I . I 



KilV >K 



1501 anical 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF 



AGRICULTURE. 



In presenting my second annual report, I may say at the out- 

 set that harmonious relations have been maintained with all 

 organizations throughout the state. All bureaus in the depart- 

 ment have pushed forward the work begun last year and have 

 started new work wherever practicable. 



Nearly all crops have been above the average. Prices in 

 some cases have not been satisfactory. The time has come when 

 the farmer needs to pay much more attention to the marketing 

 of his products. He should learn how to combine with his 

 neighbors in this work, as well as in purchasing his supplies. 



HAY. 



The hay crop of the state was considerably larger than the 

 crop of 19 1 3. The weather was favorable to securing it in 

 good condition. The estimate of the crop is 1,414,000 tons. 

 Most of this is consumed on the farm. While there is some 

 hay exported, it is believed that the imports offset the exports. 

 Too little attention is given to this crop. The average yield, as 

 given by government estimates, is not much in excess of one 

 ton per acre. How much profit can there be in so small a crop ? 

 This crop is the basis of all our animal industry. Maine ought 

 to double her hay crop, and by doing so the number of animals 

 on the farms of the state would in all probability be largely 

 increased. 



CORN. 



r^ The acreage of corn in 1914 was about the same as in 191 3, 

 '_"--_ while the yield was somewhat larger. Quite a percentage of 

 , the corn raised is put into the silo as winter feed for the stock. 

 c^i Silos have increased in number and in use quite largely in late 

 ^ years. But we think our farmers are not producing enough of 

 this valuable feed. The Maine corn crop ought to be doubled. 



