the
remaining schools. The time and place
of these meetings will be announced as
subsequent schools are scheduled.
E - QUALITY
(Continued from page three)
is compelled to sell at any time. The
spirit of cooperation impels him to as-
sist in maintaining a steady flow to the
markets at all times thus receiving mar-
ket fluctuations through out the season
which assures him average market
prices.
The control of the entire association
marketing plan lies in the trade-marked
package. The use of this package is
permitted to the grower who agrees to
maintain the standard of quality and
agrees without fail to deliver at the
time and place designated. The trade-
marked package can be manufactured
and delivered only on order from the
central office of the association where a
complete record is kept of all bags manu-
factured and sold. Still more unique
— the association purchases no bags —
They are shipped direct to the user
direct from the factory— COD or sight-
draft.
The association is set up on a strictly
cash basis — no one has ever lost a dol-
lar on any transaction from the pur-
chase of bags to the sale of potatoes.
Our bags are guaranteed by the manu-
facturers to deliver the goods so are our
potatoes guaranteed to the ultimate con-
sumer by the grower who packed them.
Another unique phase of the "set-up"
is the system of identification of every
package for unless the number of the
licensed grade-supervisor is stamped
on the proper place provided on the bag
it is still not a boni-fide package. All
food distributors purchasing these
identified packages are instructed in
this matter so that "boot-leg" potatoes
can be easily intercepted and off quali-
ties easily traced with malicious offen-
ders disqualified be he supervisor or
grower or both.
DETECTO-GBAM
SCALE
BOOSTS
PROFITS
Ends Over-
weights!
Accuratel
with
bagging
rack
Model No.
I744P
JACK S. GIIMISON
116 W. Oakdale Ave., Glenside, Pa.
6
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
THE POTATO RATES HIGH
IN FOOD VALUE
L. T. Denniston
The attached figures, compiled bv the
Bureau of Home Economics and re-
leased by the U. S. Department of Agri-
culture in the "Consumer's Guide" gives
some very interesting comparisons on
food values of our leading fruits and
vegetables.
It is not surprising to find potatoes
rating high in carbohydrates and fuel
value per pound, essential items in
maintaining the much needed energv of
our vast armed and civilian forces. This
is not to minimize the value of minerals
and vitamins in the diet, but in time of
war and emergency such as we are now
in, the soldier and civilian worker needs
vastly greater portions of energy-giving
food. Potatoes, even at prevailing
prices, are one of the cheapest sources
of the essential carbohydrates and fuel
sustaining foods.
Another value of the potato not
brought out by the figures in the charts
is its ability to prevent certain ailments,
especially biliousness, constipation,
rheumatism, scurvia, and gout. These
ailments cut into the efficiency of our
armed forces and reduce labor hours
on the part of our war and civilian
workers.
The potato probably never had a more
ardent champion as a food and for
health than Dr. J. H. Kellogg, of the fa-
mous Battle Creek Sanatarium, Michi-
gan. His laboratories compiled figures to
show that a pound baked potato was
equivalent in total food value to: 1
pound of chicken, 5| ounces of boiled
beef, 2J pints of oysters, 4^ pints of beef
juice, U pints of whole milk, 8 eggs,
4 pounds of boiled cabbage, and 5
pounds of tomatoes.
If you will compare today's market
prices with the above list, it will con-
vince you that a great saving can be
made by the use of potatoes.
Professor Elizabeth Whittaker, Home
Economics Department of the Michigan
State College shows that 8 ounces of
macaroni is four times as fattening as
an 8 ounce potato, an equal portion of
rice — three and one-half times, oat-
meal— four times, chocolate cake — four
times, a piece of pie — three times, and a
doughnut — two times as fattening as
potatoes.
Benefit your health and your pocket-
book by eating more potatoes.
Note: One should note in the at-
tached figures the high rating of Soy-
beans as a food. The fact that they can
be produced abundantly in our climate
is a safeguard to the nation's food supply
in periods of great emergency. Who
knows? We may be eating more of them
in the near future.
HOW FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES
COMPARE
IN FOOD VALUE
Fuel
Total
VALUE
Fruit or
Carbo-
PER
Vegetable
Protein
hydrate
POUND
percent
percent
calories
Apples, fresh
0.3
14.9
290
Bananas
1.2
23.0
445
Cantaloups
.6
5.9
125
Grapefruit
.5
10.1
200
Oranges
.9
11.2
230
Peaches, fresh
.5
12.0
230
Beans, snap,
green
2.4
7.7
190
Beets
1.6
9.6
205
Cabbage, green
1.4
5.3
130
Carrots
1.2
9.3
205
Lettuce, green
leaves
1.2
2.9
85
Onions
1.4
10.3
220
Potatoes
2.0
19.1
385
Soybeans, green.
shelled
12.5
6.0
600
Tomatoes, red
1.0
4.0
105
HAPPINESS
Never pay too much attention to your
own happiness. Just do your duty, and
you will find happiness following as a
matter of course. For happiness is not
an end in itself. It is the by-product of
worth-while efforts for yourself or
others.
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Happiness is not a station you arrive
at, but a manner of traveling. — Margaret
Lee Runbeck.
MORE EFFICIENT USE OF SPRAY
EQUIPMENT
O. D. Burke
Jm
In 1938, it became apparent that if
Pennsylvania farmers were to continue
to produce potatoes, some more efficient
use of spraying equipment would be
necessary, especially in those counties
with many small growers. Growers
realized that profitable production de-
pended on spraying. At that time, plans
were developed for a commercial type
of spray ring that did seem capable of
supplying this need. The plan briefly
was: 1. That farmers organize a spray
ring with sufficient acreage to give an
operator a full time job. 2. That they
hire an operator who would put in his
whole time spraying potatoes, that the
operator would purchase the best equip-
ment and would furnish water and spray
materials and, 3. that spraying would be
paid for on an acre basis per applica-
tion. With the coming of our national
war emergency, farm machinery use
by more than a grower has become im-
portant in conservation of materials.
This spray-ring organization is an out-
standing example of machinery con-
servation and should become an integral
part of potato production programs.
Four communities in Potter County
were selected and organized to try out
the commercial spray ring in 1939. The
four rings covered some 670 acres and
more than a hundred farms. Their suc-
cess was immediate so that in 1942 there
were more than 50 rings in operation.
This large growth was in part a result
of a drive to conserve essential ma-
terials needed for the manufacture of
spray machinery.
Four years work with this type of
spray ring has lead to the following
information that has been used suc-
cessfully in "commercial type spray
ring" organizations in Pennsylvania and
New York.
Organization
A closely knit organization with direc-
tors and a president having power to
hire the operator and who takes the re-
sponsibility of seeing that the ring op-
erates smoothly seem essential.
Ownership of Equipment
Rings have been run on the com-
mercial basis with the operator purchas-
ing and owning all equipment. The
farmers in the ring take no responsi-
bility for this equipment. Operator
ownership promotes better spraying
methods since satisfaction is essential
to the continuation of the program.
Acreage needed and price
Acreage necessary for successful op-
eration cannot be definitely set but the
closer these acres are together and the
larger the fields the lower the per acre
price may be. The price set in rings in
1942 has ranged from $1.85 to $2.00 per
application. The lowest acreage used
was 125, the largest more than 250. 150
acres has allowed the operator to make
his rounds on time and give satisfactory
blight control under the serious blight
epidemic conditions prevalent in 1942.
Minimum Acreage
As to minimum acres per farm again
no definite figure has been set, but rather
accessibility of the acreage to the nor-
mal spray route has determined small
patch acceptance into the ring. As low
as one acre has in many instances been
sprayed in the rings.
Equipment
In experience 10 row outfits, mounted
on a rubber tired tractor, have proved
most satisfactory, and have been quite
useable even on side hill land. Two and
one-half gallon per minute per row at
350 lb. pressure is the minimum re-
quirement for a pump used throughout
the rings organized in Pennsylvania. A
flexible, light boom easily adjusted is
essential. Tubular construction has been
satisfactory. Tractor make and size must
to a certain extent depend on manufac-
turers' guarantees, prices, and adapta-
bility to the job. Tractors should have a
wide front end so that it becomes a four
wheel tractor. It is difficult to over-
power, but easy to underpower.
Outfits are manufactured to fit trac-
tors by several spray companies.
Filling equipment to be used on the
supply truck can be a rotary pump gaso-
line engine powered or power take-
off from truck transmission. Rotary
pump should be capable of pumping 100
(Continued on page ten)
8
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
ROTARY-FARMER DINNER
Sunbury Entertains Farmers of County
Pennsylvania's 1942 Potato Blossom
Queen, Aola Howard, of Shinglehouse,
Potter County, presided over the An-
nual Rotary-Farmer Dinner at Sunbury,
Thursday, September 24th. Our Potato
Blossom Queen spoke briefly over the
Sunbury Radio Station publicizing
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Grow-
ers Blue Label consumer package. When
interrogated concerning quality and
varieties she promptly demonstrated
that she was conversant with potatoes
and particularly interested in the new
varieties, Pocono and Allegheny Moun-
tains. Farmers in and around Union
County participated in a Farm Pro-
ducts Show where many outstanding
products were displayed. Farmers and
business men rubbed shoulders — ate
together and discussed problems of com-
mon interest to their mutual advantage.
Dr. E. L. Nixon, Agricultural Counselor
of the Chain Store Council was the
guest speaker. Dr. Nixon took as his
subject "The Farmer and the War."
Throughout his address, he emphasized
the seriousness of the farm labor situa-
tion and urged business men particu-
larly to support farm leaders in their
effort to secure proper consideration so
that our food supply would not be seri-
ously jeopardized in 1943.
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
9
^
1942-Potato Queen
Aola Howard, Shinglehouse, Potter County
GROWER TO GROWER EXCHANGE
FOR SALE: One good four-row Iron Age
Potato Planter, equipped with large
seed and fertilizer. Hoppers on Rubber
Tires. Price reasonable. Write J. M.
Snyder & Sons, Neffs. Penna.
FOR SALE: Champion two-row Potato
Digger in A-1 condition and rubber
tires. Write W. D. Finzer & Son, Akley,
Penna.
FOOD
TOIL, SWEAT AND TEARS
Dr. E. L. Nixon
One of the foundation stones in the
structure which has evolved into our
present democracy was placed there by
Captain John Smith when he ruled,
"That those who tried to live without
working must try also to live without
eating." His rule was an encourage-
ment to the industrious, but a terror to
the lazy.
The necessity for work was also
recognized away back with the found-
ing of the Garden of Eden for is it not
written, "In the sweat of thy face shalt
thou eat bread, 'till thou return unto
the ground."
Some of us who live in modern sur-
roundings are apt to forget the sacrifices
of those who made the community what
it is today. Mankind has worked and
schemed and planned and today we have
every modern convenience, churches,
schools, theatres, electric lights, sewers,
paved roads, and a hundred and one
other conveniences which most people
today regard as sheer necessities, and
about which our fathers never dreamed
or would not have known how to use.
These things did not come about by
chance or by natural evolution. They
came because mankind toiled and sweat
from hard work to leave behind a bet-
ter world than that into which they
came. Their devotion, their determina-
tion, their struggles, their ideals, their
initiative should be an inspiration to
succeeding generations.
In our modern times has not some-
thing gone amiss. Too many people are
looking for a soft job. Too many people
are not looking for any work job. Labor
is still seeking less hours per day and
less work per hour, and yet the job of
"hewing the wood and hauling the
water" has to be done. Governmental
subsidy has tended to glorify idleness.
Glorified idleness tends to internal de-
cay whether applied to a man or to a
nation. The invitation to lean on the
Lord was intended for the weary and not
the lazy. The lesson America needs to-
day is the nobility of labor — the kind
that brings sweat to the face — and the
beauty of human service — the kind that
inspires cooperation.
How did the farmers of the nation this
past season produce 13% more food than
in the previous season, when they had
less workers. The answer to this re-
markable result is that maximum use
of available women, children, old folk,
and exchanging labor and working
much loneer hours than men and
women toil in industry for two or three
times the wages farmers are able to pay.
The available farm labor has done its
part for 1942. How about 1943, with most
of the available reserves already called
to the farms and a limit to loner hours
and human endurance, when still larger
food production is indispensable for the
all out war effort.
Before the next planting season the
ground work must be laid for a plan
that will have, as its only limits, the
limits of available man-power for pro-
duction. Now is the time for a triumvi-
rate of labor, agriculture, and business —
one for all and all for one. That triumvi-
rate to work together, each to see the
other's problems. Each to sacrifice a lit-
tle for the other. Each to work towards
the other's gain.
Both labor, business and consumer
generally should be cognizant of the
fact that the fprms cannot loose anv-
more of their skilled workers if even the
present level of production is to be
maintained.
In the case of potatoes there is no
question that the greatest incentive back
of the intention to plant is a fair return
annuallv or a phenomenal return oc-
casionally. This does not imply that
there is not as much patriotism in the
potato patch as obtains anywhere, but
we must face the fact, patriotism alone,
will not produce potatoes.
It takes investment risks — more than
for any other food crop. This is par-
ticularly true with the present demora-
lized labor situation and machinery re-
pair and supply uncertainties, coupled
with the usual hazards to overcome —
weather, pests, disease and occasional
crop failures. If the contemplated price
ceiling is so low that the grower is
"skating on thin ice" with no chance of
10
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
an occasional "killing" the country will
have a serious potato shortage.
Aside from all of this, it takes some-
thing to be a potato grower — determi-
nation, the will to win, capacity for hard
work with not only time and a half but
with seasonal double time with plenty
half pay.
Again, the general public is not ap-
preciative of the complete transition
that has taken place in American Agri-
culture. Commercial farming has be-
come completely mechanized. It takes
highly skilled workers to operate
mechanized farms with any semblance
of profit. Everybody is aware that if
there is no engineer the train will not
run. This technical skilled worker on
the modern farm is even more indis-
pensible for food production than is the
skilled labor in the respective fields of
industry. Producing potatoes at even
a small profit on the farm requires
something more than building a battle-
ship or other implements of war where
profit is not the motive or investment
risk is not at stake. One inefficient
technical worker in the potato patch
can undo the entire season's effort by
merely doing the right thing at the
wrong time. Army or Navy rejects, if
they are unskilled farm operators, are
no more suitable for potato production
than they are for the Army or Navy.
There is more involved in potato grow-
ing than hauling manure.
During this national emergency the
problem is how can food production be
maintained at any cost? With the as-
surance that the technical labor on the
farm will be unmolested and that any
producer will not be let down at har-
vest time (just last week I saw four able
bodied young men walk out of a potato
field on account of the work being too
hard and the day too cold) the food of
the nation will be forthcoming. If
patriotism and a reasonable wage will
not suffice to harvest the crop, it re-
solves itself into a first front for the
Army and Navy.
This may sound like drastic meas-
ures, but if we are not so sure that "Food
will win the war and write the peace"
we can be certain that a lack of it will
loose everything.
MORE EFFICIENT USE OF
SPRAY EQUIPMENT
(Continued from page seven)
gallons per minute. A supply truck that
may be a second hand one, on which the
filling pump and also a supply tank is
mounted is an essential to the proper
running of the group. Size of tank of the
truck should be at least 600 gallons. One
thousand to 1200 capacity is not too large
for economical operations.
Materials
Bluestone in the form usually sold as
"snow" has been most satisfactory for
making "instant bordeaux". A rapidly
made bordeaux seems essential to the
correct operation of those rings.
Hydrated lime especially prepared for
spraying purposes has been used in all
the rings. The lime should be as fine
as 300 mesh and should be freshly pre-
pared. Lime that has been stored more
than six weeks has been badly carbon-
ated and sometimes lumpy. The bor-
deaux mixture is prepared by the
sprayer operator. No work is done by
the grower. Even water is brought to
the fields by the operator.
Editor's Note:— Definite supervision
with authority to request changes and
follow recommendations is still neces-
sary for the successful operation of the
commercial spraying. A policy of direc-
tion and supervision coupled with defi-
nite responsibility must be adopted if
cooperative spray rings are to continue
for long. Experience has shown that
this is a real weakness that must be
overcome.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Here's one for the books. In the latest
official news clip sheet from Harrisburg,
there was a story which told of the
plight of the potato growers of Penn-
sylvania.
"The smaller growers not having
equipment to follow a consistent course
of spraying are said to be hard hit by
the potato disease. . . . Although blight
is found in most areas, it is not seriously
prevalent in most commercial potato
growing enterprises because these
growers have prayed heavily." Just an-
other typographical amen.
—From Penn State "Daily Collegian"
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
11
ifc
F.F.A. COOPERATION and the WAR EFFORT
r.F.A. Boys of Knoxville, Tioga County al Camp Potato, W. E. Eshelman. Advisor.
T
Future Farmers of America assist in
solving a serious labor problem. In or-
der to maintain a steady flow of Penn-
sylvania's Blue Label consumer pack-
age into retail stores it was necessary to
call for skilled labor. The Vocational
Agriculture boys of Heoburnville were
appealed to, to fill in the breach. Mr.
C. D. Carey, County Supervisor, located
at Williamsport, solicited the assistance
of his local teachers namely Mr. E. B.
Stoudt, of Hepburnville Agricultural
Department, who went all out for the
idea since he realized that consumers
must be supplied. It was decided to or-
ganize two groups of students to grade,
pack and inspect potatoes in relays
after their instructor had explained and
demonstrated the commercial grading
of potatoes. C. F. H. Wuesthoff, General
Manager of the State Potato Growers*
Association, started the group with defi-
nite instructions as to what was ex-
pected and necessary from the stand-
point of U. S. No. 1 Potatoes in the As-
sociation's Blue Label trade-marked
package. The General Manager author-
ized and certified Mr. Stoudt as a grade
supervisor for the association.
In two days, of 6 hours each, these
high school students graded, packed
and inspected sufficient potatoes to sup-
ply the Williamsport trade for the week.
Since their initial operations these
yoimg people, members of their local
F.F.A. Chapter have been called upon
weekly to help keep a steady fiow of
potatoes to the markets. They are defi-
nitely doing their bit toward winning
the war bv supplying skilled and semi-
skilled labor while at the same time
thev are "Learning by Doing", the only
really true education. Monev earned in
this practical way is helping their
chapter as well as each young man in-
dividually. Philip Antes, of Williams-
port, former directors of the State Po-
tato Growers Association, and a real
cooperator, expressed himself as being
very well pleased with the boys and
their work on his potato farm. School
authorities in response to President
Roosevelts* appeal have been whole
hearted in their support of at least this
particular project.
12
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
If
Elwood Sloudt« F.F.A. Advisor* Teaches Hepburnville Chapter.
u
MEMBERS !
You are not all contributing New Members
It is to your advantage and to the weight of your
individual strength !
In These Times
Your unity with your fellow growers, and the strength of your
Association is Essentiall
Help to Build
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted^ bottom paper sacks
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles makes us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG CO. INC.
4700 3l8t Place
Long Island City, N. Y.
Paper Millt at Orange, Texas
14
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers,' Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz* Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Couderspori Vice-Pres.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff Gen'l Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersnort, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson .... Ehnlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
SALES OFFICES
Main Office:
410 Campbell Street, Williamsport, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
300 East Brady Street, Butler, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
720 North Eighth St., Allentown ,Pa.
Annual membershin fee is $1.00 This in-
cludes the GUIDE POST.
All communications should be addressed
to C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Executive Secre-
tary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
In keeping with our Labor Resolution
published in the August issue of the
GUIDE POST the following memoran-
dum was issued by the War-Manpower
Commission. Growers are advised to
study it carefully and call it to the at-
tention of their various draft boards
when ever necessary.
September, 1942
OCCUPATIONAL BULLETIN No. 18
Effective: Immediately
Subject: Agricultural Activity
1. The War Manpower Commission
has certified that Agriculture is an ac-
tivity essential to the support of the war
effort.
2. This bulletin covers the following
essential activities as listed in the
amendment to Local Board Release No.
115:
(a) Agriculture: Dairy, livestock,
poultry, truck, sugarbeet, sugar-
cane, hay, peanut, soybean, cot-
ton, fruit and nut, potato, dried
pea and bean, crop specialty (e.g.
flax, hemp), seed and general
farms; agricultural and horticul-
tural and animal husbandry serv-
ives such as tree planting, cattle
feed-lot operation, threshing,
grist milling, grain cleaning,
plowing, corn shelling. Includes
also such essential assembly and
marketing services as milk and
cream assembly stations and co-
operative marketing associations.
3. The following list of occupations in
agrirultural activitv are occupations re-
quiring a reasonable degree of training,
qualifications or skill to perform the
duties involved. It is the purpose of this
list to set forth the important occupa-
tions in agriculture which must be filled
by persons capable of performing the
duties involved, in order that the ac-
tivity may maintain efficient production.
This list is confined to those occupations
which require six months or more of
training and preparation.
4. In classifying registrants employed
in these activities, consideration should
be given to the following:
(a) The training, qualification, or
skill required for the proper dis-
charge of the duties involved in
his occupation;
(b) The training, qualification, or
skill of the registrant to engage
in his occupation; and
(c) the availability of persons with
his qualifications or skill, or who
can be trained to his qualification,
to replace the registrant and the
time in which such replacement
can be made.
CRITICAL OCCUPATIONS
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
Agronomist
Airplane Pilot, Crop Dusting
Animal Husbandman
Bacteriologist, Dairy
Beekeeper
Biologist
Blacksmith, Farm
Butter, Maker
Cheese, Maker
Chemist
October, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
Condenser Operator Milk
Cotton Classer
Cotton-Gin Operator
Cowpuncher
Dry Yard Superintendent
Entomologist
Farm Machinery Operator (All Around)
(This includes only those workers
who are capable of operating and
maintaining a farm tractor of engines
in combination with complex power
machinery requiring specialized ex-
perience for successful operation.)
Farm Operator, Foreman, or
Generally Skilled Farm Hand
(This title includes only those per-
sons who are generally skilled in farm
operations and engaged on a full-
time year-round basis, and those per-
sons who are in complete charge of
the operations or management of
those types of farm activities included
in this list.)
Fruit and Vegetable Sprayer or duster.
Grain-Elevator Operator (Supervising)
Grist Miller
Hatchery Operator, Poultry
Herdsman, Sheep or Dairy
(This title refers to persons in charge
of a sheep or dairy herd who are re-
sponsible for the feeding, breeding,
care, and management of the herd. It
does not apply to one who merely
tends the sheep or cattle at pasture in
order to keep them out of cultivated
fields.)
Irrigation engineer
Mechanic, Farm (All Around)
Mechanic, Maintenance
Nurseryman
Seed Analyst
Veterinarian, Livestock
EDITORIAL COMMENTS
PARITY AND AGRICULTURAL
INTEREST DISCUSSION
IN WASHINGTON
Your Association sent the following
telegram to Claude Wickard, Secretary
of Agriculture; Joseph Guffey and J. J.
Davis, Pennsylvania Senators in Wash-
ington, expressing our feeling con-
cerning ceiling prices and parity:
Western Union — Williamsport, Penna.,
Sept. 23, 1942 — Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers are in sym-
pathy with efforts to control infiation
but are opposed to measures that
would stifle production. Equitable
parity formula should be adopted with
wages, industrial prices and farm
commodity prices properly weighted."
Signed —
Penna. Coop. Potato Growers Assn.
Parity — Parity — Parity — So What?
Farmers, Businessmen, Housewives, all
have a different conception of parity. It
is explainable and should be definitely
explained in one or not more than two
syllable words so that all of us can un-
derstand it. Generally the public feels
that parity is equality and that farmers
should be satisfied with equitable prices
but this is not true. Present parity prices
would be ruinous in most cases. The or-
iginators of the parity formula should
clarify the atmosphere for it "smells to
high heaven" and puts our farmer
friends in a bad light, officially and pub-
lically. Ajgriculture seems to be suffer-
ing from a boomerang we wanted (?)
parity and now that it appears that is it
going to fall into our lap we don't want
it. Why? — because it is not fairly con-
sidering all ramifications.
COOPERATING
Hundreds of thousands of Blue Label
Consumer packages are going into the
markets weekly. When once markets
are established we are obligated to keep
a steady fiow of consumers pecks to re-
tain this cash market. Of course growers
are not expected to lose money just to
maintain a steady flow. One should
take all the facts into consideration
however. In the first place what estab-
lishes a price structure for Pennsylvania
Potatoes? It is not a few burlap bags
sold at random to itinerant truckers.
Through cooperative effort a depend-
able market has been established for a
definite quality, grade and package.
Everybody selling at the so-called high
is what quickly reverts to a so-called
low. Selling as the market affords in an
orderly manner is what avoids the gluts
which accompany ruinous prices.
16
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
ATTENTION
GRADE SUPERVISORS
New Grade Supervisors are being
certified and licensed daily; Veteran
Grade Supervisors are constantly in-
creasing their efficiency by attending
grading schools yet there are still a few
Blue Label potatoes going on to the mar-
ket below standard. How come—? Is
it due to carelessness and indifference
or just due to the natural human error.
Producers generally are anxious to
maintain the grade but there are al-
ways a few willing to "take a chance"
on placing borderline products on the
market. This practice whether through
accident, carelessness or indifference is
fatal, sooner or later, to any well plan-
ned marketing program. Consumers,
appreciate the time and handicaps the
farmer has to contend with yet when it
touches their daily living and their
economy, they are bound to react ad-
versely with the result that his product
becomes less and less in demand.
Potato Grade Supervisors are urged
to pay particular attention to common
reasons for complaints: 1. Dirty pota-
toes. 2. Badly misshapened tubers. 3.
Short weights— (15 lb. 6 oz.). 4. Too
many potatoes per package (Max. 55).
5. Sunburn and scab. 6. Stem end dis-
coloration. 7. Blight rot.
Grade Supervisors should remember
to be FAIR. Fair to Growers and Fair
to Consumers. To be lenient or lax will
eventually be unfair to both grower
and consumer. The grower will lose his
reputation and market and the con-
sumer will not get his money's worth.
Remember Grade Supervisor your
job is a key job — ^your personal reputa-
tion is at stake as well as the reputation
of your producer employer. You are
urged to be fair to yourself — to your
emplover and to his eventual customer.
The Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers Association is anxious that you
make good personally — in your success
as a grade supervisor lies the success of
our marketing program that has weath-
ered many storms.
DEER HUNTING AND "CAMP POTATO"
Deer hunting is a great time for us
all to get a little relaxation in the wide
open spaces. No better spot in the
country can be found than parts of Pot-
ter County. "Camp Potato'* will be open
to members of the Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers Association
and their friends. In order to avoid un-
pleasantness and embarrassment, we are
asking members bringing parties to
"Camp Potato" to be responsible for
their guests. This is wise from the
standpoint of safety and our good repu-
tation. No group or party will be ad-
mitted to the camp without the under-
standing that strong drink and carous-
ing is definitely out and cannot be tol-
erated. No trouble has been experienced
in the past and we want no trouble in
the future. Those planning to be at "the
camp" during deer season are asked to
correspond with Ed Fisher, Couders-
port, or Robert Crosby, Camp Potato,
Coudersport, so that arrangements can
be made.
ONE THING the depression has taught us :
there are many things we really
don't need.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock Street
Philadelphia
Lombard 1000
t
We are now building war materials such as fire
fighters and decontaminators to within nearly 100%
of the capacity of our factory.
We appreciate the consideration and loyalty of
our many friends using our equipment and hope for
their continued consideration even though we are not
at the present time in a position to furnish equipment.
After this is over, we will be back with a complete
line of highly developed machinery for your needs.
From time to time we will be permitted by proper
authorities to build certain items of equipment for
your use. Definite information on this will be given
out later.
JOHN BEAN MFG. CO
LANSING, MICfflGAN
^^
18
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
POTATO PRICE CEILINGS
Washington O. P. A. Office Calls in Spokesmen
Conference of potato growers, shippers
and wholesale distributors held here
this week with OPA officials turned out
to be an information clinic in which
OPA sought data upon which to base
anticipated changes in its price ceiling
formula for these commodities. Al-
though the conferences were closed to
the press it is known that no definite
conclusions were drawn, at least no such
conclusions were announced to those
attending.
Although views as to the manner in
which price ceilings should be applied
were very diverse, most carlot receivers
appeared to favor ceilings at the retail
level in the belief that these ceilings
would automatically serve to maintain
ceilings at the wholesale levels and for
the various grades of produce. Many
of the jobbers expressed favor for ceil-
mgs at both retail and wholesale levels.
Growers and shippers appeared less
generally in accord but asked for floor
levels as well as ceiling prices.
It was pointed out that growers in
some areas are undecided as to future
operations under the winter vegetable
goals announced this week by the De-
partment of Agriculture because of the
uncertainty as to prices. These growers
apparently need full information im-
mediately as to what they can expect
in the way of price ceilings over their
products. Otherwise, there is a strong
likelihood that goals set up by the De-
partment will not be reached.
Representatives from all potato grow-
ing areas were very much in evidence.
The Pennsylvania delegation consisted
of Messrs. P. D. Frantz, E. L. Nixon,
and C. F. H. Wuesthoff.
— WARTIME —
Conditions and continuous demands upon the Editor have made it impos-
sible for him to publish the GUIDE POST on time. O.P.A. conferences.
Labor Union sessions and Market Problems had of necessity priority.
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection - Service - Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phone 7-3231 AnnvUle, Pa.
October, 1942
THE GUTOE POST
19
400 BUSHEL CLUB
Applications for membership in the
400-Bushel Club are coming in rapidly.
Good farm practices evidently pay. In
spite of handicaps experienced this
year the following have reached their
production goal of 400 or more bushels
per acre. Improved practices in all
lines of farm production has always paid
dividends.
Myron D. Parsons, Hellertown, North-
ampton County, 502.3 bushels of Katah-
dins, checked and reported by A. W.
Crouthamel, AUentown.
J. Clinton Marple, Springhouse, Mont-
gomery County, 448.3 bushel Green
Mountains, checked and reported by A.
W. Crouthamel, AUentown.
Philadelphia Prison Farm, Philadel-
phia County, 570.9 bushels, checked and
reported by Charles H. Hallowell,
County Agent, Philadelphia.
Myron Parsons, Hellertown, North-
ampton County, 544 bushels, of Katah-
dins, checked and reported by B. L.
Coleman.
Aaron H. Stern, R. D. 1, Mill Hall,
Clinton County, 444 bushels of Green
Mountains, checked and reported by
J. B. McCool.
Charles C. Waltz, Trout Run, Ly-
coming County, 409.5 bushels of Rus-
setts, checked and reported by Robert H.
Rumler, county agent, Williamsport.
Hiram A. Frantz, Coplay, Lehigh
County, 458 bushels of Katahdins
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
Elwood E. Hardwerk, Germansville,
Lehigh County, 541 bushels of Russetts,
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
Elwood R. Broder, Schnecksville, Le-
high County, 436 bushels of Katahdins,
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
Daniel J. Frantz, Coplay, Lehigh
County, 431 bushels of Katahdins
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
William B. Krause, Slatington, Lehigh
County, 617.5 bushels of Sebagos,
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
Carl C. Streuver, Germansville, Le-
high County, 504 bushels of Russetts,
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
Daniel W. Keener, Neffs, Lehigh
County, 453 bushels of Katahdins
checked and reported by A. L. Hacker.
(Continued on page twenty^two)
PENNSYLVANIA'S
CO - OPERATIVE
GROWING AND
MARKETING
PLAN
IS A
Milestone —
"A Pattern For Progress"
We are pleased to have played
a small part in its sound develop-
ment, by furnishing Association
members with strong, attractive-
ly printed, paper bags.
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
20
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
F F. A. Boys, Hepbornville High School, Lycoming County. Elwood
Sloudt, Inslniclor, Phil Anlis, Grower.
FUTURE FARMERS TO THE RESCUE
C. D. Carey, County Vocational Supervisor for Lycoming County
With a general labor shortage, farm-
ers are experiencing difficulty in the
harvesting of crops. In many cases the
situation is critical and we must have
the food to win the war.
All over the country the schools have
been called on to help with emergency
labor and in many cases they are saving
the day. The rural high schools are the
chief source of help and right m the
front ranks, and most in demand are the
Future Farmers of America. There are
good reasons why this is so. In the de-
partments of Vocational Agriculture are
the most experienced and best tramed
boys. Under the efficient supervision of
their agricultural teachers they have
always been active in community serv-
ice and now in these days of emergency
they are making special efforts to help
where the need is greatest. They have
saved cannery crops from going to waste
in the field; fruit crops have been har-
vested in the nick of time; potatoes
picked, corn husked and they ask for
more. These F.F.A. members, because
of their knowledge and experience, have
been useful in guiding and supervising
less experienced youth. They have
helped in the grading and packing of
crops. , X • J-
During school hours and out, indi-
vidually and in groups, they are on the
job. The greatest service is usually
rendered by groups under the leader-
ship of their teachers of agriculture. In
practically all cases you will find the
teacher in overalls, working right with
the boys. . ,
In most cases the boys are paid
standard or near standard rates for
their work. The money may go to the
boys or into the chapter treasury, or
part into the treasury and the rest to
the boys.
All nine of Lycoming County's F.F.A.
Chapters have helped to a greater or
less degree in the emergency harvesting
and marketing of crops. To date they
have put into their pockets and trea-
suries almost a thousand dollars. Of
much greater value are the experiences
of group effort, the community spirit
and the satisfaction of a good job well
done. , . ^,
We venture the guess that many of the
members of the Pennsylvania Potato
Growers Association, all over the State,
have been glad for Future Farmer help.
We know in our own County of Lyco-
ming they have done good work and
are called back again and again. Many
of the Keystone labeled bags have been
speeded to waiting markets with the
help of Future Farmers.
When this picture was first published, we were asking you
to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe
Now the Champion Twins ask that yon bear with Uncle Sam
and with us when diggers and irrigation pipe are not too plentiful.
We realize that the day is coming when we will again beg of
YOU to buy OK Champion Diggers and Irrigation Pipe. That is
why it is so hard for us to be forced to say, "Sorry, but there just
aren't enuff diggers to go around."
In the meantime, everyone is doing his best. Repairs for ma-
chines in use are still available and one of these days, new diggers
on rubber tires, and better than ever, will glisten in the sunshine
of the potato fields.
JOIN THE SCRAP HARVEST
HAMILTON & CO.
Ephrata, Pa.
McCUNE & CO.
Netv Waterford^ Ohio
CHAMPION CORPORATION
Hammond, Indiana
22
THE GUIDE POST
October, 1942
MEMBERSHIPS
NEW AND RENEWAL
Jacob Duty. Edysburg
James D. Wheal. Muncy Valley
Leon J. Knepper, Berlin
Roland J. Longoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Wihmer A. Mensch, Catawissa
Clyde E. Horner, Boswell
John Schrope, Hegins
Harvey W. Muth, Allentown
George O. Roth, Slatington
George E. Neauman, Milton
Vincent A. Holtz. Hastings
Edward Comstock, Morris
John R. Weaver. Mahafifey
M. C. Brothers, Cherry Tree
E. P. Young, Westover
Clarence Hoffman, Red Lion
Iva Welty, Red Lion
V. Ross Nicodemus, Martinsburg
Waldron Frederick Conyngham
Pelch Brothers, Williamsfield, Ohio
George I. McCracken, Blairsville
F. S. Fetherolf, Allentown
Brion & Goodall, Liberty
Frances E. Cumberland, Nazareth
E. L. Nixon, State College
Without particular solicitation potato
growers are rapidly renewing their
memberships as time goes on. This is
most important and dare not be over-
looked for the life of any organization
is it's actively interested members who
realize that their interests are being
championed at every turn. Applications
for new memberships are coming in
steadily through steady missionary
work on the part of present members.
It should not be difficult to sell a man
on the merits and value of his own
business.
In addition to membership rights and
privileges that the grower may expect
from his "Coop," he also buys with his
dollar a years subscription to the potato
growers official organ 'THE GUIDE
POST."
400 BUSHEL CLUB
(Continued from page nineteen)
G L. Allen, Wysox, Bradford County,
486.5 bushels of Chippewas, checked
and reported by P. N. Reber.
C J. Geigler, Neffs, Lehigh County,
614 bushels of Sebagos, checked and
reported by A. L. Hacker.
Harvey Hocker, Montoursville, Ly-
coming County, 406 bushels of Russetts,
checked and reported b y Elton B. Tait.
Leon J. Knepper, Berlin, Somerset
County, 416 bushels of Russetts, checked
and reported by C. C. McDowell.
Robert Keith, E. L. Nixon and Ed Fisher
checking seedlings— Camp Potato.
Robert Keith in the midst of HU 22-
4 star one of the consistently out-
standing varieties being developed at
"Camp Potato." Mr. Keith a junior
Botany student at the Pennsylvania
State College, is working on a three
year fellowship through the courtesy of
the American Potato Chip Institute of
Hanover, Pennsylvania. He keeps a
definite series of charts and records of
plantings, field observations and dig-
ging results. Thousands of seedlings are
propagated, thousands are discarded
yearly while most promising types are
saved for further testing. Appearance
and cooking qualities of the tuber itself
are important considerations yet disease
resistance, length of growing season and
storage reaction are equally important.
In short, new varieties and strains are
constantly sought to supply the Ameri-
can kitchen with an attractive utility
product that will sell readily and prove
profitable to Pennsylvania Growers.
The Potato Chip Institute, Pennsylvania
Farm Bureau Cooperative, the Chain
Store Council, the Hershey Estates, the
American Paint Company, the American
Potash Institute, and the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers Associa-
tion, are all cooperating in varietal de-
velopment. To date there are four most
promising developments namely, The
Rusticate or Pocono, the Allegheny
Mountains, HU 22-4 Star— and HU 23
ME.
T
-*•
Are You Making Your
1942 Goal ?
Early estimates indicate that the country as a whole is
not meeting its 1942 potato production goal. Is your crop
meeting the goal which you set for it at planting time? If
not, it will pay you to check into the supplies of potash
which were available for its use during the growing season.
In addition to increasing potato yields, potash is the plant
food which most influences the growing of a larger per-
centage of No. Ts. It rounds out the shape and improves
the cooking quality.
When setting your goal for next season, make sure that
your soil and fertilizer will make at least 200 lbs. of potash
(KoO) per acre available to your potatoes. If you do not
know just how much plant food your soil will provide,
your county agent or experiment station will make soil
tests for you.
See your fertilizer dealer or manufacturer. You will be
surprised how little extra it costs to apply enough potash
to insure good yields.
Write us for additional information
and free literature on how to fertilize
your crops.
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.
V"'-
♦
¥
-K
Resting until planting season, Mr. Menges'
one year old, 4 row automatic planter.
Write for complete information on
Iron Age planters — automatic new
Hi -Speed (with 16 picker arms)
and assisted feed models.
1 can plant more acres
a day with IRON AGE"
says William Menges, Hanover, Pa.
William Menges, of near Hanover, Pa.,
endorses his 4-row Iron Age automatic
potato planter all the way. And Mr.
Menges should know — because he
usually farms over 100 acres of pota-
toes each year, and depends on it
heavily as a money crop.
"I got stands this year that some of my
neighbors — who are considered very
good growers — cannot touch," he said,
when asked about the performance of
his Iron Age automatic planter. "That
Hi-Lo fertilizer system is exactly what
I need to give the potatoes the extra
push— especially during dry
weather. I think Farquhar
makes excellent planting
equipment."
Mr. Menges claims he can
plant faster, and his yields
are larger since he switched
to a 4-row machine. Pre-
viously he had used an Iron
Age two-row automatic
planter for about six years,
which he purchased second-
hand and never had a bit
of trouble. He's sold on
Iron Age — because Iron
Age has given him everything a money
crop grower is looking for . . . faster
planting, greater accuracy, bigger
yields, lower fertilizer costs with the
unmatched Hi-Lo Band-Wav method.
A. B. FARQUHAR CO., Limited
920 DUKE STREET. YORK, PA.
If MM 9))rA
NUMBER 11
THE PEWKiYLv'ANiA S1a]L
s./ v/
LLE(if
Future Farmers of Slippery Rock Chapter help to Save the Potato Seed crop
on Tom Denniston Farm, Butler County.
'¥
« »
1942
«••«••*
^
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GMWFM
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NOVEMBER
PMMldied Is^ the
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
*
mm
VISION
^V^HS\LV4/V^
^WOWERS
THE GUIDE POST
published hy
The Pennsylvania Cooperative
Potato Growers Association, Inc.
Williamsport
Volume XIX
November, 1942
Number 11
fKK<
'■''
^.^iSSii!^. x*
3
P^H
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i
1
Write for Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
A BRIEF :-
on the Seriousness
of the Agr. Situation
Machinery - Labor - Financial Risk - Morale
So many authentic reports have been
brought to the attention of leaders and
growers, particularly the officers and
directors of the Pennsylvania Coopera-
tive Potato Growers' Association, about
the serious obstacles or hazards in the
path of 1943 Potato Production, that at
a recent meeting of the Board of Direc-
tors a resolution was adopted to in-
vestigate and report just what consti-
tutes these hazards. A careful survey
of the situation reveals the following
facts —
In the first place, the technically
skilled farm labor has left and is still
leaving the farms at an alarming rate,
so much so that it looks as though it
will be impossible to even plant and
care for the usual acreage for 1943 let
alone any increase which will be sorely
needed. The technically skilled worker
is the key to the whole situation for on
this man's accomplishments depends ac-
tually whether common labor will have
anything to do in salvaging the crop,
for without him there will be little to
harvest.
In the second place, the common un-
skilled workers — women and children-
type of labor was barely adequate for
the past season. Steps will certainly
need to be taken to get this type of la-
bor a great deal better organized, sys-
tematized and trained to even salvage
the crops once produced. In addition
to the women and children type of la-
bor, there is a certain amount of man
sized jobs that has to be done at harvest-
time that can be done only by able
bodied men — lifting bags and crates,
loading and unloading trucks, and a
thousand and one other farm chores en-
tirely too heavy for women and chil-
dren. Picking potatoes into containers
is not half of the harvest as indispensa-
ble as this is. Able bodied men on the
farm are scarce and are rapidly getting
scarcer. Hence it will be absolutely
necessary that a great deal of practical
workable planning will have to be done
before the next harvest rolls around
to avoid another "too little and too late."
According to the State Department of
Agriculture figures put out recently, it
was noted that fully 25% of this year's
apple crop was lost because of the lack
of proper utilization of available com-
mon labor. There is example after
example among our own potato growers
who barely got under the wire in har-
vesting their crop before freezing
weather due to this labor shortage.
Every bit of the reserve farm labor was
"called up." More than the reserve farm
labor will be required for 1943. It will
have to come from innumerable sources.
It must be assembled, organized, disci-
plined and distributed.
In the third place, machinery re-
pairs and replacements together with
necessary supplies such as fungicides,
insecticides or fertilizers are so hedged
about with priorities, rulings and un-
certainties that the farmer is in a maze
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
3
i
il
of indecision. There is no question about
the American farmer's ability given half
a chance to produce all the farm com-
modities required by our armed forces
and civilian population. Yet right at the
culmination of the harvest season when
the nation is lifting its heart in thanks
for the most bountiful harvest m our
history, grocers' shelves were never
emptier and food rationing is right
around the corner. To the rank and file
of our people such a condition cannot
happen here. There is little mystery
about the causes of such a situation but
there must be a question that such a de-
velopment has been necessary and it is
little short of criminal if the causes are
unchecked before they result in a farm
and food crisis of staggering propor-
tions. Lacking needed new equipment
and technical labor six million farrners
must struggle to increase farm prodiic-
tion. Nature can hardly be expected to
provide such a combination of favorable
crop conditions again in 1943, when 13
per cent more food was produced. More
likely are adverse conditions with a 13%
reduction in production coupled with
another 13 to 30% reduction in effi-
ciency and a national food crisis of too
little and too late is upon us. Suddenly
remove one third of our present hold-
ings of potatoes and disaster would be
upon us right now. The danger is that
one third of the 1943 crop may be
gradually removed with ever more dis-
astrous results.
During the three years of the present
world conflict, the number of tractors
in the British Isles has been doubled.
Germany has considered tractors and
farm machinery part and parcel of its
military program. America, with vastly
greater industrial capacity is drastically
restricting the production of farm ma-
chinery. Any program of restriction
which furthers victory must be en-
couraged, regardless of its effect upon
individuals and industries. But does
farm machinery and technical farm la-
bor meet such a test? "The too much
of all farm commodities of a few years
ago is not available now. Neither are
the tires or gas. It is of tomorrow we
must be thinking.
The Department of Agriculture
through its vast personal contacts with
farmers knows their needs first-hand
and has recommended much more lib-
eral farm machinery production than
will be permitted in 1943.
The best brains of the farm equipment
industry have urged a much higher
minimum output and a more liberal at-
titude for replacement and repair parts.
It has been stated on good authority
that ''one and one-half per cent of the
nation's present output of steel would
be sufficient to produce four times as
much farm machinery as is contem-
plated to be made in 1943.
The farm machinery dealers are ready
to expand maintenance and servicing
facilities to the limit if given shop tools
and skilled mechanics. Keeping pres-
ent equipment fieldworthy is a duty
they will perform for the duration even
if patriotism is their only incentive. Pro-
longing the use of new equipment, un-
duly, under normal peace-time condi-
tions is an experiment at best. In a na-
tional emergency it is a dangerous risk.
This survey reveals that there are a lot
of unpractical, unworkable, unneces-
sary hazards in the form of priorities
interrupting the flow of necessary re-
pairs and replacements to the farmer.
In the fourth place, something is hap-
pening to the morale of our farm peo-
ple, which is being reflected in an atti-
tude of indifference and indecision par-
ticularly in respect to his intention to
plant next years crops.
Here are some of the most frequent
observations encountered in this sur-
vey:
1. The unsympathetic attitude on the
part of the local draft boards in regard
to the technical skilled workers.
2. The exodus of these skilled work-
ers to the higher wages and shorter
hours of industry. (Of course the work-
ers cannot be blamed but the farm suf-
fers, nevertheless.)
3. The unsympathetic or misunder-
standing of the press, political, indus-
trial and civic leaders generally of the
farm problems.
4 The mysticism of price ceilings as
enunciated by the O.P.A., right or
wrong, is not generally understood.
5. The gas and truck restrictions of
O.D.T. if adherred to will curtail 50%
of most production.
6. The freezing of steel by W.P.B. for
replacements, repairs and new equip-
ment will result in long delays— costly
and even ruinous.
7. The sudden transition from too
much farm produce to so little that it
(Continued on page 8)
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
"
i
4-
Growers Committee Activities
■'
Recent Activities of the Association,
officers and friends on the seriousness
of the agricultural situation are most
interesting and promising. Your com-
mittee was energetic in appealing for
an understanding of the farmers prob-
lems. They hope to keep vital and
critical information before officials, ad-
ministrators, politicians and the press,
so that the grower does not necessarily
receive subsidies which he does not want
but that he is given some assurance of
at least a sympathetic understanding.
The grower is anxious for simplifica-
tion and coordination of war production
regulations. He appreciates that they
are necessary to curb infiation and guar-
antee a 100% war effort and he is de-
cidedly patriotic to the point of making
sacrifices ruinous as they may be. The
following has been done to date.
July 20th — Adopted Farm Labor
Resolution and forwarded copies to sen-
ators and the War Manpower Commis-
sion.
November 12th— Adopted a resolu-
tion to the effect that a committee in-
vestigate the labor and machinery situa-
tion as it pertains to the potato industry
and do something about it.
November 14th — Met with the North-
east Fruit and Vegetable Growers and
presented problem to them with an idea
of securing action in Washington.
November 19— Secured chain store
councils assistance. Met with Selective
Service officials at Harrisburg to im-
press upon them the seriousness of the
situation. Had conference and lunch
with key machinery distributors to so-
licit their cooperation.
Had conference with Farm Bureau
Cooperative Manager and Assistants,,
and the Pennsylvania War Board Direc-
tor to make certain of unity in efforts
and that the situation as found was not
overdrawn. Conferred with Manager
Wm. Hardy of the Pennsylvania News-
paper Association and Chain Store
Council to work out a plan of action
so that the public might be informed
properly.
November 24th— L. D. Odhner ar-
ranged conferences with Wheeler Mc-
Millan, Editor of the Farm Journal and
William L. McLean Jr., of the Phila-
delphia Evening Bulletin and chairman
of the PNPA National Defense Com-
mittee. These conferences were satis-
•factory in that these prominent editors
are being made conscious of happenings
and conditions in rural America and
Pennsylvania particularly. The follow-
ing attended this conference: L. D.
Odhner, Fred Johnson and E. L. Nixon
of the Chain Store Council; Wheeler Mc-
Millan, William McLean, Melvin Fergu-
son of the Farm Journal and the Eve-
ning Bulletin Editorial Staffs; H. S.
Hershey, Robert Rohr, Sheldon Funk,
and Lionel Newcomer of the Fruit
Growers Association; E. L. Nixon, P.
D. Frantz, C. F. H. Wuesthoff of the
Potato Growers Association.
This particular meeting closed with
the idea of taking this admittedly seri-
ous problem before a group of rural
and city editors convening in Harris-
burg November 30th.
TIMELY REMINDERS
Care Saves Wear
SPRAYERS Need Attention
During the winter and spring months
atmospheric moisture may condense m-
side the gear case. Too often the oil is
old and thin at the time the machine was
last used and this thin oil drains rather
quickly off the bearings, gears, etc. Good
new oil of medium viscosity (SAE-30)
will cling to these parts and protect
against rusting.
Our suggestion is that you drain the
gear case and put new oil in now. If
not convenient at this time of year to
run the pump to circulate the new oil,
take off the inspection plate and use a
paint brush to get oil on all the bearings,
gears, and inside machined surfaces,
turning over by hand to enable you to
reach all the parts.
Steel tanks that show rusting on the
inside should have attention. Thor-
oughly clean and repaint with our spe-
cial tank paint or give it a coat of good
heavy machine oil. Do not disturb the
inside finish in a steel tank unless rust
spots are appearing.— The Manufacturer
6
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
Maximum Prices For Potatoes
(Excerpt from Maximum Price Regulation No. 271, effective November 9, 1942)
WHITE POTATOES
(Maximum price per 100 lb. U. S. No. 1 grade and in hags)
State
Maine
New York
Pennsylvania
Michigan
Idaho
These prices are subject to the fol-
lowing differentials for grades other
than U. S. No. 1 and for certain types
of shipment:
(A). — Differentials for Grades other
than U. S. No. 1.
1. For white potatoes which grade
below U. S. No. 1, packed in 100 lb. bags,
the country shipper shall subtract 30c
per cwt. from the maximum price list
above.
2. For white potatoes, U. S. Extra No.
1, or U. S. No. 1-A, 2 inch minimum
packed in 100 lb. bags, the country
shipper may add 20c cwt. to the maxi-
mum prices listed above.
(B).— Differentials for Certain Types
of Shipments.
1. For white potatoes graded and
packed in bags of 25 lbs. or less, the
FOB Shipping
Point
1942
1943
Nov. Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
1.90 1.95
2.05
2.10
2.20
2.30
2.20
2.10
2.15 2.15
2.25
2.40
2.45
2.45
2.35
2.20
2.20 2.20
2.30
2.45
2.45
2.45
2.40
2.25
2.05 2.10
2.20
2.25
2.30
2.35
2.30
2.20
1.95 2.00
2.05
2.10
2.20
2.30
2.15
2.00
country shipper may add 20c per cwt.
to the maximum prices for each grade.
2. For white potatoes shipped in bulk,
graded and unsacked, the country ship-
per shall subtract 20c per cwt. from the
maximum prices for each grade.
3. For white potatoes shipped in
bulk, ungraded and unsacked, the
country shipper shall subtract 50c per
cwt. from the maximum prices shown
above.
4. For white potatoes, ungraded and
packed in 100 lb. bags, the country ship-
per shall subtract 40c per cwt. from the
maximum prices shown above.
5. If the purchaser furnishes bags, the
country shipper shall subtract 25c per
cwt. from the maximum prices for each
grade.
KEEP TRYING, keep pushing on — but be thankful,
for thankfulness is the source of strength and courage.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
Philadelphia Lombard 1000
122 Dock Street
^
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
^^CROP COMMANDOS'' CAN
HELP FARMERS
McNutt Says Professional
People, Housewives, and
Children Must Take Jobs
By Associated Press
New York City, Nov. 21.— Merchants,
bankers, professional men, housewives,
and school children probably will be
asked to volunteer as "crop commandos"
to help harvest and process next sum-
mer's food crop, says Paul V. McNutt,
chairman of the War Manpower Com-
mission.
Speaking at a meeting of the Grocery
Manufacturers of America, McNutt de-
clared yesterday that the day is past
when Americans can look to migratory
workers to harvest the crops.
McNutt said that the advertising and
merchandising channels of the food in-
dustry would be asked to explain the
necessity for volunteer farm workers.
"You can help us tell the American
people that this help on the farms is
no holiday picnic, but is a part of the
grim business of war," he told the gro-
cery manufacturers.
There is a need for higher farm wages,
the WMC chairman said, since the "wide
spread between farm earnings and wage
rates in alternate occupations is one of
the chief reasons for the migration of
farm workers into industry."
TRAINING ON THE JOB
ft
A good Grade Supervisors' School
should acquaint growers and prospective
Grade Inspectors with the various de-
fects, injuries and disqualifications of
potatoes. It must at the same time em-
phasize just what is allowable in a U. S.
No. 1 package as to size and quality. A
beginner might be too severe in his grad-
ing and again too lenient. Either prac-
tice is unfair to some one, in the first
case the grower while in the second
the consumer suffers. Familiarity with
all types of "off grade" potatoes is most
important with emphasis perhaps upon
sunburn, wire worm and rot. The other
blemishes are perhaps relative, that is,
they may be present but only to a very
lesser degree — allowance of 6% or .9 of
a pound is allowed in a Blue Label
package. This same allowance of 6%
holds whether 100 lb. burlap, 50 lb.
paper or 15 lb. paper is the package be-
ing filled. By allowance is meant —
waste, that is, if 6% of the package is
waste it is off grade.
Each grade supervisor should be re-
quired to check on several packages
that he graded himself. It is his job
to check and recheck his work, 6% is
the tolerance no more.
Finally each prospective supervisor
and grower present should be an "In-
spector on the Job for a time" — "King
for a Day," he should note efficient ar-
rangement of equipment and the proper
placing of workers while he himself
does nothing but inspects potatoes as
they pass over the machine. The motor
switch should be close at hand for him
to start and stop the show. The syste-
matic and efficient operation of the en-
tire lay-out is a responsibility often
overlooked.
NOTICE! NOTICE!
The Annual Business Meeting of
the Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association will be held at
Harrisburg, Thursday, January 12th,
at 11 A. M. (Room to be announced).
The business to be transacted will in-
clude:
1. Report of Officers and Directors
2. Annual election of 3 Directors
3. General business of the Associa-
tion
Signed: C. F. H. WUESTHOFF
Exec. Sec'y and Gen. Mgr.
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association, Inc.
8
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
INCREASE YOUR SALES !
INCREASE YOUR PROFITS !
BY USING
Hammond Better Bags
Dress Up Your Potatoes For
Eye Appeal
In A
Hammond Better Bag
ATTRACTIVE
CONVENIENT
DURABLE
STRONG
Our Location At Your State Border
Assures you Prompt and Efficient
Service.
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
A BRIEF:—
on the Seriousness
of the Agr. Situation
(Continued from page 4)
will have to be rationed, in one short
year, is almost too much for the farmer
to make the necessary economic ad-
justments.
And finally, the usual financial in-
vestment risk and crop failure hazard
now looming at least twice as frightful
on account of the foregoing confusion
and uncertainties in labor, equipment,
supplies, alphabetical regulations and
debt accumulation in times of "easy
money," can easily develop into a rural
and urban food crisis. The time to pre-
vent it is before it happens. That its in-
sidious clutches are slowly closing upon
us is testified to by the fact, that in one
state ten thousand farms representing
7% of the state's patriotic farmers de-
sirous of contributing their maximum
to victory and needing only technically
skilled workers and the assurance of
mechanical equipment to continue are
being forced to liquidate or retire.
This financial investment risk must
not be under estimated as a deterrent
in intention to plant. Especially if other
hazards than the usual or normal price
fluctuations and possible crop failures
which are just enough to keep the
grower "on his toes." Add to this the
artificial uncertainties above com-
plained of and entrenchment is almost
certain to follow.
Immediate cash outlay for 100 acres of
Potatoes
120,000 lbs. 4-12-12 fertilizer $2200
Spray materials (19 sprays) 700
Gas and Oil etc 965
Seed, 2000 bushels 3000
Total up to digging time $6865
No tax, no rent, no machinery or re-
pairs, no depreciation and no labor in-
cluded.
The Committee
P. Daniel Frantz
M. P. Whitenight
Dr. E. L. Nixon
C. F. H. Wuesthoff,
Secretary,
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
Marketing Problems In The South Eastern Area
P. Daniel Frantz, Branch Manager, Allentown
When we had our Joint Conference
meeting at Pittsburgh on Sept. 15, in my
opening remarks of the session I said,
"Let us not forget that we are in a war
and that many problems will confront
us all that will need our continuous at-
tention." I pleaded for harmony and co-
operation in all our operations as well
as of those of our business relationship.
I can now point out many of those
problems affecting our growers, our
packers, our trucks, our association
food-distributors, and also the consum-
ers. We had many difficulties between
then and now, and many more will ap-
pear in the future.
Our growers confronted with digging
operations, with a shortage of labor,
the equal of which was not yet experi-
enced and even at this late date we find
many acres yet undug. Not enough la-
bor on hand for the efficient operation
of digging potatoes, suffice to say, much
less for grading and delivery at the
same time. The consequences were—
during the month of September and Oc-
tober, Pennsylvania potatoes were not
available in as large a volume as was
customary in former years.
The reason of course is due to agri-
culture being drained of most of its
help by higher wages in war industries,
and also by selective service. Many of
our most efficient equipment operators
and farm hands have been called and
cannot be replaced under any circum-
stances. This is one of our most im-
portant factors in our future food pro-
duction and should it at anytime dur-
ing the duration of this war happen
that we have a shortage of potatoes, let
us be fair with the grower and not blame
him for something not his fault, but
charge it to who ever is responsible.
Transportation of food is a problem.
We have many farm trucks that were
operated by farm boys or hired young
men that were and are being called
steadily, who accounted for tons of food
being transported. We have the dif-
ferent government agencies such as the
rationing of rubber, gas, and finally
trucks taking another toll. We have the
restriction of truck operations which
undoubtedly will interfere in our as-
sociation work on delivery of our pro-
duct to both warehouse and store door.
Under all these trying circumstances
your association is marching on. We
have, in the eastern part of the state,
made a splendid beginning for this sea-
son, and hope it will continue to grow
in volume. I am sure our growers, after
a very strenuous operation of digging
and other seasonal work, are ready to
pack and deliver a very dependable pro-
duct. Our food distributors, who always
have been doing well and are doing a
splendid job now, are again displaying
the Blue Label peck and our larger 50
lb. size throughout our entire state and
bordering states.
To you, Mr. Grower, I suggest you
contact your nearest Association Of-
fice, Wiliamsport, Butler, or Allentown.
We need your potatoes and your pack,
make them good and the consumer will
do the rest.
MEMBERSHIPS
New and Renewals
R. R. Walker & Son, Edinboro.
H. A. Warne, Ridgefield, N. J.
E. H. Chase, Oxford.
A. H. Sallada, Jr., Coudersport
Lloyd Baker, Coudersport.
W. O. Strong, Farm School
Lottsville Milling Co., Bear Lake
Howard Matteson, Centerville
Francis Yahner, Dysart.
Charles B. Patton, New Castle.
Henry W. Northup, Dalton.
Stephen Mazurkewich, Jermyn.
John Schrope, Hegins.
Don't
yiCTomf
UNITED
STATB*
BFBN8B
ONDS
AND
STAMPS
Wait
#»
10
THE GtrmE POST
November, 1942
SOMERSET 4-H BOY
DOES OUTSTANDING PIECE OF WORK
I have been asked to tell you how I
grew 400 Bushels of potatoes per acre.
The potatoes were planted on the Glot-
felty farm which we recently bought.
I plowed the ground from one to two
inches deeper than it ever had been
plowed before — which was about seven
to eight inches deep. It was harrowed
once then the field cultivator or forage
harrow went ahead of the planter set
as deep as plowed.
The seed was planted thirty-two
inches apart and ten and a half inches
in the row.
This is one of the most important
things in planting potatoes because if
you do not plant accurately, you cannot
spray accurately.
We used 666 lbs. or 1 T. to every 3
acres of 4-8-8 fertilizer. The seed was
1st, 2nd and 3rds and the yield was,
approximately, the same from each. The
varieties were Russets, Masons, and
Sebagoes. The potatoes were weeded 5
times and cultivated 3 times. They were
weeded once with a tractor weeder be-
fore they came up. (This is very import-
ant).
When I started to spray I had to have
my father hunt the rows some places
because the plants were so small. This
is an important point because if you
don't get the plants covered when they
are small the leaves underneath will
start to blight as the plants grow.
4385 lbs. of snow blue stone was used
on 20 acres or 219 lbs. to the acre. I
think we sprayed from 13 to 15 times.
We sprayed after every rain or as soon
as the tops would grow and become
green. — Leon Knepper.
Editors Note: County Agent C. C.
McDowell says Leon has been a most
interested 4-H member for 6 years. He
and his father grow 20 acres of potatoes
on a partnership basis. Cooperation be-
tween father, son and the county agent
is most apparent.
i
VA
\
Leon Knepper — Somerset County
Grading and Packing Blue Label Potatoes.
POTATOES AND POTASH
Potatoes are a major item in the American appetite
Potash is a major item in the potato appetite. It therefore
is fortunate that, along with the many other important uses
for this plant food, an American potash industry is now
producing adequate supplies of potash for potato growers.
During the first world war America was dependent on
foreign sources of potash and when these supplies were cut
off, prices on the small amounts available rose from $35 to
as high as $500 per ton.
To make your potato goal next season on the least acreage
possible in order to save labor, make sure that your soil
and fertilizer will supply the crop with enough potash— the
plant food which not only increases yield but turns out
more No. I's per acre. A good stand of potatoes should
have at least 200 lbs. of potash (KoO) available for its use.
If you do not know just how much your soil will provide,
your county agent or experiment station will make soil
tests for you.
See your fertilizer dealer or manufacturer. You will be
surprised how little extra it costs to apply enough potash
to insure good yields.
Write us for additional information
and free literature on how to fertilize
your crops.
Rmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W. WAsmNGTON, D. C.
irnm^
12
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
THE GUIDE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers,' Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Frantz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff Gen'l Mgr.
^^^^^ •
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whilenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
SALES OFFICES
Main Office: ^
410 Campbell Street, Williamsport, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
300 East Brady Street, Butler, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
720 North Eighth St., Allentown ,Pa.
Annual membership fee is $1.00 This in-
cludes the GUIDE POST.
All communications should be addressed
to C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Executive Secre-
tary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tuesday January 12 at 9:30 o'clock
Pennsylvania potato growers will con-
vene their 25th annual meeting at Har-
risburg. The following is the tentative
program which the committee feels will
be most timely and worthwhile from the
standpoint of War Production of Food. —
A.M. 9:30-11:00— Junior Potato Grow-
ers.
11:00 — Association's Annual Busi-
ness Meeting.
P.M. 1:30— Panel Discussion: The Po-
tato Growers Association in the
War Emergency.
Chairman of the Panel (to be
announced later)
Subjects for Panel Members are: —
The Place of the Technically Skilled
Farm Worker.
Making General Workers More Effi-
cient.
Uncertainties and Delays in Repair
and Replacement of Necessary
Equipment.
The Farm Transportation Problem.
Price Floors or Ceilings — ^Which?
The Hazards of Investment Risks.
The Place of the Community Repair-
man.
Two speakers will present each sub-
ject from the angle of the potato grower
and the governmental agency respec-
tively. Outstanding men are being se-
lected to discuss these problems which
the committee feels are most timely.
P.M. 7:00 — Special Entertainment to-
gether with the Medal Awards
for the 400 Bushel Club and the
Certificate of Merit will be
made just before "The Bull
Session" (with heifers al-
lowed) which is designed to
take up individual problems of
the grower regardless of how
small or how large. Some sug-
gestions for this sessions discus-
sion are Soil Building, Fertil-
izers, Spraying, Marketing, etc.
DIRECTORS MEET
Thursday, Nov. 12 the directors of our
Association met in the directors room
at the association's central office in Wil-
liamsport to transact timely business.
Messrs. R. W. Lohr, Hugh McPherson,
M. P. Whitenight, W. W. Hayes, J. A.
Donaldson, P. D. Frantz, L. T. Den-
niston, Clayton Snyder, E. L. Nixon and
C. F. H. Wuesthoff spent a long day with
P. D. Frantz, presiding. Some of the
more important business that was trans-
acted included:
1. The time, place and program for
the Annual Meeting.
2. The seriousness of Agricultural La-
bor and Machinery situation.
3. The financial and activities report
to November 1st.
4. A Guide Post policy.
5. A Membership Campaign.
6. Grading Schools and Sales Re-
port by the Managers.
(Continued on page 16)
Potato Facts
Do You Know?
—That the baked potato is one of the
most nourishing, economical, and easily
digested of our common foods.
Less Fattening than
Many other Foods
Potatoes are less fattening than many
products which are most commonly con-
sidered to be starchy, flesh-producmg
foods. Professor Elizabeth Whittaker,
Home Economics Department of the
Michigan State College, says:
"Comparing an eight ounce potato
with eight ounces of the following, it is
found:
Macaroni is four times more fatten-
ing, rice — three and one-half times, oat-
meal—four times, chocolate cake— four
times, a piece of pie— three times, a
doughnut — two times."
Be consistent — don't exclude potatoes
from your diet in order to retain that
slim figure, as long as you eat any of the
above.
Not only a Food but a Remedy
Dr. M. Hindhede, Copenhagen, Den-
mark, says:
"The potato is not only an excellent
food, but it is a remedy. It dissolves uric
acid as well as chalk, and is, therefore,
able to cure different forms of gout and
rheumatism." Dr. Kellogg also says:
"The potato is an immense food remedy
in the treatment of a large number of
diseases. Among which are biliousness,
constipation, rheumatism and gout."
Benefit both your health and pocket-
book by eating more potatoes.
cational Agricultural classes of Pine
Grove and neighboring twps.; directed
by C. F. H. Wuesthoff, the County
Vo. Ag. Director. The outstanding suc-
cess these boys made of their project set
the pattern for their elders. There is
nothing of which WB&T CO. is prouder
than the part it was allowed to take in
starting and encouraging this project.
Warren Co. sprayed potatoes today go
to market in the County, in Jamestown
and Pittsburgh. They are graded, pack-
aged and sold thru Warren Co. Co-op-
erative Potato Growers Assoc, Inc., a
local branch of Penna. Co-operative Po-
toto Growers. The officers are:
Pres.: Leslie Dodd, Columbus
V.-Pres.: Paul Duntley, Cory don
Treas.: J. P. Fenstermacher, Warren
Secy.: C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Warren
Directors: H. J. Long, Pittsfield; Ar-
thur Page, Columbus; John Jensen, Jr.,
Bear Lake; Robt. Meabon, Grand Val-
ley; W. E. Weatherby, Russell.
Associate Directors: R. W. Steber,
Warren; Dr. C. J. Frantz, Warren; J. P.
Fenstermacher, Warren; C. F. H. Wuest-
hoff, Warren.
POTATOES
excerpt
(1942 Warren County Almanac)
In 1937 Warren Co. grew 123,000 bu.
of potatoes; in 1941, 300,000. But there
are potatoes and potatoes. A much more
significant figure economically is that
fact that in 1937 only 50 A. of sprayed
potatoes were grown by Warren Co.
farmers; in 1941, 950 A.— in 1942, 900 A.
This most promising of the Co.'s in-
fant industries was incubated in the Vo-
Potato Marking Law
Proper grade labeling of all potatoes
sold in closed packages in this State
is now being checked by representatives
of the Bureau of Markets of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Secretary John H.
Light has announced. The potato mark-
ing act, it was pointed out, makes com-
pulsory the branding or tagging of all
closed packages of potatoes packed for
sale, transported for sale or sold in
this State. Secretary Light further
pointed to the recent court decision
which held that out-of-state potatoes
must be properly marked as well as
those originating within the State, when
resold within the State.
In view of that decision dealers who
sell potatoes which originate at Penn-
sylvania shipping points or at out-of-
state points are not relieved of the re-
sponsibility for compliance with the
marking law because the grower or
shipper might have made an error m
marking.
Checking the grades at both shipping
points and at terminal markets is now
being conducted on a thorough basis,
(Continued on page 16)
14
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
4-H Club Members Learn Value of Good Seed
4-H Potato growing clubs have been
a part of the program in extension
teaching conducted by the Extension
Service of the School of Agriculture,
The Pennsylvania State College, for
twiei#y years. Annual enrollment in
this activity runs from 400 to 1000 mem-
bers, fluctuating from time to time with
varying interest in potato growing and
influenced considerably by market
trends.
Although few members have adequate
spraying facilities , available it is pos-
sible to provide information and in-
struction to boys and girls on the value
of disease free seed, proper cultural
practices, control of insects and dis-
eases, the harvesting, grading and mar-
keting of potatoes.
Beginners are provided with a hun-
dred pound sack of disease free seed at
cost and are asked to plant such seed
beside an equal quantity of whatever
seed they may happen to have at home.
They are provided with instruction on
proper preparation of the seed bed and
the various practices which have been
enumerated. Members keep simple but
effective records on forms provided by
the College Extension Service.
Field meetings are held during the
growing season for the purpose of
teaching youngsters how to identify in-
sects and diseases which attack the po-
tatoes and appropriate methods of con-
trol.
At the close of the season members
are asked to dig and weigh the pota-
toes from 200 feet of row in both disease
free and home seed. A short cut method
of computing acre yields is used and a
comparison of yields made in terms of
bushels per acre from the two seed
sources.
A few advanced members each year
carry on what is called acre potato club
work. In this activity members grow at
least one acre of potatoes and include
approved methods of spraying in their
. (Continued on page 16)
\
->■
f
4-H Judging Contest
Insect and Disease Identification, Farm Show — Harrisburg.
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
More About-AGRICULTURAL DEFERMENT
"A new registrant, when filling out his
questionnaire, should briefly and con-
cisely describe the work at which he is
employed. If he is a farm operator, the
facts which would justify deferment
should be clearly indicated. If he is a
farm worker employed by his father or
some other farmer and is considered
necessary for essential work on the farm,
the parent or farm employer should also
submit information about the regis-
trant's work at the time the question-
naire is returned by the registrant. This
information may be submitted in a letter
addressed to the local board. Farmers
should not wait until after the regis-
trant has been classified before pro-
viding information which would serve
as a basis for occupational deferment.
This is important even if the registrant
has some grounds for deferment on basis
of dependency.
"Any registrant who has formerly
been classified should immediately sub-
mit to the local board detailed informa-
tion about his present farm job, if he has
not already done so. This should include
information on acreages of various
crops, numbers of various kinds of live-
stock, and the number of other workers
on the farm. This is important, as all
workers who are necessary to and regu-
larly employed in agricultural endeavors
essential to the war effort are being re-
classified into II-C or III-C.
"The registrant may appeal to the
Board of Appeal, if his classification
does not seem justifiable, by going to the
local board within 10 days after the
mailing of the notice of classification
and by signing the questionnaire in the
required place, or by writing to the local
board requesting that the case be ap-
pealed to the Board of Appeal. The farm
employer may also submit a written re-
quest for appeal. The registrant may call
upon the Government appeal agent at-
tached to the local board for assistance.
A hearing before a local board is not an
appeal and does not prevent an appeal
to the Board of Appeal. The hearing and
appeal procedure is described on the
registrant's notice of classification."
REJECTS AND REPUTATIONS
The Department of Agriculture co-
operating with this association has re-
ported a most unusual practice that must
be discontinued at once if the violators
hope to escape punishment. Several
truck loads of "so called" Blue Label
potatoes were delivered to a warehouse
under instructions from the Association
office. These packages were rejected be-
cause they did not meet "U. S. No. 1, 2-
inch minimum" grade. State and Fed-
eral inspectors were called in to verify
the decision of the warehouse inspector.
These public officials declared the ship-
ment to be from 10 to 23% undergrade.
The owner promptly sold these rejected
"Blue Label" potatoes to a local whole-
saler who knew that they were out of
grade, and proceeded to resell them at
a handsome profit. This practice is defi-
nitely unethical and cannot be tolerated.
The owner and conniving wholesaler are
both liable to heavy fines and would
have been fined but for the interven-
tion of this association. It was most too
late however to stop the distribution of
this undergrade load.
Everybody loses in a transaction of
this kind — the consumer is deceived, the
grower's self-respect suffers a blow,
the wholesaler's fair dealing is ques-
tioned, and the Pennsylvania Coopera-
tive Potato Growers Association's repu-
tation is definitely threatened.
The responsibility of the Blue Label
package rests squarely upon the should-
ers of the Grade Supervisors. It is upon
him that 2000 cooperating potato grow-
ers look for honesty and square dealing.
One indifferent, disinterested, careless
Grade Supervisor can do incalculable
harm to the cooperating membership.
The Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association can recall the li-
cense of the Grade Supervisor and re-
fuse it's trade marked package to any
one violating the U. S. No. 1, 2-inch
minimum requirements. Corrective
measures are desirable, therefore, dif-
ferent agencies are being asked to as-
sist in bringing the grade up to require-
ments in this particular area.
16
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
Certified
SEED
POTATOES
Maine— Cobblers Katahdins
Chippewas Mountains
Sebagos Houmas
The cool wet spring in Aroostook
County slightly delayed planting.
Rainfall until early July was near
ideal for vine growth and tuber set.
Moderately dry weather during late
July, August, and September re-
stricted growth of tubers to more de-
sirable seed size and afforded a dig-
ging period which reacted favorably
on appearance and quality.
Michigan — Rural Russels
Green Mountains
Weather during the early growing
season was satisfactory for even
stands, thrifty plant growth, and
heavier than usual set. A dry hot
period during August somewhat re-
tarded development of vines and
tubers. Badly needed early fall rains
greatly improved yield without ef-
fecting the desired good type that is
typical of Michigan seed.
Dougherti] Seed Growers
WILLIAMSPORT PENNA.
4-H CLUB MEMBERS LEARN
VALUE OF GOOD SEED
(Continued from page 14)
field practices. Complete records are
kept on forms provided by the Farm
Management Department of the Agri-
cultural Extension Service.
In recent years the services of an Ex-
tension Specialist in marketing have
been utilized to demonstrate to potato
club members methods of grading po-
tatoes to meet Pennsylvania specifica-
tions.
Two years ago a change was made in
the method of conducting potato judg-
ing contests for 4-H members. Instead
of the former method of judging four
exhibits of potatoes in a class, members
are now given a one bushel sample of
potatoes and required to grade these ac-
cording to accepted United States De-
partment of Agriculture market grades.
In addition to this grading feature, con-
testants are required to identify defects
on some twenty specimens of tubers.
This change has made the potato judg-
ing contest a much more practical teach-
ing device and has made it possible to
introduce more grading work into the
programs of the local clubs in the sev-
eral counties of the state.
POTATO MARKING LAW
(Continued from page 13)
Secretary Light stated. The enforcement
of the law, it is declared, has changed
Pennsylvania markets from the dump-
ing grounds for off-grade potatoes, to
those bearing the highest reputation
where buyers may make their pur-
chases with the utmost confidence of
receiving the quality for which they
pay.
DIRECTORS MEET
(Continued from page 12)
7. Latest O.P.A. Rulings and Effect on
the Industry.
Most of the directors made their first
visit to the Central Office and were
pleased to see the new office, directors
room and work shop layout. It is an ideal
location with ample room and accommo-
dations at a surprisingly low rental
cost. President Frantz conducted the
Meeting with his usual ability, and saw
to it that most of the directors could
return to their homes Thursday night.
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
i
\
T
19+3 FOOD FOR FREEDOM GOALS
•f
(Extracts from USD A Announcement)
"Food-for-Freedom goals for 1943 call-
ing for the highest production in the
history of American agriculture were
announced today by Secretary of Agri-
culture Claude R. Wickard. The goals
are designed to shape next year s U. S.
farm production to the needs of the
United Nations.
''At the same time. Secretary Wickard
announced a price support program
which pledges the Department to, so
far as possible, work out and mamtain
a price policy during the year which
will give maximum price assistance to
the production program.'
"In general, the goals are aimed at
maintaining or exceeding the record
l^vel of production attained this year,
but there are significant changes from
the 1942 production pattern which throw
sharp emphasis on crops and livestock
most essential to the war effort. The
goals are subject to any revisions which
may be made necessary by military or
other developments.
"The food resources of all the United
Nations were considered fully before the
U. S. farm goals were established. The
goals represent the minimum require-
ments for food produced in this country-
These requirements — for our own mili-
tary forces and for our Allies— now rep-
resent about one-fourth of estimated
total food production in 1943.
"Furthermore, as the United Nations'
offensive progresses, we shall have the
added responsibihty of furnishing food
for the people in the countries freed
from the Axis yoke. We shall need to
use our food to rehabilitate the people
in these countries so that they will be
able to join us in the war against the
aggressors. We must not fail to keep
faith with these people.
"We know — and farmers know, too —
that the 1943 farm production job will
not be easy. It wasn't easy this year, but
in general farmers met the goals— and
exceeded by 12 per cent the previous
high record set in 1941.
"The Department will use every re-
source at its command to ease the short-
age of farm labor. This program will be
directed to make labor available in six
ways. These include: (1) the shifting of
workers from non-essential into essen-
tial crops; (2) the retention of essential
key operators and workers on farms
through changes in deferment and em-
ployment policies of the Selective Serv-
ice System; (3) the transportation and
training of workers from surplus areas
who can become year-around workers
in the more diversified areas, particular-
ly the dairy regions; (4) the transporta-
tion of seasonal workers to work in the
harvest of specialty crops; (5) the use of
high school youth during the summer
months, and (6) the use of volunteer city
people to aid during the critical harvest
seasons. Furthermore, total production
will be increased through continuance
of the program for providing small farm-
ers with loans and technical assistance.
"The food goals for 1943, therefore,
reflect the need for foods of most value
in the wartime diet. They call for all the
milk we can produce, more meat and
eggs, more feed grains to support in-
creased livestock production, more dry
beans and peas to supply the proteins
needed in our diets, more poultry to
supplement our supply of other meats,
more of the vegetables that are essential
because of their high food value, more
oil crops and more long staple cotton.
"Because we cannot waste labor and
scarce production supplies on crops of
which we already have large supplies,
we are asking for less wheat, and less
short staple cotton, and less of the vege-
tables that reauire the most extensive
use of labor, transportation and other
facilities in relation to their food value.
Will This Help ?
FSA Program of Training
Farm Workers Gets Under Way
Secretary of Agriculture, Claude R.
Wickard. announced this week that an
experimental program of recruiting,
transportire. training, and placing vear-
around agric^nti^ral workers began this
week when 60 farmers from Kentnrkv
left to take a training course at Ohio
State University. Colur^bns. Following
their trainmg. tbev will be placed as
dairv hanHs on Ohio farms, replacing
workers who have gone into war indus-
tries or militarv service. The Farm Se-
curity i^dministration. in cooperation
with" U. S. Emplovment Service, is di-
recting the program.
riHUiUitfKaSH'.
18
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
19
SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM WESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA
The Butler Branch Office of the As-
sociation for the western Pennsylvania
territory was opened early in the fall —
August 15. Movement of potatoes into
the Pittsburgh market was established
immediately, with early supplies coming
from Warren, Lycoming, Centre,
Venango, Erie, and Somerset Counties.
The action of establishing the Butler
Branch Office was prompted by a de-
cision that closer cooperation could be
maintained with the packers, growers,
and Grade Supervisors, while at the
same time closer contact could be main-
tained with the markets, buyers, and
stores. Soon after the office was opened
the following slogan was adopted, and
the goal is to keep striving for it.
THE AIM OF THIS OFFICE
IS TO RENDER
A GROWERS' SERVICE THAT WILL
ATTAIN & MAINTAIN
Acceptable Distributor, Consumer
Quality
Equitable & Economical
Distribution
Increased Volume Movement
Production of Better
Potato Varieties
Better Grower, Distributor, Consumer
Cooperative Relationships
The office is conveniently located at
300 East Brady Street, Butler, just two
blocks off Route 322 (Butler-Kittan-
ning), and two blocks off Route 8 (Main
Street Butler). Growers, of the territory
have found their way here without diffi-
culty. All the different Association Trade
Marked bags, Blue Label 15's and 50's,
Red Label 15's, and Unclassified 50's are
carried in stock at the above address.
Movement of Blue Labels During
The Early Fall
As stated above, movement of potatoes
was under way once the office was
opened August 15. These early ship-
ments found ready buyers, as they were
clean, bright Nittanys, Chippewas, Alle-
gheny Mountains, and Katahdins. It was
a good season for all of these varieties,
with maturity, or the vines sufficiently
aged, before the deluge of blight struck,
so that a crop was made and rot not a
factor.
Movement increased weekly, reaching
better than 50,000 pecks per week by
mid-September. As the supply of the
early crops moved off to market, the
total movement dropped, at a time when
it should have been reaching still higher
figures, due to the unprecedented ques-
tionable condition of the late crop.
By September, late blight had swept
through all the western counties, with
the exception of the extreme south west,
where but a few potatoes are grown. The
damage to the foliage was immediately
apparent, and one knowing his potatoes
knew then that yields on the whole
would be materially reduced. Hardest
hit were unsprayed home gardens, farm
patches, and late commercial plantings
in which blight was most difficult to con-
trol.
The one big question, referred to
above as the "questionable condition of
the late crop" was this: How severe
would tuber rot be in many of these
blighted fields? Digging had to be de-
layed, and marketing delayed at a time
when movement was just reaching full
stride.
Problems of Digging, Grading, and
Packing
Actually late blight tuber rot was in
no way nearly as severe as had been
expected. Where growers kept up spray-
ing, even though blight infection of the
foliage was general, no blight rot showed
at digging time. In abandoned fields, and
where spraying was not continued
periodically, tuber rot was apparent, and
in many cases, severe loss was the result.
Early digging of many of these latter
plantings, including the garden patches,
and farm family patches, resulted in
heavy rot in storage.
The good grower who had heroically
saved his crop had a fair-to-good yield,
and no blight rot. Of course, he was de-
layed in digging, due to late maturity of
foliage, and a shortage of labor. To add
to his troubles, the season turned un-
usually wet and stayed wet. The situa-
tion became increasingly critical. It was
utterly impossible for many growers to
dig, grade, and make market deliveries
at the same time. In addition to this, due
to wet digging conditions, and the ques-
tionable extent of blight in some crops,
the grading and packing were unsatis-
factory.
Although we had some bad loads
reach the market during this period
when potatoes were being graded from
bam floors and temporary storage, for-
tunately they were few, and from checks
and inspections with packers, receivers,
and stores, the trouble seems to be over.
Supplies reaching the markets during
recent weeks have niet with general
approval and satisfaction.
Local Demand Heavy
The failure of the garden and farm
potato patch along with other factors,
has resulted in the heaviest local de-
mand potato growers in this territory
have experienced since the last World
War, 1917-18. Thousands of farm folk,
and also those from the towns and cities
soon found the growers who had good
potatoes, and returned to the old custom
of buying their winter supply of 10 to 20
bushels at the farm. Price was not such
a factor as was the desire to get good
potatoes— before tires wore thm, gas
rationing became a reality, and potatoes
were rationed, or went to $3.00 or $4.00
per bushel. All of these factors were ex-
pressed by these consumer-buyers at the
farm.
Not all potatoes could move in this
manner. Some growers were much
better situated for this trade than others.
There was a limit too, as to how fast a
crop could be moved in this fashion be-
fore freezing weather set in. It is to the
credit of many growers moving potatoes
at the farm that they followed the sug-
gestion of using the Association bags.
By mid-November all potatoes on bam
floors or temporary storages in danger
of freezing were cleaned up with the
exception of some stock in the extreme
northwest that was yet to be dug. Move-
ment to the larger markets is now from
permanent storage, with stock running
good, free of rot, and meeting with wide
Acceptance in the market. The one re-
grettable fact is that supplies are light,
which in turn means light movement.
Morale of Growers Looking to 1943
In talking with potato growers and
farmers throughout westem Pennsyl-
vania during recent weeks it seems to me
that a decrease of 10% to 20% in potato
acreage in 1943 is bound to occur. This
of itself is a critical situation, even m
time of peace. We are at war, the most
stupendous war this country has ever
been engaged in. I have good reason to
believe that our needs will be 30% more
acreage in 1943 instead of a 10% to 20%
decrease.
The low morale of the rank and file of
the growers can be attributed to a bad
season from beginning to end (wet plant-
ing, blight, wet digging), plus a shortage
of labor and equipment, and repair diffi-
culties. Modern potato growing is a
highly mechanized operation, entailing
heavy investment and risk. To secure
needed acreage or production in 1943
will require more assurance than is evi-
dent now that equipment and labor can
be had, that repair parts and repairs can
be had or made on time, that prices are
to be in line with increased costs of pro-
duction.
Timely Hinls & Suggestions
Now is the time to —
Make final check of the storage to
make sure there is not a weak spot where
sub-zero temperatures will penetrate.
To see that all potato equipment is
under roof. Grease and oil will help pre-
serve your equipment that will be in-
creasingly hard to replace.
To sort over, dry thoroughly, and store
(safe from rodents) all bags.
To make sure all pumps and motors,
sprayers, tractors, etc., are drained so
that they will not freeze. A grower was
in the office yesterday who let his tractor
freeze— $35.00 was the cost.
To get in the winter wood and coal
supply.
Be sure you are keeping the grader
properly greased and oiled. It will stand
cleaning once in a while if you expect
it to last and function properly.
Check your scales against one you
know to be accurate. I know a grower
who marketed 5,000 bushels and gave 2
lbs. in excess on every pack. You cant
afford this, neither can you afford to
have loads returned for being under
weight.
To catch the fall crop of rats and mice
that have come into the cellar to live on
food you have taken time to grow and
store.
To express thanks for what we have —
plenty of food, clothing, warm shelter,
loved ones, and more liberty still than
any other peoples of the earth (Of
course, this should be done any and all
the time.)
(Continued on page 22)
20
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
November, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
21
POTATO CHIPS
This column, which first saw the light
of day in 1937 but recently has been
missing from the Guide Post, will again
make its appearance from time to time.
Brief notes of interest, mostly on timely
subjects for potato growers, will be in-
cluded. If the text should digress, on
occasion, to such matters as personal
notes about Pennsylvania growers, such
as when Doc Nixon purchases a new
hat — to replace an old one he should
lose on a bet — we hope you will bear
with us.
* * *
No doubt price ceilings are necessary
as a check-rein on inflation. Because of
differences in market value, however,
due to variety, quality, grade, size, and
many other factors which have a bearing
on appearance and cooking value, it is
difficult to set up any system of price
ceilings on perishable commodities such
as potatoes which are equitable to all.
Unfortunately price ceilings penalize the
better quality products and raise prices
of low quality products, the reverse of
normal, orderly marketing.
* * *
A recent Federal ruling fixes the mini-
mum carloadings of many farm crops.
Potatoes loaded in containers holding
100 lbs. or more shall now be loaded not
less than 45,000 lbs. In containers hold-
ing less than 100 lbs. each, potatoes shall
be loaded to a weight of not less than
42,000 lbs. In bulk, potatoes shall be
loaded to a weight of not less than 40,000
lbs. Therefore, it takes 2800 Blue 15's
instead of 2400 to make a WAR-TIME
carload.
V V V
It is most encouraging to note the re-
port of the State Department of Agri-
culture that in spite of a heavy blight
infestation in growing the crop, Penn-
sylvania potatoes on the market are
better graded than ever before. This
would indicate that most Pennsylvania
growers have learned to properly pack
and label regardless of the general qual-
ity of the crop harvested.
* * *
Unfortunately, agriculture has re-
cently become the black sheep in the
mind of the American public. A recent
editorial in the Rural New-Yorker states
the farmers' case very graphically. The
article is too long to give in full but a
few paragraphs are worthy of quota-
tion. "The most essential of all war sup-
plies is food — guns, tanks, airplanes,
ships, bullets, and bombs — cannot be
be produced until men are fed to make
them. — No war can be won without
food. — Our contacts with farmers
throughout the northeast bear witness
to the tragic situation confronting agri-
culture today. Not one of these farmers
is complaining about prices. Every one
of them is anxious to produce as much
as he can, but their sons are being
drafted, they cannot replace them with
competent help, nor can they buy ma-
chinery to make up for this shortage in
rnanpower. To date, the workers fur-
nished by the government employment
agencies have, for the most part, proven
to be not only inexperienced but incom-
petent and shiftless as well
The number of producers supplying
the New York milk market reached a
new low point last month. Truck farm-
ers are finding it impossible to obtain
permits from their rationing boards to
purchase even second-hand or recaoped
tires. . . . The War Production Board an-
nounced that 1943 quotas for farm ma-
chinery would be cut to 20 per cent of
1940 production.. . .The President says
that agriculture is a war industry. Let
him put these words into action and in-
struct the bureaus, agencies, and boards
that henceforth agriculture shall be
olaced on an equal footing with the war
industries and its workers given the
same rights and privileges." To which
I might add in humble vein that unless
the present plight of agriculture is not
soon remedied, we face not onlv food
shortages for our armed forces and civil-
ian population but also face serious de-
ficiencies of food for our allies.
« ♦ «
Trying to keep up with P. D. Frantz
these days is nearly as bad as keeping
up with Eleanor Roosevelt. When "P.D."
is not in New York City or Philadelphia
he is in Washington fighting for the
potato growers. These are strenuous
days for all of us but /T. D." can tell
you in no uncertain terms that being
Assn. President just now is no vacation
either!
1
As Walter Winchell would say, Or-
chids to the Producers Cooperative Ex-
change of Coatesville which at its recent
annual meeting announced a gross busi-
ness last year of $1,826,863, an increase
of 77 per cent over its 1941 business.
Sales of fruits and vegetables (mostly
potatoes) increased 289 per cent to a
total of $136,909.
* * *
Northampton counties come in for some
of this credit, however, as both these
counties were represented also.
>|c ♦ ♦
So far as we know, there has been
only ONE Junior Potato Grower to
reach the 400 Bu Club standard. Con-
gratulations to you, LEON KNEPPER.
♦ ♦ *
One of the finest tributes ever given
the Cooperative movement were the
words of Charles W. Holman, Secretary
of the American Institute of Coopera-
tion. He said, "I look forward to the
production of a new farm leadership in
this nation— a new leadership capable
in mind, trained in technique and adroit
in business strategy. I look forward to
the development of a finer, abler body
of master cooperators, living on the
farms of this nation, owning and con-
trolling in truly democratic manner the
great economic instruments of sale, pur-
chase and credit necessary to their exis-
tence. Out of such development will
come the long-sought American farm
icieal— a better and richer way of living.
* * *
The American housewife has been
well-schooled in accepting labels,
brands, trademarks, and highly adver-
tised quality. She has learned to demand
the particular branded article once she
becomes sold on the quality contained in
the package. So after all, isn t selling
high quality potatoes in branded bags
the logical way for potato growers to
put their product into the housewives
kitchen?
* * *
Our business in life is not to get ahead
of others but to get ahead of ourselves.
* ♦ *
What may be the last grade super-
visors' school of the season will be held
on the farm of Hugh McPherson, York
County, near New Park around the mid-
dle of December. Additional notice of
the exact date will be issued later. Be
on the look-out if interested in attend-
ing-
Lehigh County people have the habit
of being first in many things so it is
nothing unusual for them to hang up
another record. This time they qualified
20 grade supervisors at a recent school
on the farm of Clinton Geiger Neffs,
with the highest average marks ever
attained at a school. Lancaster and
The Penna. Co-op Potato Growers are
staging a Junior Growers program Tues-
day, January 12. We all expect to hear
the voice of experience.
« « «
The sympathetic attitude of Melyin
Ferguson, Managing Editor of the Phila-
delphia Evening Bulletin, is most grati-
fying. Agriculture needs key spokesmen
that listen and act. Suggest that we keep
an eye on Editorials in Penna. 's news-
papers from now on.
* *
Walter Bishop, one of this associa-
tion's moving spirits, is well on the road
to recovery. This will be gratifying news
to his many, many friends. We say-
Keep Coming, Walter.
* if *
We are advised that a few of the
potato price ceiling regulations will be
amended within the next ten days on
the basis of experiences since that fate-
ful week, September 28 to October 2.
Southern potato ceilings regulations are
expected before January first.
yk ik Jfi
The 1943 potato goal is 10 per cent
above the 1942 acreage which is almost
20 per cent over 1941 plantings. Prices
will be supported at 90 per cent of parity
(•?) as of the beginning of the marketing
year but not less than specified pnces
for certain grades of potatoes in specified
areas.
* « *
We suggest that potato growers read
Herbert Hoover's recent utterances on
the Organization of the Nation's Food
Supply. Simplification and Coordination
with an appeal to cooperation are his
deepest concern.
« * *
The policy of the Department of Agri-
culture in enforcing the potato marking
law is most commendable. Helptul co-
operation and education rather than
"Big Stick" and "Cracking Down tac-
tics are what we rather expect from any
public agency. We agree, willful and per-
sistent violators should be prosecuted^
—Messrs. ShakeSpud and Spearefellow
22
THE GUIDE POST
November, 1942
«
O. p. A. REGULATIONS
(See Taylor Letter)
A committee consisting of P. D. Frantz,
Clayton Snyder, E. L. Nixon and C. F.
H. Wuesthoff, made a call on the State
Selective Service officials at Harrisburg,
Friday, November 20th. The purpose
was to convince those in charge that the
farm labor in the light of skilled work-
ers was most critical if normal and nor-
mal plus production on farms was to be
had in 1943. The committee cited criti-
cal typical cases that might be multi-
plied by thousands. The plight of the
farmer and his possible intentions was
emphasized. These officers attention
was called to a resolution drawn up by
the Potato Growers' Association and the
Peach Growers assembled at a Joint
Conference last August at Harrisburg.
Major R. W. Dodds and Major C. M.
SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Continued from page 19)
To remember the boy in the service
by letter, local paper or gift. If you have
no one of your own, remember the
neighbor boy who is fighting for you.
To plan the season's butchering and
the best possible care of all meat and
fats.
To insulate around the doors and
windows to prevent drafts and conserve
fuel.
To gather in tools and equipment that
are hard to find under snow and ice.
To turn barrels, buckets, crocks,
kettles, and the like upside down so as
to prevent their bursting with freezing
ice. This also applies to exposed water
lines. These are items that will be hard
to replace.
To clean out the tool shed and other
outbuildings, turning in all scrap rubber
and metal to your salvage depot. If you
have youngsters, turn it over to them —
they like this task, and it instills patriot-
ism.
To renew your subscription to the
"Guide Post" and a couple of good farm
journals for winter reading.
Hartman, Occupational Advisers to Col.
Evans were most sympathetic and as-
sured the committee that at last Con-
gress and Draft Officials were recog-
nizing the possible food situation for
1943. The following instructions were
sent to all Draft Boards:
Critical Agricultural works are to be
reclassified in two distinct groups, II C,
and III C. One for those having depen-
dents and the other for those having no
dependents but are vital to maximum
production.
In case critical and worthy men were
already inducted Majors Dodd and
Hartman gave the committee printed
directions and instructions as to how to
proceed to hold critical skilled labor for
Agricultural Production work.
To make application for necessary
new equipment.
It is raining here today. Miss Anderson
says it's time to get your boots out, and
wear them. (She didn't)
mi 1^
m 1^
BUY
UNITED
STATES
SAVINGS
BONDS
AND STAMPS
NOW...BEAN RUGGEDNESS
MEANS EVERYTHING
Your job is to produce the MOST and the BEST you can.
Our job is to keep your BEAN rolling at top efficiency. A
BEAN Sprayer needs very little repair attention. But when
it does, you'll find Authorized BEAN Service and Parts in
every growing area.
We're allowed to supply new outfits, too, where they are
vitally needed. While we're busy at top production of war
equipment for Uncle Sam, we're continuing to build some
sprayers where they do not interfere with war work. And
we're building them with all the ruggedness and dependa-
bility that have kept the BEAN in front through the years,
including the matchless ALL-Enclosed BEAN Royal
Pump.
So . . . keep your BEAN rolling of you're already an owner.
Get a new one if you must have new, larger, or more equip-
ment for full Victory Production. Call on us or any ot our
dealers anywhere for service and help. And remember, a
BEAN is a sound investment, not just for the emergency,
but for years to come.
FOOD MACHINERY
CORPORATION
John Bean Mfg. Co., Division
Lansing, Michigan
l« ta
■^Sf^^SI^^'.'
TOMORROW IS A LONG
WAY OFF
Farmer Jack Payne,
Camden, Delaware,
makes a business of
scientific potato
growing with Iron
Age equipment that
he never neglects.
The equipment you now have must be kept operating until this
war is won. Repair parts are scarce — new machinery practically
unobtainable. That's why you can't neglect ... but must check your
machinery frequently — keep it lubricated with the proper oil and
grease; and be sure that oil and grease is clean, not old and dirty.
That's just one contribution you can make to keep things rolling
— to keep growing more "Food for Victory."
•
Your second contribution to the all-out war effort is also important.
Every last bit of scrap that is hiding in barn corners or out in the
fields — won't you get it out today — and turn it over to your scrap
dealer or local scrap committee. Make fighting equipment out
of dormant scrap !
^£ayit emd £ffA^ th£, I RO hi AGE Qlhvu,
Row Crop Spuyfi
Vegtljblt Pljnltrs
Oiihaid Spuyen Aut Ftfd Pol<lo PUnlfft tulonnln Potato PUntut
Ixntplanlert
Potato 0i4q«rt
A.B.FARQUHAR CO., Limited, YORK, PA
» m ») m A
P.GI^ICUI.TUKAL LIBRARY
THE PEi^liJ SYLVAN iA STATE COLLEGE
VVK\\^^l/%//
GRQVVFRS
».J^Ci
Wf
I lew
NUMBER 12
ear
DECEMBER «» 1942
PuMnked luf. tke
PENNSYLVANIA COOPERATIVE
POTATO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
INCORPORATED
**»«•• M»i
POTATOES AND POTASH
Potatoes are a major item in the American appetite
Potash is a major item in the potato appetite. It therefore
is fortunate that, along with the many other important uses
for this plant food, an American potash industry is now
producing adequate supplies of potash for potato growers.
During the first world war America was dependent on
foreign sources of potash and when these supplies were cut
off, prices on the small amounts available rose from $35 to
as high as $500 per ton.
To make your potato goal next season on the least acreage
possible in order to save labor, make sure that your soil
and fertilizer will supply the crop with enough potash-the
plant food which not only increases yield but turns out
more No. I's per acre. A good stand of potatoes should
have at least 200 lbs. of potash (K^O) available for its use.
If you do not know just how much your soil will provide,
your county agent or experiment station will make soil
tests for you.
See your fertilizer dealer or manufacturer. You will be
surprised how little extra it costs to apply enough potash
to insure good yields.
Write us for additional information
and free literature on how to fertilize
your crops.
means
IRorePtofit
Hmerican Potash Institute
Incorporated
1155 16th St., N. W.
Washington, D. C.
VISION
^Vt^HSUV4t/
THE GUIDE POST
published hy
The Pennsylvania Cooperative
Potato Growers Association, Inc.
Williamsport
Volume XIX
December, 1942
Number 12
WINTER CARE of YOUR POWER PLANT
by R. U. Blasingame
Not long ago I was in Harrisburg and
went around to the several machinery
branch houses. My purpose was to see
the service men about repairing and
taking care of farm machinery this
winter.
Winter storage suggestions were about
the first thing these men talked about.
They said some of the
outstanding things potato
growers could do, with
profit, this winter were to
store their tractors for
the winter, if they were
not going to use them till
next spring. Then lubri-
cate the impulse coupling
liberally with light oil. Do
not leave the tractor in
gear. Release the steering
clutch brakes on crawler
machines. ,
If the engine is not filled with anti-
freeze solution, drain the cooling system
thoroughly. Open all the drains. Re-
move the battery and store it on a rack
in a cool room. Check the specific grav-
ity. If it is 1.225 (corrected to 80'' F.) or
less, it should be charged to 1.250. It is
good practice to check the battery once
a month for water level and specific
gravity. Keep the battery fully charged
which lengthens its life.
Cover the exhaust pipe with a tin can
to prevent moisture from entering the
manifold. When the engine is cold, take
out the spark plugs and pour i teacup of
SAE 50 lubricating oil in each cylinder.
Crank the engine over several times to
spread the oil on the cylinder walls.
Take off the valve-housing cover and
spray the valves, rocker arms and push
rods with SAE 50 oil.
Gummy deposit will form in gasoline
if it is allowed to stand. To prevent this
drain the fuel tank and carburetor and
clean out the fuel strainer glass bowl.
Gummy deposits can be removed from
the carburetor and jets and passages
and other parts by the use of one part
alcohol and one part benzol, or with
acetone.
Removal from Slorage
When spring comes remove the spark
plugs and pour one-half teacup of a
mixture of one-half light lubricating oil
and one-half gasoline into each cylinder.
Then take off the valve-housing cover
and flush the valves and valve-operat-
ing mechanism with the same mixture.
This mixture will be blown out of the
spark plug holes as the engine is cranked
by hand. This solution will also loosen
tight piston rings and wash off gummy
oil from the valves and piston.
Many service men advocate flushing
out the crankcase with kerosene and
fill with the correct grade of lubricating
oil for the cool, spring weather. Also,
flush out the magneto impulse coupling
with kerosene and lubricate as specified
by the manufacturer.
All tractor service men say that it is
a good idea to service the air cleaner
and oil filter before starting the tractor
in the spring. , ^ , ,. ^
Fill the fuel tanks, open the fuel shut-
off valves, fill the cooling system, m-
stall a fully charged battery and be sure
the proper connections are made.
Then it helps to clean and adjust the
spark plugs, clean and adjust the break-
er points and the distributor.
Then thoroughly lubricate the tractor
and start the engine and let it idle
(Continued on page 1 7)
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
YOU CAN PREVENT BREAKDOWNS
AND ACCIDENTS
by D. C. Sprague
Next spring, when field work begms,
the pinch of the labor and machmery
shortage will really begin. The success
with which the problem of producmg
more with less can be met will depend
upon how thoroughly preventive
measures are thought out and acted up-
on Now is the time to begin action. This
winter is the time to get
that machinery complete-
ly ready for next season.
The importance of tak-
ing nothing for granted is
well illustrated by last
years experience of a
vegetable grower. This
Ml '^nd^tt ^^^ ^^^ always gone oyer
^Ll^Bftl his machinery each win-
^^^^^^H ter conditioning it for the
^^■'^^^^ next season's work. Last
winter he spent sixty dol-
lars for repairs and paint
and converted his worn out cover-crop
disk harrow into a machine as good as
a new one costing better than two-hun-
dred dollars. However, he had a new
spring tooth harrow which he had used
only part of a season and which he as-
sumed was in perfect condition, so he
didn't bother to look it over. Last spring
in about the middle of an afternoon
when the ground and the sun were ideal
for preparing the seed bed, the spring
tooth harrow broke down. A small cast-
ing broke causing the sections to come
apart.
Inspection of the broken casting
showed that it had been cracked a good
while. The crack would have been spot-
ted had this machine been looked over
along with the others. To have made the
repair last winter would have cost only
a few cents. Now he estimates that this
breakdown cost him five dollars in cash
for wasted hired help and trucking, and
at least two hours of ideal weather in
which to do a job at the right time.
A systematic procedure of checking
machines and parts should be followed
so as to avoid costly misses. Each ma-
chine should be gone over one at a time.
Every working part should be cleaned
free of grease and dirt so that it can be
inspected. Wheels and the like should
be removed or dismantled to reveal the
condition of hidden parts. Replacement
parts should be ordered promptly. All
nuts should be tightened and worn bolts
should be removed and replaced with
new ones. If new bolts are not on hand
the holes from which the worn ones are
removed should be tagged so they won t
be overlooked when the new ones ar-
rive. To avoid lost parts and confusion,
disassembled parts should be wired to-
gether and tied to the machine while
waiting for repairs to arrive. As soon as
repairs arrive they should be put in
place, the machine thoroughly greased
and adjusted.
The repair of the more complicated
and precision-built machines is best
done, in most cases, by the implement
dealer with his trained mechanics and
special tools. However, a great many
machines can very satisfactorily be con-
ditioned at home by the average person.
Ample opportunity now exists for any-
one to improve his knowledge and skill
at such work. Farm equipment dealers,
the College Extension Service, and the
Vocational Agricultural Schools are now
putting forth special effort to help f arnri-
ers with such problems. Special night
schools on farm machinery repair are
being offered to farmers or others who
will profit by the instruction through the
OSYA training program which is being
supervised by the Vocational Agricul-
ture Schools in Pennsylvania.
Another factor, along with properly
conditioning machinery, will be import-
ant in meeting next spring s labor and
machinery shortage. Accidents which
cause loss of time on the part of both
men and machines as well as suffering
and death must be kept at a minimum.
Most accidents can be prevented as
nearly all are caused by careless habits,
or failure of the operator to take ordi-
nary precautions. Next spring many
new operators, including women and
children, will be employed to operate
farm machinery. These new operators
should be taught "Safety.
The training of operators on accident
prevention is largely a responsibility ot
the owner or farm manager. In many
i
cases this means that a man must train
himself on safety precautions and prac-
tices. This can be done. Safety instruc-
tions are found in the service manuals
going out with every major item of
power and field equipment. The Farm
Safety Committee of the Farm Equip-
ment Institute has prepared rules for
safe tractor operation which are in-
cluded with this article. Also, the fol-
lowing is a list of safety rules for operat-
ing farm equipment which appear on
thousands of farm machines. Each warn-
ing sign is placed on the machine at the
point where such danger exists.
Don't send your wife or child, or any
other inexperienced operator, into the
field to operate a machine until you have
gone over these rules with them.
1— Do not make short turns at high
speeds. Always lock brake pedals
together for traveling in high gear.
Read and observe cautions in in-
struction book.
2 — Stop power take-off before dis-
mounting from tractor.
3 — Shields are for your protection.
Keep them in place.
4 — Keep hands out of husking rolls.
5 — Keep hands and feet out of snap-
ping rolls.
6 — Throw out of gear before cleaning,
oiling or adjusting.
7 — Keep clothing and hands from
chains and moving parts. Stop ma-
chine to oil and adjust.
8 — Do not open cover while machine
is running.
9 — Keep hands away from feeder
fingers.
Rules for Safe Tractor Operation
1 — Be sure the gear shift is in neutral
before cranking the engine.
2— Always engage the clutch gently,
especially when going up a hill or
pulling out of a ditch.
3_When driving on highways, or to
and from fields, be sure that both
wheels are braked simultaneously
when making an emergency stop.
4 — Always ride on seat or stand on
platform of tractor. Never ride on
drawbar of tractor or drawn imple-
ment.
5_When tractor is hitched to a stump
or heavy load, always hitch to draw-
bar and never take up the slack of
chain with a jerk.
6 — Be extra careful when working on
hillsides. Watch out for holes or
ditches into which a wheel may
drop and cause tractor to overturn.
7 — Always keep tractor in gear when
going down steep hills or grades.
8 — Always drive tractor at speeds slow
enough to insure safety, especially
over rough ground or near ditches.
9 — Reduce speed before making a turn
or applying brakes. The hazard of
overturning the tractor increases
four times when speed is doubled.
10 — Always stop power take-off before
dismounting from tractor.
ll__Never dismount from tractor when
it is in motion. Wait until it stops.
12 — Never permit persons other than the
driver to ride on tractor when it is
in operation.
13 — Never stand between tractor and
drawn implement when hitching.
Use an iron hook to handle draw-
bar.
14 — Do not put on or remove belt from
belt pulley while the pulley is in
motion.
15— Should motor overheat, be careful
when refilling radiator.
16 — Never refuel tractor while motor is
running or extremely hot.
17— When tractor is attached to a power
implement be sure that all power
line shielding is in place.
Remember a CAREFUL OPERATOR
always is the BEST INSURANCE
against an accident.
Prepared by the Farm Safety Conri-
mittee of the Farm Equipment Insti-
tute and Research Department, 608 S.
Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois. Approv-
ed by the National Safety Council, Inc.
A new potato of high baking quality
introduced by Cornell University has
been named the Mohawk. This potato
which has outyielded Chippewa and
Katahdin, but not Green Mountains or
Rurals, has been tested under New York
conditions for eight years. It is said that
the Mohawk produces a larger propor-
tion of U. S. No. 1 than any other variety
yet tested in New York. No certified
seed will be available for growers until
1944, Professor Hardenburg of Cornell
has announced. This new variety will
be worth experimenting with under
Pennsylvania conditions.
6
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
COOPERATION
E. L. Nixon does some philosophizing
Consider what the lexicographers say
about cooperation:
1 To operate together for a common
object; 2. To unite with one another
or with others in carrying on a coopera-
tive society; 3. Coaction; 4. Concur; 5.
Gentleman's agreement; 6. A long pull,
a strong pull and a pull all together; 7.
Put shoulder to shoulder; 8. Understand
one another; 9. Join with; 10. Mix one-
self up with; 11. Rally round; 12. Flock
to; 13. Follow the lead of ; 14. Come into
the views of; 15. Finger in the pie; 16.
Cling to one another; 17. Lay ones
heads together; 18. Play the game; 19.
In the same boat; 20. Hand in glove
with; Together. United we stand di-
vided we fall. We'll all hang together
or we'll hang separately. Thus coopera-
tion is a powerful word. In every sense
it denotes action, movement — no stand-
ing still hinted at anywhere.
Consider what the philosophers say
about Cooperation:
1. "Mankind laboring painfully with
his own hands, living precariously, ad-
venturously with courage, fortitude and
the indomitable will to survive has dem-
onstrated beyond the shadow of doubt
the necessity for cooperation. Coopera-
tion started of necessity with the family
—it expanded with society. When co-
operation ceases, organized society dies.
2. "Mankind, the master and servant
of the machine, has harnessed to his will
the forces of the material world, mecha-
nized labor, and added these to the
promise of leisure forgetting the nobility
of work, the beauty of human service
and cooperation.
3. "It takes a long time— a bitter hu-
miliation before man will realize that
freedom is more vital than security, that
indeed freedom is the only security and
that true freedom is achieved only
through cooperation. Mankind's ulti-
mate destiny depends not on whether he
can learn new lessons, or make new dis-
coveries and conquests, but on his ac-
ceptance of the lesson taught him by the
One whose birth the Christian world
celebrates this Christmas season.
4. "The shape of tomorrow's America
where your children and mine will live,
is going to be decided to no small extent
by the men today's country boys become.
When the rural half of the nation pros-
pers, the other half is secure.
5. "It is not in ignorance but enlight-
enment that contentment will be found.
When there is an issue between them,
intelligent people debate and unintel-
ligent people quarrel. Of this you may
be sure that if we open a quarrel be-
tween the past and the present, we shall
find that we have lost the future.
6 "If I were to say what I believed
was the most important single need of
the world today, I would say it was this:
For one people somewhere in the world
to give to all mankind a living proof and
demonstration that they can, without
loss of liberty and without resort to
governmental compulsion, solve the eco-
nomical problems of this power age, end
poverty in the midst of plenty and make
the machine the servant of man and not
his master.
7. "Cooperatives are inherently built
on spiritual motive— they are the most
Christian of business institutions. They
cannot be selfish and succeed. There
must be something higher and better
than amassing money. Either this is
true or else everything that has been
taught us by the forces of Christianity
is a lie. The desire of men to be free to
think, to worship, and to grow is a deep
desire. It cannot be killed, and, where it
seems to be most dead there is the great-
est likelihood that it will reassert itself
with a mighty power.
8. "There must be born a dynamic
faith in America— the sort of faith that
has sent out missionaries to work and
perish in far off lands. It must be a
faith practical and realistic, but with its
sights fixed on a new world that we are
beginning now to build. It must be faith
in something better, something far deep-
er than a bill for an expanded public
works program. Can the answer to un-
employment and monopoly and from
distress, and dependence on govern-
ment be found. The cooperative move-
ment can give America that faith. It can
supply these answers. It is democracy
in practice, the antithesis of dictatorship,
monopoly, power, and the rule of force.
It is the transition into everyday eco-
4
nomic terms of the basic principles of
the Christian faith as well as of every
great religion that man has ever known.
9. "We are seeking as Americans to
unify our nation and make it strong. We
are seeking a unity of spirit and a com-
mon economic bond for all of us. We
are seeking to reach down into the wells
of human desire and find there forces
that can be channeled into a stream of
common effort. But we are hopeful that
we can accomplish all these things with
less reliance on government. We want
less, not more, dependence of our people
upon the public purse. Above all, we
hope to see an increase of responsibility
and initiative in the solution of prob-
lems and the development of construc-
tive forces among the people of Ameri-
can communities. All of these things are
possible through the quiet, steady, sub-
stantial, practical growth of cooperative
associations among the farmers of
America. There is no fast easy way. The
sound expansion of this salutary force
must rest upon education. The future
of America depends upon the capacity
of our people to develop understand-
ing of this cooperative culture.
Cooperatives are conducting thous-
ands of study clubs. Here is true de-
mocracy at work. The study clubs not
only discuss their local organization
problems, they also discuss the difficul-
ties of the day, local problems, national
problems, taxation, education, health
service as well. They discuss the prob-
lems always with the understanding
that as rapidly as they learn how to
value the problems, they will organize
to solve them.
10. "We live in a world ravaged by
war, destruction and fear. We live in
a time when people by the millions have
foresaken principles and life values
which a few years ago were quite taken
for granted. We have seen whole na-
tions committed to the philosophy of
dictatorships, complete reliance upon
force, and limitless ruthlessness. Whole
populations are threatened by starva-
tion. Governments that found diffi-
culty in finding sufficient money to
meet the most pressing social needs of
their people are pouring out billions to
pay for war or preparation for war.
The problems that must be solved are
(1) unemployment, (2) political chican-
ery, and (3) depressed agriculture. If we
wanted the solution to these problems
half as much as some Americans wanted
to end tyranny back in '76 we would
have long since found the means to do so.
We need a program that will enable us to
utilize our tremendous resources in over-
coming poverty and idleness. But more
than that, we need a force that will make
people want to help in removing corrup-
tion wherever it exists. We have the
wealth. We need the willingness, and
courage. It takes the cooperation of co-
operative forces.
Lets consider your own cooperative
1. "It was not created for the personal
or political advancement of any body.
Wherever it sees corruption or chicanery
it swats it. It is not so high-minded that
it ceases to be practical and workable. It
has captured the cooperative spirit — one
man one vote, ever forward no retreat!
It appreciates the fundamental princi-
ple underlying American democracy —
ownership! Private ownership. Coopera-
tive ownership! The Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potato Growers' Association
owns "Camp Potato." It owns and con-
trols its own "trade mark." It owns and
controls the privilege of acquiring the
confidence of hundreds of thousands of
potato consumers who are annually pur-
chasing the "trade marked" packages.
It owns and controls the most unique
statewide marketing "set up" yet de-
vised. In times of depression it was a
life-saver. In war times it is a God-send.
It has been said that when coopera-
tives control fifteen percent of the busi-
ness of an industry they are in a position
to "set the pace" for the entire industry.
The Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association did not set out as
a pressure marketing group nor to con-
trol the price. It has however served as
a balance wheel for potato prices right
back to the most isolated farm in the
most isolated community. It has resulted
in millions and millions of added dollars
to the producers, small and large, and no
added cost to the consumer.
This is streamlined cooperative mar-
keting, passing the products of the farm
by way of the most direct route from the
farm yard to the nearest kitchen table.
Confidence! Ownership! Cooperation!
Whether you pack 15's, 50's or 100-lb.
sacks, check your scales for accuracy
every so often. By giving excess
weight you lose and by giving short
weight you also lose when the weights
and measures people check your bags—
so you lose either way.
8
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
GIVING UP? ?
DONT GIVE UP— If the blight got
you in 1942, don't give up; it can be con-
trolled if you start spraying soon enough
in 1943.
If you planted poor seed last spring,
and turned up with a poor crop, don't
give up; plant good seed this spring.
If you lost your best hired man, don't
give up; resolve to keep
trying to locate a new
one, as there are still
some good, honest people
looking for good, honest
work.
If you find your neigh-
bors are defeatists and
have no other thought or
story but discouragement,
don't give in; keep up
your morale by holding
fast to the will to win.
If you know you are
right whatever the cause, don't give up;
keep trying to win your point.
If you think no one else is interested
in, or thinking of your problems, forget
it; get the Guide Post and keep up with
the crowd.
If you have an original idea, plan, or
a means of accomplishing good, don't
hoard it, share it.
If you really want to help win this
war, you won't give up, you will answer
the call to some duty or task.
If you are a "Potato Grower" you
won't give up; you will fight another
round, and on, and on: There is but one
command — forward! There is no retreat.
VEGETABLE GROWERS
HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS
Judging from discussions at the ses-
sions of the National Vegetable Growers'
Association in Pittsburgh on December
7-8, commercial vegetable growers are
confronted with problems even more
serious than the potato growers. Many
of these vegetable growers are also
potato growers, and they freely express-
ed the opinion that potato production
was their brightest spot looking to 1943.
The vegetable grower, like the potato
grower, is confronted with such prob-
lems as shortage of labor, inadequate
supplies of machinery and machinery
parts, fuel, tires, truck use, etc. In addi-
tion to these the commercial vegetable
grower must overcome (1) not only a
shortage of labor, but must replace
highly skilled labor to deal with tender
seedlings, and crops that are more easily
damaged both during the growing sea-
son and in harvesting; (2) an urgent
need for labor saving equipment for
planting, cultivation, and harvesting a
large number of crops that are planted
different widths, depths, and require dif-
ferent treatment; (3) a serious container
shortage for harvesting and marketing.
Systematic salvage of used containers is
being organized throughout the country.
(4) Due to the perishable nature of most
vegetables they must be harvested and
marketed in a very limited time. Peas,
snap beans, and leafy vegetables are
good examples. (5) The limited sup-
plies of nitrogen fertilizers is more acute
with the vegetable grower, as certain
crops are heavy feeders on nitrogen.
(6) Limitations on certain insecticides
and fungicides make disease and insect
control uncertain, due to so large a num-
ber of diseases and insects attacking
various vegetable crops. (7) A required
shift of acreage which will create new
tillage and marketing problems. A shift
from celery to carrots will require new
machinery and equipment. An increased
carrot acreage may result in local sur-
pluses of carrots, requiring longer trans-
portation hauls to market. (8) A
shortage of certain vegetable seeds in
face of an increased demand to meet in-
creased commercial acreage needs, plus
a nation-wide Victory Garden Program.
Other topics receiving attention on the
two-day program were transportation,
priorities, price ceilings, price floors, in-
spection service, dehydration, use of
high school and other school labor, use of
foreign or imported labor, production in
relation to consuming population.
Numerous resolutions appealing to
various individuals and government
agencies were passed asking for relief
and assistance in meeting the multitude
of problems facing the producer.
In spite of all the problems and handi-
caps, it is a credit to the Vegetable
Growers' Association that they went on
record to produce to the utmost of their
capacities in a patriotic endeavor to do
their part in winning this war.
1
1
400 BUSHEL CLUB
Twenty-four Qualified for 1942 Membership
The following are recent yields re- "sow and reap." On the other hand, the
ported in addition to previous announced 400 -bushel member sets out with vision,
Ijg^. knowledge, and a definite plan based on
Harry W. Shaefer, Ivy land, Bucks scientific findings to produce a maximum
County 481.6 bushels of Sebago, checked yield of qual^y potatoes. It would not
and reported by Edward K. BeAder ^ave been difficult durmg past years to
ana lepuiicu ujr x^^ j^^^^ found m many cases these two
John K. Merkey Lebanon Lebanon growers' fields side by side, simply
County, 438.4 bushels of Katahdms, divided by a line fence or a country road,
checked and reported by A. C^Berger ^^ ^^ approach another season it is
Harry E. Graham, Union City, Lrie ^^^ ^^^ ^^^.^y ^^ g^^^ serious thought to
County, 443.3 bushels of Russets, checked ^^^^i matters as contained in this com-
and reported by P. S. Grossman parison.
C L. ^oodling Philad^^ Phila- GROWING ''400" BUSHEL
delphia County, 595.8 bushels of Katah- p^.^ a cpg
dins, checked and reported by Samuel D. xrx^. x
Gray John Doe
Ward McCall, New Bethlehem, Clar- No Vision
ion County, 416.4 bushels of Rural Ordinary seed
Russets, checked and reported by F. K. No legumes
Miller No spraying
H. L. and C. K. Phillips, New Bethle- 15 bu. seed
hem. Clarion County, 462.3 bushels of No weeder .
Rural Russets, checked and reported by bhallow planting
F. K. Miller P^^^ stand
J. Ellis Harriger, New Bethlehem, ^f A^^^^^^^^^ go bu
Clarion County 596 9 bushels of Rural ^^^^^ @' $i * .' ." .' .' ." ." .' .* .' .' .' .* .' .' .* .' .' $90.00
Russets, checked and reported by * . K. ^^^^ ^ gg qo
Miller
David Zacherl, Shippenville, Clarion Returns $00.00
County, 464.1 bushels of Rural Russets,
checked and reported by F. K. Miller ''400" Member
John Wettstine, Lyons Station, Berks Vision
County, 450.7 bushels of Sebago, checked Disease free seed *45
and reported by John P. Schwenk Legumes 35
Club Medals, to qualified growers, will Good spraying 75
be awarded at a special program in con- 20 - 25 bu. seed 50
nection with the Penna. Cooperative Weeder used 25
Potato Growers' Annual Meeting Tues- Deep planting 15
day evening, Jan. 12, in Room 321, Good stand 30
Educational Building. The 1942 Potato High grade fertilizer 35
Queen will reign over this ceremony *f^ increase
which not only includes Club Medal ^^^^^f^ ^ Vl $400 00
awards but includes the coveted awards ^ni^nSi ^ 150 00
of merit and the Potato Picking Cham- Cost pro i^^.^^
pionship recognition. Returns $250.00
LEST WE FORGET— The following ^^^^^^^ • • • • , , ^. .
comparison gives us the basis and rea- In the foregoing chart disease free
soning that resulted in hundreds of our seed is equal to 45 bushels increase in
400-bushel yields over the past years, yield over ordinary seed. Likewise it is
We will assume that John Doe is just an estimated that a good legume sod is
ordinary general farmer or potato equivalent to a 35-bushel increase,
grower who has no particular vision or Spraying is known to average 75 or more
knowledge of what he is about, other bushels over unsprayed. The other items
than tradition, or the theory of simply are computed on the same basis.
10
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
.-jfs?;
iJ.i.;
».>ii.i ■«■»■..». ^ -f^-. '-•■.■^:^-i*, .?iT ;; .•*.,^.. ^. •-■' '-If •»^— "■'
•--».—» . ^ » I'MJ »■»>»■
REMOVE the
SHACKLES
The Potato Growers' Committee, con-
sisting of M. P. Whitenight, P. D. Frantz,
E. L. Nixon, and C. F. H. Wuesthoff, on
the seriousness of the Agricultural Situ-
ation as concerns labor, supplies, ma-
chinery repair and replacement, is still
actively engaged in acquainting influ-
ential administrators, politicians and
publishers of pertinent facts. As a result
of its efforts the largest metropolitan
evening newspaper in the country has
taken, after considerable research into
the facts, the lead among publications of
the country. A series of four detailed
articles together with accompanying edi-
torials was prepared and published by
Melvile Ferguson, Editor of the Phila-
delphia Evening Bulletin. Mr. Ferguson
definitely set the pace among his co-
workers and in his fine plain way is
opening the eyes of an erstwhile critical
consuming public. If agriculture does
not produce the necessary food some of
the reasons why are certainly clearly
presented in these disclosed stories that
have been sent out statewide. A very
effective cartoon accompanied the last
article in the Bulletin. It presented
graphically — the farmer tied hand and
foot by labor, machinery, gasoline and
rubber restrictions, which makes him
definitely hesitate to risk a sizeable in-
vestment which could be easily jeopard-
ized by anyone or all handicaps. No one
in this country appreciates more than
the farmer that we are in a war — a war
that requires sacrifice — a war that de-
mands an all-out effort if we are to win
it, but the farmer is impatient with the
lack of coordination, and cooperation be-
tween agencies. The resulting confusion
and complications have so befogged the
problems that an attitude of indifference
has infiltrated into the production ranks
to the extent that some are throwing up
their hands in disgust and desperation.
He is anxious to do his part but in order
to do it he must have labor, tools and
supplies with which to work — these
must be in the offing, they must be rea-
sonably assured. They can be assured
(Continued on page 19)
*?A'»
NOW...BEAN RUGGEDNESS
MEANS EVERYTHING
Your job is to produce the MOST and the BEST you can.
Our job is to keep your BEAN rolling at top efficiency. A
BEAN Sprayer needs very little repair attention. But v^hen
it does, you'll find Authorized BEAN Service and Parts in
every growing area.
We're allowed to supply new outfits, too, where they are
vitally needed. While we're busy at top production of war
equipment for Uncle Sam, we're continuing to build some
sprayers where they do not interfere with war work. And
we're building them with all the ruggedness and dependa-
bility that have kept the BEAN in front through the years.
. . . including the matchless ALL-Enclosed BEAN Royal
Pump.
So . . . keep your BEAN rolling if you're already an owner.
Get a new one if you must have new, larger, or more equip-
ment for full Victory Production. Call on us or any of our
dealers anywhere for service and help. And remember, a
BEAN is a sound investment, not just for the emergency,
but for years to come.
FOOD MACHINERY
CORPORATION
John Bean Mfg. Co., Division
Lansing, Michigan
12
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
t
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
13
THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY
Why doesn't someone tell
him about the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers'
ready-packed, handy-to-
carry Package?
THE NEW WAY
Driver: ''Here are your
Pennsylvania Potatoes, all
ready to hand out, no weigh-
ing, no shrinkage, no time
lost in packing"
THE PENNSYLVANIA MODERN WAY
1
i
Merchant: *' Madam, this la-
bel guarantees you genuine
Pennsylvania Potatoes, —
grown, graded, weighed and
packed on the farm."
SAVES THE AUTOMOBILE UPHOLSTERY
No dust, no sifting, — when
you buy Pennsylvania Co-
operative Potatoes!
14
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
Certified
SEED
POTATOES
Maine — Cobblers Katahdins
Chippewas Mountains
Sebagos Houmas
The certified acreage of all varie-
ties, excepting Mountains, shows
varied increases. Total shipping ton-
nage is no greater than last season.
Increased acreage is offset by more
desirable, medium-sized seed. Quality
and appearance are good, with prices
less than usual spread over table
stock.
Michigan — Rural Russets
Green Mountains
Total production of both varieties
is slightly more than last season —
fall rains greatly improved yields. A
recent inspection of bins shows that
crops are of exceptionally good qual-
ity and practically free of disease.
Tubers are quite typey and medium
in size, indicating a dependable
source of sound, clean seed.
I
Write or wire for information
and prices on your require-
ments for spring: planting.
I
Doughertq Seed Growers
WILLIAMSPORT
PENNA.
PENNSYLVANIA SEED
FOR SALE
FOR SALE: Blight resistant certified
Sequoia seed potatoes; certified Chip-
pewa seed potatoes. Also certified two
rowed Alpha barley and certified Shad-
land Victory oats.
THOMAS J. NEEFE,
Coudersport, Penna.
CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES: Katah-
dins with disease free readings, grown
from registered seed — Green Mountains
trace mosaic, leaf roll. Grown on isolated
farm at 2000' elevation. Your dealer can
buy this seed at same price of common
certified seed or a very little more. If
dealer is not interested, you can buy
direct from our warehouse.
FRANK CLARK FARMS
Avoca, New York
FOR SALE: Size B Maine (Certified)
Katahdins, Certified Pontiacs, Warbas,
Russetts, North Dakota Cobblers, Bliss
Triump, etc. Carloads and less.
ED. A. TREXLER,
Trexler, Penna.
GROWER TO GROWER
EXCHANGE
nil
FOR SALE: Potato Sprayer mounted on
Mack truck, 400 gallon tank, 10 row
boom, good tires, 35 Royal Pump, all in
good shape. Selling on account of help.
John N. Stoltzfus, Parkesburg, Pa. No. 1
111!
WANTED: One, single row, potato dig-
ger
W. W. Hill, R. D., Warren, Penna.
<»
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
15
1
I
f
Today's ''I Need
-BETTER FOOD AND PLENTY OF IT
GOOD food and plenty of it — that is the foundation of national
defense. That is why food and nutrition are first-page news
. . . why you hear so much talk about vitamins and minerals and
nutritive values. And where do minerals and vitamins and all good
nourishment come from? From well-fed crops — nowhere else.
Cash in on today's opportunity ... get higher acre yields of top-
quality crops ... use Agrico, the Nation's Leading Fertilizer, and
enough of it to do a real job. Leading growers everywhere have
proved by actual crop tests that Agrico has the EXTRA plant-
feeding efficiency which means top yields and top quality.
Why Agrico Is Today's #1 Value
There's an Agrico specially formulated
for each crop and each principal crop-
producing section. Each brand of Ag-
rico supplies all the needed plant-food
elements in just the right form and
in the proper balance. By soil and crop
tests, Agrico is kept abreast of the
changing needs of the changing soil.
Use Agrico under your own crops . . .
see for yourself the profitable differ-
ence it makes in yield, quality and
extra cash income.
Agrico is Manufactured ONLY by
The AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL Co.
Baltimore, Md. Buffalo, N.Y.
Carteret, N. J.
THERE'S A BRAND OF AGRICO FOR EACH CROP
AGRICO
THE NATION'S LEADING
FERTILIZER
I
16
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
THE GUTOE POST
Published monthly by the Pennsylvania
Cooperative Potato Growers,' Inc.
OFFICERS
P. Daniel Franlz, Coplay President
Ed. Fisher, Coudersport Vice-Pres.
C. F. H. Wuesthoff Gen'l Mgr.
DIRECTORS
Jacob K. Mast Elverson, Chester
P. Daniel Frantz Coplay, Lehigh
Hugh McPherson Bridgeton, York
W. W. Hayes. . .Jersey Shore, Lycoming
M. P. Whitenight Bloomsburg, Columbia
Ed. Fisher Coudersport, Potter
Charles Frey North Girard, Erie
J. A. Donaldson. . . .Emlenton, Venango
R. W. Lohr Boswell, Somerset
SALES OFFICES
Main Office:
410 Campbell Street, Williamsport, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
300 East Brady Street, Butler, Pa.
Branch Sales Office:
720. North Eighth St., Allentown ,Pa.
Annual membership fee is $1.00 This in-
cludes the GUIDE POST.
All communications should be addressed
to C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Executive Secre-
tary, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
NOTIGEf-NOTICE!
The Annual Business Meeting of the
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Grow-
ers' Association will be held at Harris-
burg, Tuesday, January 12th, at 11:00
A. M., Assembly Room, Penn-Harris
Hotel. The business to be transacted will
include:
1. Reports of Officers and Directors
2. Annual Election of 3 Directors
3. General Business of the Association
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato
Growers' Association, Inc.
Signed, C. F. H. Wuesthoff, Exec.
Sec'y. and Gen. Mgr.
January 12th Designated
As Farm Mobilization Day
Washington, Dec. 17— The White
House disclosed today that President
Roosevelt has proclaimed Tuesday, Jan-
uary 12, as Farm Mobilization Day,
when meetings will be held to consider
means of "insuring for the year 1943 the
maximum production of vital foods."
He called on farmers, wherever pos-
sible, to gather that day with department
of agriculture representatives, extension
service agents, vocational teachers, state
officials, farm organizations and others
concerned.
His proclamation, signed yesterday,
said that "I should like Farm Mobiliza-
tion Day to be a symbol of free America;
a symbol of the might and productivity
of our nation; and a symbol of our un-
alterable determination to put to full use
our agricultural resources, as well as our
other resources, in the achievement of
complete victory."
Asserting that every pound of food
finds use in wartime, the chief executive
said farmers might justly be proud of
their production record of maximum
harvests for three successive years.
The country, Mr. Roosevelt said, owes
them a debt of gratitude.
HOPE ! ! !
And there is a ray of hope within a
reasonable time to simplify and co-
ordinate efforts. Food is what we'll
need and the government and all exist-
ing agencies have been definitely in-
structed to clear for food production.
From the top down the line the orders
are the same. Munitions and armies
without food would be tragic. Utter-
ances of last fall by the two leaders of
the nation were admittedly a mistake —
to undo them is paramount now. Potato
growers interest — namely labor, ma-
chinery, machinery repair and supplies
— in order that they produce increased
acreage without too much financial risk
are to be taken care of through a unique
program in the immediate offing. The
plan is in the making, until it is com-
plete, which will be too late for this
issue of the Guide Post. We dare not
divulge its details. It is a hope — a
further step toward coordination and
simplification.
i
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
17
SKY HIGH POTATO FARMS, Ltd.
"Naturally Refrigerated"
Coudersport, Pa.
November 25, 1942
Mr. Joseph B. Eastman
Office of Defense Transportation
Detroit, Michigan
Dear Mr. Easton:
We have today received our certificate
of war necessity No. 2-13-02, 906616
class 125. We have been given 3100
miles with 397 gals, of gasoline for the
next year.
We operated and tilled over 600 acres
of land on which we grow 250 acres of
potatoes which produces between 50 to
60,000 bu. of potatoes.
This truck is used to haul the year
around because, first, it is planting, ithen
all other operations as, hauling supplies
to grow the crop. Then the harvesting
and also delivering the potatoes. We
hire other trucks at the peak seasons
such as, harvesting as well as delivering.
The gas we have been allotted will
just plant our crop, say nothing about
all the other needs to care for it, har-
vest and delivery.
If 3 bushel of potatoes will feed one
person for 12 months which is about
the average for the United States, we,
at that rate have produced in the past
enough for 15 to 17,000 people.
We have a cash out-lay of between
$30,000 to $40,000 in this crop before we
realize anything from it.
If we cannot be assured of enough gas
and other necessary supplies, to carry
this crop through to harvest, and de-
liveries to the stores, then, we cannot
risk this acreage. This means we can
only grow about 1/6 of our normal crop
or about 8000 bu., which then means
we could only feed about 2750 people.
Farmers have had and still do have
high morale, but, when we see our city
cousins getting $75 to $150 per week
with short hours of work and we work-
ing 10 to 18 hours for double time and
half pay instead of half time and double
pay.
Now we are asked to cut our gas con-
sumption 1/6 of the amount needed but
still the farmers are asked to produce
more food and that is asking the im-
possible. •
Then we feel like saying "to hell with
it air' and just raise what we need for
ourselves to eat, but this cannot hap-
pen. We are in no frame of mind to *
quietly submit to being made the goat
of mistakes and bunglings that will
contribute to the shortage of food in
many lines.
Is there not some way we can be as-
sured of the needed supplies to raise
the crops to give plenty of food for
everybody so that no one will go
hungry.
Yours truly,
Ed Fisher
cc. Sec. of Agric.
Claude Wickard
WINTER CARE OF
YOUR POWER PLANT
(Continued from page 3)
slowly for a while. It is a good idea to
have the valves ground and adjusted
and the carbon cleaned during the
winter. If any of the valves tend to
stick, pour a small amount of kerosene
on the stems until they loosen up.
It is considered bad practice to start a
tractor engine by coasting down hill or
towing. These practices have resulted
in serious injury to working parts of
tractors. If a tractor is hard to start
the services of a mechanic are needed.
The Community Repairman
In many localities there are men who
are equipped to take care of farm ma-
chinery repairs. Some of these men may
have been in the garage business and
are converting their places of business
into the reconditioning of farm equip-
ment since automobiles have been
frozen.
The Machinery Dealer
The logical man to do farm machinery
and tractor repair is the farm equipment
dealer. He usually has the tools, repair
parts and service men to do the job.
This is one winter when it behooves
every one to give serious consideration
to the question of putting farm equip-
ment in» shape for next season.
18
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
PATRIOTIC-PRODUCTION-PREPARATION
Care and Repair now will prevent
serious breakdowns and critical delays
during the growing season. All neces-
sary farm machinery must be ready for
work when needed. Adjustments, over-
hauls, and parts replacements should be
attended to during the winter slack
periods. Too often have we put off those
necessary jobs until our equipment is in
the field with all hands ready to work
(except the machine) . This practice has
never been good but now in time of war
it is nothing short of criminal negligence.
Every hour and every day in the field
will be valuable to the war effort. Can
you imagine the army high command
leaving a stone unturned when prepar-
ing an important campaign? Neglect or
failure in the smallest detail may mean
the loss of many lives and bring on an
utter collapse of the campaign. The man
preparing to produce food is preparing
a production campaign he cannot afford
to neglect any details whatsoever any-
more than can a responsible strategist of
our Army or Navy. Time will be prec-
ious, every movement must count. One
job that can be done now is to get that
gummed-up potato planter ready for a
grueling planting campaign. Note illus-
tration especially posed. It is most
timely.
Secretary Wickard Appointed Food Administrator
The outstanding development of the
past week in the food field has been the
centralization of responsibility for the
food program in Secretary of Agricul-
ture Wickard through his designation as
Food Administrator by the President. It
is hoped that this action will eliminate
the past confusion and that all necessary
steps are taken to insure production to
supply our 1943 food requirements.
The Executive Order gives the Secre-
tary much additional authority to carry
out the first provision of the order, "The
Secretary of Agriculture is authorized
and directed to assume full responsibil-
ity for and control over the Nation's food
program." The order grants the Secre-
tary numerous additional powers, many
to be exercised jointly with the Chair-
man of the War Production Board, such
as determination of the kind and amount
of equipment and supplies needed for
the food program; the division of food
between food and industrial needs; de-
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
19
termination of the need for civilian
rationing of food to be carried out
through the OPA; collaboration with
other agencies with regard to the foreign
aspects of the food program; and the
preparation of priorities for the domestic
movement of food to be carried out
through the ODT in the event of a short-
age of domestic transportation. The
Secretary is authorized to appoint an
advisory committee from other govern-
mental agencies to replace the present
Food Requirements Committee, which is
abolished. The Secretary is also desig-
nated as a member of the WPB and is
given broad powers to carry out the food
program.
The Executive Order also provides for
the reorganization of the Department of
Agriculture. A Food Production Admin-
istration is created to include Agricul-
tural Conservation and Adjustment
Administration, Farm Credit Adminis-
tration, Farm Security Administration,
Division of Farm Management of the
BAE, and those portions of the Office of
Agricultural War Relations concerned
with food production. The Director of
Food Production Administration is to be
Herbert W. Parisius, present Associate
Director of Agricultural War Relations.
Mr. Parisius, a graduate of the Univer-
sity of Wisconsin, entered the Depart-
REMOVE THE SHACKLES
(Continued from page 10)
him by simplifying necessary restric-
tions. Simplification, Coordination and
Cooperation of essential agencies would
bring back our confidence, remove the
confusion and give moral support to our
efforts. The Potato Growers' Committee
ment through the Farm Security
Administration, later becoming Assis-
tant to the Secretary until appointment
in his present position last summer.
M. C. Townsend, formerly of the Agri-
cultural Conservation and Adjustment
Administration, will be Associate Direc-
tor.
The Food Distribution Administration
will include the AMA, the Sugar Agen-
cy, those parts of the Bureau of Animal
Industry relating primarily to regula-
tory activities, and those parts of the
Office of Agricultural War Relations
concerned with food distribution. The
Director of Food Distribution is to be
Roy F. Hendrickson, who for the past
year has been Administrator of AMA.
Mr. Hendrickson formerly served in sev-
eral capacities within the Department.
C. W. Kitchen, formerly Chief of AMS,
will be Associate Director of Food Dis-
tribution Administration.
Although the full reorganization pro-
gram has not been completed, it is evi-
dent that there will be a further transfer
of groups now in other agencies to the
Department of Agriculture. When the
organization and personnel have been
arranged, the full authority and respon-
sibility for the 1943 program should be
placed in Secretary Wickard and the
Department of Agriculture.
has now grown to include committees of
the cooperative council and the states
farm organizations. It has become a size-
able one representing all farm groups
with R. N. Benjamin of the Farm Bureau
Cooperative temporary chairman.
Weekly meetings have been held with
positive outcomes. The campaign is be-
ginning to show results.
We wish you enough wealth to keep you free from
worry, and also time to fold your hands and rest during
these trying days.
ALBERT C. ROEMHILD
Handling all Fruits and Vegetables
Specializing in Potatoes
122 Dock Street
Philadelphia
Lombard 1000
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
21
CONCRETE
for potato storage
AN underground concrete
cellar provides long-lasting
storage facilities for potatoes and
other farm products which must
be kept at an even temperature.
Such an improvement is more im-
portant now than ever because it
aids in preserving foods needed
for the war program.
Termite-proof and rot-proof
storage cellars of any capacity
may be economically constructed
of either cast-in-place concrete or
concrete masonry. Little or no
steel is required for either type.
And by following a few simple
precautions the work may be
done in cold weather if desired.
Concrete materials are usually
available locally, within short
trucking distance of any Job.
Their use helps save transporta-
tion facilities for war uses.
Write for free information sheet
giving details on how to build
Underground Storage Cellars.
PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION
Depl. M12-2, 1528 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.
BVY WAR SAVINGS BONDS AND STAMPS
POTATO MERCHANDISING IN PAPER
One of the finest innovations in many
years has been the introduction of heavy
kraft paper into the merchandising field.
Handy consumer paper packages are
here to stay. Consumer and distributors
alike are demanding that clean conven-
ient containers be used in the merchan-
dising of perishable foods. In the interest
of economy and the war effort this is just
as logical now as in time of peace. The
Consumer — the customer is always
right, she demands handy sizeable con-
tainers that are clean, attractive and
convenient. This definite trend in mer-
chandising has grown nationwide in the
past five years. From city to city, from
coast to coast, you see the same reactions
with perhaps a tendency to a somewhat
larger unit than 10 or 15 pound package
but nevertheless it is paper. Kraft paper,
paper from our own forests, is cheap,
plentiful and definitely satisfactory.
Mills throughout the country have ample
pulp stocks together with sufficient ma-
chinery to turn out all that is needed on
the market today. This brings the
thought that burlap and jute is most
scarce being largely an imported product
at the same time a product necessary to
our increased munitions manufacture
and delivery.
In short it is not only smart to pack
and sell potatoes in paper but it is eco-
nomical, it is in line with our war effort
and definitely good business. Millions of
packages are on the market today with
prospects of a definite further increase
in the near future. There seems to be
little doubt but that paper supplies will
be ample and that there is no reason for
any immediate increase in the cost of
paper and paper products. The Pennsyl-
vania Cooperative Potato Growers'
Association through wise planning and
managing have arranged for reliable
sources of paper so that at no time,
within the next six months at least, will
its members experience a shortage due
to paper and paper supplies. Growers
may experience belated or slow deliv-
eries due to difficult transportation facil-
ities but not due to paper shortages.
GROWERS ASKED TO TEST NEW POTATO
LocKPORT, N. Y., Dec. 11 — Mohawk is
the name of a new high-quality baking
potato introduced by the Cornell Uni-
versity agricultural experiment station,
as worthy of trial in New York State,
according to an article in the Niagara
County Farm and Home Bureau News,
published here, the article says further:
A cross of Green Mountain and Ka-
tahdin potatoes made by the agents of
the United States Department of Agri-
culture in Maine, the Mohawk potato
has been tested in New York State fields
for eight years. It has outyielded Chip-
pewa and Katahdin, but not Green
Mountain and Rural potatoes. Accord-
ing to Professor Earl Hardenburg of
the station, Mohawk shows great prom-
ise for growers who wish to market
fancy baking potatoes. Mohawk re-
quires good loam soil.
Mohawk potatoes are white, with
shallow eyes that reduce waste in
cooking, flaky skin, and white mealy
flesh. The potatoes seldom show much
second growth, growth cracks, hollow
heart, or uneven shape. Mohawk pro-
duces a larger proportion of No. 1
tubers than any other variety yet tested
in New York State. It is moderately
susceptible to scab, blight, mosaic, and
leafroll.
No certified seed of the new potato
will be on the market 'till 1944 says
Professor Hardenburg. Several growers
will produce foundation stock during
the 1943 growing season.
Turn your ration books into your local
War Price and Rationing Board when
you enter military service. Anyone
found to be using yours will get into
trouble.
Get the pennies out of piggies, the Di-
rector of the Mint urges. If every Ameri-
can family should return to use 10
penny pieces, and these should stay in
circulation, the Nation's supply would
be increased by one-third 193rs record
production.
22
I
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
MEMBERSHIPS
New and renewals since the November
GUIDE POST announcements:
Earl Frantz, Schnecksville
Harry S. Mattern, Osceola Mills
George Hamilton, Genesee
Ralph O. Mitchell, Cooperstown
Roy R. Hess, Stillwater
Frank L. Clark, Ellington, Conn.
Thos. Neefe, Coudersport
Seward W. Daily, Genesee
' Ivan Miller, Corry, R. D.
John Stevens, Union City
T. S. Ingram, Spartansburg
H. Warren Shaeffer, Ivyland
Harry W. Shaeffer, Ivyland
Charles Camp, Torpedo
H. W. Connarro, 5th St., Warren
F. L. Dodd, Columbus
Roy Hamilton, Corry, R. D.
John Jensen, Bear Lake
W. C. Leofsky, Garland
Oscar Lauger, Youngsville
Harry Long, Pittsfield
Wm. Martin, Torpedo
E. L. Martin, Torpedo
Fred Martin, Youngsville
R. B. Perrin, Columbus
Glenn Shell, Torpedo
J. D. Upton, Garland
Gerald Faulkner, Columbus
David Zacherl, Shippenville
Ed N. Sherrot, Wexford
Fred E. Flaugh, Meadville
L. R. Friedline, Boswell
Austin J. Donaldson, Emlenton
If you're an old-time sauerkraut fan,
you're in luck this year. No kraut will
be canned, but the USDA is helping
producers to put tons of it up in barrels.
Fans say barrel-packed kraut has su-
perior flavor.
Storage Battery: Keep the storage
battery fullv charged and the solution
in each cell to the proper level. Bat-
teries will freeze if they are low in
charge. It may be necessary to in-
crease the generator charging rate dur-
ing the winter months. Batteries not
kept active and fully charged must be
stored in a place above freezing tem-
peratures.
Clean battery terminals and cables
with ordinary baking soda and apply
grease or vaseline to prevent corrosion.
SPRAY and DUST
with
MILLARD MODERN LIMES
Rotary Kiln Products
Crop Protection ■ Service - Reasonable Cost
H. E. MILLARD
Phon. 7-3231 AdhtUI.. P..
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
23
Area Analysis of 1942 Potato Production
by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Under the stimulation of favorable
prices throughout the country for the
1942 potato crop, it is likely that potato
acreage will be at least maintained, and
possibly increased next year, according
to the potato outlook for 1943, issued by
Secretary of Agriculture John H. Light.
However, since the expected yield per
acre of 135 bushels this year compares
with 131 bushels in 1941 and the average
of 112.6 bushels for 1930-39, it seems
optimistic to expect a larger crop in 1943
even though acreage should be increased
by 100,000 acres. Availability of labor,
fertilizer, machinery and material for
growing and harvesting the 1943 crop is
uncertain and may be a limiting factor
in some areas. With 1943 plantings of
3.0 million acres and with yields equal
to the average for the last five years, the
crop would be about the same as in 1942.
Under the influence of increased pur-
chasing power and large Government
requirements, demand for potatoes is ex-
pected to continue to increase in 1943.
Increased demand and the possibility of
a potato crop somewhat smaller than in
1942 may cause a further increase in
prices. A ceiling on potato prices at pres-
ent levels might bring about a shortage
relative to the quantities demanded, if
the crop next year should be much
smaller than the 1942 production.
October weather throughout the coun-
try was generally favorable for harvest-
ing the late potato crop. Production, now
estimated at 379,624,000 bushels, is about
one percent above a month ago. The
yield of 135.7 bushels is five bushels
above 1941, 23 bushels above average,
and the highest on record.
Early blight throughout Pennsylvania
adversely affected late potato yields. A
few fields that were planted early, and
others which were frequently sprayed
produced good crops. Frequent rains
during mid-October followed by several
freezes later in the month interrupted
and delayed harvesting. It is estimated
that 70 percent of the crop will grade
U. S. No. 1. In the Erie-Crawford and
Potter Plateau areas early blight was
widespread just as tubers were setting
on the late varieties. Most unsprayed
fields were practically failures. Some
fields dug were barely worth the cost of
harvesting. Russets were badly blighted.
Katahdins and Sebago did well and
Chippewas were little afl?ected. Growers
in the Columbia -Luzerne area had
trouble getting a stand in late planted
fields. Sebago and Katahdin turned out
good, where well sprayed. Russets were
a poor crop with yields quite variable.
In the Lehigh-Northampton area, the
principal varieties. Russet and Katahdin,
made fairly good yields. Blight cut down
production some but potatoes were well
shaped and of high quality. In the
Somerset-Cambria mountain area blight
damaged fields early, resulting in many
small potatoes. Rot was prevalent due to
wet weather during the early growing
season. In the southeastern counties
yields in late planted fields were also re-
duced by blight. Russets were small and
a very poor crop in unsprayed fields.
Digging revealed much second growth
of Green Mountain and Katahdins.
Tubers in low fields rotted badly.
The preliminary production estimate
is 17,696,000 bushels or an average yield
of 112 bushels per acre compared with
the production of 20,540,000 bushels or
an average yield of 130 bushels last year.
Salesmen selling necessary produc-
tive farm equipment are to receive more
gasoline — OPA this week announced a
modification of its mileage rationing
regulation at the request of Rubber Di-
rector William M. Jeflfers, to grant addi-
tional gasoline to traveling salesmen.
While details are not fully worked
out, the new regulations will give these
salesmen up to 65 per cent of their last
year's mileage, or a total of 8,600 miles
a year, whichever is less.
Salesmen, who will become eligible
for more than 470 occupational miles a
month, will be limited to those engaged
full-time in the sale of necessary pro-
ductive equipment for farms, factories,
mines, oil wells, lumber camps and
similar productive establishments or of
essential food, shelter, fuel, clothing
and medical supplies. Driving in con-
nection with the sale of non-essential
commodities will not be increased.
24
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
POTATO MARKING LAW COMPLIANCE
SHOWING MARKED IMPROVEMENT
by D. M. James
Pennsylvania Bureau of Markets
It has been stated that any law is only
as good as its enforcement, or, in other
words it is worthless unless favorably
accepted by the public.
The Pennsylvania potato marking law,
which became operative in 1937, has now
been in effect long enough to show how
it is being accepted by growers, shippers
and distributors. Since 1939, records
have been kept by Department of Agri-
culture enforcement agents of every lot
of potatoes examined in the determina-
tion of grade marking compliance. That
year, 43% of Pennsylvania potatoes
checked, violated in some manner the
provisions of the Law. Some were not
graded as marked, others were without
grade designation. The following season,
1940-1941, a considerable improvement
was noted in compliance. Seventy-eight
percent of the lots checked met all re-
quirements of the act compared with
only 57% the previous year. During the
1941-1942 season compliance jumped
again to 88%, just 10% higher than the
year before.
It is of course too early during the
present marketing season to secure any-
thing but a very meager sampling of
reports. However, it is encouraging to
note that as of November 15, 1942, the
season's record is 90% compliance, a
further increase of 2% over last season.
The continued policy of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture in this enforcement
work has been one of helpful coopera-
tion and education, rather than big stick
tactics of "cracking-down" on innocent
violators. A few prosecutions each year
of willful and persistent violators have
been made, it is true.
One such case during the past season
involved unmarked out-of-state pota-
toes handled by a dealer in Westmore-
land County. The local magistrate
ordered the fine to be paid but the defen-
dant appealed the case to the County
Court contending, that since the pota-
toes were shipped into Pennsylvania
from another state, they did not come
under the intent of the law. Following
an extensive study of the case, the court
passed down a ruling which has consid-
erable bearing on the future enforce-
ment of the Act as regards out-of-state
potatoes resold in Pennsylvania mar-
kets. To quote the ruling, "The intent to
illegalize in local markets all transac-
tions in closed packages not plainly and
truthfully marked to indicate the con-
tents by prescribed formula cannot well
be mistaken. The primary purpose of the
act, in common with all grading acts, is
to prevent deceptions and minimize ex-
ploitation of consumers. Lack of uni-
formity in its application would permit
the continuance, in large part, of the
unfair practices it was designed to end,
and seriously impair its effectiveness.
Therefore we find the defendant guilty."
This ruling gives the Department a
clear cut authorization to treat out-of-
state shipments in the same manner as
stock originating in Pennsylvania, as re-
gards the city dealer who handles the
misbranded shipment. It is, of course,
impossible to hold out-of-state shippers
jointly responsible with the Pennsyl-
vania distributors, as in the case of
Pennsylvania misbranded shipments.
However, an arrangement has been
made with the Departments of Agricul-
ture of states shipping heavily into
Pennsylvania markets, to furnish lists
of their shippers sending misbranded
stock into Pennsylvania markets. The
effect of this program may be noted in
the figures covering out-of-state pota-
toes sold in Pennsylvania markets. Dur-
ing the 1939-1940 season the compliance
of out-of-state potatoes on Pennsylvania
markets was 71%. The next year this
improved to 77%: and this year to date,
the compliance of out-of-state potatoes
stands at 84%.
It is very gratifying to note that al-
though there were nearly twice as many
Pennsylvania shipments misbranded in
1939 as from other states, the compliance
of Pennsylvania shippers now exceeds
out-of-state compliance by 6%, this
year's Pennsylvania shipments checking
out 90% and out-of-state, 84% compli-
ance with the marking law.
(Continued to page 26)
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Write for Literature telling the many advantages of these Products for Potato Growers
ROHM & HAAS COMPANY
WASHINGTON SQUARE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Manufacturers of CUPROCIDE* and LETHANE* 60 for Dust and Spray
*T.M. Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.
26
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
27
THE NATIONAL GRANGE SESSION
The stand of the National Grange on
matters of policy and principle as ex-
pressed by them in their session last
month is most commendable. We believe
that facts presented are true and should
be kept constantly before the public.
The following is a summary of resolu-
tions and recommendations presented
and acted upon by that body, —
1. Vidtory is the first objective of
America at war, and to its achievement
the Grange pledges its unlimited efforts.
2. Agriculture recognized its respon-
sibility for maximum production of
essential food and fiber for our armed
forces, our allies and the American peo-
ple. To attain this, immediate action is
necessary to provide manpower, ma-
chinery, supplies, and compensatory
prices without subsidy that will permit
farmers to produce to the utmost.
3. Selective Service's plan to defer
essential farm workers on dairy, live-
stock, and poultry farms is a step in the
right direction, but it should be extended
to other types of farming.
4. Continuing loss of farm workers to
industry, because farmers cannot pay
wages high enough to compete with in-
dustry, emphasizes that farm income is
too low. Asking farmers to work long
hours while workers in industry receive
higher pay for shorter hours invites a
food shortage. Fair prices to producers,
stimulating production, are a safeguard
against inflation and a protection to con-
sumers.
5. The President's definition of parity
as "prices which give the farmer equal-
ity of purchasing power with fellow
Americans who work in industry" has
been thd goal of the Grange for twenty
years. Toward achieving it, we ask im-
mediate amendment of the parity for-
mula to
a. Include all farm labor in cost of
production.
b. Make use of current price levels,
instead of those thirty years ago.
6. Price ceilings should be flexible.
Any price ceiling that has the effect of
reducing farm prices below cost levels
will result in curtailed production, food
shortages, and inevitable higher prices
to consumers.
7. Subsidies as a substitute for fair
prices are wrong in principle. They are
used to hold down the general price level
to consumers, while the impression pre-
vails that they are payments to farmers.
8. It is essential that means be devel-
oped to maintain floors under farm
prices, to prevent their collapse and an-
other post-war depression.
9. If a food administrator is named, he
should be a man with practical experi-
ence in agriculture, and this office should
be placed in the Department of Agricul-
ture or the Office for Economic Stabili-
zation.
10. Efficient transportation must be
maintained to support the war effort and
preserve our economic life. Necessary
allocation of materials should be made
to permit various forms of transporta-
tion to carry on. No unnecessary restric-
tions should be imposed. A rubber
program should be developed at once,
including manufacture of synthetic
rubber.
11. America should not be made a
dumping ground for cheap agricultural
products after the war.
The Seventy-sixth Annual Session of
the National Grange held at Wenatchee,
Washington, November 11-19, was de-
void of all frills. Delegates from thirty-
seven states were present and repre-
sented the country from Maine to
California and from Texas to Montana.
POTATO MARKETING LAW
COMPLIANCE SHOWING
MARKED IMPROVEMENT
(Continued from page 24)
Needless to say results like these could
not be obtained without the whole-
hearted support of growers, shippers,
and distributors. This support has been
forthcoming, the Department feels, be-
cause the method of enforcement has
been one of helpful cooperation. Fur-
thermore it is needless to state that this
improvement in honest grading and
truthful grade labeling has had a most
wholesome effect on Pennsylvania's po-
tato markets, in fact on its entire potato
industry.
POTATO PROCESSING PLANT
WELL UNDER WAY
Stockholders and Directors of the
Northwestern Cooperative Potato
Growers met Monday, December 21st,
to hear a report of progress and develop-
ment of the Potato Dehydrating Plant
located at North Girard. President
Frank Barney presided over a very in-
formative and interesting session at
which many growers and stockholders
participated. T. G. Oliver, the newly
appointed manager of the plant was in-
troduced. He gave an interesting re-
port of activities to date together with
prospects of the sale of the product to
the Army, Navy and Lend-Lease
through the Agricultural Marketing
Administration. At present over 10,000
pounds have been manufactured with
a marked increase of efficiency. James
Hall, secretary of the local Association,
and C. F. H. Wuesthoff, secretary of the
State Association, gave a brief history
of the plant since its inception. At
present there are 183 stockholders from
Warren, Crawford and Erie Counties.
The appraised value of the plant itself
made bv the Farm Security Administra-
tion is $19,000, buildings and equipment
were valued at $5000, boilers at $5000,
and retorts $2400, and miscellaneous
machinery an additional $9373.
The directors of the Northwestern As-
sociation have spent time and effort
without reserve in the past two years.
They are to be commended for carrying
on in spite of difficulties that seemed
most insurmountable at times. These
directors have had faith and confidence
in the value of the product and have
always appreciated that this venture
would be an ideal outlet for potatoes
of second and pick-out grade. The gov-
ernment at present are urging 100%
production with three eight hour shifts
in order that they may supply overseas
demands. The packages insisted upon
are sealed air and water tight so that
they are fit for consumption under any
or all conditions.
The following directors were elected
for the coming year — Erie County, Lynn
Sill, Ivan Miller, Frank Barney, C. H.
Frey, for Crawford County, Thomas
Morrison and D. L. Crum, and for War-
ren County, Frank L. Dodd and Charles
Camp. The directors will meet again
soon to reorganize by electing a presi-
dent, vice-president, Secretary and a
Treasurer.
Levant Alcorn of the Corry Office of
the Farm Security Administration, gave
a report of the financial standing to
date as concerns the recent loan to the
association of $17,500.
At the close of the meeting Red-E Po-
tatoes, the dehydrated product, was
served to all present. The product was
particularly acceptable. It seems so far
superior to anything yet offered the gov-
ernment. It is most ideal for it con-
serves space and weight in shipping but
still the food value is not sacrificed in
anyway. One hundred pounds of pota-
toes makes approximately fifteen to
sixteen pounds.
"WHILE THEY LAST— 6 new John Bean Rubber Roll
Potato Graders"
t •
I.
JACOBSEN &
SON
GIRARD,
PA.
PHONE 54R
28
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
December, 1942
THE GUIDE POST
29
We Have It - - -
THE
PAPER BAG
THAT ADDS
Eye Appeal
TO
Your Pennsylvania
Potatoes
Our Bags are Proven for:
APPEARANCE
STRENGTH
DURABILITY
66
Service Is Our Motto^^
Hammond Better Bags
it ir it
HAMMOND BAG &
PAPER CO.
WELLSBURG, W. VA.
A COMPARISON
AN INTERESTING COMPARISON
OF PRODUCTION METHODS — The
following is an interesting comparison
of practices used by three different po-
tato growers a few years ago. All three
followed good practices and secured
good results. There is plenty of chance
for argument as to what particular thing
or practice led to the largest yield. It
could have been in things not shown
here, such as land, drainage, moisture,
or the manner of carrying out such
operations as cultivation, spraying, etc.
What do you think, will you do as well
as these men in 1943?
Farmer A
Variety of seed Russets
Source of seed Disease free
Bushels plants 28
Distance planted 30 x 9
Cover crop Soy beans
Cultivation 1
Times weeded 10
Times sprayed 12
Pressure of spraying 375
Analysis of fertilizer (3-10-6)
Amount of fertilizer 1000 lbs.
Yield per acre 538.1 bu.
Farmer B
Variety of seed Russets
Source of seed Disease free
Bushels plants 26
Distance planted 31 x 9
Cover crop Clover
Cultivation 2
Times weeded 4
Times sprayed 11
Pressure of spraying 250
Analysis of fertilizer (4-12-5)
Amount of fertilizer 1200 lbs.
Yield per acre 525 bu.
Farmer C
Variety of seed Russets
Source of seed Disease free
Bushels plants 22
Distance planted 31.5 x 10
Cover crop Clover
Cultivation 2
Times weeded 5
Times sprayed 9
Pressure of spraying 250
Analysis of fertilizer (4-8-6)
Amount of fertilizer 1200 lbs.
Yield per acre 472 bu.
Telegram Sent by Agricultural Press Relations Committee to
Secretary of Agriculture
M
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
December 7, 1942
"Hon. Claude Wickard
Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D. C.
"Pennsylvania agriculture wants to
do its full share toward increased food
production and the winning of the war.
It wants to stand foursquare behind you
as the national administrator in this
time of grave crisis. It produced heavily
in 1942 — it will strive to do even bet-
ter in 1943. To this end we must bring
to your attention some vital matters
that must be satisfactorily solved to in-
sure maximum production.
"Indeed unless they are solved we
foresee not only no increase in produc-
tion next year but a shortage that may
well prove disastrous to the whole com-
mon war effort.
"At a meeting of representatives of
most of Pennsylvania farm organiza-
tions held today for the purpose of
stimulating production the situation
was canvassed in the light of manpower,
equipment, repair parts, and fertilizer
and farm supplies in general, as it exists
today and as it portends for the future.
Unless relieved by national action these
factors hold back production and may
result next year in a twenty-five per-
cent lower potato crop twenty-five per-
cent or more decrease in fruit and vege-
table crop as low as fifty percent of this
years crop and a sizeable decrease in
dairy and poultry production. These
estimates were given by heads of repre-
sentative organizations. They are not
in any sense exaggerated. They are
conservative.
"Thousands of bushels of potatoes
have gone to waste undug. Thousands
of bushels of vegetables lie ruined in
the soil. Uncounted bushels of fruit
have been unharvested. This condition
threatens to be only a forerunner to far
worse experiences next year unless the
common labor situation is relieved. But
immensely worse is the shortage of
skilled technical labor without which it
will be impossible to plant and produce
on the scale needed. This is already re-
ducing planting programs in innumer-
able cases. Added to this is the agri-
cultural restriction on implement parts
and the fertilizer shortage. Our farm-
ers are in dead earnest, but they are
likewise becoming deeply discouraged.
They need sympathetic and effective
rulings at once and an end to confusion
so that they can at least have the needed
technical labor and implements with
which to work, and supplies for their
crops. Representatives of the farm or-
ganizations undersigned therefor ask
your consideration of the following:
(a) To stop all further exodus of skilled
labor from the farms and return wher-
ever possible such skilled labor to the
farms where taken away; (b) To make
available repair parts for machinery so
that they are obtainable without de-
structive delay, likewise expert labor
necessary for making such repairs; (c)
To make available sufficient farm ma-
chinery to replace complete break-
downs; (d) To allow farmers sufficient
gas and tires to move their supplies to
the farm and their crops to market; (e)
Provide as much nitrogenous fertilizers
as can possibly be spared from other es-
sential uses; (f) To announce at the
earliest possible moment a clear strong
determined program for agriculture that
will assure the farmer of these essen-
tials and that will give him cost of pro-
duction so that he can grow the crops
the food administration must have.
Respectfully
Penna. Farm Bureau Federation
Pa. Cooperative Potato Growers Assn.
Berks-Lehigh Fruit Cooperative
Cooperative Fruit Growers
Penna. Vegetable Growers Assn.
Tri-County Cooperative Producers
Penna. Chain Store Council
Lehigh Valley Cooperative Farmers
Penna State Poultry Assn.
Penna. State Grange.
Dairymens League Cooperative
Eastern States Cooperative Exchange."
Most Pennsylvania potato growers
were fortunate enough to have dug most
of their crop in the fall, due to favor-
able weather. A few large growers in
the Northwestern counties were not so
fortunate, however, having reported
about 100,000 bushels frozen in the
ground because of labor shortage.
30
THE GUIDE POST
December, 1942
POTATO CHIPS
Every farmer I have talked to or
heard from has indicated his determina-
tion to produce everything he can
safely undertake. Some, threatened
with losing crops after growing them
because of lack of equipment or labor,
wonder what to do. "By the last spray-
ing of my potatoes, I shall have $7,000
invested in work and materials," one
man tells me. "If my old pump breaks
they can't be sprayed, for the nearest
water is five miles from that farm. Six
months of effort have failed to obtain
the vital part for the pump. Shall I
risk my $7,000?" Probably he will.
Thousands of farmers face severe ob-
stacles.— Wheeler McMillan.
Local draft boards now have for
guidance in deferment of farm workers
a plan worked out by USDA, which
lists the types of farm work considered
essential. Plan puts a unit value in
points on each type of production — 1
point per cow on dairy farm, J point
for an acre of potatoes, peanuts, etc.
Total points on farm with 45 acres of
corn, 25 acres of oats, 30 acres of wheat,
5 dairy cows, 12 hogs and 100 hens
would add up to 19.15 production units;
16 production units are enough for de-
ferment. Weakness: the plan is op-
tional with draft board.
PAST AND PRESENT POTATO
VARIETIES — A potato seed catalogue
of 1870 listed the following potato varie-
ties: Massasoit, Gleason, Breesee's Por-
lific, Breese's Peerless, Early Prince,
Excelsior, and the Willard.
All of the above varieties have long
since been forgotten. Some of these
varieties gained great prominence in
their day.
A present day seed catalogue might
read something as follows: Irish Cob-
bler, Russet Rural, Katahdin, Chippewa,
Pocono, Pennigan, Nittany, Sebago,
Bliss Triumph, Netted Gem, Red Mc-
Clure, Early Ohio, Allegheny Mountain,
Sequoia, Green Mountain, Houma, War-
be, Mesoba, Earlaine No. 2, Pontiac, and
White Rural.
There are others, but the above list
from memory will suffice. Many of the
above do not grow well under Pennsyl-
vania conditions and are therefore little
heard of. It would be interesting to
know how many of this list will still be
grown, say in 1992, fifty years from
now.
o
A trucker bought a load of spuds in
bulk and then purchased some clean,
trade-marked, used sacks — result — a
truck load of misbranded and mis-
marked potatoes which were soon
picked up. The trucker paid a big fine
and lost both potatoes and bags. Such
flagrant misbranding is contrary to Fed-
eral and State laws and cases of this
kind are constantly being run down
and the violators prosecuted.
The potato school originally sched-
uled to be held on the farm of Hugh
McPherson, York County around the
middle of December was postponed until
a month later. As this will be the last
school of the season all those interested
should contact the Williamsport Office
for the exact date.
— "Bill Shakespud"
"WHAT HAVE
YOU DONE"
What have you done in the year that's
past.
That will outlive time, endure and
last?
What have you done to brighten the way
For many, so dark and dull and gray?
What have you done to ease life's strain,
To comfort sorrow and lessen pain?
To give new courage and add good cheer
To the by-gone days of the yesteryear?
What will you give to the year that's
new
That will help your fellows to see it
through?
A faith in God to dispel the doubt
As to what this life is all about?
Unshadowed hope that will cast a light
To banish the dark of despair's black
night?
And a Christian love that will drive out
fear,
In the coming days of a brand-new
year?
What have you done and what will you
do?
For after all, it depends on you.
EQUITABLE PAPER BAG
GHQ-
for
POTATO SACKS
FERTILIZER BAGS
And all other types of heavy duty
pasted bottom paper sacks
t
Equitable is GENERAL HEADQUARTERS for bags of superior
quality and construction because we operate our own paper mill
and control every step of the manufacture from the pulp to the
finished bag.
Our wide variety of bag sizes and styles makes us able to supply
the proper bag for every need —
Avail yourself of the free service of our Art and Research staffs
on your specific problem.
PAPER
4700 31st Place
Long Island City. N. Y.
Paper Mills at Orange, Texas
TOMORROW IS A LONG
WAY OFF
Farmer Jack Paynter,
Camden, D^elaware,
makes a business of
scientific potato grow-
ing with Iron Age
equipment that he
never neglects.
The equipment you now have must be kept operating until this
war is won. Repair parts are scarce — new machinery practically
unobtainable. That's why you can't neglect . . . but must check your
machinery frequently — keep it lubricated with the proper oil and
grease ; and be sure that oil and grease is clean, not old and dirty.
That's just one contribution you can make to keep things rolling
— to keep growing more "Food for Victory."
Your second contribution to the all-out war effort is also important.
Every last bit of scrap that is hiding in barn corners or out in the
fields — won't you get it out today — and turn it over to your scrap
dealer or local scrap committee. Make fighting equipment out
of dormant scrap !
"pjEatCC and SbAOAi thjL /RON AGE QJthvu.
Row Crop SpKirert
VrgfUbk PUnlrrs
Orchard Spraytfs
Aiil Ft«d Polito Pianttrs Aulomjlii Potilo Plinlert
Trjniplinleft
Potato Diggrrt
A.B.FARQUHAR CO., Limited, YORK, PA.
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