REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 5 



dustry had been almost wholly dependent on Europe for its seed 

 supply, and that superior seed could be produced in this country, 

 which could be further improved by selection and breeding. About 

 the same time a warning was issued to cattle owners to make ar- 

 rangements for the proper feeding of their cattle until spring, in 

 order to prevent heavy losses in breeding animals. In each instance 

 suggestions as to the methods to be followed were offered. 



In March it became certain that a large percentage of wheat in the 

 West and Pacific Northwest had been winterkilled. Information as 

 to the course to be pursued was issued to the farmers of the winter- 

 wheat section. It was suggested that where the crop had been not 

 more than half killed it might be advisable to let the remainder grow, 

 but that some other food crop should be started without delay. 



In the meantime, I had appointed a committee of specialists of the 

 Department to study the whole agricultural situation and to make 

 recommendations. On the 27th of March I issued a statement urging 

 farmers to adopt measures to secure maximum returns from the 

 farms. Special attention was directed to the necessity of careful 

 seed selection, of controlling plant and animal diseases, and of con- 

 serving farm products through proper storage, canning, drying, and 

 preserving. On the 5th of April a special plea was made for an in- 

 creased production of corn and hogs, and on the 7th of April I ap- 

 pealed to the farmers to increase the output of staple commodities as 

 well as of perishables. 



THE ST. LOUIS CONFERENCE. 



On April 4, two days before a state of war with Germany was 

 declared, I telegi'aphed to the State commissioners of agriculture 

 and presidents of the land-grant colleges — the official agricultural 

 representatives of the several States — inviting them to a conference 

 in St. Louis on April 9 and 10, 1917. Editors of farm journals were 

 asked to meet at the same place on April 11. It was thought to be 

 highly desirable to secure the views of the official agricultural repre- 

 sentatives of the States and of other leaders of agricultural opinion. 

 There was a generous response to the invitation. Very many of the 

 State commissioners of agriculture and representatives of nearly all 

 the agricultural colleges east of the Rocky Mountains were present 

 at the two days' meeting. Sixty-five officials represented 32 States. 

 On the third day about 75 representatives of the agricultural press 



