—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, June 24,1978 16 Metric system will be costly to farmer Since the heading of this column is Medicine and Management we are going to take the liberty in this one to journey from the world of medicine to a critical situation which is affecting the management and profitability of every farm in this country. There is, at the present time, a determined effort by a certain segment of the population to introduce the metric system to the citizens of this country. Why, I need to ask, are we abandoning a system which has served us quite suf ficieny. Now 1 do understand all of the arguements for the advantages of the metric system and it’s effect with world trade and all of that. And if we had bad this system of measurement all along I am sure that few of us would find fault with it. But the fact is we are not using it and are using a system which few of us in the real working world ever had any concern about being inadequate for any reason. The metric system has always been there, it is not something new. Indeed, in medicine and the measurement of drugs the taMISTBLOWERS AND SPRAYERS ARE IDEAL FOR SPRAYING CROPS, ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS, TOBACCO AND CHRISTMAS TREES SOLO mm 3 HP & 5 HP Models Available spraying distance up to 35 ft. adaptable for dust, liquid, granuals lECTED A i, CIMitEB bB9I HI «• 9IIWBK & SERVICE metric system is used and serving them well. But how many of us have stopped long enough to consider the consequences. Just about everything the farmer purchases is measured in the old English system. All the equipment used is produced in shops tooled in this system. All production records are recorded, all computers programmed, all tools produced using these measurements. Can you imagine the expense of retooling the entire farm equipment industry to produce bolts, tolerances, etc. in the metric system? The cost would be astronomical. And guess who is going to end up paying NURSETTE'S FINEST PAIL SPECIAL FED EASY MIX MILK REPLACERS In 50 lb. bags 200 Bags 20% Protein 10% Fat -- $lO.OO was sl6flo 100 Bags 20% Protein 15% Fat - $14.00 was s49tfo 120 Bags 22% Protein 15% Fat--sl6.oowas*22roo S & S DISTRIBUTORS Stillwater, PA 17878 717-925-6481 717-542-4145 SEVERAL MODE SOLO 451 I SOLO 452 * 451 Model features standard centrifugal pump. • 452 Model features a 285 psi heavy-duty piston activated diaphra gm pump in lieu of the standard centrifugal pump. Outlet for high pressure hose. • Only2oH,P. tractor required. • MINOR herbicide boom, ULV and dusting at tachments can be used. • Air Velocity = 200 mph. • Reach-21 ft. (451): 27 ft. (452). • Net weight, empty: 155 lbs. (451); 165 lbs (452) for it. Crop records, production records for generations have been recorded and stored, now a way will need to be found for comparison with future measurements. Computers will have to be reprogrammed, entire record keeping systems revamped and the cost, of course, will be passed on. And won’t it be fun for every farmer to now need to keep two complete sets of tools to cope with all the new metric and old English nuts and bolts they are going to have to fight with. No wonder the tool industry isn’t putting up any fuss. The list goes on and on. One only has to stop and think for a little while to -e) RONKS, PA. realize how all these changes are going to affect not only costs, but gross inefficiency for some time to come. And for what benefit? There is already a movement on in this country to stop this monstrosity enacted upon us by our legislature apparently against the wishes of the majority of the people. But you have to be heard from. Write your congressman. Let him know why you are opposed. Point out the effect this is going to have on the cost and efficiency. Inflation is bad enough without adding artificial costs on top which are not necessary. It is not yet too late. But that time is rapidly approaching. LS TO CHOOSE FRO MIST BLOWERS SELF PROPELLED RIDING OR WALK-IN FRONT MODELS 120 LITRE/32 GAL. TANK • Engine - Air cooled SOLO 209 two-strike 21 cc. 1214 H.P. • Transmission - Two speeds each forward and reverse. • Tires • 4:00-12AS all-terrain cleats (standard) or optional 21x12.3 Rear, 6x6/AM Front ATV flotation, wheels which are interchangeable with standard wheels. • Air Velocity: = 200 mph. • Air Volume - 89,000 cu. ft./h. • Reach - 20 ft. to both sides or up. Optional Flotation Tires For All-Terrain Operation. PHONE (717) 687-6712 Director named LANCASTER - Gladys Mae Brubaker, New Providence Rl, was elected Regional Director for the Pennsylvania Extension Para Professional Association for the Capital Region. A life time resident of Balanced capacity all .■ the way through 111 International'7ls Combine Every component of these International machines is per fectly matched for-balanced capacity harvesting The deep-ledge cutterbar gives you better feeding in thick or thin stands Massive 22-m diameter cylinder for full width threshing—and fm-and-wire straw walkers are almost plug-free Opposed-action cleaning system works at top efficiency in any terrain • IH 95 hp diesel engine Quick-Attach universal feeder for fast changeover from gram header to corn head Gram headers from 10 to 20 ft—low-angle corn heads for 3 or 4 rows Options electronic monitor warns of slowdowns in 6 combine functions, hydrostatic drive, flexible, floating cutter bar to save extra bushels of beans Let's arrange a demonstration. Flnanceplans available USED IH COMBINES IN STOCK ★ 82 ★ 815 ★ 203 ★ 915 SWOPE & BASHORE, INC. RDI, Myerstown, Pa. Located 1 Mile South of Interstate 78 & 6 Miles North of Myerstown on Rout? 645 in Frystown., PHONE: 717-933-4138 Lancaster County, Brubaker Is employed by tu Penn State Extension vice as an Exten % Nutrition Aide working low-income persons ! southern Lancaster (W teaching them foods J nutrition. JET PAK 425 nt 8 lb. hand sprayer for garden*' patios, nurseries, forestry lawn grooming, mosquito com< disinfecting, whitewashing. v , 425 is light weight, low pt ,c J maintenance free, has high ' m P* plastic tank and padded cany straps. DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED ON ALL SOLO PRODUCTS OPEN SATS. 8-12
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