404 TWSNTY-EIGHTH AnNUAIv REPORT 



An increased number of food animals, particularly hogs, sheep 

 and cattle, was advised, and the building and filling of silos was 

 urged as a necessary measure in connection with the conservation 

 of livestock. 



Saving of wastes was outlined to include the canning and dry- 

 ing of surplus foods and vegetables ; the curing of meats ; and by 

 waging war against insect pests and plant diseases. 



It was pointed out that inadequately employed labor could be 

 made more useful ; that idle machinery could be kept more fully at 

 work ; and that such materials as milo maize ; feterita and Kafir 

 corn could be manufactured into cheap meals for human food, 

 thereby releasing larger quantities of wheat to be exported for war 

 purposes. 



Helpful agencies were also discussed, particularly the land 

 banks and other means to finance agricultural undertakings ; the 

 railroads in connection with lands along their lines ; and the various 

 public agencies available for the advice and guidance of farmers. 



These suggestions, practically all of which have been followed 

 up since they were made, have resulted in various propaganda, in 

 several publications, and in a multitude of verbal or written items 

 bf advice to those seeking information. 



One result of these discussions was the Agricultural Mobiliza- 

 tion Conference, April 20 and 21, at the University of Arizona, 

 which was an inspiring and useful meeting of farmers, livestock 

 men and those less directly concerned in agriculture. This meeting 

 was conducted primarily with reference to increased food produc- 

 tion. 



At various times the Agricultural Staff has co-operated with 

 the Arizona State Council of Defense in the work of compiling in- 

 formation, of advising increased production and conservation of 

 wastes, and in various ways collaborating with the important work 

 of that body in connection with useful propaganda relating to 

 food supply. While therefore primarily concerned with the discov- 

 ery and dissemination of new facts in agricultural science, the 

 Agricultural Staff has in addition during the year contributed 

 materially to the general economic movement in support of the war. 



PERSONNEL 



The Agricultural Staff has suffered some changes in the course 

 of the year, partly for military and partly for ordinary reasons. Dr. 



