THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH CLASS SEED IN CANADA 



L. H. NEWMAN, Secretary, Canadian Seed Growers' Ass'n, Ottawa. 



Canada requires over 40,000,000 bushels of seed each spring to sow the area at 

 present devoted to the production of ordinary farm crops. The average yields obtained 

 per acre for the different crops is deplorably low, and investigation into the causes of 

 these low yields indicates clearly that the use of inferior seed is one of the chief factors. 

 The great national importance of the use of good seed is easily deducted. Thus, an 

 increase of five bushels per acre in the yield of wheat at $1.00 per bushel would mean an 

 increase to the revenue of the country of $55,000,000. An increase of ten bushels per 

 acre in the yield of potatoes, which is easily obtainable, would mean an added revenue 

 of almost $3,000,000, estimating the price of potatoes at 60 cents per bushel. Oats, 

 one of our most important crops, is influenced readily by the quality of the seed used. 

 An increase of ten bushels per acre in the case of this cereal, selling at 50 cents per bushel, 

 would mean an added income to our country of over $48,000,000 annually. In these 

 days when millions are being spent in the terrible toll of war, the figures given are 

 significant. 



Many agencies are at work at the present time with a view to instructing and 

 encouraging farmers in securing seed that will give them more bushels to the acre. 

 Possibly one of the most effective organizations concerning itself with this problem 

 is the Canadian Seed Growers' Association. This body is composed of actual farmers 

 who are engaged specifically in producing what is known as "Registered" seed. This 

 is a term given to seed, the breeding, purity and vitality of which is known and vouched 

 for. The members operate under expert direction, being closely in touch not only with 

 the headquarters at Ottawa, but also with local authorities whose duty it is to look 

 after the interests of the individual growers. There are in Canada approximately 1,200 

 men engaged in this work, and these are now producing many thousands of bushels of 

 seed. This seed is being distributed in a practical way through the ordinary channels 

 of trade, thus enabling farmers not only to procure seed of a superior quality, but also of 

 a variety known to be suitable for the district. The offerings of the different growers are 

 listed in a seed catalogue which is distributed widely throughout Canada, and in this way 

 the grower and purchaser are brought together. All registered seed goes out in sealed 

 sacks, to which a special tag bearing the certificate number, is attached. In this and 

 other ways the quality of the seed is practically guaranteed. 



Those who wish to obtain full details regarding the work of this Association should 

 write the Secretary, L. H. Newman, Canadian Building, Ottawa, and secure a copy 

 of the booklet entitled "The Canadian Seed Growers' Association and its Work." 



CEREALS 



RECOMMENDED VARIETIES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS 



CHARLES E. SAUNDERS, Ph.D., Dominion Cerealist, Ottawa. 



Before deciding what acreage and what kinds of grain crops to sow, a farmer will 

 of course consider the requirements of his own live stock, and the prices, so far as he 

 can predict them, which are likely to be offered for any grain he may have for sale. 



The problem of prices, always difficult, and exceptionally so in war times, scarcely 

 comes within the scope of these notes. The preparation of the land is another matter 

 of very great importance, and one on which the success of grain crops largely depends. 

 A discussion of this topic belongs, however, rather under the head of management than 

 of cereals. 



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