282 THE FARMER AND THE NEW DAY 



Because of the world shortage of food, it is scarcely possible 

 that the production of staple crops by the farmers of the United 

 States can be too great this year. There is every reason to be- 

 lieve that a generous price will be paid for the harvest of their 

 fields. 



INCREASING THE FOOD SUPPLY 



There is yet time to add substantially to the bread supply by 

 increasing the acreage of spring wheat in the northern states. 

 Throughout the United States, east of the one hundredth 

 meridian, the corn area may be increased to advantage, with a 

 view to its use both for human food and animal production. 



The production of a normal cotton crop is necessary. This 

 can best be accomplished by more intensive cultivation and 

 increased fertilization rather than by increasing the acreage 

 and thus neglecting the food and forage crops so important to 

 the south. 



In the districts where wheat has been winter killed replant- 

 ing is suggested with oats, corn, or sorghum, as climatic con- 

 ditions may determine. Where barley and oats are proved 

 and reliable crops, they should be planted to the maximum that 

 can be effectively handled. In portions of the northern and 

 eastern states, where the season is too short for the great staple 

 crops, the buckwheat acreage may well be increased. 



An important increase in our food supply may be made by 

 enlarging the area planted to navy beans in the north and west 

 and to Mexican and Tepary beans in the southwest, and by 

 stimulating in every reasonable way an increase in the area 

 of potatoes planted, especially for local use. 



Sweet potatoes in the south will undoubtedly be needed in 

 their fresh state in larger quantity than usual and also for stor- 

 ing for winter use either in their natural state or as canned 

 or desiccated products. Where peanuts succeed, production 

 may well be enlarged because of their value both as food and 

 forage. 



A reasonable seed reserve for replanting tilled crops should 

 be held wherever practicable. 



While it is important to utilize available lands in the staple 



