THE MICHIGAN CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. 



J. W. NICOLSON. 



Pedigreed grains were first distributed from tlie breeding plats of the 

 Michigan Agricultural College in 1909. The first few released were varieties 

 of wheat, such as Plj'mouth Rock, American Banner, Shepherd's Perfection, 

 etc. These were sent out in small quantities during the years 1909 to 1911 to 

 a few interested farmers, who tried them out and report the results obtained 

 to the Experiment Station. 



These varieties proved satisfactory in many sections of the state, and the 

 demand increased for further work along this line. 



It was early realized that some systematic method of distribution would 

 be necessary to give every one interested an equal chance to participate in the 

 benefits to be derived from the use of improved seed. Furthermore, the value 

 of plant breeding work and the returns on the investment of time and labor 

 put into the research work necessary for the disco verey of new varieties, and 

 better cultural methods is, of course, directly proportional to the extent that 

 these improved varieties and methods are adopted and used by farmers. 



So in 1911 a number of farmers of the state having been convinced of 

 the value of this work, determined to form an organization for testing coopera- 

 tively with the Farm Crops Department the pedigreed grains developed at the 

 Michigan Agricultural College. 



An organization was formed and named the Michigan Experiment Asso- 

 ciation. Prof. V. M. Shoesmith of the Farm Crops Department acted as secre- 

 tary of this association until 1917. During this period the organization grew 

 from a few farmers to a membership of over twelve hundred, who were actively 

 interested in experimenting with and growing improved grains. 



The plan generally followed was to allow any member of the association 

 to obtain from the station plats an amount of grain varying according to 

 the supply, from one peck to one bushel. The member was then required to 

 sow this seed beside his own variety and to report his results to the secretary 

 of the association. 



Varieties, of course, are not released from the station plats until they 

 have proven their merit there, but we have such variable conditions of soil 

 and climate in this state that we can scarcely expect to have a single variety 

 of each kmd of grain that will supercede all other varieties in every part 

 of the state. 



The cofJperative testing has made it possible for the Farm Crops Depart- 

 .ment and the association to learn the special adaptation of various pedigreed 

 varieties. For example, it was found by compiling the reports of growers. 



