10—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 1,1978 E EDITORIAL COMMENTS B v DIETER KRIEG - EDITOR Better marketing can improve credit Farmers may not realize it, but they are in a unique position to help themselves when it comes to im proving their credit ratings with banks. As was pointed out in several Fve made my first million l‘ve made my first million* In fact, according to some quick calculations early this morning, I reached that monumental milestone several months ago. But, I’m not talking about money. Nevertheless, it has been a happy experience and I’ve had fun all along the way. The first million - or more precisely, about 1,350,000 - is how many words I've written since I became editor of Lancaster Farming three years ago. That may not be all that much reason to celebrate, but I do want to take the opportunity to thank the many, many fine readers THE RUBBISHPILE GARDEN Lesson for July E, 1978 Background Scripture: Acts 18:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 1 through 3. Devotional Reading: Matthew 13:18-23. Two years ago I visited an 1 » ■ , ■k ■ i * » a I ip a * m By Max Smith, Lancaster County Agricultural Agent l nqw is the time TO LIGHTNING ROD SHADE TREES At first this idea might sound like an endless task. However, many permanent pasture fields include only one or two large trees. Just think of how many times you have driven past a pasture and noticed dozens of cattle or other livestock grouped together under one or two large trees. During severe thunder storms livestock will gather under these trees. If lightning strikes the tree, many of the animals will be killed. For the protection of valuable livestock, we suggest that some of these individual trees by fitted with a lightning rod system. It has RURAL ROUTE articles this week, money is tight and getting tighter. But it needn’t be quite so bad if farmers will devote more of their time and efforts to marketing. who have made my job a wonderful experience. It is a pleasure to work here, and part of the reason is that the people I come m contact with are so nice. We receive a number of kind words every week, and it’s only fair that a few words be written to return the compliment. So, I’ve made my first million. The words themselves may not be all that meaningful But along with them came many, many good feelings, hi that sense, I truly am a millionaire. I thank you all. unusual spiritual community near Ivemess, Scotland. It is called Findhom and it started in a trailer park which was situated near a rubbishpQe by the Firth of Moray, a large body of water leading into the North Sea. One of the reasons Findhom has attracted great attention is because of the beautiful flower garden the rub bishpile has become, a miracle in the eyes of many, particularly in light of the austere, forbidding climate. According to the people of Findhom, the secret of the rubbishpile’s fruitfulness is to be found in spiritual principles. been done in other places where valuable animals spend considerable time in the shade under a large tree. If there is a woodlot in the pasture, or a number of trees, this suggestion is not practical. TO HARVEST STRAW No doubt this suggestion is not needed when we realize the very high price of all types of straw and bedding during the past year. With the small gram harvest season at hand, it might be economical to cut the gram lower this year and make an effort to bale every available pound of straw. Both barley and wheat straw make excellent bedding and Corinth The Evil When the Apostle Paul went to the Greek city of Corinth there mast have been many skefctics who were certain that nothing worthwhile could be done there. Corinth had the very worst of reputations. To “live like a Corinthian” meant to live a life of unrestrained appetites and passions. Commercial crossroads of the Aegean Sea, Corinth was a breeding ground for every kind of evil imaginable. It was the rubbishpile of Greece. Several years ago when I command the top prices when it is sold. The practice of leaving the straw on the land for organic matter maintenance is still a good one; however, at recent straw prices there might be other things, such as cover crops, that would keep the soil high in organic matter. TO ELIMINATE JOHNSON GRASS Constant emphasis on the control of Johnson Grass is needed, if it is present on the farm. Com growers who delayed planting and applied Eradicane should be getting some control. Small grain producers who have this weed in their fields should keep in mind that it is suggested to allow it to grow Show a banker that you’re in a good, safe marketing situation, and you’ve got a part of the battle won. According to one national report, a banker’s mam gripe about farmers is that generally speaking they do a fine job at the production end, but they often fall flat on their faces when it comes to marketing their products. It’s believed by many bankers that if farmers would pay a little more attention to marketing, they’d im prove their financial situations. Other tips bankers have for far mers include: Making use of forward contracting and hedging Fixing up old equipment or buying used machinery, rather than new implements. Bankers in a national visited the ruins of Pauline Corinth I remembered its evil reputation. Yet, as I looked over those lovely ruins my associations with Corinth were only good. The name “Corinthians” always evokes remembrance of Paul’s beautiful “Hymn to Love,” 1 Corinthians 13. I cannot help remembering that A some of the finest passages in Paul’s espistles come from the Corinthias letters. I remember too that it was from Corinth that he wrote what is likely the earliest of all his published letters to churches, 1 Thessalonians. Then too I remember that to about 30 inches high this summer; this would be after the grain and straw is harvested. Then come in and spray the field with a her bicide such as Roundup to kill the entire plant. Farms with Johnson Grass in festation should be given special attention; this agressive grass will take over fields in a few years and prevent normal crop yields. Be sure and prevent the plants from going to seed. One plant this year means dozens of additional plants next summer. TO PLAN WATER SUPPLIES We urge local farmers to give some thought to water supplies for fighting fires. By Tom Armstrong survey indicted they were especially 1 fussy about that item. Taking full advantage of tax breaks ; is another item which bankers feel is being overlooked by many farmers They suggest that farmers employ professional accountants to help them with their money management and tax situations. While bankers may not understand | ail the complications involved in far ming, it’s probably also true thaiw farmers don't understand all thS! complexities of banking. At any rate, it would certainly be wise for farmers to pay some atten tion to the comments bankers are . making - especially those about marketing. After all, without markets, and without a source of loans, nobody can get very far. some of Paul’s finest work was done there, some of his most influential converts came from the Corinthian ministry. Although Corinth might have been the rub bishpile of Greece, God was able to make it bloom through Paul and his associates. Unexpected Flowers The name of Corinth ought to serve as a vital reminder to us; God is able to bring fruitfulness from any rub bishpile. Corinth would have been the last place that most people would have thought would attract Paul as a site for his missionary work. Paul chose Corinth, not Too many farmers report to their local fire companies “no water available” or “inadequate water supply”; this increases the risk of serious fire losses. Farms with streams nearby should have plans developed on how to get the fire engine within 25 feet of the water. Owners of farm ponds should have all-weather driveways to the pond. We have known of cases where the building burned while the fire truck Farm Calendar Today, July 1 Kutztown Folk Festival begins, runs through July Tuesday, July 4 Have a happy holiday. Wednesday, July 5 Lancaster Codnty Con servation District directors meet, 7:30 p.m. at the Farm and Home Center. Thursday, July 6 4-H Regional Day, Dillsburg. Summer Tour of the Maryland State Hor ticultural Society, Thurmont. Holstein twi-hght meeting at the Graciestate Farm of Mel and Carolyn Dur- because he closed his eyes to tiie evil, but because he could see beyond it and : perceive the fruits that could be produced there by the, power of God. Others looked j and saw rubbish; Paul looked and saw flowers. We need to remember this whenever we view the world about us. There is nothing or no one that cannot be ma beautiful by the power of his? touch. No place and rib| person are ~hopelessJ Wherever we find an un-’ promising situation, let remember the rubbishpilt, gardens that’God- can call forth by the power of his: love. 5 was mired down in the soft' mud trying to get to the farm' pond. To inform the local fire company of the sources of! water supplies for fighting! fires is a. good practiceJ Sufficient water supply ffiasr fighting fires is good B*. surance against severe! losses. i boraw, Gettysburg K 9,“ near Barlow. (Adams 5 County) Friday, July? Pennsylvania Young Far mers Summer Con ference and picnic, Berlin, Somerset County Program continues tomorrow. Vegetable and small fruit tour in Adams County, beginning9:3oa.m. Saturday, July 8 Valley Grange No. 1360 holds annual chicken barbecue from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Mark£ Street, Lewisben# 1 Public invited.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers