444 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



is concerned with the boll weevil, the wheat growers of the Dakotas 

 are worried over rust and blight. While the Pacific Coast fruit 

 grower in protecting his prunes and oranges the Middle West hus- 

 bandman is fighting oat smut and hog cholera. As an English farmer 

 of Iowa has been heard to remark: "Hevery man 'as 'is hown little 

 bundle to carry." 



All these questions, as has been remarked, are distinctly local 

 in character and can be settled by local efifort. That they can be 

 more effectively disposed of by co-operation and collective eflfort 

 has been demonstrated. Hence the multitude of farmers' organiza- 

 tions. 



But above and beyond all these are the great problems of trans- 

 portation, of distribution, of marketing, of taxation, of representa- 

 tion, of foreign affairs in which, from this time forth, the American 

 farmer is likely to be deeply immersed. These questions, these big, 

 overshadowing questions, are common to all. There isn't a farmer 

 anywhere between Cape Cod and the Golden Gate that isn't con- 

 cerned with them. And their disposal will have everything to do in 

 determining the profits, or otherwise, of farming operations in the 

 future. 



And this is the duty and function of the Farm Bureau Federation. 

 It is the voice for American agriculture. It has no idea whatever 

 of usurping the rights, privileges or place of any other organization. 

 Instead it cordially invites the good will and active co-operation of 

 all other organizations, big and little, of whatsoever kind or charac- 

 ter, that are interested in preserving American institutions, protect- 

 ing American traditions, improving conditions for their fellow men 

 and establishing agriculture upon a basis at once dignified, profitable 

 and enduring. 



ADDRESS BY J. E. WOOTERS 



ASSISTANT SECRETARY IOWA FARM BUREAU 

 FEDERATION 



Mr. President and Gentlemen: ' 



I have faced a good many groups of farmers during my recent activi- 

 ties, but this is the most splendid group of practical farmers I have ever 

 seen in this state. It is a great pleasure for me to come before you to 

 speak briefly with regard to the part I had in this membership campaign. 



In speaking to you I realize that I am telling you largely something 

 that you already know a good deal about, because while we have had the 

 direction of the work somewhat, and done some of the planning, you are" 

 the men who have actually done the work. You are the men who have 



