-5- 



(o) Don't place mulch arouiad newly set trees that are in a rough area such 

 as caused by the removal of a previous tree. Fill in and pack dovvn the 

 area before applying mulch, 



(4) Don't leave the grass around young trees unmov;ed for the entire 

 season, particularly in areas which cannot be reached with the 

 mower. After mowing has been completed, mice tend to move toward 

 the unmowed areas. If an unmov/ed area exists around a tree base, 

 mouse damage may occur before the fall baiting program begins. 



Most orchard ai,vners dislike the expense and the tedious labor involved in 

 carrying out a successful fall baiting program, Hov/ever, this v/ork can be 

 greatly reduced by good orchard sanitation practices. Much of this v;ork caii be 

 accomplished during the months of June and July — such as good mcving, clean 

 tree bases, removal of brush piles, and leveling of uneven orchard floor areas. 



— Carl B, Henry 



Assistant District Agent 

 Conn,, Mass., Rhode Island 



ilOTEC 01: F .^JvI IHC OLIE, F AEI-i PRICES, AIID F.'ffi l.iER-V.'OPJvSR RSLATIQirSHIPS 



Massachusetts Farm Income - The cash receipts vmich Massachusetts farmers 

 received for their products from January to March 1949 were slightly less than 

 in the same months las'c year. Total receipts were $42,320,000 compared with 

 sii44,571,000 last year, a decrease of a little over 5 percent. 



Falling Prices - Many Massachusetts farmers have never operated a farm on 

 a falling price level, Managem.ent problems on a falling price level are 

 different than on a rising level. Increasing efficiency is one of the best v;ays 

 to hold risks dovm and to insure profits. Plan faiTn jobs carefully, think them 

 through and try to do them in the easiest and cheapest way possible, 



Fanner-Work'^r Relationships - Ilassachuset fcs fanners employ most help 

 during the summer and fall months. It takes considerable skill en the part of 

 the farmer to get the best results from the available help. Proper guidance and 

 handling are important. This requires kindness, tolerance and pabience, 



VJhcn giving instructions - 



1, Tell, show, illustrate and explain^ 



2, Tclze up one point a.t a time, 

 5, Stress key points, 



4, Point out safe working habits, 



5, Let the worker do the jlob, 



6, Ask him questions, 



7, Let him ask ycu questions, 



8, Check his work to make sure he is working correctly, 



9, If nece5sa.ry to reprimajid begin with a question -- lot him tell 

 his story first, 



10, Don't be afraid to praise a job well done. 



