Newspapers / The Northampton County Times-News … / March 8, 1973, edition 1 / Page 2
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TIAAES-NEWS, Thurs., AAarch 8, 1973 finUEH -ml M f->'^'' FINAL RESULTS are not yet last month. J. P. Spencer reported that the 40 E^^i'inmont°A j Seaboard Farm members of the Lions Club, sponsors of the sale. Equipment Auction reported this week that counted 86 sellers and 213 buyers and that about approximately 640 items valued at a total of 90 per cent of all items were sold. "People came $50,000were offered for sale at the annual auction from all over," Spencer said. Farmers Fear Federal Price Ax, Free AAarket (Last in a series by FRANK ADAMS) Twenty years ago a man tending 350 acres and feeding out the litters from 50 brood sows would have been a prosperous Gates County farmer. Today, a farmer with the same resources is likely to be thinking about how to make a Jiving — off the farm at other work. Government policy, new techriology, inflationary operating costs, high land prices, scarce labor, low Weekly Peanut Report VIRGINIA-NORTH CAR OLINA SECTION - Light rain and cloudy skies were reported the past several days. Temperatures were mild. Offerings of cleaned jumbos were very light, while fancy offerings were moderate. Offerings of shelled extra large were limited, other shelled grades light. Trading was light. The market was firm. Sales and quotations prompt and April delivery mostly prompt delivery cleaned Virginia jumbo 25- 254 cents, occasionally 26 cents; Fancy 223/4-23*74 cents, mostly 223/4-23 cents, occasionally lower. Shelled extra large very scarce 32*/2 cents; Medium 283/4-29 cents, occasionally 29*/4-29>'2 cents, number one 25-25*2 cents, mostly 25'/2 cents, occasionally 26 cents, few lower; Number two 22*/2-23‘2 cents, mostly 223/4-23 cents, occasionally 233/4 cents. return on huge investments are factors which are forcing him to think about going out of business. For every farmer I talked with in the past three weeks, and perhaps most of Gates County’s nearly 500 farm operators, the last straw would be elimination of federal price supports and acreage allotments. “If they cut out price supports and allotments today, I wouldn’t plant a hill this spring,” one young farmer said. He tends 100 acres and fishes. The farmer tending 350 acres agreed. “I couldn’t farm as I have in the past without the price support programs,” he said. “There are many reasons for this, but the outcome is that I would have to stop farming.” Federal and state agricultural workers and Gates bankers and businessmen who depend on farming for their livlihoods, generally agree with farmers that price supports and allotments are the cornerstone of the local farm economy. There is no agreement, however, on the actions taken since December by the Nixon administration — except that those actions could lead to elimination of price support and allotments. Most farmers interviewed have a wait and see position. The programs cut to date have yet to have a tangible effect their lives, although the total 1972 expenditures by the county Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service were $479,425. One or two farmers even supported the President’s decisions to cutback on the Department of Agriculture’s budget. As one put it, “These programs have been tried for over 30 years now. They haven’t worked. In fact, I get a lower return on my investment today than I did 15 years ago. And I work harder. The same’s true with most farmers. “But I don’t agree with this free market idea he (Nixon) and Secretary Butz arq talking about. (Butz is Secretary of Agriculture!) ' Here was another common worry among farmers interviewed. The so-called free market. In sum, farmers felt the idea was a deception that would result in higher food prices for the consumer. They argued that big farm corporations could freeze prices once price supports and allotments were ended, and that this could be done several ways, but especially by selling at or below the costs for one or two harvests. For example. Gates farmers must average at least $300 per acre of peanuts to break even. Corporate peanut producers with other income sources could sell at the break-even point or below for several years and thus drive smaller farmers out of business. “And don’t think they wouldn’t do it,” one farmer said ruefully. Then there’s the traditional farm problem of being forced to buy most supplies and NEW AAEAABER OF THE 2V2 Ton Peanut Club is Bill Turner of Seaboard. His record is 5,285 pounds per acre in the past season. Fertilizer Needs Assured In County If you need money for farm ecpjipment, come to us. JACKSON — Fertilizer dealers in this area have practically assured Northampton County Extension Chairman B. H. Harrell that they can handle the needs of their regular customers .The good news came when Harrell talked with the dealers last week. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Jim Graham recently stated, “It appears there simply will not be enough fertilizer to meet the The replacement of old, worn-out machinery is vital to your farm’s productiveness. If you need credit for new equipment, see your Production Credit Association. ROANOKE PRODUCTION CREDIT ASSOCIATION WELDON - AHOSKIE For Operating Credit And Capital Investment Credit. JACKSON — Northampton County farmers gathered in the agricultural building here last Thursday to receive tips on corn and soybean production from North Carolina State University specialists. County Extension Chairman B. H. Harrell made arrangements for Dr. A. D. Stuart and Dr. John Clapp, specialists from N. C. State University to discuss latest production practices for these two crops. “Corn is one of our major secondary crops, and although we were fortunate to produce an abundant crop in 1972, we still encounter production problems all over the county,” said Harrell. “From all indications there will be a substantial increase in soybean acreage in North ampton County in 1973. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost is the fact that soybeans recently have been selling for over $6 per bushel; also, the elimination of set-aside land for cotton production.” Referendum Vote Milwaukee Set For Tuesday said, “I’d be out of business in the morning.” Still one additional problem mocks the idea of a free market in most farmers minds. About 50 per cent of the corn and soybeans raised in (Jates County are sold to one firm. Only a handful of peanut buyers “compete” for that corn. The tobacco farmer has even fewer firms in the market for his crop. “I think the consumer will pay for this in the long run, and we small farmers will pay for it in the short run,” was the way one farmer put it. “Instead of the National Farmers Organization asking for a fair return of six per cent on a farmer’s investment, these corporations will demand 10 or 15 per cent and hold crops off the market if they don’t get it.” Farmers are faced with another economic problem in that has them talking in Gates — the prohibitive cost of land. Land costs have risen so fast in the past few years that most farmers cannot buy land to expand even if they were of a mind to. For example, a small farm in the eastern section of the county was put up for auction recently. It had 18 acres of clear land with about a two- acre peanut allotment. Another 18 acres of timber had been cut over prior tc the auction. Reportedly, the farm sold for $32,000, a figure no farmer I talked with could afford. “I’d have to borrow the North Carolina peanut growers will vote on Tuesday, March 13, to decide if they want to continue assessment to finance the operation of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association. If approved by a two-thirds vote, the assessment will be in effect for a six-year period“1973- 1978. The amount of the assessment would be $1 per money, and I’d be working the rest of my life paying the interest,” said one 48-year-old farmer. The national problem of inflation is one explanation for the high cost of land. Proximity to the spreading urban centers around Norfolk is another. “People want to get awqy from the cities, and they will pay high prices for land,” is the way one agricultural official described the situation. The most pessimistic assessment about the prospects facing small farm operators, and farming as a way of life, came from one of the county’s veteran agriculture workers, who, like most of the farmers interviewed, asked to remain un-named. He said, “Regardless of what the Young Executive’s Report argued, or what the Nixon administration does, farming as a way of life is on its way out.” When asked what they’d do if they were not financially able to farm, younger farmers optimistically figured they’d find “something else”. But in Gates County, like North Carolina generally, the average age of farmers is between 50 and 55. These men are usually too old to find new jobs, and too young to retire with any Social Security benefits. Their answers to the question were not optimistic. ton or five cents per 100 pounds. Polls will open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. All persons engaged in the production of peanuts in 1973 are eligible to vote. This • includes owners, operators, and tennants including husband and wife if they are farming jointly. Peanut producers’ pennies are used to promote PRODUCTION, MARKET ING, CONSUMPTION, AND RESEARCH. Z. L. Davenport, Gumberry, and Cecil Maddrey, Severn, and currently serving as Directors of the Peanut Growers Association, and they urge every eligible voter to cast a ballot in this important referendum. Polling places have been set up throughout the county to be convenient for all producers. These polling places are as follows; Community And Polling Place: Conway — Hedspeth Implement & Truck Co; Creeksville — Mrs. Virgie Lanier’s Store; Galatia — Blythe’s Store; Margarettsville — Garriss’ Store; Garysburg — Suiter’s Store; Occoneechee Neck — Bell’s Store; Gaston — M. C. Dunlow Farm Supply; and Pleasant Hill — Little’s Store. Vultare — H. L. Vincent’s Store; Jackson — Jimmy Wood Boone’s Scale & Grading House; Lasker — Jesse Wheeler Feed Mill; Rehoboth — Howerton’s Grocery; and Milwaukee — George Warren’s Service Station. Newton — M. P. Mobley’s Store; Pendleton — W. H. Stephenson’s Store; Severn — Farmers Supply; Potecasi — Flythe’s Market; Woodland — Powell’s BP Station; Rich Square — Farmers Feed and Supply; and Seaboard — Gay Implement Company, Inc. ByPearIJenkins Mrs. Junious Martin, Mrs. Loyd Joyner and Mrs. Graham Smith accompanied Jack Barnes to Chapel Hill Hospital Thursday for a check up. Mrs. Jerry Askew visited her sister Mrs. Sandra Bryant last week, while she was a patient in Halifax Memorial Hospital, Roanoke Rapids. Mrs. Pearl Jenkins was admitted to Roanoke Chowan Hospital Friday for observation. Mrs. James Letterman and daughter Gevin visited Mrs. Acre Modlin and Mrs. Troy Martin Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Jenkins of COA Elizabeth City spent the week-end with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jenkins. Mrs. Graham Smith visited Mrs. Ellie Britt and Mr. and Mrs. Justin Boss in Chesapeake Sunday. Mrs. Jimmie Glover of Margarettsville spent the week-end with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Matthews. Mrs. Pauline Roberts, Mrs. Graham Smith. Mr. anci Mrs. James Vann, Bill Jenkins, Dan Johnson, Mrs. and Mrs. H. W. Panton and Judge Jenkins visited Mrs. Pearl Jenkins at Roanoke Chowan Hospital Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. David Earl Flythe and son, Walt of Franklin, were supper guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Panton. Vistors of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jenkins Sunday were Mrs. Southgate Byrd and daughter Lou Ann and Mrs. Bennie Vann of Murfreesboro, Mr. and Mrs. David E. Flythe of Franklin, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Vaughan of Lasker, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Warren of Murfreesboro. Mrs. Mamie Bridgers has returned from Guardian Care Rest Home and is temporarily residing with Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Panton. equipment at retail prices, plus interest on loans, and having then to sell crops at or below wholesale prices. Farm-oriented bankers and credit sources in Gates were unable to provide figures on the extent of farm indebtedness for the county. But they agreed farmers here in the last year had borrowed record amounts, as did farmers across/the natioh. “If my creditors called up my notes today,” one farmer Let's Keep the Chain Strong Ul moo ouoi WANTED Extra $1 Million From Peanut Sales In Northampton In 1973 Serves Farmers, Growers and Ranchers. Operating Loans • Capital Improvement Loans. Farmer Owned-Far mer Operated-F ar mcr Oriente'd. Roanoke Production Credit Association WELDON Ahoskie — Windsor MEHERRIN Agricultural & Chemical Co. Red Kay Insecticides For All Field Crops Tel. JU 5-2366 SEVERN demand for the 1973 crop.” Graham also stated, “When the export price of material is $33 to $38 a ton higher than the domestic market, it is easy to ' see where the fertilizer will go when current contracts expire.” Harrell said Northampton dealers did agree that it probably was “a wise idea for county farmers to purchase their fertilizer as soon as possibble to take advantage of current prices.” Of AHOSKIE H\\^ Advice On Growing Corn and Soybeans KEEL PEANUT CO. CERTIFIED SEED PEANUTS GREENVILLE, N. C. 1 TRAFFIC PANS Traffic pans are hard pans that have developed in most fields throughout the county, especially on the better sandy loam soils. (a) The chisel plow has proven to be an effective tool in eliminating traffic pans. (b) The chisel plow should be run at a depth of 10-14 inches deep (or below pan) as soon as possible. (c) Do not operate the chisel plow when the soil is wet. 2 ADVANTAGES OF PLANTING ON A BED Q. Why is planting on a bed favored over flat planting? A. More optimum moisture - temperature relationship tor seedling development. It minimizes the danger of disease organism and herbicide damage. Q. When is the best time to bed land? A. As far ahead of planting as possible. Q. How high should beds be planted? A. Approximately 6-8 inches. Q. Can you incorporate herbicide and fertilizer before planting? A. Yes, it it is done within a month of planting. Q. What is the best way to mix herbicides and fertilizer on the bed? A. A rolling cultivator or power driven rotary hoe. Q. What can I do it no equipment is available tor bedding? A. Run 6 to 8 inch water furrow in the middles immediately after planting. Q. What are the best tools tor making a bed? A. A disk bedder, middle buster, or rolling cultivator. Q. Should I break land before bedding? A. No, the bedding process is a breaking process. 3 SOIL SAMPLES (a) Even though it is late, it will pay to go ahead and take soil samples. (b) Cartons and information sheets are available at the County Agents Office and fertilizer dealers. (c) The County Agents Office is delivering soil samples to the Soil Testing Laboratory at least once a week. FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING CALI Times-News LE 9-2859 RALPH C. ASKEW 6 SON Buyers of Peanuts Shelter of Peanuts and Storage Agent for ROBERTSON'S PROVEN FERTILIZER JU 5-3666 MILWAUKEE See Your Local Farm Equipment Dealer For Johnson Sprayers SEPECO BRAND SEED PEANUTS CertifiecS Non-Certified QUALITY SEVERN PEANUT CO. SEVERN SSS-78I1 — S8S-7821
The Northampton County Times-News (Rich Square and Jackson, N.C.)
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March 8, 1973, edition 1
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