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1944 Annual Narrative Report Graham County
Item Type text; Report
Authors University of Arizona. Agricultural Extension Service. CountyAgricultural Agents.; Owens, S. L.
Publisher University of Arizona
Rights Permission to use or to order reproductions must be obtainedfrom the University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections.Contact us at [email protected], or(520) 621-6423.
Download date 29/04/2021 11:15:29
Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/580332
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
OF
s. L. avVENS
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AGENT
GRAHAM COUNTY
Safford, Arizon�
From December 1, 1943 to December 1, 1944
nIDEX
SID,IMARY
ORGANIZATION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
LIVESTOCKPastures for Beef Cattle ••••••••••••••••
Hog Cholera ••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••Cattle Lice •••••••••••••••••••• � ••••••••
Hors es ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
DAIRYII'JG •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
POULTRY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RODENTS. If •••••••••• ..........................
INSECT PESTSCotton Insects •••••••••••••••••••On.i.on Pests •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Aphis •••••••••••••••••• o· ••••••••••••••••
Corn Stalk Borer ••,••••••••••••••••••••••
Nematodes •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FARM CROPSCotton.o ••••••••• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pas tures ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Corn ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Flax ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Experimental Farm•••••••••••••••••••••••
HORTICULTUREOnion Bulbs •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••O:ni on Seed ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Fruit Tree Pruning ••••••••••••••••••••••Pecan Cu1ture •••••••••••••••••••••••••••Home Gardens .
IRRIGATION. " •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SOIL COnSERVATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Soils •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
APIC'ULTURE•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 0
4..H CLUBS •••••• 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••
FAAlJ' L.ABOR. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••
Prisoners of 1Var •••••••••••••••••••••
rage
1
2233
4
7
9
1011121213
1415151616
1717181819
20
2121
22
23
2526
INDEX Cont.
RURAL SOCIOLOGYAccidents •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Fires •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Flood and Hail Damage •••••••••••••••••••Recreation •••• o •••••••••••••••••••••••••
Food Fights For Freedom•••••••••••••••••
FIFTH AND SIXTH TIAR LOAN BOND DRIVES � •
MISCELLANEOUSu. S. D. A. V{ar Board •••••••••••••••••••
PICT'URES •••0
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
PU'BLICITY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Page
2727282829
30
31
to3252
to5357
SUMMARY OF GRAHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION �rfORK------ -
FOR 1944
The placing of rarm labor and acting upon the policies .>to be used in the placement of this labor, including Vboth War Prisoners and Interstate, has taken up the majorpart of the Agent's time.
Six hundred Prisoners of �lIJar picked cotten in the fall of
1943, and thus far in 1944, the highest number which have
gone out towork is six hundred and fi fty-five. A countycommittee composed of farmers has assisted the Agent inmatters of policy.
Farmers have been encouraged through meetings and field trips ��to grow better cotton, to pay more attention to the irriga- ��'tion of cotton, and to be prepared to dust their cotton tocontrol insect pests when they have been found in sufficientnumbers.
Corn variety tests have been conducted to determine the most V'"suitable corn hybrids to be grown in this county�
C-·--.. �· -.
,-"--. � . "�,,. ,_', .. -.,,?�. ---•..�-,�� .-.--.-�,... . ' .. -.
---
'Assistance has been rendered in trying to locate a suitablefarm to start a farm crops experimental station in this valley.
Many samples of soil have been taken and sent to the Univer
sity for analysis to determine what fertilizers might profitably be added in order to grow onions successfullyo
v
Many field trips have been made to det8rmine what irrigatedpasture grass mixtures produce the most feed per acre ,
4-H Clubs have been organized in each school in the valleyoA Jr. Livestock Show was conducted in cooperation �ith theVocational Agriculture department 0
Much time has been spent on the control of cotton insects by �dusting, the control of onion thrips by cul, tural methods v-and dusting, the control of apbids by dusting and the controlof cotton leaf worms by d ustdng ,
Ass1stanc e has been g1ven to 18 farmers in running land levels '
to determine how best the ir farms might be irrigateEl so as to Vconserve vJater and increase penetratd on.,
SUMMARY--Cont'd Ii
Assistance has been given our poultrymen in the control of �diseases, culling and prevention of loss from excessive heat.
Hog cholera has been checked among three of our largest dro ves ,
Cattle Li ee have been controlled by dusting and spraying ..
Dairy herds have been improved by the importation of registered Vsires whose ancestors have shown high miLk and butter fat production.
",.."'"iseases among dairy cattle have been checked to a very con-�siderable extent through demonstrations in the treatment formilk fever, indigestion, and bloat,
Poison grain and powdered strychnine have been kept in theoffice at all times to be distributed among farmers for thecontrol of rodents, particularly gophers and rabbits«
The Soil Conservation Service has been assisted in their organization work with reference to soil conservation districts.
Circular letters, newspaper articles, radio talks have beenused to encourage farmers to prevent accidents�
In an effort to prevent fires, newspaper articles, circularletters and radio talks have been given on the removal offire hezarda ,
196 inquiries by the Selective Service Board have been acted
upon by the U.S.D.Ao War Board.
Assistance has been given in both the Fifth and Sixth WarLoan Drive.
Assistance has been given farmers damaged by the floods and
hail in securing financial relief,
Cooperating with the Americ�n Legi on, recres_tional facilitieshave been furnished in the way of a Jr� Baseball League and
swimming 0
Assistance was given the County chairmen in or gan Iz Lng publicity covering the subject of ftFood Fights for Freedom",
1
ORGANIZATION
The Graham County Farm Bureau is the only organized group offarmers in the county -- therefore, the County A�ent doesconsiderable work in cooperation with that organization,expecially such work as the dealings with marketing, cooperativebuying, farm labor situations, legislative actions, land use
planning, soil conservation districts, and other sirrdlar subjects.
Graham County has a county-wide Chamber of Commerce, but as
yet, this organization has not interested itself in Agriculture.There is also in Graham County a Board of Directors entitledThe Gila Valley Irrigation District which.deals almostentirely with irrigation legislation and it finances all ofour irrigation projects.
While as stated above, the Graham County Farm Bureau is the
only organized group in the county through which the ExtensionService can work, yet there is a group of farmers very looselyorganized throuGh which considerable Extension work has beendone. This group might be considered on the same basis as
the Neighborhood Leaders groups are organized in other districts.This group came into being for the purpose 6f helping with the
county-wide Farm Labor Program, and representatives from
every community in the county are assisting with this work.After the Farm Labor problem is. finished for this year, it is
still believed that this group of eight men miGht give theirassistance to other Extension problems of equal importance.It has been found that farmers when working on a problem of
vital importance to them, will give unlimited time and effortwithout any thought of being remunerated.
2
LIVESTOCK
In another part of this report, work done on dairying hasbeen discussed. However, some work has been done wi th beefcattle and swine.
Pastures for Beef Cattle
Several field visits have been made to our irrigated farmswhere they are using pasture grass mixtures in pasturing beefcattle.
Mro Willard Welker bas 80 acres of pas ture on which he keepsbeef cattle practically all the year around" He claims that becan run an average of from 2-� to 3 head per aer-e ,
Mr. Marvin Clifford has also been demonstrating the adaptabilityof various pasture grass mixtures for beef cattle.
Mr. Robert L. Matlock, Extension Agronomist, bas been particularlyinterested in the various pasture grasses and has made severaltours over the county with the Agent in noting the results of
pasturing beef cattle on our irrigated farms , At the presenttime, there is in the neighborhood or 2,500 acres of irrigatedpastures in Graham CountYo Suggestions for seeding, plantingand cultivating of these pasture grass mixtures have als 0 been
mimeographed and sent to all of our farmers. These mixtureshave been reported elsewhere in the report under the heading J..'of "Farm CroPS,", and will ther efore not be recopi ed ,
Hog Cholera
Vlliat appeared to be hog Cholera was found on three different
farms, and directions were given for vaccinating. Af3 thesehog producers did not seem inclined to really belie ve th e diseasewas Cholera, the State Veterinarian was contacted and he made a
visit to this countYo After performing Post-mortems ,on severaldead hogs, he stated that the hogs were definitely dying fromCholera and gave more specific directions for vaccination andfor stricter sanitary precauti ens to prevent its spr-eads
The largest death los ses were at Clifford & Wilson's feed yardshereo Over 150 hogs died of this disease�
Instructions have been given t a all farmers WID use slop or
garbage of any kind to vaccinate their hogs for Cholerallt Newspaper articles have been J!U.blished on the prevention of hcg Choleraand the necessity of stri cter sanitary measures in the grcmingof hogs to prevent wo rms and other d i.seaaes s
3
LIVESTOCK--Cont'd
(Hog Choler a)
During 1942-;3, hog prices were high, and most of our farmerswere endeavoring to get into the business. During the past yearprices have not been so favorable and grains have risen in price.For this �eaBon, most of our farmers who have been raising small
bunches of hogs have gone out of the business.
One of t be biggest problems in hog raising is that of sanitationand the treating for insect pests and worms , During 1945, an
effort will be made to encourage more of our farmers throughpersonal vis its and newspaper articles to clean up their hogpens, move them to different locations, give the hogs more pasture and treat for lice.
Cattle Lice
Information was given to six different cattlemen on the control oflice by spraying, using one pound of Rotenone and ten pounds of:1etable Sulphur to each one hundred gallons of water. Some success
was also had by rubbing on the cattle a mi.xtu re of 50% keroseneand 50% cotton seed oil. This could only be used, however, incold weather".
In January of 1945, demonstrations will be given on the control oflice on cattle by our different 4-H clubs in an endeavor to getmore of the fathers to become interested in lice co rrt r-o.L,
Newspaper articles will also be used and personal letters to en
courage more interest in thi s project.
Horses
In 1941 there was a very serious outbreak of sleeping sickness
among our horses. At that time many farmers were assisted in
vaccinating and many can now do their own work. However, thereare a few new breeders and owners of riding horses who are not
acquainted with this disease and how to prevent it. For thisreason four horse owners were shown how to vaccinate their animalsto prevent sleeping sickness.
If it appears an outbreak may occur, then each such sping newspaperand radio publicity must be given on vaccination for prevention.
4
DAIRYING
Dairying in Graham County is conducted only as a side line tothe general farm operations. There is a milk dis,tributing agencyin Safford, the County Seat, which is supplied by two largedairies. There are also four dairies with fifteen or more cows
which ship whole milk to Globe which is outside the county.The balance of our farmers keep possibly an average of two tofour cows from which they supply their own families and sellsmall amounts of cream to a farm to farm collector for an
outside creamery.
The larger dairies have been encouraged to try to increasetheir herd average milk production by raiSing their own
replacements by the use of,Registered bulls from dams with
high production records. This theory has been accepted and twoof our large dairies have strings of cows with exceptionallyhigh milk production. One of these dairies favors bulls fromthe Carnation Dairy farms and has just purchased a secondbull calf at a price of $500.00. This calf has exceptionallyhigh production records behind him and carries much of thesame blood lines as the previous Carnation bull.
Another of our Holstein dairymen has built up his herd frombulls purchased from the University of Arizona. One Jerseydairyman just purchased a young bull from California at $200.During the past year three guernsey bull calves have been
purchased from Dr. Cantrell of New Mexico. One �ilkingShorthorn bull and two heifers have been purchased from Mr.Hinman of Grand Jct. Colorado. These have extra high milk
production records among their immediate ancesters. The
County Agent has just recently been asked to assist tvvofarmers in locating twelve registered Milking Shorthornheifers. There are yet a few farmers who save just goodlooking bull calves for their own use and to sell to their
neighbors.
By the use of personal visits and newspaper articles the valueof breeding only to bulls whose ancesters have high milk andbutterfat production records on both sides, is presented toour farmers. From the increased use of such sires it does
appear that this idea is taking root.
On account of the small number of dairy cattle, there is not
enough work to keep a veterinarian busy and for the pastsix years Graham County dairymen have been without such service;By assisting where ever possible to save the loss of dairycattle by disease or to prevent the spread of disease, farmershave come to look upon the County Agent as one who mighthelp them in an emergency to prevent losso
5
DAIRYING cont.
One of the commonest ailments among the best producers ismilk fever. This might be controled by inflation of theudder after the attack occures, but such a method used byfarmers who ordinarily do not pay too much attention to
sanitation, often leads to the introduction of foreign oreanismsinto the udder, causing accute attacks of mastitis.
To get away from this the farmers have been given mimeographedinstructions on the control and treatment of milk fever bythe injection of calcium gluconate into the jugular vein.
As most of our farmers only have a few cows they expect theother fellow might have the trouble but not them. Also itis one thing to tell a farmer how to hit the jugular vein and
quite another thing to do it ween one is excited over the
prospects of losing a valuable cow, provided relief is not
given immediately. For these reasons the farmer is not
prepared when �ilk fever strikes nor is he apt at aQministeringthe treatment. Such administration does not lend its self tothe demonstration method as a sick cow is not available justwhen you want them.
For these reasons the County Agent has been called on forconsiderable individual service in treatin:?; cows down withmilk fever.
Personal service has also been required to diagnose andtreat dairy cows affected with indigestion. There is one
redeeming feature however, for the farmer is then more receptiveto suggestions as to how to prevent the reoccurance of such
troubles, by not milking the cow out too quickly after calving,and by eliminating sudden changes in feeding or over feedingof heavy concentrated to prevent indigestion.
Several newspaper articles have been written tellin6 farnershow to prevent milk fever and indigestion.
Farm visits and news paper articles were written advising farmers of
preventative measures to be used in the control of calf scours.
During 1944 the losses were much reduced in comparison with the
heavy mortality due to scours during 1942 and 43.
Information has also been given farmers through farm visits andoffice calls on the control of lump jaw through the use ofPotassium iodide as a drench; or sodium iodide injected into theblood stream. DairJ�en had five such cases during the pastyear.
Many farmers have asked for suggestions on the co�trol of gargetor mastitis. A mimeographed pamphlet prepared by Dr. vim. Pister,Animal Pathologist of the University of Agriculture, dealing on this
subject has been very valuable. More such pamphlets dealing on
6
DAIRYING conto
common livestock diseases and ailments would be a big help.
For such a small number of dairy cattle, it is surprising how manyhave had foot rot, a bacterial disease�attacking between the toesoFarmers have been advised to keep affected cattle out of wet
spots and to treat the sore spot with lysol, then smearing with
grease after the affected flesh has been eaten awayo
7
POULTRY
It is believed that small farm poultry flocks might be madeto pay. even in spite of the bigh cost of feed, if properattention is given to cul.l.Lng; feeding and housing and last butnot least, sanitation and disease and parasite controle
To assist farmers �rlth thess problems has been the objectivein 1944-
This work has been mainly carried on through farm visits andoffice calls. HovreverJ several newspaper articles have beenwritten on disease control methods.
.
Poultry meetings bave not been attempted because our commercial
poultry raisers can easily be counted on one hand and smallflock owners do not attend meetings. During the past year more
poultry was culled and sold than was purchased. Many of our
farmers still look at price rather than quality when buyingbaby chicks. For this reason the mortality from B.iJl.D. andCoccidiosis in young chicks is rather high.
News articles acquainting farmers with the desirability of
purchasing healthy chicks from tested flocks which are membersof a poultry Improvement Association have been published.Farmers have also been urged to buy chicks from nearby approvedhatcheries so as not to expose the chicks to the sudden changesin temperature and prolonged crowding wr�ch often occurs with
long distances shipments.
Some farmers have received their money back or additional chickens e.s the result of the Agent sending live specimens�of sickchicks to the Animal Pathologist of the University of Arizonaso that it might be proven by laboratory examination that the
heavy mortality during the first 10 days was due to B.WoDA
Even though green feed might be grown the year around in Graham
County, yet it has been necessary to continually bring to poultrygrowers attention the deSirability of growing and feeding greenfeed to poultry. Extension Circular No» 85 of the Uo of .A4',entitled, "Green Feeds and Green Feed SUbstitutes for Arizona
Poultry", bas been valuable in assisting to convince farmersthat green feed is really necessaryo
It would seem tbat everyone should know how to combat blue bugsafter so much newspaper and poultry magazine publicity, but therehave been many office calls on this subject. Spraying the roostsand all cracks and crevices with a mixture of 1/2 kerosene. and
1/2 carbolinium has been recommended with goo d results.
8
POULTRY--Cont'd.
There have also been calls from small flock owners regardingthe control of lice. Dusting the chickens with Sodium Flouridehas controlled lice.
Suggestions have been given on the prevention of heat prostrationby the means of more shade, more watering troughs suitably placed,more convenient feed troughs and the feeding of more green feedwith less heat producing grains. It is surprising how many hensdie each summer from heat, and how little thought the averagepoultryman gives to the prevention of this loss.
If emergency work connected with the war effort does not continueto take so much time the poultry problems might be more effectivelymet in 1945 by the County Agent making more farm visits, therebyassisting in over-coming unfavorable conditions quickly.
Fram a financial angle, more interest in properly caring for
poultry would be stimulated by an increased price for poultryproducts and a reduction in our present high feed costsw
9
RODENTS
The principal rodents which affect the farm crops are gophersand rabbits. The gophers have been working on ditch banks,canals and in alfalfa fields for years. They do not seem toincrease or decrease expept when the acreage of alfalfa increasesor decreases. There are a few rodents in cultivated crops,but they have never �een a serious pest except in alfalfafields. The principle damage which they do is to make it
possible for canals and irrigation ditches to leak, then outalfalfa stands and interfere with harvesting machinery. principallymowers 0
The gophers are not thick enough to warrant attempting a Countywide organized campaign of eradication. It is also doubtfulwhether they could be eradicated.
A supply of poison for the control of gophers has been kept on
hand at the County Agent's office, and farmers wil;i-,r.ing the
poison have been given printed instructions how to mix this
po i.s on with sweet potatoes and pLac e this poison bait in the
runway. Rolled pOisoned oats have also been kept on hand atthe office and instructions have been given the farmers in theuse of this material.
Rabbits destroy farm crops principally in the spring when the
grain is just coming up. The areas affected are those borderingthe foothills, or those bordering the rivers in some areas. No
COlli�ty wide campaign has been attempted to control these rabbits,except that the Office has kept rabbit poison in stock and has
given printed instructions each time the farmer has been giventhe poison, telling him how to mix it with the alfalfa tipsand place it on the rabbit runways. The farmer has also been
given instructions on pre-baiting. This information has alsobeen published in the newspaperso
Un'le ss farmers are reminded of things that should be done, theyoften overlook such matters� For thi� reason, the County Agenthas made inspection surveys early in the spring of each districtwhere rabbits might be numerous on account of range land beingne arby , v'fuere the signs have pointed toward an influx of rabbitsthe farmers h ave been cont acted and encruraged to do their poisoning early in the spring before new litters are bcrn , Many rabbitswere found working in the neighborhood of a melon patch at Lebanonend demonstrations were given on how to put out pre-beits and mixand dis tribute the poison after the pre-baitine; pertod s Goodresults were obtained by using powdered strychnine on alfalfa tipsend placing small amounts on the trails ..
10
JNSECT PESTS
cotton Insects
It is difficult to outline in advance a complete programon the control of insect pests, due tot he fact that one
does not know in advance what insects are going to attack.Hovrever, in 1942-1943, we had att�cks of insects workingon cotton squares and boles _ such as stink bugs, Lygus Fliesand t lie Superb Plant Bug, so it was fairly certain that we
would have sane iM'estation of these insects again in 1944.
Early in the season when the young squares were just startingto fODm, the Extension Entomologist, Dr. J. No Roney, visitedGraham county for three days and assisted in conducting 13field mee t Ings , at which time farmers were shown how to makean insect catching net, how to make the sweeps and how to
identify· the types of injurious cotton insects caught. Information was given as to· when dusting should start, accord-sing to the number of injurious insects caught per 100 sweepsof the net over the cotton plants. Dro Roney suggested thatcott on fields should be dusted with 15 to 18 pounds per acre
of a mixture of 9li% Sulphur and 71tfo Paris Green wren 6 to 8injurious· cotton insects were found per 100 sweeps at the net.
In order that farmers in the different communities might beadvis ed of the presence of injurious cott on insects, a fewcheck fields were located in each community and the County Agentmade sweeps in these check fields each week dur ing the cotton
growing seasono When injurious insects of damaging numberswere counted, farmers in these neighborhoods were notifiedthat it would be wise for them to check their fieldso Manyfarmers did this an d many farmers did not.
The largest number of cotton insects were found in the 8010-monsville area, and a cOIl"..mercial airplane dusting canpanykept a plane located at Safford for about two months 6 It isnot known exactly how "many acres thi s company dusted, but theywere a big help to the farmer due to the lack of ground machinesand due to the lack of labor to operate ground dusting machines
Also, when the cotton got large, ground machines were found to
cause damage to the plants. Airplanes could be used to dustwhen the plants got large, and an airplane could be used todust when the fi elds were too wet from irrigations or rainsfor ground machines to operate.
Whether or not the actual financial gain from dusting mightbe checked from the bales of cotton ginned. and the qualityof the cotton from dusted fields in compar ts on with fields
. that were not dusted, is yet to be determined. However, an
effort will be made to determine this by checking of thenumber of bales ginned and the price received�
11INSECT PESTS--Cont'd
Mr. w. A. Stevenson, Entomologist for the Federal Governmentlocated at Tucson, visited Graham county in September andmade some field trips with the County .Agent, thereby, givinghim considerable information on how to scout for possiblecotton leaf work infestations •. From egg counts deposited on
the under' surface of the leaves, it was detennined that there
might be pos sible out-breaks in the SOIOI!lOnSville area.
A close check was made for leaf worm signs in this area andin October, leaf worms appeared in sufficient numbers towarrant dusting with Arsenic. In the neighborhood of 600acres were dusted in the Solomonsville district,. and another200 acres were dusted at Ashurst. Had the dusting not b�ndone, the leaf worms would have stripJed th e cotton plantsof all leaves early in the season, and thereby cut down theamount of cotton produced as well as inju�e the grade. TheArsenic was found to be very effective in controlling theleaf worm put on at the rate of 10 pounds per acre by airplane.
Onion Pests
In September, thrips started sh cming up in onion fields. Dr"J. N. Roney. Extension Entomologist, visited the county andafter inspecting several fields. advised that t he best way tocon trol thrips was to keep the onions growing at a fast rate
by the use of plentY. of irrigation water and commercial fertilizers if necessary.
The onion thrips continued to increase in numbers regardlessof the farmers attempts to create vigorous growth which was
not always possible due to our steep lands making it verydifficult to keep the onion bedS moist. In June and July,onion thrips were very thick in the onion seed heads, Graham
county having around 600 acres fram which our farmers were
attempting to produce onion seeds for canmercial sal.e s
Regardless of the instructions given by Dr. Roney, that dustingfor thrips was not effective, several farmers dusted first withsulphur and then with a commercial dust called Lo-Temp , Neitherof these dusts were effectiveo The "Lo-Tanp" stunned the thripsand knocked them down but at least 80% of them recovered after4 to 6 hours", Possibly a continuation of the dusting of "Lo
Temp" might eventually have reduced the number of thr ips butthe cost would have been excessive.
The financi al returns for raising onion seed and from raisingonion bulbs have been so disastrous during the past season thatit is doubtful if there will be more than just a few scatter-ed
12
nJSECT P�STS--Cont9d
acreages of onions grown in the val1ey in 1945fa For thisr-eason , it is not thought necessary to begin an extensive
study of how to control onion tbr ips.
It is not believed t hat the thrips were th e cause of our
low yield of onion seed nor the low yield of onion bulbs
for many other factors entered into the onion growingsi taatt ons
Aphis
Next to Thrips, Aphis were the most destructive insect pest�They were found during the year attacking vegetable gardens,flowers, fruit trees, pecans, cott on, melons and grain.
Newspaper articles were written and per-sonal, visits made to
acquaint farmers with the possibilities of attacking thisinsect by spraying with Black Leaf 40, or dusting with NicoDust 0 'While practically all of the pe can trees in the valleywere affected ,nth Aphis, only one grower dusted his grovecontaining 40 acres. This man, Mro Ed. Carpenter, had a
power--dr-Lven blower mounted on a truck and was able to dust a
mature tree about every two minutes4 With tb�ee dustingsdtrr Lng the season, the Aphis were controlled. People bavingonly one or two or a dozen pecan trees cannot afford a powerduster, Which is necessary to dust such large trees. If the
Aphis continues on pecan trees, it may be necessary to organize the small growers of pecans into a dusting associationso that they can buy a power duster among t.hem ,
Aphis on grain would cost too much to control by dusting or
spraying 0 Many of our farmers were advised to .plow under the
Aphis when it first appeared in small patches in the grainfieldS. This suggestion waS also given by the Extension Ento
mologist J but the farmers do not take to that Ldea , When theynotices that the Aphis was about to destroy their grain fields,they turned their cattle in and pastured the grain, then plowedit under and planted cotton.
Corn stalk Borer
Several of our farmers have complained of their corn wiltingbefore maturity and others bave complained of their stalkS
breaking off at the ground after maturity. In each case wherethese complaints have been investigated, it has been found thatthe trouble is du e to the corn stalk borer t and the farmershave been advised to plol'1T up and get rid of all corn stalk
13
niSECT PESTS--Cont'd
(Corn stalk Borer)
roots and old stalks left on the ground by burning. It hasalso been suggested to them that they plant some other cropbesides corn on the piece of ground where the borer has beenfound for the coming year.
Nematodes
There appears to be a heavily infested nematode area on the Mesa
ground south of tbe main highway near Ft. Thomas. These nematodeshave been found to be working on strawberries, grapes, tomatoesand peach trees. The small farmers in tbat area have been advised to use caution in the use of tools and water so that theywill not spread the nematodeso
It has also been suggested to them that they change crops or
leave the land fallow for a year or so , Instructions on thecontrol of nematodes, as put out in mimeograph form by Dr.R. B. streets, Plant Pathologist of the University of Arizona,have also been given to the small farmer in that area.
14
FARM CROPS
cotton
cotton is t he most important crop grown in Grahani County, andfor several years an effort has been made to encourage our
farmers to grow a better quality of cott on and to handle thecotton properly at picking time so as to keep trash out of itand pick only when dry and thereby produce better grades.
In 1942-43, considerable registered and certified cotton seedwas grown of long staple cotton (Pima) and short staple cottonof the variety Acala 1517. There was also some registered seedof Coker Wild grOW!l.o It being known in the fall of 1943 thatour fGTmers were generally disappointed with Acala 1517, due tothe staple lengths, the difficulty in picking it and also the
yields, meetings were held throughout the valley with the assistance of Mr. Robert L. Matlock, the Extension Agronomist, for the
purpose of further encouraging farmers to produce quality cotton.It was believed that this would not be done if Acala 1517 was
not planted an d the farmers reverted to Calif ornia AcaLa , In
spite of these meetings, at which the planting of 1517 was
urged, this variety was practically abandoned and CaliforniaAcala planting seed was shipped in by carload Lo t.s,
Only one field of Acala 1517 was secured which was isolatedsufficiently to rroduce certified seed. There was little needto endeavor 4
• producing registered certified Pima seed forthe reason that farmers practically quit gra�J'ing long staplecotton.
By the use of personal letters, farm visits and newspaperarticles, cotton growers have been encouraged to practicebetter irrigation by filling the soil with water before planting,to 6 feet in depth if possible, and to keep the plants well
irrigated while they are young. Experiments on the Universi tyStation at Mesa have shovn that if cotton pl.sn ts suffer forwater at the beginning of the season, the yield is materiallyredticedo
Considerable work has been done with cotton farmers in encouraging them to become acquainted wi�h insect rests d��aging cottonand to dust for t heir control when necessary b This work on
insect pests is reported under t bat heading and will not be
repeat ed he re 0
is
FAP� CROFS--Cont'd
Pastures---
The growing of livestock on the farm has been encouraged forthe reason that prices of livestock are high, and for the reason
that irrigated pasture grass mixtures will produce such a largequantity of feed. The scarcity of labor on the farm is alsoa problem which might be overcome in part by the use of livestock being grown on pastures which require very little labor4
Mr. Robert L. Matlock, the Extension Agronomist, has spent con
siderable time in Graham County, visiting irrigated pastures inan attempt to determine what grasses in the mixture produce themost growth and are best liked. by the livestock. On account ofthese studies, two mixtures have been recommended to Graham Countyfarmers for planting which are as follows: No. II - IrrigatedPasture Mixture, containing: Annual ryegrasS;- 31bs_, Perennial
ryegra�s, 3 lbso, Meadow Fescue, 6 lbs., Orahard grass, 3 lbs_,Dallis Grass, 8 lbs., Alsike clover, 2 Ibs_, Bur clover, 2 lbs.,Biennial yellow sweet clover, 2 Lbs , No. lIb - Irrigated Pasture
Mixtmre, containing: Annual ryegrass,5 lbso, Perennial ryegrass,5 lbs 0, Meadow fescue, 8 Lbs 0, Yellow sweet clover, 3 Ibs.,Alsike clover, 3 lbso, Bur clover, 2lbs. If water is availablefar regular summer irrigations, we recomnend changing the abovemixture as follows: Add Dallis grass, 5 lbs., decrease Perennial
ryegrass to 3 lbs 0, decrease Annual ryegrass to 3 Lbs , For
dairymen, we reconmend adding �lfalfa 2 lbs., and leaving out thesweet clover,
Mr6 Marvin Clifford has grown two pasture demonstrations platswhich have proven quite conclusively that our previous mixturescontain too much rye grass which cr-owded out many of the other
gra.sses. :Mr. Clifford is conducting demonstrations again thisyear with various mixtures containing different varieties ofa1falfa� These plantings have already made a good growth thi sfalle
Corn
In previous years. Granam County has not produced much corn,however, on account of the high price of tel�'d and t:re scarcityof' labor, more acreage has been planted to corn this year thanpreviously.
Mexican June, a white dent corn, is practically the only varietygrown.
In order to try to find a ye110\'1 dent corn with higher feedingvalue, two cooperators were found to grow an acre of corn eachcomprising 15 to 20 different yellow dent hybrid carns
16
FARM CROPS--C�nttd
Dr. Robert L. Matlock, Extension Agronomist, and Dro To J 0
Smith, Associate Agronomist of the University of Arizona,secured the corn hybrids and assisted in planting than in
triplicate replications on each of the se farms.
In one test the soil variation was too great and bird damagewas excessive. In the other test the owner of the land became indifferent and used too much corn as roasting ears.
In spite of these difficulties, the following hybrids stoodout as being worthy for further testing: Kl583,-In each
replication this variety had a good-sized ear and a strongsturdy stalk and large kernels. This is a yellow' corn.Texas g,--In each replicati on, also had large ears and a
large sturdy stalk. Th:is is a yellow corn and appeared tobe a very good one.
Flax
In an attempt to determine the possibilities of flax as a cash
crop. two cooperators �ere securedo' The flax was planted in
January and in April. it was only about 8 to 10 inches high and
starting to blossom.
The cooperators were doubtful regarding such small plants makinga profitable seed crop and asked permission to plow the flax under
as a green manure cropo
Another cooperator was secured to plant flax in JIovember of this
year but he just recently changed his mind in favor of cotton.
Experimental Farm
In view of the desires of Graham County farmers to grow new
crops not yet proven for this district, and in view of the
heavy financial 10s3es already incurred in the planting ofonions for bulbs and for seed, the Chamber of Commerce andFarm Bureau have made initial steps for the procurement of a
farm to be operated by the University of Arizona as an experimental farm for the growing of crops t,o determine their adaptability to Gila Valley conditions.
The County Agent has assisted in locating possible farms which
may be purchased and assisting members of the Unive�sity ofArizona Experiment Station staff in making surveys of thesefarms to determine their desirabili ty._
It is expected that a c��ittee will meet with members of theState Legislature at its next session to ask for an appropriationto buy and operate an 80 acre experimental farm in Gila Valley.
17
HOHTICULTURE,
Onion Bulbs
On acoount of considerable success having been obtained in
1943 with the growing of onion bulbs for a dehydration plant,the acreage was more than doubled in 1944. There were approximately 600 acres planted to such varieties as Sweet SpanishValencia, Yell ow Globe, Crystal ""'lbi te Hax and the White Grano.
Early in the season it was noted that the onions did not growas quickly as those of the previous year. ThiS, hQoJ'ever, was
thought to be due to our exceptionally cold backward spring •.
Later, however, as warm weather came on, the onions still didnot grow as they should. Farmers were urged to soak the bedsmore thoroughly and oftener, and if necessary to apply commercialfertilizer. A water shortage developed and many fields were
planted on ground with very steep slopes and tbe water cut thefurrows so deep that it was practically Impos si ble to sub tothe center of the bedo This cutting by the water and also bycultivating dovm the furrows, cut away practically all theonions roots next to the irrigati on furrow. Root growth on
the opposf te sid e of t he row was also restricted due to the
impossibility of getting water to the middle of the b order bysub irrigation.
Mr. Harvey F. Tate, Extension Horticulturist, and Alton H.
Finch, Horticul turist of the University of Arizona, visi tedGraham County to in spect our onion fields and talk with our
farme rs regarding onion culture" They noted the conditi onsmentioned above and were of the opinion that sue h a combinationof unfavorable factors did contri bute materially toward our
unfavorable onion yields.
Because of low yields and low prices fer onions, many fieldswere not harvested. Of onions harvested, practi cally balf
spoiled due to a lack of proper storage and damp weather com
bined with laxity in gettiing the onions graded.
It appears now that plans to overcome these conditions need notbe formulated because our farmers are so thoroughly disgustedwith onion growing that none will be planted�
Onion Seed
The conditions afore mentioned regaTding the growing of onionbulbs appeared to also be the cause of our farmers virtuallylosing 600 acres of onions gr�Nn far seed. At the instigationof seed dealers our farmers jumped into this seed venture without
having had any previous experience in onion seed production.
Thrips attacked the onion seed crop early, and preventivemeasures were suggested as discussed under the heading ofInsect Festsa However, Harvey F. Tate, Extension Horticulturist
and Dr. Alton H. Finch, Horticulturist of the University of
18
HORTICULTURE, eont'a
(Onion Seed)
Arizona, who were called on for assistance to determine thecause of the blasting of our onion seed heads did not believethat thrips were the cause. Neithe r did they believe that our
hot dry weather caused the shriveling of the seed h eads s Theywere rathe� of the opinion that a ccmbinati on' of unfavorable
irrigation and cultural conditions caused t.he failure to produce seed.
No definite campaign is planned to change our onion seed cultural
pract t ces for the reason that our farmers do not intend to trythat venture ageino Hrynever, one farmer is planting onion bulbsto see whether the bulb planted in the fall will·wi thstand our
adverse conditions, whatever they are, and produce a paying seed
crop. This year's crop was started fram seedo
Fruit Tree Pruning
Fruit 'trees are only grown in small home orchards. There are
but a very few, not over a half dozen, commercial orchards inGraham County 0
Encouraging these small growers ,t 0 care for their trees byproper pruning has been attempted thr ough home visi ts and news
paper art icl es ..
'
Shor t sto 1's have been made to 16 of these orchards and a few trees
pruned to give the owners a start in pruning their own trees.
Additional pruning d3monstrations should be given in 1945 as
many of our home orchards grow too tall and only produce fruiton the t ips of the topmost br-anches ,
Pecen Culture
There is a considerable scattering of pecan trees in smallnumbers throughout the Gila Valle :'" l�:cny of tn ese t r-e es are
seedlinc;s 0
To assist the ovmers in becoming acquainted with t.he t.echmoue
of changing these seedling trees to improved varieties, 14pecan budding demonstrations have been given.
Pecan rosette or �te-back has become notic��ble in a few
localities. In other secta.ons of the State Zinc Sulphate has
L�proved this condition. Last year a 9 year old tree ofFred Blake's at Solomonsville was treated wit h Zinc Sulphate
19
HOR'I'ICULTURE, Cont'd
(Pecan Cul tur e)
and this year it shows no inc'l.ications of rosette. �arlyin the spring of 1944 three trees in Alraa Tate's orchard atThatcher were given a treatment of 18 pounds of zinc sulphatein a small trench around the trees about two feet from the t runk ,
It appears that a second treatment will be required althoughconsiderable improvement is a�rerent.
Home Gardens
On account of the need for more food to promote the war effortand on account of the scarcity of vegetables, the campaign tocontinue the planting of small home gardens was continued in I
1944·
Home owner s were advis ed t brough c i rcu 1ar Le tter s.
as to th e
proper time of planting vegetables, both for winter and for
spring use , They were also given the varieties of the different
vegetables best suited for plant ing in thi s districto Newspaperarticles were published in the county Piper setting forth thecultural practices found most successful in raising vegetablesin Graham county, and urging all owners of vacant lots andsmall tracts of ground to plant a h one gar-den,
The number of heme gardens planted were less than the numberin 1944. This being due to the fact that v.e had an acute
shortage of water in the Gila River. Small gardeners soon
get discouraged if they go to t be trouble of planting a gardenand get the vegetables up and t hen have them die through no
fault of their own, but for a lack of water.
Some success has been attained by encouraging farmers to
plant vegetables at the end of cotton rows and near to thehouse as possible. It is not nearly as difficult to getwater for cotton fields as it is for small town lots or vacantci ty lots.
20
IRRIGATION
During the early period of Graham County's irrigatedagriculture, there waS no definite restriction on the use
of 1r rigation water , When the water was in the river the
farmers used all they could get, and very little attentionwas given to the conservation of water and checking of
run-oft.
During the past six years, Graham County Farmers haveirrigated under a decree where the water which they use
comes under a maximum allotment and is measured to them.This has caused our farmers to be more conservative of
irrigation run-off� The County Agent bas been asked to
help in assisting 18 farmers to change the direction of flow of
irrigation water over their land so as to check run-off andincrease penetrationo
Aside from the irrigation assistance mentioned, many samplesof pump irrigation water were taken and sent to tr.e Universityof Arizona for analyses so that farmers might be advised as
to its beneficial use. Much of our pump irrigation water isfound to be too salty for its sole us e. but if mixed withvarious amounts of river water the salt contents of the waterwill be diluted sufficiently to make �he mixture beneficialfor the use of cr-ops 0
Copies of water analyses are always sent to the individualfarmer interested, with a mimeographed circular on how to
interpret the water analysis. Copies of the water analysesare also kept in the County Agent's office far future reference ...
The outlook far irrigation water is improving. Farmers are
finding they can get along with a smaller number of irrigations, and that they can save water by land leveling and
changing direction of flow to reduce the fallo
It is estimated that we have at least 200 pump wells at the
present time and more are being drilled all the time. Withthese wells to supp lement our river water, Graham Countyfarmers should not suffer from crop losse$ due to droughtQ
21
SOIL COnSERVATION
Gila valley farmers three years ago organized themselved into a
soil conservation district. Since that time the prinicplefunction of the organization has been to rent and operateheavy equipment,belonging to the Soil Conservation Service, fordigging ditches and canals, leveling land, putting up river
protection work, etc. This year the term of one director
expired and the County A�ent was asked to assist in the makingo
plans for an election to fill this office. Polling placeswere arranged for, judges secured, and the necessary publicitygiven.
It seems that S.C.S. heavy equipment is not available in sufficient
quantity to do all the work desired. For this reason a privateowner of heavy machinery has been kept busy all year levelingground, putting up river protection levies, making ditches, new
canal headings, etc. On several occasions the Agent has beenasked to assist in this work by running levels and contours.
On two occasions assistance has also been given in locatingreservoir sights and running levels for the dam and spillway.Each year farmers appear to do more land leveling and flood
protection on their own resources. The County Agent willcontinue to assist where ever possible but engineering jobsrequire so much time that one wonders if they �nuld be solicited.
Soils
Dealers in commercial fertilizers made many farm visits early inthe spring for the purpose of convincing farmers that in order toraise onions commercially they must make heavy applications ofcommercial fertilizers.
For this reason soil samples were taken from twenty-one differentfields and sent to the University of Arizona for analysis. Aseach analysis was returned, a copy was sent to the farmer. Thefarmer was also sent a small circular No. 108, published by the
University of Arizona entitled "Interpretation of Soils Analyses".This circular presents the subject in a plain simple manner so
that the farmer might easily understand. In only a few instanceswas the present fertility of the soil low enough to warrant theuse of commercial fertilizer.
Inspite of these analysis some farmers used as high as 600 poundsper acre of nitrogen fertilizers with no measurable results whatever.
This one year does not prove that no commercial fertilizers are
needed in this valley for vegetable 6rowing but it does prove thatour soil is yet rich in nitrogen ann that often co�ercialfertilizer might be wasted.
22
APICULTURE
Three years ago the County Agent assisted our bee men in organlz1ngso as to pool their orders to buy bee equipment,particularlyhoney cans. This organization has continued to function and hassaved considerable money by purchasing in bulk.
The Agent does not claim to be an expert bee man but he is able,from his own experience, to give practical advise to beginners.
During the past year two such beginners were given suggestionson feeding bees so that the weak colony might actually get thefeed and at the same time prevent robbing.
Advise was also eiven on how to divide colonie�i'and how tointroduce a new queen. Suggestions were given to two bee'men on the proper location for an apiary and how to provideshade.
23
4-H CLUBS
The main thing attempted in organizing 4-H Clubs in 1944 was tocreate an interest in agriculture among the teen aged boys. Thisinterest to be based on, not just the dollars and cents idea, buton the enjoyment a boy might get from knowing the correct methodsto use or principles to follow, so as to produce the best withthe least waste of time and effort.
It is believed that many people make drudgery out of farmingand that this attitude might be overcome if the boys are shown
early in life the many interesting things about growing livestockand keeping them healthy. This would not only make farming a
pleasure but it would also increase the farm income.
Each rural school was visited to acquaint the boys with the 4-H
program of raising something of their own and keeping records on
the cost of growing it.
In cooperation with the Future Farmers organization, plans were
made for the holding of the Fourth Annual Jr. Livestock Show.
By having these shows it is felt the boys have an additionalincentive to select the best animals possible for their projectand to feed and care for it better than usually so as to exhibita worthwhile animal at the show.
No Crop Clubs have been organized for the reasons that the boysentering have not averaged over 13 years and on account of thescattered condition it has been necessary to conduct club work
during the school term, leaving the boys no time to work in thefield. They can, however, care for livestock and attend school.
Clubs were organized at Ft. Thomas, Eden, Pima, Thatcher, Saffordand Solomonville. School time was given twice a month for a 45minute club meeting. At these meetings the plans were to discuss
feeding and care of livestock and give the club officers experiencein conducting the business of these meetings.
Some of these clubs were very successful, others suffered fromlack of local club leadership. Field trips ordinarily held hadto be postponed on account of lack of transportation.
There was some talk of postponing the Jr. Livestock Show but itturned out to be the best one yet held.
In previous years solicitations were made of business men for
money to pay for premium ribbons and small cash prizes. This
year the County Supervisors donated $150.00 for this purpose.Judges for the show were furnished by the state Extension Service.The boys were given a free picture show during the two hour noon
period, the films being furnished by the Extension Service.
24
4-H CLUBS cont.
Classes of animals exhibited at the show were beef and dairyanimals, hogs, chickens, rabbits, and riding ponies. There were
also a few open classes for registered breeding stock to encourageadults to attend the show, and to give the boys an opportunity tosee the best of the breed in this county. These classes were
filled. Some by animals which had recently won at outside shows.The Reserve Champion Hereford bull at the Tucson Livestock Showwas on exhibition and also an excellent Shorthorn bull recentlyp�rchased at the Chicago International Livestock Show.
The accomplishments of 4-H work are difficult to prove. It does
appear however that more boys are�becoming interested each year inthe growing of better livestock as evidenced by our imporvedexhibits and attendance at our annual show.
Also until the Armed Services took all our young men, young farmerswere being contacted almost every day,who had in previous years beenmembers of 4-H Clubs under the supervision of the present CountyAgent. These young farmers were always found to be very susceptiveto new facts and information, as well as anxious to cooperate in
furthering the adoption of new improved practices.
Club work for 1944 might be strengthened by creating more enthusiasm
among the leaders through more leadership training meetings. Motevisits to individual club members projects should be made and additionalfield tours by clubs as a group would tend to keep up interest.
25
F.ARM LABOR
On account 'of so many of our fann boys going to the Armed
Services, the Extension Service has been given the job ofrecruitment and placement of farm labor. The County Agentwas given a farm labor assistant J Mr. Heber N _ Haggard" andhe was assignei the main responsibility in placing recruitedfarm labor on farms in Graham County.
Even though Mro Haggard did have this specific job, yet therewere many matters of organization and policies affecting thisdistribution which had to be worked out by the County Agent incooperation with a County Farm Labor Committee. This CountyFarm Labor Committee was composed of 9 members with J� David Leeas chairman and the following eommt tteemen: Phil Gould, TilfordLarson, Jared John, Walter Foote, Ray Alder, Walter Batty,Farrell Layton, and Melvin Hancock.
Mr. Walter Foote, whom it is_ noticed is a member of the above
committee, is also the President of tr£ Graham County Farm Bureau,and a committee of the Graham County Farm Bureau, appointed toconsider farm labor problems is incorporated into this countyfarm labor committee set up by the Extension Service. ThisFarm Bureau ccmmi ttee on labor is canposed of too followingmembers: J. David Lee, Phil Gould and Farrell Layton 0 Thisconmi tt�e has met on the average of once a month and sometimes
oftener, to consider such problems as the basis of distributionof workers secured through importation of interstate help and
prisoners of war; the making arrangements for wage hearings todetermine the average per hour farm wage; the nee ds of farmlaborers for the different seasons of the year and for thevarious crops; the housing of such labor; the assessment andcollection of monies to be used in purchasing of cotton pickingsacks; making arrangements for the payment of rental on landused by too War Food Administration for the housing of farm
labor; the piece work price to be paid for farm labor wheresuch is adaptable to the harvesting of farm crops, and other
problems of a local nature as they have arisen.
Placards and signs have been placed in stores and on highwaysadvising laborers that the Extension Service will assist themin securing employmento Farmers have been contacted and estimates secured of the number of farm laborers they will needat specific times, and the�'type of work they w!tl1 want thelaborers to do •
. AI3 a result of these activities, trere have been 2,671 farmlabo� placements made not including the prisoners of war.
However, farmers ordered 5,110 laborerso This shows thatmuch tarm work which otherwise would have been done ha.s been
slighted. Farmers have just had to get along with insufficient
help.
26
FARM LABOR--cont'd.
Prisoners of War
In 1943) Graham County farmers organized into a farm labor
group and assessed each farmer o50¢ per acre and built a prisoncamp 1� miles south of the courthouse located at Safford, forthe purpose of housing prisoners of war. The camp cost our
farmers in the neighborhood of $10,000.
Around 650 Italian prisoners of war were used in picking cotton
through the fall months and these prisoners were used early inthe spring of 1944 in cleaning canals 4 They pr oved to be muchbetter workers with shovels and axes than they:,were picking cotton.
This fall, German pr-Ls oners are being us ed picking cott on, andat the present time we have in the neighborhood of 744.. The German
prisoners pick the cotton cleaner than the Italians, pick more
pounds per day and appear to be easier to control�
In the picking of short staple cotton, these German prisonersare averaging over 100 pounds of cotton per dayo Quite n numberof them will pick 150 pounds per day. The County Agent hasworked in close co-operation with the prison camp Commandersso there may be no friction or any working at cross-purposes.
Farmers have been advised to eive the prisoners as much supervision as possible so they will know what is wanted and so theymay be shown how to pi ck cot ton ,
Last year some farmers endeavor ed to get more work out 0 f theItalians by giving them gifts, but the y found that it did notincrease the amount of work whi ch they did but only made themwant more gifts. The Germans have not been given any gifts 0
They db not expect any and they work as well for one farmer as
for another.
27
RUP.AL SOCIOLOGY.
Accidents
Circular letters, mimeographed folders, and newspaper articles havebeen used to bring to the attention of farmers the fact that accidents
might be prevented if proper precaution is taken. In this publicitythe principle causes of farm accidents have been stressed and suggestionshave been offered so that these principle causes of a.ccidents might beeliminated. No definite method has been devised to ascertain whetheror not accidents have been decreased. It is really doubtful that theyhave.
The Arizona Republic (a state wide paper) has carried a campaign forseveral years to prevent auto accidents but from a recent issue, it was
noticed that the number of accidents in 1944, to this date, haveincreased over the number of accidents of last year.
A$ practically all of our farmers attend picture shows, it is believedthat pictures showing the results of accidents, whether still picturesor motion pictures, might be used very effectively to draw peoplesattention to the disastrous effect of accidents.
Fires
On account of several farm homes burnfng , an effort was made tomake Ifiarmers more conscientious of too fact that fires might be
prevented. Through the use of circular letters, pamphlets on
fire prevention) and newspaper articles, fa�ers were advisedof the prinCiple causes of farm home fires. Instructions were
given as to how these causes of fires might be eliminatedo Oneof the principle methods being to make a check of all poasiblefire hazards around farm homes and buildings and then to remove
these possible fire hazards •.
No method bas been devised to check on the results of this fire
prevention campai.gn , It is drubtful whether or not t bis campaignwill produce results for the reason that we appear to have had
practically as many farm home fires as we had last year.
It is believed that the c anpaign to prevent farm fires might be
brought more forcefully to too farm people if more use was made ofmotion pictures. Even still pictures put on the screen showingthe results of farm home fires might be a big help in focusing theattention of' farm people to this waste and personal body hazard ..
28
RURAL SOCIOLOGY Cont.
Flood and Hail Damage
It is estimated that flood and hail damaged Graham County cropsin the n.eighborhood of $200,000. There was additional damage of
possibly that much more ltb canals, roads, lands and f'enses , At-··.---the back of this report pictures are attached showing a portionof this damage.
'
Some of the farmers whose crops were destroyed were placed in a
precarious financial position due to the fact that ditch assessmentsto rebuild the canals were Lmmed.ieteLy levied, taxes 'were becomingdue and livestock were without feed.
In this count� the L. D. S. Church has a welfare organizationwhose purpose is to give assistance to worthy members either
through donations of food and clothing or of cash, according tothe needs. The plight of some of the flood damaged farmers were
brought to the attention of the officials of this organization.Further investigations were rJade and cash donations were givento several stricken farmers in sufficient amounts to buy feedfor livestock and pay ditch and tax assissments.
Food and clothing was also given to some who were least able to
buy these necessities. Further assistance will be given if neededto prevent foreclosures on same mortgaged farms.
Plaris have already been formulated in connection with the S.C.S.to attempt to prevent a re-occurance of such a flood.
Recreation
Acting as Chairman of the Park Committee for the American Legion,swimming has been encourage, as has also JQ�ior baseball. In1932 the Legion sponcered the establishment of the RooseveltPark in Safford and they have operated the park and its poolsince that time.
While a manager of the pool has been employed yet matters of
policy have to be acted on and plans made for meeting operationcosts.
The same is true regarding Junior baseball, a manager is securedbut the Park Cornr1ittee must pass on problems which arise.
DanCing on the open air cement floor has been encouraged and
participated in by young folks from allover the valley.
More recreational equipment for children is urgently needed,although a wading pool is provided.
Vlhile the Roosevelt Park is in Safford, the County Seat, yet itis believed that more farm boys use the pool than city boys 0
29
RURAL SOCIOLOGY Cont.
Recreation cont.
More recreation is needed in the small communities. The schoolsdo a splendid service in providing this during the school yearbut during the summer there is no organized effort to provide it.
Foro Fig;hts For Freedom
Early in the year a request came from the Extension Directorthat assistance by given in the "Food Fights For Freedom"campaign.
Finding that Mr. J. B. McNutt was the County Chairman, he was
advised that��,the County Agent would render aid where ever needed.
At a conference of the Home Demonstration Agent, Mr. McNutt, andthe County Agent, a county committee was selected, composedmostly of women. bliss Billingsley, the ffume Demonstration Agent,and the County Agent each prepared and presented radio talks
covering the subject of why more food must be produced and conserved.
Chairman McNutt solicited the business men of Safford and purchaseda full page ad in the Graham County Guradian, the only county paper.In this ad the high points of the program were presented and thenames of the County Committee were given. As the program appearedto be chiefly outlined for the conservation of foods and the
prevention of waste, the Home Demonstration Agent carried on
with the program assisting the County Cornmattee.
30
FIFTH AND S IX'lliWAR LOPN BONn DRIVES
To assist with the Fifth War Bond Drive, the County Agent'soffice sent circular letters to all the farmers ,in the countyexplaining the principle features of the different series, andshowing how the purchase of war bonds would assist in financingthe war. The various oftices in the Courthouse, where theExtension office is located, were each assigned a quota of bondsto sell. The Extension offi ce was assigned $1,0000 in bon dsand sold nearly $15.0000 -- selling more bonds than eny otheroffice in the Courthouse�
Plans are now underway to organize the 4-H club members intoteams for the purpose of contactine rural people with referenceto the purchase of bonds during the Sixth 'tATer Loan Bond Drive.The results of this campa�gn will not 'be furnished until afterthis annual report is due. However, it is believed from talkingto 4-H club leaders that they will assist in encouraging the
boys to make these farm contacts and tbat they will assist in
coaching the boys so that they will continue to be enthusiasticabout the bond drive until each farm family is contacted ..
31
MISCELL&.�EOUS
U. S. D. A. War Board
The Graham County U. S. Da A. War Board is composed of personelrepresenting the various U. S. Government A�encies locatedin Graham County.
During the past year the chief activities of this board havebeen the furnishing of information to the Selective Service
. Board regarding applications for deferments and also regardingapplications for discharge from the service on account of
emergency farm work.
This War Board went on record, early in the year, against thedeferment of any young men for farm work under the age of 25
years. They did this for the reason that it was impossible todetermine any difference in the need on the farm for any individualin this age group. So many of the boys had already been takenthat all were needed, but as the war must go on, the ArmedServices must have soldiers.
The War Board has not favored the release of any farmers for
emergency farm work but they have favored an extended furloughfrom 30 to 60 days in emergency cases where necessary cropswould otherwise perish on account of lack of farm labor.
The County Agents office has, through its Farm Labor Assistant,made field visits to furnish information to the SelectiveService on the needs for deferment of Selectees over 25 yearsof age.
The War Board in Graham County has been very active as may be
gleaned from the fact that informati on has been furnished theSelective Service on approximately 196 inquiriesa
Members of t he committee have assisted in supplying informationon a number of these inQuiries, but where the person on whomthe informati on was requested 11 ved in the country, the County.Agent 'l s offi ce made the necessary travel and c ont acted these
parties.
7 ":1
Neph -Ililliams, one of the cooperators in testinr;hybrid corn varieties. The bvo varieties found to
be best for Gila Valley in this first year trialare K1583 and Texas 12.
f,
.
I
1.1·--. .
Otto I.�ck puttinc injection of � iurrl i e
in the jU3ular vein of his dad ry cow after
be i.ng shown by the County :..3ent on how to do
it.
'1'70<.)
in Carpenter'sin Such gardening as this
helps to relieve the local shortae;eof vegetables.
The County Agp,nt denonscretdng to a
farmer on how to doctor a c ow for
indiEestion.
One of the home gardens gr-own byKurt Johns in Safford. Note thatfor lack of ditch water, Ur. John'sis using city water which cost �;4.00for 20,000 gallons.
Mr. Dan Colvin of en acm ..... �� ..........
calsium glucinate intravenously in a
cow doun wi th rnilk fever. The Courrty,A;ent demonstrated how to do this.
ngtree, ahowing the. nevr growth f'rorna bud put on 1.:1 te in ttE' fall of 1943.
L:r ur i.n-; th'"' firstthe season. ThlC is all new
croiiTth. Thp. County JI.t.j' nt ave nunydPHI lIJtrtitions on I,Pc['.H hurl·'il �o
A storage dam on the farm of J.\r[IOSCook. The surveying for this dam
was done by the County Ar;ento This
dam was built ��o years ago. The
picture is shown now for the first
time because the dam is now holdingconsiderable water •
Ano the r view of the l�mos UOOK
reservoir ani dam. The surveyinc;for this dam was done by the CountyAc:ent• Two other similar dums were
surveyed for �oroni Larson.
06
A �rnup of far.mers in the field,studying the different kinds ofcotton damaging insects.
Dr. J. U. :P.oney, Extension Entomo
wi, th his bacl; to tlle camera, showingfA.n1ers in the I'Le Lrl llr!l'r to o c tch
aud identif,./ cotton dan'-:I.,:int_; Lr.s oc t.s ,
Instructions «ere a l.o o l:iveri on control
measures.
Local boys,farm labor.
Local school en recru�
seasonal work, harvesting onion seed
on the Phil Gould farm. There were
125 such pickers.
38
Dr. J. N. Roney, Extension Untomologist,examining onion seed heads for thripinjury.
39
se on
improper storageand lack of grading. If onions are
raised again in the Gila valley, more
attention Dust be paid to grading and
storage.
40
howing oni ons ,s tacked five sacks high in the
open, exposed to the we·ath,er.. As a result of the
poor storage facilities, possibly 50 per centof these onions spoiled.
Onions sprouting through rotten sacks as a resultof poor storage facilities and moist winter, andalso as a result of lack of grading. Onion
growers in the Gila valley lost heavily on accountof this lack of stora.ge facilities and also becausethe onion plant did not use the onions fast enoughafter they were harvested.
howing onions poured out on the ground whare beginning to sprout or starting to rot as
a result of dampweather and poor storage facilities.
Piles of onion culls discarded because of sproutingor rottingo If onions are to be grown in the Gila
valley again, more attention �ust be paid to
storage.
41
Another Shorthorn exhibit at JuniorLivestock Show. The bull beingexhibited by Brooks Curtis of San.Jose.
A hog exhibit bein� unloaded at
the Junior Livestock Show.
42
,
County J jud�:inL Shorthorn exh.ibi t 2.t
the J"L1l1i()r Livestock Show ,
42
Feeder calves being exhibJunior Livestock Show.
Holstein calf exhibit at the JuniorLivestock Show. The judge was most
favorably impressed with the calfin the fore-ground. This calf isowned by Irvin Howard.
44
Livestock Show. April 1944.
45
puttL:lsat the Junior Livestock Show.
mule stuut atShow.
Junior Livestock
46
at the JrmiorLivestock
This is a pony class being shown byboys at the Fourth Annual Junior
Livestock Show held April 151 1944
at the Gila College grounds.
47
Cotton stalks covered with mud oni.bhe
William Butler place at Kimball as a
result of a wash on the near bymountains.
�.
_.
up on
Lorenzo Watson farm at Kimball as a
result of a wash on the near bymotmtains.
48
thethe
Rock washed on
a flood which occurred September 25, 1944.
The field in the foreground was in corn.
49
s an
Palmers cotton field at Bryce as a
result of a heavy rain storm and floodon September 25th.
howingof the Watson wash about of
Charles vl[atson. This flood occurred on
September 25th.
50
wash in one 0 r streets as
a result of heavy rains causing a bigwash to flow from the near by mountainsinto this tOwn4
The result of a wash from the near bymountains dumping its water into thetown of Thatcher. This picture was
taken on the street just west of GilaJunior College.
51
er farm home destroyed by fire.There was a good size water tank fullof water next to this house when itburned but it burned too quickly touse the water.
52
53COOPERATIVE EXTENSIon WORK
INAGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS
University of AriZoonaCollege ot Agrioulturep.S. Dept.· of Agricul ture.• Graham County Coopers.ting?;
Sa1r'Ordstate Qf Ariz.
Agriculture Extension SereHome Demonstration Work
County Agent Work
February 25, 1944
Dear Sir:
Some time ago, you were sent e. letter from this office asking that
you keep an account of accidents in your home. This was done with the ideain mind that if we make note of all o.f our accidents, the importance of'
preventing aO'cidents in our inunedinte families will be impressed upon us.
The statement given below is certainly truce Just consider· fora momorrb our homo front casuaL ties and I am sure you will do 0.11 you I can
to prevent accidents.
HOME FRONT CASUALTIES FOR 1943.--. ----- -..-
Killed in trn.f'fic c.ccidents. • •. ' • • • • • • • • 23 � 300Accidental Deaths in U.S .. Homes•••••••••• 33,000Children (under 1S) killed in accidcn.ts 11,500Total injured in 1943 o.ocidents. • • • .. • •.• 9,700,000Total Killod in 1943 accidents •••• � •• _ •• 94,000
Did you know that up until Fobruary 1st of this year, the Offioeerwa.r Information states that thoro havo boon only ono-third as many personskilled in tho Amorican Armed torcQs since Poo.rl Harbor as there were kdLl od..n tho Home Front by acoidonts during 19431
Very truly' yours"
SLO,oel
S. L-_ OWENS
County Agricultural Agent
n help .. �
yOU ��'s.defense c1det1lsA t'f'1.e(1
CO.
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�U7---WILl. yo
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OOOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORKin
Agriculture and Home EconomicsState of Arizona
SaffordUniversity of ArizonaCollege of AgricultureU, S. Department of Agriculture�d Graham County Cooperating
zzz: .....=--=---::=-...::.-====:-:--===-:=-=::: '_,1'-''''''-._ '" '" -
May 25, 1944
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! n'!-�.,__._ .. _ .. .: >:·�IThere have been Corporations where their directors took �11 the
profits. The directors have already taken a great deal of the profits out ofour grain crops and are now working on our sugar beets and onions, with goodprospects of them working on our cotton very soon.
Agricultural Extension ServiceHome Demonstration Work
COltyAgent Work i I!I I F I € c o CR()P r .
---- '--1 I PE STS, I NC. I --,I, I I-.'
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Dear Sir:
In order that we may try to beat these insect pest directorS tothe punch, we plan on ha.ving n moeting in tht:) court room at 8: 30 p.m., Mondayevening, June 5th and at the Pima High School at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 6th,to discuss control measures for a11 kinds of insect pests which arc at the
present time affecting our crops, or which ma.y a.ffect our crops. Dr. J. 11.
Ronoy, the Extension Entomologist, will be present at both of these meetingsto answer all your questions regarding insect control. If you are not presentyou will be tho loser.
Very truly yours,
.s ::(, 0�Arf�
s. L. OWENS
County Agricultural Agent
SLO:ecl
University of ArizonaCollege of AgricultureU. S. Department of AGricultureAnd Graham County Cooperating
Dear Farmer:
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WDRKin
Agrioulture and Home EconoDuosState of Arizona
55
Safford Agricultural Extension ServioeHome Demonstration Work
County Agent Work. July 7, 1944
A few cotton fields have already been found to have enoughdamaging insects to warrant dllsting. With warm weather, these cottoninsect pests will build up their populution very quickly.
To assist you in recognizing cotton insect pests, and in'
determining when thoy arc in sufficient numbers to war.rant dusting,field meetings will be hold next TuesdQ.y afternoon' and all day Wednesda.yat the following time a.nd pinces. Dr. J. N. Roney, Extension Entomologistof ,tho UniverSity .. will be at each of these field meC:ltings.
Tuesda�, July 11, 1944:
1:45 p.m.2:30 p.m.
3;15 p.m.
4tOO p.m.4,45 p.m.
Lao �Johnts home at Lones tar-Phil Gould's farm (old Bc'n Mouer place, next to
Snn Sim.on, 'on road to Solomonville)Willard Face's farm. Meet nt the Solomonvilleschool houso.
Clyde Kempton's homo at Solornonvi1le.Roy Gar'dner+s home fit SoLomonvi.Ll e ,
Wednesdny, July 12, 1944:
8:00 n.ro.
8&45 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
Bert Allred's farm, between Sn.fford and Thatcher.Farroll Luyton's home at Thatcher.Ted Fcr'gus onvs home _at Ccmtrnl.Joe Alder's h�mo at Piron.Ford Crockett's homo at Pima.Melvin Hnncock's home at Bryce.Albert Carponter's home at Edon.Burns Mars}1Il11' s homo at Eden.Cork Gin. Visit cottpn fiolds nanr by.Emery church. Visit cotton fields'near by.Wnltor Batty's home a.t Glenbur.
__.u.:, Very truly yours,.JJ..-- ,! ''''ARN INC, 1
.:9._,a,lI
iV;P 1[' A, r:A,O��.. S. L. OWENS
��,-,County Agriculturnl Agont-"
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORKIN
AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS
University of ArizonaCollege of AgricultureU.S. Dept. of Agriculture& Graham County Cooperating
56
July 21»·1944
Agriculture Extension ServeHome Demonstration Work
County Agent Work
Dear Sir:
For a total of 73 families who reported on' accidentsoocUTing in Graham County during the past six months, there waslost an 'average of 4 days per family on account of disablingaocidents.
If all of the -accidents had been reported, I am sure
this figure would have been greatly increased.
Over this state as a whole, tho most frequent causesof disability havo boen fractures, chiefly arms and legs. Thenthero were othor'injuries, such o.s dislocated hips, injured kne�s,spratne and cuts. Broken bones headed the list, with falls andbeing thrown from horses coming seoond, and injuries due to nni-,mals cwmo third; injuries due to mnchiner,y were at the bottom oftho list.
The President has.issued a proclamntion setting nside
July 23d to 29th as Farm Safety Week. To a.ssist you in preventingaccidents, the following suggostions nrc offered:
1. Have a medical chock-up.2. Socure at least 8 hours sloop every night.3. Ea.t proper kinds of food ..
4. Use right tool for each job.5. Mnke,sure you know how to use the tool you
are operating.6. Do not unlock, oil or adjust n machine unlessit is completoly stopped.
7. Be careful in handling livestock.8. Tnke no ch�ces with infections.9. Keep children away from 'machinery.10. Usc caution in storing ga soline.
11. Bo careful of brokon steps and ladders.
12. Avoid over-exposure to sun.
-13. Keop on hand a First Aid kit.
Very truly yours,
,�,�'.O�nS. L. OWENS
County Agricul turd Agent \J \:.:=::=::=- --=:: ..:;:::-:
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SLOmpm
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK.
inAGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMIC,S
University of ArizonaCollege of AgricultureU. S. Dept. of Agriculture&: Graham County Cooperating
State of Arizona
Safford
Agriculture Extension SereHome Demonstration Werk
Ceunty Agent Work
October 20, 1944
I;�j\
(����:���, "!."l�,,i1�;r lrJi�;F'\'t!�'il >.tJ!(1' �,)
Your boy,. , is interested in joining a
4-H Club and in growing and keeping a briefrecerd of the cest.. By doing this he will be given the
.opportunity of lea.rning mere abeut the feeding and care .oflivesteck at 4-H club meetings to be held twico a month atthe school.
Next April we will have a Junior Livestock Showat the Gila College grounds and give your bey a chance tohave a geod time showing his a.nimal and lea.rning te judgelivesteck. Ribbons and cash prices 'Will be given at thisfair.
.
Beys some tdmea are easily da scouraged ... s o thisletter to yeu is to ask fer yeur coeperation by showing an
int�rest in your boy's livesteck and encouraging him to
carryon through the club year and huve an o.nimal fit teshow. They say, "A stitch in time saves nine" o.nd Ibelieve a lift in time mny save the bey.
Very truly yours,
S. L. OWENS
County Agricultural Agent
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