172 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



REPORT OF EXTENSION WORK WITH POTATOES ANl) VEGE- 

 TABLES. 



Potatoes: The extension work with i)otatoes was carried on during 

 the fiscal year beginning Jnly 1st, 1919 in much the same manner as here- 

 tofore. ^It. H. C. Moore who was on leave of absence to engage in war 

 work returned and assisted in the potato work during the year. 



Emphasis was placed on potato seed plot work and on keeping records 

 of the work. 



Briefly stated, the object of this work is to encourage such practices 

 as will help to bring al30ut: 



1. Lower cost of production. 



2. Better quality seed and table stock. 



o. More stable markets and uniform prices. 



4. Greater net profit for the growers. 



5. Greater value, per dollar invested, for the consumer. 



Some of the specific things whicli we have encouraged with a view of 

 bringing about the desired results are : 



(a) Hill selection of tubers for seed. 



(b) The planting of seed plots. 



(c) Green or sun sprouting of tlie seed. 



(d) Seed treatment to prevent scab and black scurf ( rhizoctonia). 



(e) Making comparative tests of seed secured from different sources. 



(f) More general and judicious use of commercial fertilizers. 



(g) Closer planting on ricli soils to increase the yield and lower 



the cost of production per hundred pounds. 



(h) More common and more thorough use of Bordeaux. 



Cooperation. The potato work has been carried on in cooperation 

 with the county farm bureaus and with the Micliigan Potato Exchange. 



The county agents secured tlie men with whom the work Avas done. 

 They also assisted with the Avork and in getting us to and from demon- 

 stration fields and places where meetings were held. 



Field Demonstrations and Meetings. 



There were 71 field demonstrations held during the year witli an at- 

 tendance of 543. The rather small attendance at these meetings was due 

 largely to the shortage of help on the farms. There were 450 farms 

 visited for specific purposes. 



TA'ditrrs. 



Thei'e were 53 leclures given during the year willi an attendance of 

 4,084. This includes the extension schools, institutes, and special meet- 

 ings. 



Shiiiddidizdlio)! of I'arirl jrs. 



Mudi ])r()gress has be<'ii made in getting growers, cs])('cial]y those who 

 are niendters of the Michigan Potato 1'>\(hangc to grow only the Late 



