CORN GROWERS^ ASSOCIATION. 2() 



lific of much good. The Agricultural College has shown us great favors 

 and is ready to do more. 



We are pleased to see the interest the railroads are taking in corn. 

 One of the leading features the past year was the exhibit car, which 

 Vv'as highly educational and I am assured will be given a prominent place 

 in the industrial encouragement the coming year. 



As to the future: We need the help from the Experiment Station 

 in the study of corn for Missouri. We want to know more of the plant, 

 the seed, the breeding, the different phases in feeding. We sorely need 

 the information on seed — how large or small the kernel should be to 

 give the best plant. When we consider how susceptible the corn plant 

 is to the hand of man, how by selection we have the different varieties, 

 popcorn, sweet corn, flint and dent; how by selection each joint may or 

 may not produce an ear — is it not time that we have some scientific in- 

 vestigation on corn? The wheat plant has had special attention in Min- 

 nesota and Dakota, but not until recently has any state had special ap- 

 propriation for corn. Let us stop and consider some of the possibilities 

 of corn. You all doubtless know an acre of corn, (fifty bushels) will 

 produce 600 pounds of pork — but what of human food? If we were 

 confronted as Japan is, to what could we turn for food? Our dietary 

 standards call for 4 4-5 bushels of wheat to sustain a person one year. 

 Let us count that twenty-five bushels of corn, a very low product for 

 one acre, will maintain 5 persons one whole year — each section of land 

 more than 3,000 people. Or the corn crop of Missouri for the year 

 1902 would feed fifty million persons a whole year. So with this wonder- 

 ful plant, let us have scientific investigations — some special money for 

 corn study. 



Our members of the Association can, however, do much in helping 

 or stimulating corn shows. Li these shows I would suggest, where 

 moneys cannot be had, the use of the blue and red ribbon can be used 

 effectively, being conducive of much educational value. 



Last year we were desirous of doing the greatest good, and in ask- 

 ing advice from many, one was worthy of consideration. He said: 

 "Get the membership enthusiastic on corn. When a great revivalist 

 came to town the first thing was to get the members enthusiastic or 

 consecrated, so when the time comes they will work." This week is a 

 good time to become enthusiastic or consecrated to corn. Let us have a 

 consecration acre. Dignify one acre for seed corn. This acre must be 

 v/here it can be watched. It must be rich. Take the hog lot. It will 

 take work to keep it clean, but this is what you must have to keep in 

 touch with the seed plat. All of you doubtless have your seed picked 



