368 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



"\\\'. tlu* (lelc^alcs li-oiM (lie \ai-i<)us Fai-mcis' Cliihs of iMi(lii«ian in 

 coiivoiuioii asst'iiibUMl, n'ali/.in^ the importance and el'licacy of organ- 

 ization in the jjioniotion of ideas and tlie advancement of measures of 

 jjeneral interest and benefit to tlie ajj^ricnlt mists of tliis State, believe 

 tliat the social, moral, inlelleclual and linamial condilion of the farm- 

 ers is adNiuu-ed by local organization of farmers' clubs, and that the 

 organization of other local clubs will be promoted by a central or 

 State association of clubs already in existence and believe that such 

 an organization would be a valuable moans for the inlei-change of ideas 

 and securing of ends which may be deemed of general benefit to the 

 farmers of this State." 



The State Association is no longer an experiment. The good that 

 it has accom])lislied cannot be estimated. One of the first aims of the 

 association was the formation of new clubs — its aim in this direction 

 has surpassed the expectation of even the most sanguine. Although 

 unable to get in corresi)ondence with all the clubs, there are today 

 over three hundred in the State. However, there should be one in 

 every township in the State, and in the more populous townships more 

 than one. 



The principles set foith in the constitution are the advancement of 

 the social, moral, intellectual and financial condition of the farmer. 

 The accomplishment of the first named three has been the inevitable 

 result of good local club work. The number of clubs in Michigan has 

 nearly octupled since the establishment of the State Association, and 

 no one, unprejudiced, will deny this association the credit of being 

 the potent factor in accomplishing this result. 



But the formation of many new clubs by which the social, moral 

 and intellectual condition of the members is l3enefited is not all that the 

 State Association has accomplished. 



Another benefit is opportunity of comparing views. No reading or 

 study equa-ls this. T'nifying of effort is perha})s the most important 

 benefit, and is of importance when we wish to have our influence or 

 needs felt. We also need it to broaden and round out our characters. 



Another result of the State organization is the work in other States. 

 Many states and territories, different places in (Canada, even away 

 up in the northwest territory, and out in Australia the organization 

 of Farmers' Clubs is being carried on along lines suggested by our 

 State Association. 



In closing this history it might be well to sum up a few of the many 

 things the State Association has done for Michigan. 



The number of local clubs has been increased from fifty to over 

 thr-ee hundred. 



It has increased the club membership from less than four thou- 

 sand to over thirty thousand. 



It has been the means of bringing together annually representative 

 farmers' club workers from every portion of the State for a mutual 

 interchange of ideas. 



A unification of effort has been secured among the practical people 

 of the State, in supporting judicious reforms in i)ublic affairs. 



All the forces desiring good government have been brought to- 

 gether in working order, and have accomplished the end sought through 

 organization. 



