Newspapers / The Northampton County Times-News … / March 15, 1973, edition 1 / Page 2
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TIAAES-NEWS, Thurs., AAar. 15, 1973 "O' Nothing Much New To Report' Say Peanutmen Who Went To Washington JACKSON — A delegation from North Carolina, led by Joe S. Sugg, executive secretary of the N. C. Peanut Growers Association, appeared before a public hearing last week in Washington, D. C. The hearing pertained to the proposed changes by U.S. Dept, of Agriculture in the peanut Price Support Program for 1973. Results of the hearing were relayed to Northampton Peanut Growers Wednesday (March 7.) Addressing the gathering of almost 75 Joe Sugg said, “I can’t tell you much more today (Wednesday) than I could have told you yesterday (Tuesday) morning.” Sugg’s presentation to the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Oilseeds and Rice appears below: Mr. Chairman: “On behalf of the North Carolina growers, I would like to inform you and your committee, Mr. Chairman, that we are opposed to the three proposals to change the price support program on peanuts by the Secretary of Agriculture, as published in the Federal Registry of February 14, 1973. “We offer to you the following arguments to support our strong opposition to the three proposals: Proposal A Eliminating the Shelter Purchase Program. “The shelter purchase program was instigated by the Department of Agriculture several years ago in an effort to reduce the cost of the peanut price support program to the government by permitting shelters to sell back to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) certain grades of peanuts which were of lower qualities than the best grades which could, go to the consumer. It was felt at the time, and we continue to support the idea, that inasmuch as CCC purchases of farmer stock peanuts incorporate all grades from the very best to the very poorest, if the shelters were permitted to purchase the entire lot of farmer stock and sell back to CCC for diversion the poorer grades, these grades would be handled at a lesser price than CCC would encounter if they were involved in taking the total farmer stock crop. Not only does this permit CCC to save money, but the CCC program would contribute to getting a higher quality peanut to the consumer, thereby contributing to an increase in the consumption of peanuts, thus helping to reduce the overall surplus. Another feature of the shelter purchase program was to give a program where shelters could more closely cooperate with the price support program and make a prime incentive for the shelters to cooperate in the handling and storage of price support peanuts. Without the shelter purchase program there would be no obligation on the part of the shelter, to the CCC price support program, to use their facilities to help store price support peanuts. In the Virginia- Carolina area storage is critically short and the growers would encounter innumerable problems in trying to market the crop if there were not some type of incentive to the shelters to require or encourage them in an affirmative manner to handle the CCC loan peanuts at the same time as they were buying their own purchase requirements. Proposal B Eliminating Price Support on Segregation 3 Peanuts. “We oppose this proposal because the Commodity Credit Corporation price supports on Segregation 3 farmer stock peanuts have been one of the greatest tools the industry has ever had to eliminate undesirable peanuts when discovered at the grading station from entering the first step in the channels of trade. This phase of the price support program in our opinion has contributed more to the increase in consumption of peanuts and to reducing the cost of the peanut program to the government than any one other part of the program because it permits the diversion of the lower grade peanuts to the oil program at the earliest possible stage, thereby preventing the expensive handling of the peanuts through the later stages of processing. We know from many years of experience in the normal clean-up program among the shelters that growers could likewise take their Segregation 3 peanuts home and to some degree clean them up, possibly enough to put them in the lower side of the Segregation 1 category, but even if this were done, it would not put the same quality of peanuts into the marekt as the regular Segregation 1. There would be a strong tendency on the part of the farmers to take them home, run them through a cleaner, and try to make them meet the Segregation 1 regulations, rather than take oil price, which is approximately one- half the support price of the Segregation 1 peanuts. This particular price support operation, even though advantageous economically to the growers, is far more advantageous to the shelling and manufacturing segments of the industry in assuring them of receiving the higher quality peanuts for the end product. Proposal C Require producers to assume storage, handling and Inspection costs of peanuts placed under warehouse Storage loan. “To impose these charges upon the grower with the statutory minimum of 75 per cent of parity in effect would reduce the farm receipts for his peanuts below the statutory requirement of 75 per cent of parity. When a surplus condition is existing, the loan price is the market price. All the peanuts which he would sell would be at the 75 per cent minimum price support less the storage, handling and inspection cost, which is estimated at this time to be approximately $15.00 per ton. We question the legality of the Secretary’s proposal in vjew of the wording in Section 101 of the Agriculture Act of 1969, which states in effect that the Secretary is directed to make support available on peanuts to cooperators at a level of between 75 per cent and 90 per cent of parity. If the grading, storage and handling charges are assessed against the grower when the statutory minimum of 75 per cent of N'ampton Forestry Meeting March 7 CONWAY — The Northampton County Forestry Association held its fourth annual forestry meeting March 7, at the Conway Community Building. Approximately 80 members and guests were in attendance. The group enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken and barbecue sponsored by Albemarle Paper Company. After the supper, Henry Ricks, President of the association, called the meeting to order. President Ricks welcomed guests and recognized several industry people that were present. The first order of business was committee reports. Elbert Long, chairman of the membership committee, reported 95 active members in the association and stressed the importance of getting other landowners to join. John Nicholson, chairman of program committee, presented the 1973 program plans for the summer meeting and the fall tour. There was some discussion in reference to touring the furniture factories at High Point. It was decided to make the fall tour plans at the summer meeting. Ben Mann, ASCS Office Manager, and John Nicholson, District Forester with N. C. Forest Service, reported the cancellation of the REAP program, and what assistance woodland owners might expect in the future. Their report was substantiated with a report from Fred Liverman, second Vice President of the N. C. Forestry Association, in reference to what efforts the State Association is making toward financial assistance in forest management. The main order of business was the election of 1973 officers and directors. The new officers elected were: Joe A. Horne, President; Z. L. Davenport, Jr., Vice President; and Charlie Taylor, Secretary and Treasurer. The directors elected for the new year were: Henry Ricks, Joseph Long, James Brown, and Jack Draper. The 1973 committee consisted of John Nicholson, John Litchfield, Frank Deloatch, Jr., and Tim Bristow. The highlight of the business meeting was the presentation School Documentary Is Available For Showing JACKSON — The second documentary describing the services and activities of the Northampton County schools will be released for public viewing after it is reviewed by principals and supervisors this week. The title of the documentary is, “Education Is Preparation For Life.” The 30-minute documentary of color slides with sound was produced by the supervisory personnel of the County schools to inform the citizenry of the area with the activities and services provided at the school district’s 14 schools. Last year’s documentary “Progress With Quality” was viewed by more than 6000 persons throughout the County in civic, church and other organizations. After its release next week, the new feature will be available to all recognized groups in the area. Any groups or organizations desiring the documentary should contact the superintendent’s office in Jackson. parity is in effect, it would put support level to arrive at the the Secretary in p)osition of loan level for CCC loans on supporting peanuts at less peanuts. If my memory serves than the 75 per cent to 90 per cent of parity level, as directed in Section 101. Prior to the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, there was a $9.00 per ton deduction to cover grading, handling and storage costs from the announced price me correctly, we were never at the statutory minimum of 75 per cent of parity when this was applied, and the loan rate, even though the $9.00 per ton was deducted, ended up above the 75 per cent statutory minimum. “The President and the Secretary in varied public statements have expressed their interest in maintaining farm income and it certainly is inconveivable to the peanut growers of North Carolina that net farm income can be maintained when it is proposed that we be forced to take less than 75 per cent of parity for our peanuts when the cost of production is accelerated at the rate of 100 per cent parity. “We submit that the Secretary is apparently dedicated to cut the cost of farm programs and this administrative route is one means which he has to accomplish this; however, we sincerely feel that there are other methods available to accomplish the cost reduction in the program that would not have the potential disastrous effect against the entire peanut indsutry. “Mr. Chairman, we feel that other methods and proceudres should be sought out, with the cooperation of the industry, the Department of Agriculture, and the Congress, rather than exploiting these administrative routes. The North Carolina peanut growers have always been willing to work with other segments of the industry in solving our problems and we still stand ready to assist in every way possible to seek solutions, legislatively or otherwise, that will assure improvements in the legislative program for peanuts.” Other Comments Addressing the meeting local of Peanut Growers, in addition to Sugg, was Marshall Grant, Z. L. Davenport, and Mutt Barnes. All, but Barnes, had been to the Washington hearing. “If nothing more, at least somebody in Washington now knows we are being affected by some of their proposals and we are objecting to them,” Sugg said. The growers are expected to have their reports on acreage and type in by this month and the Department of Agriculture may wait as late as next August to tell them just what is expected and what they will be getting in the form of support. “All growers and interested parties are urged to write their congressman and senators and the president himself and tell them of our feelings,” Sugg concluded. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY Soil Conservation Notes •y JOHN B. LITCHFIELD Soli CensorvoHon Sorvico By JOHN B. LITCHFIELD SoilConservation Service Reuben A. Stephenson, of Murfreesboro, recently had 1820 feet of sub-surface drains installed. The plastic drainage tubing was used to relieve several wet spots in his fields. In spite of recent excessive rains, which have left many fields waterlogged, the effects of the improved drainage can be seen. Surplus water has been removed from trouble spots. He expects to have more uniform moisture conditions throughout the entire field as a result of this addition to a previous system of 1512 feet of drains. The conservation plan he is working out in cooperation with the Northampton Soil and Water Conservation District includes treatment for other cropland fields based on land capability and also woodland management practices. of Tree Farmer certificates, Leroy Wheeler, County Ranger, presented the certificates to Rod Jordan, John Sykes, John Ricks, and J. L. Taylor. These landowners received recognition for outstanding forest management work conducted on their farms. After the business session, Fred Liverman, Cooperative Forester with Albemarle Paper Company, presented a very interesting program “Industries Efforts Toward Wildlife Management.’’ During the presentation members and guests had an opportunity to view a very colorful slide set of wildlife and various wildlife conservation practices. Weekly Peanut Report VIRGINIA-NORTH CAR OLINA SECTION - The weather was mostly fair and mild the past few days. Fields were still very wet from rains received over a two-week rainy period that ended March 11. Offerings and trading were light. Prices were slightly higher on shelled extra large and medium and about steady on other grades. Sales and quotations prompt and April delivery mostly prompt delivery cleaned Virginia jumbo very scarce 25*2-26 cents, mostly 25*2, occasionally higher. Fancy 22'2-23’4 cents, mostly 2214-23 cents; shelled extra large scarce 32'2-33 cents; Medium 29-29'2 cents, mostly 29''4 cents; Number one 25'/4-25'2 cents, mostly 25*2 cents; Number two 22l4-23''4 cents, mostly 221(1-23 cents. CHOW TIME HAS ARRIVED ON THE FARM for this bumper crop of next fall's pork chops. Each of these sows were supplying nourishment to her full complement of piglets. The farm, which appears to raise hogs and beef cattle, is located on the road from Ahoskie to Rich Square and is in Trayis Taylor, of Seaboard is planting coastal Bermuda grass on one of his sandy fieldi^ for summer pasture. The grass does especially well on sandy soils where many other pasture plants fail. It also produces abundant grazing during the hot months of summer when cool season plants such as fescue and ladino clover are slowed down. On another part of his farm a layout survey was made for 2550 feet of subsurface drains. He has used drain tile successfully for many years in relieving wet spots in his fields. Additions have been made from time to time to extend the benefits of improved drainage to areas with excess water problems. Joseph L. Gay and Garland Barnes, of Severn, are building a diversion and grassed waterway on one of their fields. This is a first step in carrying out the conservation plan they are working out in cooperation with the District. The grassed waterway will replace an old ditch that had ceased to serve its purpose. It will collect surface water and carry it safely to an outlet in the woods. The grass sod will protect the land from washing. The deversion is located so that it breaks a long slope and turns aside water that has been causing erosion problems in the lower part of the field. Vinson DeLoatch, of Seaboard, is adding to the drainage system on his farm. Several years ago, when he first developed his conservation farm plan, he started installing drain tile. The results were so good that he kept adding to the system to relieve the trouble spots. Tile drainage has not been the only practice he has used. Diversions have been used to good advantage to protect land from erosion and hold water from wet spots. Grassed waterways provide improved outlets for surface water. Last week he had layout surveys made for 1175 feet of plastic drainage tubing to be added to his tile drainage system. Northampton County. Lastwinter this same farm provided the photographer with an excellent opportunity to get a picture of birds joining the hogs and cattle at their feeding stations when the heavy snow storm covered up their natural food supply. WANTED Extra $1 Mfllion From Peanut Sales In Northampton In 1973 it Serves Farmers, Growers and Ranchers. Operating Loans • Capital Improvement Loans. Farmer Owned-Far mer Operated-Farmer OrientC'd., Roanoke Production Credit Association WELDON Ahoskie —Windsor MEHERRIN Agricultural & Chemical Co. Red Kay Insecticides For All Field Crops Tel. JU 5-2366 SEVERN Of AHOSKIE KEEL PEANUT CO. CERTIFIED SEED PEANUTS GREENVILLE. N. C. NEW PRACTICES THAT WILL RETURN MORE PROFITS (1) BED PLANTING: Planting on a bed will improve seed germination, reduce water damage, improve harvesting efficiency, and increase yield and quality. (2) INCREASE SEED RATES: Plant at least TW pounds per acre of good peanut seed. High plant population is necessary for high yields. (3) BROADCAST FUMAZONE OR NEMAGON EMULSIFIABLE CONCENTRATE: Research has proven that broadcasting one gallon per acre of Nemagon or Fumazone — EC disced immediately 4 to 6 inches deep is more effective than chiseling at planting. This method also gives cocklebur control. (4) FURADANIOG: Furadan lOG should be used at the rate of 20 pounds per acre with 5 to 6 pounds in the boot with the seed and 14 to 15 pounds incorporated in a 14-inch band over the row. This treatment aids in controlling nematodes, sucking insects,and pod rot. (5) MOCAP lOG: Mocap lOG should be used at the rate of 30 pounds per acre incorporated in the soil over the row. This treatment aids in controlling nematodes. Six to eight pounds of Thimet or DiSyston shou Id be used in the boot with the seed. CONTACT THE COUNTY AGENTS OFFICE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION L. E. Davis, of Conway, is following a schedule set-up in his conservation plan for improving drainage on his farm. He started last year by installing 2210 feet of underground drains. Last week Soil Conservation Technician H. R. Bryant helped him with the layout survey for an additional 1400 feet. He expects to wait until the land is dry enough to insure a good job before the installation work is done. FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING CALL Times-News LE 9-2859 RALPH C. ASKEW & SON Buyers of Peanuts Sheller 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 Certified Non-Certified QUALITY SEVERN PEANUT CO. SEVERN $85-7811 - $85-7821
The Northampton County Times-News (Rich Square and Jackson, N.C.)
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March 15, 1973, edition 1
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