Yield 



Going back to 1909, the date of the organization of the Boys' Corn Club and 

 other demonstration work, the average yield of corn was \4)/i bushels to the acre, 

 with a total yield for the State of 28,429,000 bushels, which was increased in 1917 

 to the record crop of 83,300,000 bushels. 



The above indicates a rather remarkable increase over 1909. However, there 

 is great opportunity for increasing the acre yield and the acreage planted to this 

 crop. While the average of the Corn Club boys in 1918 was 46.3 bushels to the 

 acre, perhaps the average for the State will never reach such a high level, but 

 certainly the demonstration made by these boys indicates the possibilities. The 

 rainfall and distribution in the State is of such nature that a total failure in corn 

 production is impossible. 



Records Made by Boys 



The Corn Club boys of the State hold many 200 bushel per acre records. 

 Among those holding such records, the authenticity of which is so well established 

 that it has never been questioned, are Carlos Reddoch, with a yield of 206.6 

 bushels, and Carl Graves, with a yield of 202 bushels. And so far as we have been 

 able to determine, Prof. J. W. Fox, manager for one of the largest plantations 

 in the Delta, holds the world's record production on a large acreage. On a solid 

 block of 200 acres he - produced an average of 100 bushels per acre, one 

 measured acre producing 136 bushels. 



Corn, Superior Quality 



In point "of .quality, Mississippi corn is unsurpassed. In 1917 it ranked first 

 and much was exported to Canada and elsewhere to be milled into corn flour. 

 In 1918, with ada/erse weather conditions, the quality was superior and Missis- 

 sippi corn commanded a premium. This superior quality is due largely to three 

 reasons: First, mongrel strains have been supplanted by pure varieties; Second, 

 pure strains of the white prolific varieties, so well suited to this section, are 

 being generally grown .and offered to the markets; Third, one of the most 

 important factors is the long growing season followed by a long dry period after 

 the time of ripening. The term "frost-dried" corn is not known to the Mississippi 

 corn grower, as corn brought direct from the field will in many instances test as 

 low as 12, 14 and 15 per cent moisture. 



Possibilities in Corn Culture 



By .means of : the most scientific methods of corn culture, the forces of the 

 Extension Department hope to raise the present high quality of corn now 

 grown within the State. This will be done by organizing the Corn Improve- 

 ment Association and by advocating the planting of only four or five of the out- 

 standing, varieties. 



The counties of the State are divided into five districts, and an effort will be 

 made .tp, secure ^t, least one member for each district of the 82 counties who will 

 agree to grow five acres of corn under the supervision of the.County Agent, and 

 who will further agree to field select seed according to the most approved plan. 

 At the present time there is a fair supply of good seed. Under the above-suggested 

 plan*'the agencies having the matter in charge hope in due time there will be 

 available to Qvery farmer in Mississippi an abundance of the very choicest seed ; 

 corn. • ■ ■ •- - 



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