10 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Two things seem to be clear. One is that for a considerable period 

 the world will have need particularly of a larger supply than normal 

 of certain live stock, and especially of fats. We must not fail, 

 therefore, to adopt every feasible means of economically increasing 

 these things ; and, as a part of our program, we shall give thought to 

 the securing of an adequate supply of feed stuffs and to the eradica- 

 tion and control of all forms of animal disease. The Department 

 has already taken steps in this direction and has issued a circular con- 

 taining detailed suggestions. 



Another is the need of improving the organization of our agricul- 

 tural agencies for the purpose of intelligently executing such plans 

 as may seem to be wise. We shall attempt not only to perfect the 

 organization and cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, the 

 agricultural colleges and State departments, and the farmers' organi- 

 zations, but we shall especially labor to strengthen the local farm 

 bureaus and other organizations which support so effectively the ex- 

 tension forces and assist them in their activities. This is highly 

 desirable not only during the continuance of present abnormal con- 

 ditions but also for the future. The local as well as the State and 

 Federal agencies are of supreme importance to the Nation in all its 

 activities designed to make rural life more profitable, healthful, and 

 attractive, and, therefore, to secure adequate economic production, 

 efficient distribution, and necessary conservation. 



The Department of Agriculture, the agricultural colleges, and 

 other organizations will continue to give definite thought to all the 

 problems, will keep close track of developments, and, at the proper 

 time in advance of the next planting season, will lay the situation 

 before the farmers of the Nation. They will attempt to outline the 

 needs and to suggest particular crops the increased production of 

 which should be emphasized. 



COOPERATION OP OFFICIAIi AGENCIES. 



To aid in securing larger production and fuller conservation 

 during 1917 and 1918, the Department and the State colleges and 

 commissioners of agriculture were in cordial cooperation. I can not 

 adequately express my appreciation of the spirit which the State 

 officials manifested in placing themselves at the service of the Gov- 

 ernment and of the extent, variety, and effectiveness of their efforts 

 in everv undertaking. The authorities and staffs of the agricultural 



