—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Jan. 8, 1977 84 „ * V, £ ■*' -■“V /«•>(= . ». . * <► < * ‘ '.A Hay was plentiful in Pennsylvania last year, but better quality hay was scarce due to frequent rains. By DIETER KRIEG EDITOR’S NOTE: This continues •a story begira last week on the year that was - 1976. We begin with the month of May, since the first portion of the year was covered in last week’s issue. The Agricultural Advisory Committee to the Depart ment of Environmental Resources voted at its May meeting to name a com mittee- to work with the Department’s Bureau of Air Quality and Noise Control on potential air pollution problems related to farming. Right at about that same time, a group of farm women in York County made fun of the bureaucracy which rules and regulates agriculture. The skit was put on by the Womens’ Committee of the York County Farmers’ Association and directed most of its barbs at OSHA. PREDICTION TRUE “There’s a possibility we’ll have a record corn crop in 1976,” predicted USDA man Don Paarlberg before the crop was even planted. We all know how that turned out. A total of 17 fairs scattered throughout the state were awarded $333,109 in mat ching funds for capital improvement, it was disclosed in early May by Secretary of Agriculture Raymond Kerstetter. One last look Potato growers received the green light from Ker stetter to go ahead with a referendum vote for a fund raising program. Another item coming out of Harrisburg which was of big interest to farmers was that they would be exempt from water and sewer assessments if they did not hook up to those systems even though the lines crossed their property. A unique farmers’ group, the Octoraro Farmers’ Club, celebrated 120 years of existence in May. Hot-rod tractors were being readied for another season of pulls. KUNZLER FFA PRIZE Mike Hartman, a 17-year old senior at Garden Spot High School won the Kunzler FFA scholarship in May. The youth is not from a farm, but nevertheless elected to HIGH PRESSURE WASHING OF POULTRY HOUSES AND VEAL PENS BARRY L. HERR 1744 Pioneer Road, Lancaster. Pa Phone 717-464-2044 enroll in the FFA program due to his big interest in the outdoors. The Pennsylvania Society of Farm Women gathered for their annual Spring Rally in Gettysburg, with nearly 1400 members present. Penn Packing Company of Philadelphia announced in mid-May that it would be buying hogs directly from producers, beginning May 31. Their buying-receiving station was set up at the Green Dragon Market, Ephrata. As Summer neared, the outlook for excellent crops and plentiful fruits and vegetables looked great, even though growth was slow. Indeed they did, but a storm was yet to come which changed the scene dramatically. Legislation to protect the farmer ‘‘from at year 1976 mismanagement of their cooperatives" was approved by the House Agriculture Committee in May. FAIR EXPANDS AGAIN The Solanco Fair Association kept its ex pansion and improvement program not only alive - but going strong. A second bam was built and the Com munity Building received some extra attention to make it more attractive and functional. The bulk of the effort was made possible through donations and voluntary labor. BEEF, HAY, TWINE, and EGGS Baler twine prices dropped last Spring, and the hay crop was exceeding expectations. The drought of early Spring and subsequent rains had left many a farmer with doubt in his mind as to what he might reap from his hay fields. It turned out to be “good.” Cattle prices weren’t so good, however, and virtually everyone was scratching his head over the issue. Not only were prices down, they jumped around a good bit and nobody seemed to know just why. The Plain and Fancy Egg Ranch of Elizabethtown celebrated its 10th an niversary in late May and noted that it had marketed a billion eggs in that time. DAIRY ISSUE June 5 was the date for Lancaster Fanning’s annual Dairy Issue. Making front page news that week were: Dairymen themselves who, by a vast majority, had an optimistic outlook for their industry. A severe storm went through the area on June 1 and left many fields in shambles. Lightning, heavy rains, hail and extremely strong winds were respon sible for cutting com and LIMING PAIS Jrt BAKER’S AG^UMESme pays off lest! Liming pays off in healthier soil, better crops, stronger and more productive animals In fact, it has been each $1 in vested in limestone returns from $3 to $lO in bigger and better yields Baker’s agricultural limestone pays off best because it does more It sweetens soil to reduce acidity and raise pH'level, and it also adds vital magnesium Both are important to make sure that your crops can make full use of the fertilizers you apply Take care of your land, and your land will take care of you Choose the brand of Baker’s agricultural limestone that meets your needs Conestoga Volley balanced limestone from our Ephrato quarry Prime lime dolomite limestone from our Gap quarry Hy Mag limestone from our Paradise quarry SEE US AT BOOTH NO. 510 PA. FARM SHOW Products of The J. E. Baker Co. Cjal^ojject—(7l7^s4-4202 tobacco to .ribbons and stripping fruit from trees. It was one of the worst such occurrences anyone in southeastern Pennsylvania could remember. The storm was very fickle, however. Its path of destruction was felt by only a relatively small number of people., Champion steers at the Fat Steer Show in Lancaster brought 45 cents per pound. The top animal of the show was owned by Franklin Countian, Carl Eshleman. Joanne- Spahr, Lititz, SEE THE ALL NEW i| SPRAYER FEATURING: • Rustproof 150 gallon fiberglass tank with mechanical agitation. • Tests prove Super Mity-Mist ideal for mature apple trees or semi dwarf plantings. • Popular Myers Du-All Pump handles dilute or low volume ap plications with liquid or wettable powder chemicals. • High velocity 36” axial flow fan for good foliage penetration with air and chemicals. • Low PTO HP requirements ... For rated performance 50 HP tractors recommended. • Exclusive Drive-Mist Nozzles for extra carrying power. • Tank fitted with propeller type agitator synthetic rustproof strainer and see thru sight gauge. • Hitch pins reversible for Category lor II receptacles. See It on Display u VISIT THE MYERS BOOTH AT THE PENNA. FARM SHOW LESTER A. SINGER RONKS, PA PHONE 717-687-6712 Lancaster County’s Only Dealer Specializing in Sprayer Sales & Service Mognesium Oxide Colcium Grid* joined the Lancaster Far ming staff in June of 1976, taking the position of associate editor. She is a 1972 graduate of Manheim Central High School and a Dec. 1975 graduate of West Chester State College. Inside the June 5 Dairy Issue it was reported that Boyd Gartley, director of member and public relations for Inter-State Milk Producers, had received national recognition for his work with the media. (Continued on Page 851 •< * -s v
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers