40 



our organization. Only two members of the Binghamton Chamber of Com- 

 merce were appointed as members of this committee, a wholesale grocer 

 and a producer of certified milk. Three other members were selected from 

 the adjacent farming sections, men who were known as successful farmers, 

 one a general farmer, one a truck farmer and one a leader in the Grange. 



This committee took some time to work out what seemed to them the 

 best solution of the problems presented. This committee found a great 

 need of, first, an application of sound business methods; second, a more 

 general use of the practical results of scientific experimentation. They 

 found much work already being done in the field by the U. S. Department 

 of Agriculture, our state department, our agricultural colleges and experi- 

 mental stations. In some instances duplication of work was evident and 

 in nearly all instances the field men were attempting to cover four, five or 

 more counties and it was clearly evident it was impossible for one man to 

 do efficient work unless his territory was restricted so he might get in per- 

 sonal touch with the man tilling the soil» 



One of the first things which suggested itself to the committee was the 

 establishment of a demonstration farm. It was found at this time the 

 Lackawanna Railroad was thinking of establishing such a farm along its 

 lines. We immediately got in touch with the Lackawanna people and the 

 two organizations co-operating went so far as to get options on several 

 farms near Binghamton which could be used for such purposes. When the 

 committee had a meeting with Prof. W. J. Spillman, then and now in charge 

 of the office of Farm Management, Bureau of Plant Industry, Wash- 

 ington, Prof. Spillman discouraged the demonstration farm idea because 

 it had not given the results for which it was operated, except in a few 

 instances. Many would not even come to see the farm, a large majority 

 of those who did would say, "If I had the money of the government, the 

 state or the railroad I could accomplish as good results." Instead of 

 encouraging them with possibilities of greater attainments, they went away 

 discouraged by their own handicaps, feeling the things necessary for their 

 success were out of reach. 



Then too each farming community already has its demonstration 

 farm because of the successful operation by some individual. 



At this point the committee concluded to attempt to interest all the 

 agencies working in the field or interested in the work to co-operate with 

 the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce with a view of having its farm 

 bureau considered the local agency through which all the other bodies 

 would work. This plan met with an enthusiastic reception from the officials 

 of all these various agencies. Secretary Wilson, then the head of the 

 Department of Agriculture, said, *'We have spent years in inaugurating 

 campaigns of education, frequently entering territories where our efforts 

 were not welcomed by the farmers whom we aimed to assist. It is indeed 

 most encouraging to have a community come to us for our co-operation." 

 We now know a large number of people interested vitally in country life 



