EXTENSION DIVISION. tOr, 



On April 1st, Professor A. L. Bibbius was appointed Extension 

 Specialist in Farm Crops (three-fourtlis time) and elected by the Di- 

 rectors of the Association to serve as secretary. 



At the present time, the members of tlie Michigan Crop Improvement 

 Association nnmber approximately GOO farmers who are actively en- 

 gaged in the production of high jdelding seed from selected strains, 

 developed by the plant breeder of the Michigan Agricultural College. 

 Briefly the machinery of distribution is as follows: 



Varieties developed by the plant breeding work of the Crops section 

 which have proven their outstanding worth in comparative tests, are in- 

 creased on the Farm Crops section increase plats and distributed to 

 members of Crop Improvement Association for further increase. 



The Secretary of the Association maintains a careful registry of all 

 strains distributed and the association supports a careful inspection of 

 grain in the field and after threshing. Fields, which pass the certifica- 

 tion requirements of the Association are certified and sold at a price 

 agreed upon by the growers, under guarantee. The inspection of grains 

 in the field is carried on under the direction of the Farm Crops depart- 

 ment. 



The work of the Association continues to be particularly efl'ective for 

 the distribution of Ivosen rye, Ked Rock wheat, Michigan 2-Row and 

 Black Barbless barley. Wolverine and College Wonder oats. Robust beans 

 and improved varieties of corn. Under the new arrangement, existing with 

 the Farm Bureau seed department, the distribution of these varieties is 

 facilitated by that organization. Wliile the Crop Improvement Associa- 

 tion continues to publish a seed list, the commercial sale of seed will be 

 very largely directed through this new channel. 



Mr. A. L. Bibbins, Secretary of the Crop Improvement Association, 

 rejiorts the following cooperative demonstrations with pure seed of high 

 yielding vai-ieties with members of the association: 



'& 



Pedigreed Oats 44 



Pedigreed Spring Barley 37 



Pedigreed Winter Barley 



'& 





Pedigreed Wheat 



Pedigreed Corn 74 



PedigTeed Robust Beans 17 



Pedigreed Early Wonder 32 



Pedigi^ed Soy Beans 21 



2. — County Agents and Farm Bureau Cooperation in Crops Work. 

 This project was laigely under the direction of Mr. William Murphy 

 until the date of his resignation, April 1st, to serve as County Agent in 

 Macomb county. On IVlay 1st, Mr. TI. C. Rather Avas appointed to t.ake 

 charge of this project. 



The organization of numerous county farm bureaus and the conse- 

 quent effect on the work of the county agricultural agents, has made it 

 necessary to follow closely tlie new developments in county organiza- 

 tions, and to devise methods of insuring the most useful cooperation in 

 methods related to crop production. Increased demands for service 

 are now being placed upon extension specialists in crops as a result of 

 the more complete organization of farmers throughout the State. 



