Biennial report of Georgia Department of Agriculture July 1, 1946 to June 30, 1948

BIENNIAL REPORT of
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
July i, 1946-June 30, 1948
Tom Linder
Commissioner

January 12, 1949
REPORT OP THE DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE
For The Biennium July 1, 1946 - June 30, 1948
To His Excellency, Herman Talmadge, Governor of Georgia and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
I am privileged herewith to submit a preliminary report on the operations, work and expansion of the State Department of Agriculture3 In this report I have endeavored not only to tell the story of the routine work of the Department, as well as its program and development to date, but have also undertaken to outline and visualize the further expansion of the work of the Department with an ultimate aim of making Georgia second to none in agricultural development of the Southeast.
Agriculture is the foundation of business and industry. Of Georgia's population of more than three million, approximately two million of our people live on the farm. Therefore, it is obvious that agriculture, which employs two-thirds of our population, is the foundation of all business and industry within the State.
For the past several years, the importance of the service rendered by the Department has been greatly expanded and improved. A more specific account of past achievements and proposed increased activities are outlined briefly in the following pages:
Respectfully submitted
TOM LINDER COMMISSIONER OP AGRICULTURE
CREATION AND DUTIES OP THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Georgia Department of Agriculture was created in 1874 for the purpose of fostering, encouraging and aiding the agriculture of the State. As the State has developed and the problems of agriculture increased, the State Legislature has enacted additional laws to make it possible for the Department to be of Increasing aid to Georgia farmers
The Commissioner of Agriculture is charged by law with disseminating Information of all kinds which in his judgment
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is of interest and value to the farmers# It is our belief that if the people are furnished sufficient information on various subjects they can determine for themselves the best course of action to pursue with regard to their individual farming operations.
The Commissioner, being elected directly by the people, feels a keen responsibility in seeing that the farmers have access to the latest available information regarding their many farm problems and on the other hand, he realizes they must be protected in the various fields of service that comes under our regulatory activities# My conception of the Legislature's purpose in creating the Department of Agriculture is that it Invisioned four main purposes to be attained;
1* To create as large cash income from the farm as it is practical for us to attain.
2t To make Georgia agriculture as nearly self-sustaining as possible.
3. To build Georgia agriculture, business and industry, so as to have a well balanced State economy.
4, To protect the health, happiness and well being of the people as far as possible.
BUREAU OP MARKETS
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Profitable farming always depends in its final analysis on profitable marketing. The Legislature recognized this vital fact and enacted laws charging the Commissioner of Agriculture with the duty of developing marketing facilities and a market system for the farmers of the State.
In 1917, the Legislature created the Bureau of Markets which functioned as efficiently as possible over a period of years. The principal marketing facilities available during these early years was the State Market Bulletin which we will discuss more fully in a later paragraph.
STATE FARMERS' MARKETS
In 1935, the Legislature passed an Act authorizing the construction and operation of Farmers' Markets, but no funds were appropriated to defray the expenses. It was obvious, however, that due to the rapid development of the fruit and vegetable industry, which was beginning to become a substantial factor In Georgia agriculture, that marketing facilities had to be provided.
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The first of these markets was built in Atlanta without an appropriation. The construction cost was paid out of fees collected in advance for space after the market began operation, The overall cost of this market was $150,000,00, and it was opened February 1936,
During the five year period, revenue from the market amounted to approximately $370,000,00, This was enough to pay all operating expenses of the market and the original construction cost.
There were six additional markets constructed during the year 1936, The records show that there were seven markets in operation during 1937 and 1938, which handled farm products in the amount of $8,235,714.00.
During the early part of 1941, the present terminal State Farmers' Market was constructed in Atlanta. This is the largest market of its kind in the United states and probably the world. The total sales on the Atlanta Market from May 10, 1941, through December 31, 1947, amounts to $122,731,050.59 and approximately $31,967,188.98 for 1948, making a grand total of $154,698,239.57 to January 1, 1949.
At the present time there are eleven State Markets in operation Atlanta, Macon, Thomasville, Valdosta, Cordele, Glennville, Moultrie, Tifton, Pelham, Hazlehurst and Toccoa. The records reveal that through November 1948, the sales for eleven months through these eleven markets amounted to $40,152,434.14.
New markets are being planned, constructed or under construction at Nashville, Quitman, Rome, Qrightsville, Blackshear and Athens. Plans for further development of markets for Georgia produce are under consideration for Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah. Terminal markets should be developed at these strategical concentration or terminal points for moving fresh fruits and vegetables to Northern and Eastern consuming centers.
In planning for a long-term development of Georgia agriculture, we are ever mindful of the fact that adequate marketing facilities are necessary. During 1947 produce from 44 states and 4 Foreign countries representing 24,274 carloads, was handled through the Atlanta Market compared with 23,373 carlots in 1946 and 19,547 in 1945.
These markets are constructed and maintained for the purpose of helping producers obtain the highest dollar value for crops,
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and to bring adequate supplies to city consumers
THE MARKET BULIE TIN
In previous biennial reports, we have called attention to the creation of the Market Bulletin by Act of the Legislature in 1917.
Under the provisions of an Act of Congress, the Bulletin is given second-class mailing privileges. The cost of printing and mailing is paid for by the farmers of Georgia out of inspection fees on commercial fertilizer. The purpose of the Bulletin is to facilitate the dissemination of essential information to farmers and at the same time, there is listed in its columns weekly an average of 400 to 500 notices of Georgia farmers produce and farm implements. This means that in the course of a year some 20 to 25 thousnad notices are printed. The Bulletin goes into every state in the Union and to several Foreign countries. We are at the present time printing approximately 250 thousand copies weekly.
At commercial advertising rates, these notices alone would run in the neighborhood of $100,000,00 annually for one paper, $500,000.00 for five papers and then would not reach anything like the number of readers that are reached through the Market Bulletin. For a number of years there has been made available to the farmers factual information that would not be made available to them through any other source.
It is the one means through which the Commissioner of Agriculture can adequately inform the farmers as to the many problems affecting agriculture. In addition to the current information concerning agricultural problems, we endeavor to keep them informed as to other important problems, which in many respects have a direct bearing on agriculture. This Bulletin has grown consistently since its creation in 1917 and its usefulness and importance is increasing constantly.
We have from time to time endeavored to tabulate the actual dollar value of farm produce sold through its columns. Some twenty years ago rather accurate figures were obtained as to the actual amount of produce sold through its columns which was approximately $3,500,000.00. This was before the circulation reached anything like its present figure and based on the number of copies printed and the number of adds run in its columns, today's figures would probably be multiplied several times. The market
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Bulletin is certainly one of the major factors in our marketing program, as if offers marketing facilities to vast numbers of farmers who only have a small amount of produce to offer. They could not afford to use commercial advertising and many do not have sufficient quantities or live at too great distances to use the facilities of State Markets.
The usefulness of this publication will continue to increase, thereby enabling buyers throughout the country to buy Georgia produce
CANNING PLANTS
During the war period, the conservation of fruits and vegetables and other foods became more important than ever before. Conservation was second to production and because of the urgent need not only to feed our own people, both urban and rural, but in addition sparing some for our friends overseas, every agency of the government, both Federal and State, devoted considerable effort towards this program.
It became so acute that people In urban communities were urged to put up at least a part of their own winter supply of canned foods. The Department of Agriculture recognized the seriousness of this situation and erected canning plants at three State Markets Atlanta, Macon and Thomasville.
Community canneries throughout the rural section of the State have been splendidly developed by other agricultural agencies, expecially so under the able leadership of Hon. Walter Brown and the County Agents, and under Hon. M, D. Mobley and T. G, Walters, the vocational Educational Division of the Department of Education. The impetus given this food conservation program during this war period has continued through the past biennium and the canning program at our State Markets has been accelerated to the point that additional facilities have been added to meet the demands.
An entire new canning plant has been built at the Atlanta Market, which is modern in every respect. The demand for its facilities is constantly Increasing as these plants provide no only an opportunity for city people to can fresh fruits and vegetables from their own gardens and orchards, but being located on the market where there is always an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables during the season that the housewife can purchase and process on one visit to the market.
These canneires likewise offer the farmers additional sales outlets for the products they bring to the market.
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The proper operation necessitates the employment of experienced personnel, and each cannery is supervised by a manager of long years of experience, Additional skilled assistance is given the housewife in the preparation of fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. These canneries have made a distinct contribution to the "live at home" program by making available not only expert assistance, but the use of the most modern canning equipment.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
In previous reports we havecailed attention to the importance of this phase of our work. Correct weighing and measuring devices are of tremendous importance to the agricultural economy of our State.
The primary function of this division is to see that equity prevails in all commercial transactions. Almost everything consumed in our living, somewhere along the line from the producer to consumer, must be either weighed or measured. The importance to every community of correct weights and measures, can scarely be over-estimated. This fact has been fully recognized and during the past years representatives of this Department have worked loyally and faithfully in testing scales and measuring devices so that both buyer and seller is adequately protected. The record shows that during the biennium 43,712 scales were inspected. 3,066 scales in grocery stores and markets were short weighing the consumers whose loss, if continued for two years, is estimated at approximately $2,000,000.00. On the other hand we found 581 scales in grocery stores and markets giving over weight, which meant a considerable loss to the merchant. The record reveals that of the larger scales on which the farmers and other interested parties produce in wagon or truck loads were weighed, there would have been a loss of $367,787.00 to all parties concerned during the two-year period. It Is therefore evident that without this service thousands of dollars would have been lost to the farmers of Georgia as well as the scale owners and merchants of the btate. This is particularly true of our heavier farm products that are grown specifically for the market, such as peanuts, cotton, livestock, etc.
Our equipment is in keeping with the United States standards. Our regulations and methods of inspection are uniform with those of other statds and we feel that our service in this respect compares favorably with that of other states. Therefore, we cannot over estimate or over-emphasize the Importance of this work. Not only the interest of the farmer, scale owner and merchant is protected, but the welfare of every person who buys or sells; from the housewife, who buys a poimd of sugar, to the farmer who sells a truck load of cattle.
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PURE SEED

Since 1941 this Department has endeavored to protect the farmer of Georgia against faulty and impure vegetable and farm crop seeds. The Georgia Seed Law was modernized in 1945 and is today probably one of the most modern seed laws in the country.

Under the provisions of this act, the Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations governing the administration of the act. The new law was put into effect in the early spring of 1946 and in the meantime, one of the most modern seed laboratories in the entire country has been established. A more detailed statement in regard to the laboratory will be found elsewhere. Realizing the absolute dependency of the producer on good seed, we have put forth a special effort to see that not only the provisions of the act are enforced, but every safe-guard possible has been given the Georgia farmers and gardners.

As far as possible, we have trained our personnel in order to give the best service possible in the administration of this law.

The following tabulation covering the work of the biennium is self-explanatory;

Inspections of jseeds - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 8,189

Withholds from' sale or use issued-. - -- -- -- - 2,890

Samples taken to be analyzed ----------- 8,826

Number of pounds withheld- ---------- 3,322,637

Number of pounds of seed converted

to feed............................ 1,717,245

Number of pounds of seed destroyed,

unfit for use T--1,753,122

Number of pounds of seed released ------ 359,860

Number of plants destroyed, unfit

for planting ---------------- 4,013,800

Number of packages of vegetable

seed withheld

------ ----------------- - 1,734,486

The record shows that some 3,000 more inspections were made during this biennium than was made in the previous two years and also that l^ million more pounds of seed were found to be unfit for planting purposes and withheld from sale than during the previous period *

We are taking a realistic view of the administration of the Georgia Seed Lav/, realizing the tremendous responsibility that we have to our Georgia farmers, and that it is a foregone conclusion, profitable crops cannot be produced with poor or inferior seed*

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POODS AND FEEDS
This is one of the most important phases of our regulatory activities. These laws enacted by the General Assembly have for their purpose the protection of foods for the individual and feeds for livestock.
The very existence of three of our major farm enterprises-- poultry, dairying and livestock depend largely on the quality of feed that is permitted to be sold in Georgia. These phases of our diversified agricultural program are probably developing faster than any other.
The marketing of eggs is becoming more important in view of the fact that we are gradually developing a considerable industry within our own State. Much could be said of the foods that come under the provisions of the various laws administered by this Department, but space will not permit a detailed statement. Therefore, we can only give a few high points of the work done for the past two years. During the period, 5,368,000 pounds of commercial feed was withheld from sale, 30,000 dozen of eggs, 129,000 pounds of flour, 25,000 pounds of poultry as well as quantities of several other foods.
In addition to withholding a number of these items from sale, 56,000 pounds of feed was destroyed as it was found to be unfit for feeding to livestock. We also destroyed 157,000 pounds of beans, 200,000 pounds of cabbage, 100,000 pounds of tomatoes and a number of other foods as they were found to be unfit for human consumption. We realize the tremendous responsibility we owe the buying public in the proper and impartial administration of the food and feed laws .
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS
For many years this Department has been charged with the responsibility of administering the Fertilizer and Insecticide Laws. It is physically impossible for a consumer of commercial fertilizer or fertilizer material to determine its plant food value by either sight, taste or smell. Therefore, in order to determine its value, samples must be collected and sent to the State Chemist for analysis
The law provides that every manufacturer or distributor of fertilizer or fertilizer materials must first register his product with the State Department of Agriculture before it can be offered for sale to consumers. During the Biennium, 2,475 brands of mixed and complete fertilizers and fertilizer materials were registered with this Department.
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In order to collect these samples, an adequate field force must be maintained whose duties are not only to determine v/hether the product is properly registered, but to see whether it is tagged in accordance with the registration and inspection laws, and also to draw samples for analyses^ During this period, ]|523 official samples were taken. The Chemical analyses reveal that 880 of these samples were found subject to penalty. In accordance with the Fertilizer Law, penalties were assessed against the manufacturer and collected for the farmers.
The law further provides that dealers must be licensed and accordingly, 1,039 Dealer's Licenses have been issued during this period.
This Department is also charged with the responsibility of administering the Insecticide Law, During this period 224 official samples were taken and analyzed by the State Chemiste
CHEMICAL LABORATORY
Our laboratory Is charged with the responsibility of making analysis of fertilizers, feeds, Insecticides, seeds, dairy products, foods and drugs as have been previously mentioned in connection with the administration of these laws. Final action is not taken until an official analysis has been made in the case of feeds, foods, fertilizer, etc., and the purity and germination test is made in respect to seeds.
When Inspectors take samples of food they must be analyzed by the Chemist in order to determine whether it is fit for human consumption, adulterated or misbranded. Milk samples must be run to determine the bacteria and butter fat content.
The laboratory is operating progressively and economically and is giving essential service of a high type. Control and interpretations of various items in our regulatory work is subject to laboratory determination*
The record reveals that during the period 1946-July 1, 1948, 27,533 official samples of fertilizer were analyzed. During the years 1946 and 1947, 11,222 official samples of dairy products, foods, feeds and seeds were analyzed and 625 samples of drugs, insecticides, etc.
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LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS AND LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY DISEASES
The administration of a number of our most important regulatory activities is the direct responsibility of our Veterinary Division. This work is so important to the livestock and poultry development of our State that its value cannot be over emphasized. Because of its importance, highly trained personnel must be employed.
All of the dairy and creamery work such as inspection and licensing of Ice Cream Manufacturing Plants, Dairy Manufacturing Plants, the Issuance of Cream Tester's Licenses, Cream Buying Station Licenses and many other phases come under this Division.
It is the responsibility of this Department to make inspections to the end that producers shall be paid for milk delivered to the processing plants on the correct butterfat basis and that the consumer of dairy products such as milk, Ice cream, etc., receives the butterfat content required under the law.
The records reveal that livestock and livestock products represented 30,1 per cent of the total cash income from Seorgia agriculture in 1947,
With the splendid record that has been made by this Department in disease eradication and control during the past few years, we feel that the livestock farmer Is In better position than ever before to make a success.
These diseases, require serious consideration:
Brucellosis Tuberculosis Anaplasmosis X-disease or Hyperkeratosis
And a few major horse and swine diseases, particularly hog cholera and parasites.
Due to the tremendous growth of our poultry Industry, poultry diseases are of paramount importance, particularly Newcastle, Pullorum, and Coccidiosis. Phenomenal developments have been made during the Biennium In our poultry disease control program.
The laws of the State of Georgia require that all out-ofState meat packers report to this Department all shipments Into the State. During the period considerable expansion has been made in locally owned and operated slaughter houses, abattoirs and freezer locker plants, which is of paramount Importance in view of the rapid development of the livestock industry. The records reveal there were 505,000 hogs, cattle and calves slaughtered in locally owned and controlled slaughter houses during the biennium.

The Department Is fortunate In having one of the best equipped Veterinary Pathological Laboratories of its kind in the country. It has been equipped with the most modern equipment and staffed by very competent personnel and has done a commendable job in rendering service to the livestock and poultry industry of Georgia.
To augment our poultry disease work, a branch laboratory was established in Gainesville April 1947. With these facilities and properly trained personnel', this phase of our work is tremendously important in the development of a substantial livestock and poultry Industry in Georgia. Official figures show that during the year 1947 a cash income to Georgia farmers of $157,176,000.00 was realized.
A major responsibility of the Commissioner of Agriculture is the dissemination of useful information, not only to the citizens of our own State, but to acquaint people throughout the land with the possibilities and opportunities that Georgia offers for agricultural and Industrial development.
With Georgia's yearly average of 274 sunshine days; with an average rainfall of 49.3 inches and a mean temperature of 62 degrees; with a wonderful climate and a diveristy of rich soils from the mountains to the sea; we have something to offer the interested investor. Therefore, as Georgia develops industrially, and with a well rounded diversified agricultural program, interest in her possibilities is rapidly gaining momentum. I'o meet this demand, we are constantly on the alert seeking information from all sources, in order to be able to furnish the inquirer the information desired.
The Agricultural Library, consisting of approximately 2,000 different subject matter bulletins, together with State and National Agricultural Statistics and information, in one of the largest of its kind in any State Department.
We are in position to furnish current information regarding almost every phase of agriculture, including acreage, production, sales and other pertinent and Statistical information.
During the Biennium, this Division has received 26,000 bulletins or pamphlets from the United States Department of Agriculture, State Extension Service, Experiment Stations and other sources. During this period, 22,897 bulletins or pamphlets have been distributed. This has been particularly important during the past two years, due to the fact that so many World War Veterans have begun farming and this Department has earnestly endeavored to furnish them information that would assist them in setting up a profitable farming program. This is indeed a very important phase of our work, and its usefulness and importance Is being recognized and appreciated more and more as the years go by.
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long tsrm planning state department op agriculture
Events of the past 30 years have brought tremendous changes to the people of Georgia, on the farms as well as in the cities# The advent of the boll weevil, the demand for labor in war plants and other industry during and after both '"orld War I and W^rld War II has caused a great migration of farm workers to our cities and to other sections of the country. This has brought about radical changes In our agricultural life and State economy.
Modern farm machinery and labor saving devices together with the extension of electrical power to rural communities have to some extent compensated for the loss of farm labor# Modern household conveniences along with radios and television have made country life more desirable. Better educational advantages have been brought to our farm population. Therefore, plans must be perfected to meet these changed conditions. With these things in mind, we look to the future and a wider field of service for the Department of Agriculture to the end that Georgia may continue to be "the empire state of the south".
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
This phase of our agricultural program is probably developing more rapidly than any other and has become one of our major agricultural enterprises. The cash income from livestock and livestock products including poultry, turkeys and eggs amounted to $157,176,000.00 in 1947 or an increase of $37,000,000 over the previous year.
The major contribution of the Department of Agriculture to this development is the control of Infectious diseases. This department maintains a force of well trained personnel in our Veterinary Division, whose responsibility is the eradication of, and the prevention of the spread of diseases in livestock. This subject cannot be stressed too much. We are faced with the problem of controlling diseases within the state as well as preventing the introduction of diseases from other states.
We now have 65 livestock auction sales In the ^tate. These are a necessity as they improve the market for livestock. Some of these livestock markets are patronized by livestock people from great distances and there Is always danger of the Importation of disease from other states and the spread of disease from farm to farm. Our livestock Inspectors are constantly on the look out for insects and diseases and every precaution possible with present limited funds is being used. Our problem In this respect, will continue to be greater as the dairy, beef cattle, hog and poultry industry develops.
MONEY FOR LIVESTOCK WORK
For several years all livestock and poultry work done by this Department has been financed out of feed and fertilizer
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inspection fees. The over~all amount of money this Depart ment has liad was determined by the amount of fees that we collected.
The work accomplished in the livestock and poultry field in G-eorgia is the more remarkable for the reason that no appropriations have been made for this work out of general taxes.
The record of accomplishments in the livestock and poultry field in G-eorgla, as compared to the same work in our sister states shows that Georgia has accomplished as much or more than our sister states, although some of them have large appropriations for the specific purpose of Llvestpckand Poultry Disease Control Work, Georgia now stands near the top of the list, both in eradication and control of*T. B. and Bang's as well as other livestock and poultry diseases.
POULTRY
Until a few years ago, Georgia was a poultry importing state and was the dumping ground for Inferior and diseased chickens. In order for poultry production to be made a major industry, the control of infectious and contagious diseases was and is of paramount'importance, particularly in heavily populated broiler areas.
Due to the tremendous amount of work that has'been done, to develop the poultry and egg Industry in Georgia, statistics now show that of our total farm Income for j.947, {$48,956,000.00 was derived from chickens, turkeys and eggs. The broiler industry has developed to the point that Georgia is the second largest producing state. Coupled with this,development some of the largest processing plants in the county are now located in the broiler producing section of Georgia,
Great emphasis was given the rapidly growing poultry industry of Georgia by the enactment of the'Georgia Poultry Law by the General Assembly in January 1946. This was the result of supoort'given by the poultry industry and the Depart ment of Agriculture with the object of protecting the producers.
The control of infectious and contagious diseases by this Department in cooperation with the producers is of major impor tance. There are many problems in connection with the poultry industry that have our attention. Additional funds are badly needed to maintain adequate poultry laboratories and to maintain strict policing of sanitation and disease research. The question of feed is of paramount importance and it is our purpose to encourage the local production of poultry feeds as far as possible* The establishment of suitable machinery for crushing
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and mixing native grown products in communities where the raw products are produced will come as fast as increased local production warrants. This will have a tendency to reduce the cost of producing poultry and eggs. Proper grading and stan dardization of poultry and poultry products go a long way towards demanding fair prices in the consuming centers. Pre mium quality demands,premium prices. Therefore, G-eorgia poultry and eggs as other Georgia products should be sold under G-eorgia labels.
POULTRY DISEASES
G-eorgia now being the second largest broiler state in the Union makes it more important than ever that we give special attention to poultry diseases. The success thus far is largely due to close cooperation with the poultry industry by this office in making flock and hatchery inspections as well as continuing pullorum tests of the flocks.
We have worked very closely with the State College of Agriculture in putting in a Poultry Short Course for training and testing agents to do pullorum-testing and flock-selecting. After demonstrating they are qualified to do the job, they are appointed as official flock-selecting and pullorum-testing agents. There are 75 of these agents actively engaged in poultry work on a fee basis at no expense to the state. Their work is closely supervised and reports are submitted to this Department for analysis.
BANG-*S DISEASE
.Bang's disease control work is done by the State Department' of Agriculture in cooperation with the Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. Department of Agriculture. Due to the efficient work done and now being done in the control and eradication of Bangjs disease, G-eorgia ranks third of all the states in the nation in the number of modified accredited Bang's Disease-Free Counties. The work has been somewhat handicapped due to the lack of sufficient funds to employ additional Veterinarians. Testing has been done by the Veterinary Division on each sales day at some of our markets located in the modified accredited area near the state line. This has resulted in these markets showing a considerable increase of animals marketed. This work has also resulted in a continuing decline in the percentage of animals infected. Buyers, farmers and dealers generally are highly pleased with this work. This results in better prices paid at these auction sales.
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TUBERCULOSIS
We have had less tuberculosis reported in the past two years than previously. However, we should keep a continued^ vigilance for the reason that one of our neighboring states' is reported to have a very heavy infection among its cattle, which could be introduced easily into our own herds. As far as we are able to ascertain, the entire State of Georgis is modified tuberculosis-free. In view of the ever present threat of cattle coming into'Georgia from non-modifled accredited areas in other states, we must continue our vigilance to pro tect Georgia cattle so as to keep the state free of tuberculo sis.
DAIRY SANITATION
Our duties in connection with dairy,plants are two-foldj to encourage the dairy industry and nromote the sanitary pro duction of milk and other dairy products. We have had a minimum number of violations of the various sanitary regulations and in all cases wonderful cooperation has been received from the producers and violators of the regulations, enabling us to bring about corrective measures. By eternal vigilance we can prevent the occurrence of diseases from milk and other foods.
SLAUGHTER HOUSES
There have been a large number of abattoirs, slaughter houses and freezer lockers built in the state in the last few years. The freezer locker particularly is gaining in popula rity. Due to the nature of the products handled by freezer lockers,as well as slaughter houses and abattoirs, appropriate steps have been taken to regulate their sanitation in order that the food products are kept as free as possible from infectious or contagious disease germs. These establishments are of con siderable economic importance to our livestock, poultry and dairy development.
LABORATORY FACILITIES
Previous mention has been made of the establishment of our diagnostic laboratory which has been the means of aiding us in the correct diagnosis of numerous infectious and conta' gious diseases that might have taken a heavy toll among our livestock herds and poultry flocks.
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It is also true that the acreage in peanuts, tobacco, and cotton, and perhaps other important crops, has already been reduced or will be reduced in the next year or two. This will make it necessary for farmers to increase their production of vegetable and truck crops.
It is also true that in G-eorgia, as other states, there is a great demand for expended services in many fields. Since agriculture is the basis of our entire economy and since the farmer's dollar is converted into seven dollars of income among all the people of the state, it necessarily follows that expand ed services must depend in final analysis on the farmer's income
Augusta, Columbus and Savannah are strategical terminal points for the movement of fresh fruits and vegetables to northern and eastern consuming centers. They are also the natural gateways for produce from a large area in G-eorgia and should have a market similar to the Atlanta Market.
For these reasons,.! am asking the'Legislature to provide money for additional markets in Augusta, Columbus, and other strategic market points. This is of vital importance not only to farmers but to our entire population,
G-BADING-, PACKING- AND LABELING-
The most important physical factor in the marketing of any agricultural produce is quality and condition when it is brought to market. Therefore, it is desirable that all farm produce be properly graded, packed and labeled. The fancy pack always demands the best price. Due to the great demand for fruits, vegetables and other food crops during the war period, grading and packing practices were somewhat laid aside. It was not so much the grade or quality of the product as it was its availability. This temporary condition is rapidly changing and it is our plan to give more attention to the pro per grading of our farm produce so that G-eorgia products will demand a place in the market centers in competition with like products produced in other sections, We hope to be in position to sell G-eorgia produce by grade, with the full assurance that when our products arrive the buyer will know exactly what he is buying,`thereby creating a greater demand in the market centers.
SELF-SUSTAINING AGRICULTURE
The goal of all Agricultural Agencies of Georgia should be to make the State self-sustaining as far as its food and feed requirements are concerned. The Department.of Agricul ture, through its various activities, is making an enviable contribution toward the achievement of that goal*

Our plan contemplates a continual enlargement and expansion of disease and insect control of livestock and poultry; pro tecting farmers in the purchase of pure seed; strict inspection and control of commercial fertilizer and insecticides; strict enforcement of Food and Feed Laws, and through the Market Bulletin furnish current information on the supply> prices and location of plants, seeds, eggs, chickens, pigs and other pro ducts which farmers need to buy or sell in order to become self-sustaining.
PROCESSING- AND PRESERVING- PLANTS
It is proposed to encourage the establishment of dairy manufacturing plants and milk routes throughout the State, to provide a ready cash market for the farmers' surplus milk. This plan also proposes the establishment of butter, cheese and dehydrating plants for the manufacture of these products in the main cities of the State, These plants will have to be estab lished and operated by business men who are experienced in the manufacturing and sale of these products. The securing of in terested parties and the financing of the plants should be the responslbili ties of the bankers and other- leading citizens who are interested in the development of their- community. The average Georgia farm is the potential source of milk to justify these plants if the market is provided.
COLD STORAGE
We propose to establish adequate storage and quick-freezing plants on the State Farmers' Markets. It is proposed to assist in every way possible in'getting farms equipped.with freezing units where butter, eggs, meat, poultry, vegetables and fruits may be preserved during the period of surpluses, Quck-freezing plants are very helpful to any community where there is suffi cient inters rl to erect such plants. Another thing to be done to make Georgia self-sustaining is the establishment of process ing and preserving plants in producing centers. For instance, most of cum tomatoes are sold as green wrapped and there is always a large percentage of ill-shaped, slightly defective or over-ripe tomatoes that could be either canned or converted into tomato juice, catsup, etc. There is a tremendous consump tion of th.ese products in the State of Georgia, but there is not a single catsup plant in the Southeast. Certainly we should be able to establish and develop this business on a commercial scale, thereby utilizing our own surplus products. We can establish processing plants for all types of fruits and vege tables, thereby not only making Georgia more self-sustaining as to her food requirements, but creating small industries which will give employment to many of our workers.
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GRAIN ELEVATORS
It is proposed, through private capital, to develop grain elevators at strategic points to handle corn, wheat, etc., that is grown for milling purposes. A great deal of our grain suffers severe deterioration and damages through the ravages of weevils and other insects due to the lack of improper storage facilities. In the past, many Georgia farmers have been unable to find proper markets at harvest time for corn and other grains due to lack of elevator facilities. The residue of these grains could be profitably utilized in the manufacture of livestock feeds.
PEANUT PROCESSING
Georgia is the leading peanut producing state'in the Union. The 1947 crop yielded a cash income of $71,745,000. It has long been recognized that in order to maintain this high rate of production, every means possible must be utilized to encourage more peanuts for edible purposes. Conscious of this fact, business men throughout Georgia are tremendously interested in this project, as it is possible to develop markets for all the peanuts our farmers will be able to produce. This Department proposes to put every facility behind these business men who are trying to develop new uses and additional processing and market outlets for peanuts for human consumption.
TOBACCO
This is one of our major crops in Georgia. Under war time conditions the demand for Georgia's bright flue-cured tobacco made it unnececessary to redry and store all tobacco in the State. When production increases and stocks are carried for a longer time before processing, it will be necessary for much of this tobacco to be redrled and put in storage. Under the present set-up Georgia is not a major factor in the tobacco industry. Our warehouses are largely operated by warehousemen from the Carolinas who come to Georgia for a few weeks during the harvest season before opening major markets in the Carolinas and Virginia. We propose to encourage the erection of neces sary redrying plants and tobacco storage warehouses in Georgia. The plan proposes an increase in Georgia's tobacco acreage to the extent that Georgia shall produce not less than 25$ of the bright flue-cured leaf of the nation. 'This will make Georgia a major factor in the tobacco industry. It will relieve the necessity of the Georgia grower rushing his tobacco to market regardless of price or whether the tobacco is ready for market.
HOME GROWN PLANTING SEED
One of the great helps toward making Georgia self-sus taining agriculturally is to produce as many of our own plant-
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ing seed as possible. Immense sums of money goes out of Georgia each year for seed that could be profitably produced on our own farms.
The plan is to encourage some of our leading farmers in the production of good planting seed. This will, of course, require the cooperation'of businessmen to furnish proper facilities for cleaning, handling and merchandising these seed. The peanut growers for a number of years have experienced serious difficulties and loss due to poor germination of plant ing seed. This is largely due to the fact that seed peanuts should be cured and stacked differently from commercial peanuts. Peanuts for milling purposes are in great demand when they retain a bright color. In stacking so as to retain the bright color they sometimes pass through a heat that destroys the germination. The prime factor of good agriculture is full production and full production cannot be obtained without good seed. Our plan invlsions the growing of peanuts for seeding purposes in accordance with the most approved methods for re taining strength and vigor of germination. They should then be machined and cleaned to remove all faulty and under weight nuts.' The Georgia Experiment Stations, under the direction of Dr. Stuckey, at Griffin, and Dr. King, at Tifton, have done a magnificent job in finding the best varieties of our various crops for Georgia farmers. It is, therefore, necessary however that these better strains or varieties be grown on a commercial scale in order that the greatest distribution possible be made. The Department of Agriculture wants to lend every encouragement possible to extend activity along this line in order that as many home grown seed as possible be made available.
TIMBER PRODUCTS
World War No. 2 necessitated a most severe strain on the American forest. During this period of lumber shortage and other building material, Indiscriminate cutting has been practiced even to the point that in certain areas the land has been completely denuded of growing timber. Proper forestry practices and fire control will enable us to produce some of the timber that has been wasted. Extreme care should,be exercised in handling our timber land in order that the produc tion of timber can be made a supplementary money crop.
GRAPES, BERRIES, ETC.
The Honorable Cason Callaway has probably been more instrumental than any other man in Georgia in promoting an increased production of blueberries, scuppernongs, grapes,etc. The Experiment Station at Griffin has developed varieties particularly adaptable to Georgia soils and climate. A selfsustaining agricultural program would naturally encourage an abundant supoly of grapes and berries on all Georgia farms,
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In order for this to be made a commercial project, large quantities must be produced to be marketed successfully. This is another means of supplying our own tables, as well as those of our neighbors In near by market places, with the most delicious of our farm products.

FARM POWER

During the last two decades wonderful progress has been made in mechanizing our farms. On many of our larger farms, motor power has been'substituted for animal power and on many of our smaller farms, power is extensively used to supplement animal power'which seems to be a perfect solution of many of our problems. There are many farms, however) where animal
power can still be used to a great^advantage. Where animal power is used and the feed Is produced on the farm, this helps make the farm more self-sustaining. To completely mechanize the farm requires considerable outlay of money, not only in the initial purchase, but in operation. A well rounded farm program requires sufficient livestock to consume all of the feeds that can be produced on the farm economically.

TERRACING-

One of the first principles of a self-sustaining farm is to have.soil that will produce profitable crops. The first step in retaining our soil or the building of soil is to stop erosion. Some of our farmers do not realize that when heavy rains come, water runs off of cleared fields and much of our plant food is lost even though gullies or washes are not noticeable.

As you ride along the highways of G-eorgla you will observe that old plantations, where proper terraces have been maintained

are gtlll producing profitable crops. But the reverse picture is disheartening where no soil conservation practices have been

used. The hillsides are washed into gullies and the fertility

is all vanished. If proper conservation methods are practiced

and a system of crop rotation is used, our soil will produce

profitable crops indefinitely, G-enerally speaking soil conser vation practices are too expensive for an individual farmer, but with the assistance of State and Federal Agencies, entire

communities can be organized into a.county-wide conservation

program. Under this system suitable machinery can be purchased, at little expense to the individual. Extensive use of both

summer and winter,and the Soil Conservation Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, cover crops are advocated. In addl-

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valuable soil, terraces adjacent to streams

should be built,with the view of building ppnds to furnish a

Ua^ suP'ply of water for livestock and'to provide an abundance of fresh fish for the farm family. This plan, there

fore, contemplates the Department of Agriculture furnishing the

ecessary information and blue prints to enable them to carry

oux these developments for themselves,
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This proposal will in no way conflict or interfere with the splendid work that is now being done by the State Agricul tural College, Extension Service.
COTTON
We now come to the bedrock of G-eorgia'agriculture. This could likewise he said of the entire South,'as cotton has been our main money crop for more than 100 years. It was the export of cotton that gave this country a favorable trade balance for generations. It was largely the export of cotton that made possible'the buildirjfg of railroads, industrial plants and sky scrapers, which has marked the growth of this great nation.
By nature, because of climate and soil that is particu larly adapted to the growth of cotton, a large part of the South has been the cotton producing section just as the Central West has been the corn and small grain producing area.
Though the production of cotton has somewhat shifted to the more fertile areas of the South, due to high'cost of labor and other factors that enter into the production, it will con tinue to be one of our main money crops for years to come.
During this shifting period, and since the introduction of the_boll weevil, we have heard a great deal of propaganda that G-eorgia soils have been. Impoverished by the growing of cotton. This is not true, which will be substantiated later by actual production figures. G-eorgia is blessed by nature with a diversified soil and climate. Our land by comparison with some other sections of the country was poor by nature. 'it was formed by volcanic action which raised the mountains in our northern sections and the lower strata of the earth rolling down the slopes towards the sea. The hesvy material came to>rest first and the lighter materials were carried far ther along by the natural results of these great volcanic actions. This is proven by many minerals found in the soils, in the valleys of North Georgia, which are not found in either the Piedmont or Coastal Plains. In the Piedmont sections, the soils are largely composed of clay, while in the Coastal Plain area the soil is largely sand and silt with a generaous intersprinkling of pebbles. Down through the centuries mother nature built a soil on thetdeposits of these volcanic upheavals and the result was that G-eorgia soils were shallow when' the white man came to America. These virgin soils, therefore, needed conservation and soil building methods even'at the time of the landing of Oglethorpe at the Yamacraw Bluff.
When slavery was introduced into G-eorgia it was accepted for the reason that it provided cheap labor to do the back breaking toll of clearing the forest and farming the land.
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Since these soils were shallow and light,it was obvious they could not continue to produce profitable crops if sub jected to uncontrolled erosion over the years. If the early G-eorgia farmers had practiced crop rotation and soil erosiion practicesi much of our valuable soil fertility could have been preserved. Their failure to do so prior to the Civil War and the years following caused the depletion and impoverishment of much of our G-eorgia, farm land. The general practice was to clear the more fertile new land'rather than to conserve,the land in cultivation. Therefore, the need for these modern soil conservation practices was not acute in those days.
The need for proper crop rotation, cover crops and sound farming practices did not grow out of the production of cotton. They were necessary regardless of whether we grew or did not grow cotton. In this connection, I would like to point out that cotton can still be produced profitably in Georgia pro viding our farmers take advantage of all the modern methods of crop production, which includes proper rotation, soil conserva tion, good seed, proper fertilization and cultivation.
Naturally it is assumed that we cannot produce cotton as cheaply as some of the other producing countries and main tain our present standard of living. Neither can we produce, corn, beef, dairy products, potatoes and other farm commodities as the same line of reasoning applies in each case.
Our industries cannot manufacture cotton goods, rayon, steel, iron and other industrial products as cheaply as they are produced in China, Russia, Mexico and even South America due to. the higher construction cost of these industrial plants, higher operating cost and other factors. The same reasoning applies to all American products, agricultural and,industrial alike. If the government protects the automobile manufacturer, the shoe manufacturer, the steel manufacturer, etc., then by the same token should not the cotton, corn, wheat and other farmers be protected against foreign competition.
Granting that our forefathers went to the extreme and planted large acreage of cotton,without any thought of soil preservation, is no reason why we cannot continue to produce cotton profitably.
The records reveal that since 1908 the lowest average ^eage yield in Georgia in 1920 was 138 pounds of lint cotton;
Pun(3-sJ 1922, 100 pounds and 1923, 82 pounds. The highest yield from 1908 to 1922,was 240 pounds per acre in 1911 During the period 1912-1920, Georgia farmers were planting io?!?'*' SO^OjOOG acres of cotton. The'highest acreage was in 1914 whe.i Georgia farmers harvested 5,433,000 acres. In 1923, the year we produced an average acre yield of 82 pounds, &eorgia,farmers planted 3,421,000 acres and produced 613,000 Dale The national average yield in 1923, on 37,000,000 acres was 128.8 pounds. Our highest production of all times was in
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1911 when we produced.2,794,000 bales. The official records reveal that prior to 1916 the per cent of boll weevil damage in Georgia was "zero". In 1916 the damage expressed in per centage' of a full yield was 3 per cent, in 1921, 45 per cent, in 1922, 44 per cent and in 1923, 37 per cent. Within recent years this damage has been considerably reduced due to favorable weather conditions and proper insect control measures.
The records show the average boll.weevil damage for the South for the 12 year period 1935-46 was 7,9'per cent. However, in spite of these control measures, Dr. F. C. Bishop, Assistant Chief, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine^ at a recent Cotton Insect Control Convention held in Atlanta, estimates the insect damage to the 1948'cotton crop of the South is approximately -250,000,000.00.
I stated in the beginning that cotton is still our major money crop in Georgia. Official figures issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture reveals that the cash income for cotton, lint and seed in 1947,'was 26.5 per cent of our total farm income or $126,340,000.00. Figures from the same source Issued recently shows that the cotton crop is estimated to represent 31.7 per cent of our total cron Income or $139,241,000 in 1948.
A study of official production records reveals that the average.yield of lint cotton for the first seven years of the twenty-one year period, 1928-48,.was 199 pounds per acre in Georgia. The average yield for the last seven years of the period was 256.4 pounds per acre.
We are all conscious of the fact that in order to produce cotton profitably in Georgia these yields must be stepped up considerably.
During the year 1948 the Georgia Extension Service, in cooperation with the Georgia Cotton Seed Crushers Association, conducted a 5-acre production'campaign in which according to Mr. Walter S. Brown,'Director, eleven hundred farmers through out Georgia competed. The three highest winners from each of the six districts,in Georgia,came to Atlanta December 15, to receive the award of $3,500,00.that had been offered by the Georgia Cotton Seed Crushers Association. The first prize winner of $500.00 was Mr. J. W. Trunnell of Bleckley County, who produced 13-| 500 pound bales on 5 acres or an average of ^"2/3 bales per acre. The average for the eleven hundred farmers who entered the contest was l-i/3 bales per acre. The ten highest producers from Fulton County met on the 14th.
lwest produced 7,900 pounds of.seed cotton and the highest 1^,964 pounds or an average of 10,129 pounds on 5 acres or an average of 2,026 pounds ner acre. This contest reveals the outstanding fact that with proper soils, fertilization, cultiva tion and insect control, Georgia farmers can step up their yield irom the estimated yield of 286 pounds oer acre this year to 350
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or 400 pounds with very little effort. Mr. Trunnell said, It's Just as cheap to plow a rich row as a poor one."
The'State Department of Agriculture through its various services, the administration of the Pure Seed Law, the guaran tee of the proper plant food in commercial fertilizer, etc., can he a potent factor in assisting the farmers to Increase their production.
EXCESSS CITY POPULATION.
This nation is top-heavy with cities. The farm popula tion has.become too small for an enduring nation. Georgia fortunately still.has a preponderance of its people living on the farm. The number of people living on our farms should be greatly increased.
History has unerringly demonstrated that no nation long survives when its city population becomes greatly in excess of its rural population. An increase in our farm population can be brought about through increased and better markets for many farm crops which are net paying money crops.
With a rapid Increase in population in the United States, and foreign demand for our products, there appears to be no immediate danger of agriculture over-producing.
Of course, so long as we have a National Policy of bringing in millions and millions of tons of butter, eggs, meats, wheat,.corn, sugar and fresh vegetables, we will always have imported surpluses to beat down the price of the American farm products. We cannot produce a surplus, but we can Import surpluses.
Industry.and business will be in the same condition as agriculture when it comes to the question of meeting world market prices.
A policy which reduces the American farmer to a.level of world prices will ultimately reduce the industrial worker and the business employee to a level of world prices. It is impossible to have a high American standard of living for agriculture or industry and at the same time lower our prices to meet the prices in world markets.
This is a national question and must be handled by our Congressmen and Senators in.Washington, Nevertheless, it is one of the most vital questions affecting the people of Georgia and the people of the South.
IN GENERAL
A great deal has been said and done in Georgia to promote

education in all its branches.
This is as it should be, an enlightened citizenry is the firm foundation of an enduring republic.
Great strides have been made in' our educational system and succeeding State Administrations,and State Legislatures have ungrudgingly supported the development of our educational institutions.
Great progress has been made in recent years in bringing better educational advantages to our rural youth.
This'has properly been done, not only to build a better citizenry, but also to build a better agriculture and a better State economically.
Unfortunately, we must face the fact that the better equipped our young people become in rural districts education ally, the more they are inclined to leave the farm and go either to our cities or to leave the.South entirely and go to other sections where their talent and education enables them to demand more money for their services.
So long.as our young people leave the localities where they are reared we cannot make any real progress in the building of our State.
So long as this continues, the rearing and education of these young people is a continual drain on our resources instead constituting an addition to our assets.
Many people have advocated Federal appropriation to supplement our funds for educational purposes,
Without in any way discussing the desirability of Federal appropriations, I wish to call attention to the inescapable fact that the very need of Federal funds for education is proof that our citizens, after they.are educated, are not necessarily increasing our economic resources in those communities where they received theii1 education.
Whether we resort to Federal appropriations or whether we do not, the fact remains that until such time as a young man or a young woman can leave high school or college and go back to the farm and there find a source of livelihood, approxima ting, at least, as well as they can find in other sections, we cannot say that our agriculture is a success.
This is the reason that the Commissioner of Agriculture is continually, insistently and urgently demanding a price for agricultural products that will give the farmer true parity for farm products.

Nothing less than true parity will make it possible to build a sound, profitable and'economic agriculture and business struc ture in our rural areas. If we are to have better educated"farm people and higher economic living standards on American farms then those of other countries, then we must have more money for the same crops than farmers receive in these other lands.
The idea that a well-educated, intelligent and self-respect ing American citizen can produce onions as cheaply as a peon, who works for 40 cents a day is absurd.
The idea that this America can produce cotton as cheaply as the natives'of some other cotton producing countries is equally absurd.
The idea that a Georgia farmer can develop an expensive pasture, plant corn and potatoes, TArhlch must,be cultivated, and then grow beef as cheaply as'beef can be produced on the natural, luscious plains of Argentina, is unthinkable.
It is Just as unreasonable to expect a Georgia farmer to compete in price with the nations of,the world as it would be to expect industry to pay American wages and then compete with the penniless hordes of China and Russia.
This is the reason that the Commissioner of Agriculture continually and persistently opposes trade treaties and special trade agreements which permit the inflow of cheap agricultural products from other continents and from the Islands of the sea.
COOPERATION
For the able and efficient assistance rendered by State Auditor, B. E. Thrasher, we are deeply grateful. Mr. Thrasher has at all times, shown an understanding Interest in the activities of the Department.
I wish to call attention to the especial, cordial and cooperative relations between the Department of Agriculture and other departments with whose work our activities are related.
We Ttfish especially to'express our appreciation to the State College of Agriculture, Mr. Walter Brown, Director, and the officials of the Experiment Stations. Our association and service work with all of them and their associates has been most harmon ious, pleasant and profitable to us.
We also wish to express appreciation, to Mr. M. t). Mobley and Mr. T. G. Walters in the Department of Education, together with the vocational agricultural teachers.
The Department of Entomology and the Department of Natural Resources have been most helpful and have at all times promptly given every assistance possible.
TOM LINDER Commissioner of Agriculture