In all sections it is reported that the war has 

 aroused a more open-minded attitude on the part of 

 the farmers. They were never before so ready to vote 

 money to hire a county agent, to listen to his advice, 

 and to seek advice from agricultural experts. They 

 have cooperated with city people in Liberty Bond, 

 Red Cross, Young Men's Christian Association and 

 other campaigns. They have been taken out of their 

 rural isolation as never before. Further, when it costs 

 50 per cent more to operate a farm, when the hired 

 man is getting $50 to $60 a month or even more, it 

 costs more to be an inefficient farmer. On the other 

 hand, when wheat is $2.20 a bushel and many other 

 farm products proportionally high, it pays better 

 to be an efficient farmer. 



Greater Financial Independence for the Farmer 



During the war large numbers of farmers paid 

 off their debts and accumulated money. In all 

 agricultural sections the banker reports: "Many 

 farmers whom we have been carrying for years now 

 have a comfortable bank balance." That is, the 

 farmer is gaining a more independent financial 

 position. He is not obliged to buy on credit and pay 

 the merchant an abnormally large profit, but is in a 

 position to pay cash and trade with whom he pleases. 

 He is not obliged to sell his crops as soon as they are 

 harvested, but can hold them for better prices. He is 

 a better credit risk. Hence, the banker can afford to 

 loan the farmer more money at a lower rate. At the 

 same time the farmer is in a position to demand better 

 terms. The net result is that the farmer is now able to 

 make the farm pay him a larger net income. Stated 

 briefly, the war has lifted farming to a new and higher 

 plane of efficiency. 



