IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I 03—: 010 \10 TH S THE HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA Thesis for Degree of M. 5. Charles Boatner Anders I 9 2 6 - IIIIIILIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIII 3 01087 1188 - PLACE IN RETURN BOX to remove this checkout from your record. TO AVOID FINES return on or bdoro data duo. DATE DUE DATE DUE DATE DUE hf?) ’71' C!" ‘H‘ ‘\ Af\m 71- rj V'\(‘1 $.14: 11 LJLCAAI A...“ AUAIII 1.40 CF CROP EMIECVEJJLT ASSOCIATI‘KS OF "r ' 'v “71* {-1.3 1“ TALL}: {III-1.1.2:.) Slur-LES nAuJ Cigmzi, I. TIE“ 4.2-44.4- .17.) \sA‘T mv'V“NTS T";'_’ Y‘Vflfi' 'T‘ 7" Y! ‘1 L'vR Qu‘bw (7n AIAQ'JQ 31* 'r V‘ f. ' m " '30 14.34444 V'-—-lL'~v-v 4.. [LADAAAQ w 1926 THESIS THE HISTOI“ All} ACTIV TIES OF CRCP IJEBCETISII'L‘ a... ”V" ”TONS OF TEE? \.' v' J-Ak ‘. A. a“ -AA-L..LL I ‘ U 'NITZD 313338 411-?) CALI-740$, TILE-i COT'TWN‘ OIT FIDIGPJQS 3.123 SITTT'TIOIT I LIA- 937?0 ..I ,1” \_.'AL I IiI’tmn" ““1 1 fin TYT!1T"S 3‘." ULU my 5.14. .t_. 45—4 1 L. fl". ‘ T “Si-Dr‘vy" 7""1 ”fif‘rv‘ T ‘ '1 11’1“}: ("1? r1177!“ ""7 FT‘ J05- J--'J.I‘. ‘LODJ \J log; . '~_ .. llA.‘ 24.: #4 on (“fin I c n uwv-‘fi 1. ITW? I".-‘1or.wuvmf‘ r‘“ W??? '- TIH“W'~YVD fiv-r" I . - .- b LIA-“~‘Ju (1-3 VA "1&4“, IU~ 54L JV-.-_..J | 40 ‘ .AALJ .-‘.‘_AJ Lg ‘le. ~A‘511 A Thesis Prepared by 021413112“ 32.3313 4.39328 for the 1785 ree of Llaster of Science Del'.art,1e11t. cf Fawn Crawls. fl 1 nrfi'nfi n’Tv'vw'a (\T‘ -_.'xfinrrrrv11m-w -u«m v“ nflrrvwvw \JAAA LJLAA 4.4 U-.L..4-..u.4 at 5; IL.' ._a\ .LJJ.‘ .44 4A-...) 4A.; - .L-4 .44.. - .-..4 The writer wishes to acknowledge and express his appreciation for the valuable assistance and advise rendered by all members of the Farm Crops Department of the Michigan State College, practically all of whom have contributed to the preparation of this thesis. He also wishes to thank the members of the College, Experiment Station and Extension Staffs of the several States; also the Secretaries of the various associations, who have so kindly furnished the information from which this thesis was written. 33770 CONTENTS I. Foreword Page 11. Introduction 111. Need of Organized Seed Improvement IV. History and.Activities of Various Organizations. 1. Canadian 2. Wisconsin 3. Michigan 4 . Arkansas 5. California 6. Colorado 7. Georgia 8. Illinois 9. Indiana 10. Iowa 11. Kansas 12. Minnesota 13. Missouri 14. Nebraska 15. New York 16. North Carolina 17. Ohio V. VI. VII. VIII. X. XI. XII. 18. Oklahoma 19. South.Dakota 20. Tennessee 21. Virginia. States Having No Association but Doing Some Form of Certification P386 Organizations Handling Seed of One Crop. methods of Handling Pure Seed Without Certification The International Crop Improvement Association General Discussion Summary Bibliography Plates. 65 68 7O 71 72 77 78 80 CROP ligaovmmm ASSOCIATIONS OF THE UNITE STATES my; 631mm; WITH comnms ON THE PEDIGREED SEED SITUAT ION. I FORES'JORD . It is the purpose of the writer, in this thesis, to review the history and summarize the activities of the various States and several organizations in the United States and Canada, that are con- tributing to the development, reproduction and dissemination if improved varieties and strains of agricultural seeds. The subject is very broad in its scape, and the writer has been forced to omit a number of important details. II INTRODUCTION Since this discussion will center around the pure seed associations, and crop improvement associations, the first consideration should be: What is a pure seed or crop improvement association? It is an organization of: breeders, growers, handlers and consumers of seed; allied with persons interested in improving general farm conditions, for the purpose of: a. deve10ping, breeding, or finding amps and varieties of creps of a better quality than those commonly grown; b. reproducting the seed of these creps in comnercial quantities; c. maintaining a system of records whereby their purity can be known; d. disseminating these seeds among grow& a in all localities where they are adapted. to These associations all differ materially in their organization, methods and standards, thus creating a need for a complete study of their activities. A knowledge of what other associations are doing would enable each association to adOpt the better methods used by the others. Also, new associations are being formed and these should select the most efficient working plan. Students of the pure seed movement also need a condensed treatise covering the entire field. The material for this thesis was obtained through conver- sation; and through corr95pondence with: Secretaries of associations, Agronomy Extension workers, Directors of Experiment Stations and from published pamphlets, circulars, seed lists, bulletins, etc. All of which have been freely quoted. -3- III. THE NEED OF ORGANIZED SEED IMPROVELENT The Ivolution of these organizations has come about through a constqnt and ever increaxing need for better seed and an effort on the part of: government, officials, State Colleges of Agriculture and private individuals to supply better seed and to maintain their purity. At this point, it is well to consider ,just what is "Crop Innprovement" and what is meant by "Better Seed". Crop Improvement may be considered as anything that results in better quality, greater quantity per acre and increased net profit per farm. Other things being equal, the latter usually follows either one or both of the former. There are many factors that enter into this improvement such as season, soil fertility, drainage, culture methods, handling methods, and seed. Much improvement can be brought about by more efficient handling of all these factors. Feeling that seed is the real foundation of plant life and probably the most important factor involved in production, the crop improvement associations and seed associations are devoting a major part of their attention to seed. Rather (1) "The cr0ps of hay, corn, oats, wheat, rye, beans and barley represent in Michigan an industry valuezf/nearly 150 million dollars. The seed factor alone, in the production of these crops, represents an investment of more than 7 million dollars annually". The kind of seed used does not influence the other factors of production, and the use of improved seed offers the farmer the greatest Opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of his product and.to increase his net profits. Every industry is interested in quality production. To bring this about on the farm, seed with hereditary good qualities is necessary. Better seed are those that will produce the greatest quantity of a high.quality, marketable, commodity with the least expenditure of labor and money on the part of the producer; They may be: a. .MOre adapted seed. b. Superior strains of seed. c. Clean seed. d. Germinable seei. e. Disease free seed. f. Disease resistant varieties. g. Seed true to variety name. a. Adaptable seed - many seed that are well deveIOped, plump, bright and have high germinating qualities are not suited to the climatic conditions where they are sold. They may produce abundantly where grown and yet be entirely worthless under other unfavorable climatic conditions. Unless the origin and adaptability of seed is known or'certified to by reliable persons, it is unsafe to buy them, especially those of such creps as alfalfa, red clover, corn and soy beans. b. Superior strains of seed. That is, strains of seed which have been tested by a State or Grovernment Experiment Station, or an .Association, and found to be superior to the ones ordinarily grown. This superiority may be in desirable growing habits, date of maturity, quality of grain, or yield of grain. -5... 0. Clean seed. Seed containing mixtures of other grains or of undesirable varieties of the same grain cause 1038. Many seed also oontqin.noxious weed seeds that lower the value of the crop and infest the fields where planted. In scum seed large quantities of inert material is found. d. Germinable seed. Seed low in vitality cause poor stands and the resulting weedy and.short crop. This low vitality is often caused.by disease, and where such seed are planted fields may become infected. e. Disease free seed. Diseases are often not visible nor shown by the vitality of the seed, and one must trust to the integrity of the dealer for this information. f. Disease resistant seed. many varieties have been bred for resistance to certain diseases, and the planting of such seed often meansthe difference between a profitable crOp and a total loss. Here again the purchaser must depend on others for this important information. g. Seed true to variety name. Millions of dollars worth of seed are planted annually that are either intentionally or otherwise falsely named, and planters are thereby led to plant large acreages to unknown varieties. They can have no means of knowing what they are getting unless they demand that seed be certified by some responsible agency. These facts emphasize the need for, and.the place of, seed certifying organizations or some dependable system of certification. -5- The value of seed is too great, for planters to neglect to make every effort to obtain the best available. Throughout the history of man, he has constantly striven to guide nature and force improvements from her. 'er find him in the early stages, giving attention to seed and attempting to find better seed. It is only within the past century, however, that man has learned very much about the science of improving plants. Organized effort along this line has been developed only within the past twenty-five years. Some of the early incidents leading to the present seed industry are: In 1623 King James attempted to introduce mulberry plantings in Virginia for the purpose of establishing the silk worm industry. In 1745 the British Parliament granted 600, COO dollars to promote the culture of indigo and other crops in America. Under the presidenty of J. Q. Adams all United States Consuls were instructed to send rare seeds to Washington for distribution. In 1836 H. L. Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents of the United States Government, began a systematic distribution of improved seeds. From 1839 to 1865 Congress appropriated $31,000 annually, for the work of Ellsworth and for the gathering of Agricultural statistics. The Act creating the United States Department of Agriculture passed in 1864 provided that it should procure, prepagate and distri- bute among the peeple, new and valuable seeds and plants. This distribution service did a great deal of good for a few years. About 1890 it fell into politics and began to be very much -7— abused, Congressmen and Senators using the free seeds as a means by which they retained their pepularity. In 1922, altho Congress cut the total appropriation for the Agricultural Department 2 million dollars, still they appropriated 360,000 dollars for this Free Seed service. It was for several years a farce, and in no way served its original purpose. After much pressure, it was discontinued in 1924. At the present time the United States Department of Agriculture maintains a large staff of men working on the importation of new crops and varieties, breeding better strains and varieties and establishing the sections where the different crops and varieties are best adapted. This work is also being carried on to a greater or lesser extent by each State. In addition, the pure seed organizations have usually been started and fostered by the State workers as a means whereby they could more effectively do crop improvement work. In spite of all this'activity, however, there still remains a crying need for a greater production of better seed, and more efficient methods for maintaining their purity. In 1899 Pieters (2) said: "The United States early ceased to depend on EurOpe for its farm seed --- in 1841 a few clover seeds were exported to Canada and for many years the United States has produced enormous quantities of clever and grass seeds, and in some .Vears exports have amounted tomillions of dollars". Again in 1901 Pieters said: "It is a little over a hundred years since the United States has imported any considerable quantity of red clover seed. Today EurOpe looks to the American farmer for a large part of her supply of her agricultural seeds". Records show, that in the year 1900 over 3 million dollars worth of clever and grass seeds were exported from the United States, with practically no importations. These statements made in 1900 are not true today, for seed growing has undergone a complete reversal. Figures taken from the year- books of the 11.8. Department of Agriculture show that during the latter part of the 19th century and the first five years of the 20th century the United States was exporting agricultural seeds in large quantities. About 1910 we find a change and imports increasing. During the war period imports continued to increase. Since 1919 the exports and im- ports are more nearly equal; however, in 1924 we imported over 14 million dollars worth of seed, and exported less then 3 million. It is sur- prising to note that over 8 million dollars of this was for clower seed, including 3 million for red clover and one and one—half million for alfalfa seed. During the first six years of the present century, the United States exported 84 million pounds of clever seed, and imported a negligible amount. In contrast to this, during the period from 1919 to 1924 inclusive, we imported 194 million pounds and. exported only 29 million. Most of this imported seed could have been produced in the United Stats at a profit to the growers. The amount of unadapted seed planted in the United States shows a need for improved methods of handling. 0f the large importations in the past six years, 68 million pounds was red clover seed. A vast majority of this was unadapted to the region in which it was planted. Professor J. F. Cox of the Michigan State College, says: "In the past five years 12 million pounds of unadapted red clover seed was imported into the United States, taxing the farmers who planted it, 14 million dollars a year. In the same period 24 million pounds of Argentine alfalfa seed.was imported, all of which went into sections where it was not adapted”. In addition to the importation of unadapted seed, there is, within the United States, an immense movement of seed from aareas d? production into regions where they are unadapted. The need of organized effort has also been keenly felt by plant breeders, because of their inability to properly increase and distribute varieties after they have been deve10ped. men.are such.victims of habit, that a change of ideas or seed comes not without a struggle. Introducting new varieties of any crop is, therefore, not an easy matter. Within the past twenty five years, Plant Breeders all over the country have been develOping or isolating strains of every important field crop: also, proving their superiority over those varieties commonly used. The potential value of these productions is inestimable; yet, in many instances, these masterpieces have been lost through the lake of a system or organization through which they could have been introduced to the public. Spragg (4) quotes Bolling as saying: "Until we have control of seed grain production, we will continue to have mixed varieties, and the best ones will continue to be lost thogh carelessness. The work Of each cereal crop improver and public educator or breeding dies with him”. Spragg says: "Seed.improvement must last through the life of -10- many.men, and for this there must be plans based on established laws. Before any of these associations can work, some plant breeder must have Spent years purifying old varieties of breeding:now ones.” At first, plant breeders sent out small samples of their ima proved seed, accompanied by a description of their merit. These seed ‘were usually consigned to the rubbish can for one or more of the follow- ing reasons: a. The reluctance with.which any grower changes varieties; b. the more glowing and promising descriptions of other new varieties found in catalogues or told the grower by oversealous salesman; c. The small sample did not plant sufficient acreage to make it attractive for the grower to give it the Special attention necessary to keep it pure, harvest separately, etc. The next system.tried and still practiced by some, is: to select growers who show interest and ability, and are equipped to handle the seed, and give them.larger amounts of seed. many varieties have been introduced into the trade through’chis system. Though successful in sane instances, it is generally considered as haphazard and through it.much good seed has been lost. This is due to the inability of the grower to keep the seed.pure, lack of any arrangement to sell the seed for the grower, and his subsequent loss of interest. The next system is used by a number of’Experiment Stations at the present time. It is: to select a very few growers who are interested enough to buy the seed and have the proper intelligencezznd equipment to handle same, keep them.pure and introduce them to his neighbors. To these men, seed are sold in sufficient quantities to enable them to handle the crop as a separate unit on the farm. This -11-' enables them to prevent crossing, mixtures, etc., and creates in them the interest necessary on their part, to see that the seed are properly cared for. .An example of this system of distribution is found in the.methcd used.by the Mississippi Experiment Station in distributing improved cotton seed. This latter system materially increased the available supply of good seed, but it falsity is that there is no fallow~up organization to see that purity is maintained, certify it, and assist in selling the product. To maintain varieties under this system, the Station must continually produce pure parental stock, and see that it is put out. Few Stations are able to continue such.service with very many creps, and thus varieties are lost unless taken.up and maintained by private organizations. Some breeders working individually or employed by commercial organizations introduce their own.improvements, maintain purity and multiply their own seed. Many valuable strains have entered the trade through this source. Such practice by reputable men and firms is to be greatly desired. However, with these seed the purchaser needs some recognized system of certification or guarantee by which he is protected from fraudulent practice. Thus we find a very great need for some form of organization having for its sole purpose: the taking of improved or better adapted seed from the hands of the breeders; providing a system for increasing the supply, maintaining the purity, distributing them for the grower, and guaranteeing them to the buyer. I111, I LIA. ‘. u. -12... IV. HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. CANADA . The Canadian Seed Growers Association is probably the oldest association that is still active. In 1899 Dr. James ".7. Robertson, Commissioner of Agriculture at Ottawa, became keenly interested in the possibilities of improvement of grain by selection. He had studied the seed improvement systems of Europe, and had come to the conclusion that some better plan should be introducted into Canada. He, accord- ingly, offered 100 dollars of his personal money in prizes to Canadian boys and girls who would send him the largest heads from the most vigorous plants on their fathers' farms. The reaponse he received caused Dr. Robertson to present the matter to his wealth friend Sr. William A. MacDonald of Montreal, Quebec. Sr. William became interested and provided 10,000 dollars to support the project for three years. Prizes were offered for the selections, for growing these on plats by themselves, and for re-selecting out of these isolated plats enough seed for larger plats another year. 1500 competitors participated in this contest, 450 of whom satisfactorily carried the work for the three years. On the average the boys and girls got 40% more app on their wheat plats the third year than they got the first year, and 36;”; more oats. This success lead to the formation of an association, in order to give the selection of seed by farmers official recognition by introducing a system of registration of seed produced. The formation 01’ the Macdonald-Robertson Seed Growers' Association was announced in 1903. During the first year, 164 farmers presented applications for membe rship . -13- At the first annual meeting of the association, June 15, 1904, the name was changed to the Canadian Seed Growers Association. Dr. Robertson was elected president. The object of the association was: (3) "To encourage the general use of improved seed with a view to increasing the yield and quality of the field creps of Canada". Some of the main features of the original constitution and by-laws Ire: (3). . 2 Providion was made for Branch Associations. 3 The object of this association is to advance the interests of seed growers and other farmers by: 3.. Making regulations respecting the growing, selecting ani preserving of seeds of various kinds of farm crops for the guidance of its members. b. Causing records to be kept of the history of seeds produced by members. 0. Fixing standards for seeds that may be eligible for registrat ion. 6.. Publishing information as to standards. 6. Issueing certificates of registration to members by Which "Hand Selected " seed, or the product therefrom , may be known from other seed. f. Such other means as may be expedient from time to time. 4. Officers; a President, three Vice-Presidents, a Secretary- Treasurer, and ten Directors eledted each year at the annual :neetirg . 5. The Minister of Agriculture may appoint the president of tie A880ciation. The President may appoint five directors of the Association. 6. By virtue of his office the Chief of the Seed Division of the branch of the Comni ssioner of Agriculture and Dairying shall be Secretary- Treasurer of the Association. 9. The executive council of this Association shall consist of: She Secretary-Treasurer and five directors to be elected by the Board of Directors. 10. The Association may admit as members the persons now en- rolled as manbers of the Macdonald-Robertson Seed Growers Association, and any persons, resident in Canada who may choose to make seed growing a special branch of their farm Operations, and who agree to conform to the By-Laws and Rfigulations of the Association. 11. The Association may admit as honorary members, Persons who may be directly or indirectly interested in agriculture in Canada, but Who may not be producers of seed. Such honorary members shall be eligible to hOId office or otherwise enjoy all the privileges provided for membersof the Assoc iation. 12. Applicants are to be admitted by vote at any meeting of the Association or of the Executive Council. 16. The Association shall hold at least one meeting each year, the time and place to be named by the Executive Council. 21. Fifteen members of the Association shall constitute a quorum. 22. Seven members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. 2.5. The decision of the Board of Directors on any matter Pertaining to the working of the Association or to Branch Association shall be final. 24. It shall be the duty of the Executive Council to transact the business of the Association between meetings of the Association and between meetings of the Board of Directors. 27. It shall be the duty of the Secretary—Treasurer to atteni all meetings of the Association, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Council; to keep correct minutes of the same; to send notices to meetings to members; to issue all publications; to keep records of the seed produced by members; and issue certificates of registration as directed by the Board of Directors. 28. This Association shall cause records to be kept of seed of: wheat, oats, barley, maize, flax, millet, peas and beans; also need potatoes and such other crOps as may be decided upon by the Association. Some of the rules reSpecting the growing of seed were: 29. To entitle the seed of wheat, oats, barley, maize, flax 0r millet to be eligible for registration by the Association, it should 1’0 produced on a well cultivated seed plat from a crop that has follcw ed in rotation after: 1. a. Clover, peas, beans, or some other leguminous crop. b. A cultivated crop such as indian corn, turnips, mangels, °arr0ts, beets, or potatoes. c. A sumaer fallow. d. Sod. 2. Peas, beans, or potatoes may follow in rotation after my Other crop or after a summerfallow. 31. Each member must be a member of "Improved seed, " and must .16.. each year conduct a "Hand-Selected seed pla " consisting of not less than one-fourth acre of land. Concerning the registration of seed we find the following provisions: 33. There will be three distinct classes of registration of seed: 1. In the hand-selected class there will be registered as "Rand-Selected Registered Seed" only seeds obtained from heads selected by hand from the plants relatively the most vigorous and productive, on a registered hand-selected seed plat of at least the third year. The registration certificate of "Hand selected registered seed" will show the number of years of antecedent selection, as, for instance, "Hand selected registered seed of the fourth year" of the tenth as the case may be. Such seed will be suitable for use on hand-selected seed plats to produce "Inproved registered seed". 2. In the Improved class there will be registered as "Improved Registered Seed" only grain obtained from a crop produced from hand selected seed. The registration certificate of improved registered seed will shcw the number of years of antecedent selection of the crap from which it was obtained as "Improved Registered seed from a crap of the third year". Such seed will be suitable for use On improved seed plats to produce "General CrOp Registered Seed". 3. In the General crop class there will be registered as "General crOp Registered Seed", only seed obtained from a crop produced from Improved Registered seed. Such seed will be suitable for use for the general c rop of the farm, and the product from it will not be yrrl VII» .I»: ~ q .s’ .W‘_ VFW! ‘ ~17— eligible for registrat ion. 34. Inspection. Members will at all times endeavor to assist the officers, and any person or persons whom the Executive Council or the President may appoint to inquire into or inspect the operations of members in the growing, selecting, preserving, or for which certificates Of registration are issued. It will be noted that this entire system of production and registration was based on a system of continuous hand selection of the largest heads. After three years of such selection, the remaining unselected seed formed the second class or Improved Seed, and from this improved seed plat seed for the general crop were obtained. During the first few years very little change was made in the methods of Operation and the results were very encouraging. At first wheat and cats were the main crOps with which the members worked, in 1909 a large number were taking part in the selection of other crOps, especially barley, corn and potatoes. About this time it was seen that changes in the method of Operation were necessary. (9) Experience derived from successive years of effort tended to show that although a number of striking successes had been achieved under the system of mass selection, many of those who took up the work of seed selection under the guidance Of the association were unable to obtain further perceptible improvement in their crOps after two or three years of work. This experience was to be expected following the discoveries of Professor Nilsson and his Co-workers at Svalof in Sweden. ‘...-. As a result of these considerations, several important amendments to the regulations of the Association were adepted at the annual meeting in 1912. The following were the most important: By the term "Elite Stock Seed" is meant: d. The general product of a hand selected seed plot or other area originating from hand-selected seed Of at least three years satisfactory selection and which is considered by the executive to be worthy of distribution, or, b. A pure stock of seed originating from a single plant, the progeny of which has been proven in plot or field test (and by analysis if necessary) to the satisfaction of the executive to be worthy of distribution. This seed must. have been propogated exclusively by the originator or under his supervision. c. By the term "Registered Seed" is meant the progeny of Elite Stock Seed up to and including the third generation descended therefrom when such projeny has been duly accepted for registration. A change was also rrade in the methods Of inspection; a thrashed grain inspection being added and the seed being sealed under suPervision with appropriate certification tags attached. In 1914 the Association relieved the Seed Branch of the details of the inspection service. In 1918 under the stress of war conditions and the urgent neoessity for more seed, the Association adopted a resolution "That Frog-em of Elite Stock Seed, first generation Registered Seed, and Second Generation Registered Seed be recognized as registered seed, Providing the field and sack inspections have been prOperly made and the seed itself be up to the standard". This did not sufficiently -19- increase the supply and in 1919 the regulations were amended so as to permit seed to be registered indefinately so so long as the required standard of purity, vitality and quality was maintained. This arrangement proved a success and materially increased the registered seed supply. On June 20, 1920, the Canadian Seed Growers Association was incorporated under the Companies Act as a recognized business concern. By the Seeds Act of 1923 the former voluntary grades of seeds consisting of kinds, varieties and selectians approved by the Association, were incorporated as legal grades in Cominion Law. This placed the in- sPastors of the Seed Branch at the disposal of the Association, The field and Seed inspection is now done by some thirty trained officials applying uniform standards. At this time the development of a more Satisfactory distributing service for the product of seed growers was taken into consideration. The association does not conduct a regular Bead merchandising business itself, but it promotes this phase of the Work by encouraging OOOperative seed marketing through other associations. The Association also publishes and distributes, each year, a detailed report of crop registration. A great amount of publicity work is also carried on both in Canada and abroad. This Association is one of the most successful of its type. Its relationship with the Government and cother crop improvement “39110 163 is well established. It is rendering a great service to its members and agriculture in general by the registration of varieties of PraOtioally 811 grain, legume, and vegetable crops adapted to Canadian condit ions. Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Experiment Association, organized Feb. 22, 1901 with 187 members, was the first of its kind in the United States. In 1898 Professor 3. A. itoore of the Agromorrw Del-a rtment of the University of Wisconsin took up the work of breeding farm crOps for higher quality and better yields. At first the work was partially financed by Professor Moore himself. The outstanding results, however, of some of his selections led to an expansion of his work. The Association was organized to further the production and dissemination of these improved selections. The organizers felt that it was necessary to have some one thoroughly trained in the seed grain work and one who felt the responsibility of going into the growing of pure bred seed in order to carry on the work properly. So, the original con- 81: 1tution provided that only a party who had taken work in the Wisconsin College of Agriculture could become a member of the Experimnt Association. In 1906 this was changed to include men from other colleges. The object of the Association was to promote the Agricultural interests of the state by: a. Carrying on experiments and investigations that shall be beneficial to all parties interested in progressive fanning. b. Forming a more perfect union between the farmers and the Present students of the Wisconsin College of Agriculture, so as to enable them to act in unison for the betterment of rural conditions. 0. Growing and disseminating among its constituency new Varieties of farm seeds and plants. -21- d. Sending literature bearing upon agricultural investi- gation to its membership. 6. Holding an annual meeting in order to report and discuss topics and experiments beneficial to the members of the Association. County Orders of the Association were established with the following objects in view,- to promote the agricultural interetts of the county and state in general, by: a. COOperating with the Experiment Association in growing ani disseminating pure bred seed grains. I b. Having Association exhibits at agricultural fairs. d. Having annual meetings in order to report and discuss topcs b‘neficial to all. The membership of the Order was: a. Persons who had taken a course in the College of Agriculture at Madiscm or any place in the State under the jurisdiction of the College. b. Anyone interested in pure bred grains and live stock or in progressive fanning in general. c. Honorary membership might be conferred by vote upon anyone interested in progressive agriculture. In 1922. an amendment was passed making any person taking an interest in pure bred grain and live stock and who is also a member of a. county organization, through the recommendation of the secretary of the County Association, eligible for membership in the State Association. The Association has had a successful growth and has continually rendered a great service to its members and the state. It is at present, one o f the outstanding Associations of the country. The organization and activities of the Wisconsin Experiment Association resembles very much the Michigan Crop Improvement Association, which will be discussed in detail later. Membership is not limited anl is granted to anyone on application and the payment of the annual member- ship fee of one dollar. The officers of the Association are, a President, a Vice- President and a Secretary and Treasurer. They hold office for a period of one year. The President, in addition to the ordinary duties of his office, appoints all regular committees as he may deem expedient for the welfare of the Association. The President and Secretary are ex-officio members of the Executive Commi ttee. The Association is an independent State Association and receives f ive thousand dollars per year directly from the State. The Management of the Association has been centered in the Agronomy Department of the Agricultural College in such a way that it is thought of as a part of the Agrononw Department. The Association has the first opportunity of taking the pure bred seed that have been deveIOped on the Experiment Station farm. These " 386d are tested out under various conditions throughout the state, and When it has shown superior merit it is re1:.ased to growers. "Each member (10) is intitled to one b_4.S}191 of small grain or enough corn to plant an acre. Each variety is thus increased rapidly and widely disseminated in a short time. If the members desire to sell seed, they report the name or the Variety together with the amount offered for sale to the secretary of the Association. "The seed is carefully inspected, both in the field and in the bin, by a representative of the Association to determine: its trueness Sill .lvluili ~23- to type, freedom from mixtures of other grains and freedom from weeds and. disease. If the seed passes inspection, the growers name, together with the annunt of seed he has for sale, is listed in a Special pamphlet, and sent, on application, to all prOSpective purchasers of pure bred seed." The County Agents cooIs rate in making field inspections, thus enabling the Association to make a large number of inepections during the short period in which the grain is heading. Neither the College nor the State assume any control over this inspection service. By this use of the Canty Agents, the inspection has been done without charge to the members of the Association. For the grain inspection, a representative sample is sent directly to the office of the Association where it is tested. If it Passes this inepection, it is then placed on the inspected list and the grower is furnished with the preper certificate of inepection. The Association does not seal the sacks of grain. The seed thus inspected are classed as "registered" or "Certified". "Registered" seed is of especially high quality and purity and is recommended particularly for those who wish to grow the improved varieties for seed production and Sale. "Certified" seed is improved seed of high quality and purity WhiCh carries all the advantages of improved varieties, but does not qufi-te reach the standard set for "Registered" seed. Michigan . In 1906 under the leadership of the Farm Cro-ps Department of the Michigan State College, a number of corn growers organized the Michigan Corn Improvement Association. Their purpose was, to hold state corn shows and in other ways promote better corn for Iiichigan. They held shows at the College until 1909, at Kalamazoo 1910 and 1911 and again at the College until 1915. At this time they merged with the Michigan EXperiment Associat ion. The Michigan Experiment Association 2an organized under the leadership of Professor V. 2.1. Shoesmith of the Farm Crops Department of The Ilichigan State College in 1911. The organization was cepied after the Wisconsin Experiment Association. It had for its main purpose the Production and dissemination of improved varieties of farm crops. The Plant Breeder of the College, Professor Frank A. Spragg, had been dis- tributing improved varieties of seed since 1909. He had put out: Plymouth Rock, American Banner and Shepherd's wheats. He had met with some success in putting out these varieties, but felt the need of an association for organized effort in the increase and naintenance of these seeds. Khan the Association was established, Professor Spragg had, ready fur immediate distribution: Rosen Tye, Red Rock wheat, Worthy oat-.3 and Alexander oats. These varieties were distributed among the members. They proved satisfactory and a wide distribution was immediately Obtained. As early as 1915, 500 acres of these varieties were listed for 396d (11). The merging of this association with the iiichigan Corn Improvement Association in 1915 greatly strengthened the T{lizperiment Association, bring- ing to its membership sane of the most successful farmers in Michigan. In 1916, the Association work was increasing rapidly. In February and march 1915, twelve thousand bushels of Worthy and Alexander cats were handled. At the annual meeting that year Professor A. L. Bibbens was elected as Assistant Secretary to Professor Shoemith. The Association activities increased rapidly and a big demand for pedigreed seed developed. In the Fall of 1916 the membership had increased to 1600. Since that time the membership has decreased consider ably, experience having shown that most efficiency has resulted from a smaller membership of picked seed producers. A few complaints in 1915 emphasized the need of both field and threshed grain inspections. This inspection service was inaugerated in 1916, a fee being charged to cover the cost. The name of the organization was chanted to that of the ITaichigan CrOp Improvement Association in 1917. At that time Mr. J. W. Nicolson, Extension Specialist in Farm CrOps of the Michigan State College , became Secretary-Treasurer. Since that time the Secretary-Treasurer has been a member of the Extension Staff of the Farm Crops Department of the COllege. About this time it was found necessary to develop a system of registration in order to keep up with all seed and to be able to guarantee its purity. After a careful study of the systems used by the Canadian 399d Growers Association and the Wisconsin Experiment Association, Mr. I“(3110].son arranged a system of registration and certification based upon the Origin of the seed and guaranteed through field and threshed sample 1118p 90 1: ions . -26... In 1919 the Michigan State Farm Bureau was organized. A Seed Service Department was a part of their organization. Mr. Nicolson went to manage this department. It is independent of the Crop Irnprovenent Association; but, in addition to handling all kinds of seed for the Farm Bureau members, it is the chief selling agency through which the several members of the Crop Improvement Association market their seed. Mr. Nicolson was succeeded by Professor A. L. Bibbins as Secretary-Treasurer of the Association. Mr. Bibbins held this position Several years and was succeeded by Mr. H. C. Rather, the present Secretary- Treasurer. In 1919, Professor J. F. Cox of the Farm Crops Department in- augurated the service of variety testing. Tests of the adaptibility of different strains to the several sections of the state were made. The activities of the Association develOped rapidly. By 1926, we find the followi s; certified seed offered in large quantities: We -Rosen White Wheat -A~nerican Banner. Red Wheat - - Red Rock; Berlley Rock Oats - Wolverine; 1'10 rthy. Barley - Wisconsin Pedigreed; Michigan Black Barbless. Corn - Yellow Dent; Golden Glow; Duncan; Pickett's; I\i'A.C. Yellow Dent White Corn - Early Silver King; '-.'.-hite Cap; Folks' White Cap; Clement's '..-hite Cap. Beans ‘ - Robust. Soy Beans - Manchu; ItoSan; Black Eyebrow. _27- The Association has gradually evolved a safe and sane system of registration and certification. This system takes improved seed originated by the College Plant breeders or others, WW- hfltn, increases the supply, safeguards their purity and puts into the hands of the cons emer a guaranteed, quality product. A detailed discussion of this Association is of value: First because it is an example of the successful type of association. Second, becuase many of the associations in the United States have cepied the Hichigan plan in forming their associations. This Association is an organization of Michigan farmers co- Operating with the Michigan State College in the development, production and. dissemination of improved varieties of crOps. C ONST ITU'I.‘ ION . Article I. Name- This organization shall be known as the Michigan Crop Improvement Association. Article II. Object. The object of this association shall be to promote the pro- duction of better crops in the State. lst. By carrying on demonstrations to prove the value of progressive agricultural methods. 2nd. By growing and distributing improved varieties of farm seeds and plants. 3rd. By holding of farmers' meetings and exhibit ions of farm products and by the dissemination of scientific knowledge as applied to Michigan agriculture, through literature and such other means as new be most efficient. -28.. 4th. By holding an annual meeting and.grain show to discuss and demonstrate the work of the Association. Article III. Membership. Section I. Any resident ofLMichigan, who conforms to the rules of’the Association shall be entitled to membership on payment of the annual dues. Section II. Boys, who have completed three years of Club Wtrk or have won two championships may be admitted to junior member— ship with full privileges for one year. on payment of fifty cents. Section III. Honorary membership may be conferred upon any one interested in progressive agriculture by a majority vote at any annual or Special meeting of the Association. Article IV. Dues. The annual dues of each member shall be one dollar. All dues are payable January lst. Article V3 Organization. Section I. The officers of this Association shall consist of, .A president, vice—president and secretary-treasurer, whose term of office shall be one year, or until their successors are elected. ESection II. The duties of the officers shall be such as lisually pertain to their reSpective offices. Section III. As Amended. The immediate affairs of’the .Association shall be un er the control of an.executive committee composed of, the president, vice—president, secretary- treasurer, supervisor of introductions and inSpections. Professor -39- of Farm Creps, LI.S.C., Plant Breeder, Iii-5.0., Manager of the Seed Department of the Michigan State Farm Bureau and six other}! members elected from the Association Membership. Section IV. The president, vice-presi dent and six directors coming from the association membership, shall be elected by the members of the Michigan Cr0p Improvement Association at their Annual Meeting held at Last Lansing at the time of Farmers' Week at the Michigan State College. The Secretary-treasurer, Clerk and Superintendent of introductions and inspections shall be appointed by the executive committee from the extension staff of the Michigan State College. The Professor of Farm Creps, the Plant Breeder and the Manager of the Seed Department of the Michigan State Farm Bureau shall be members of the executive committee by virtueof their position. Article VI. Quorum. Fifteen (15) members shall constitute a quorum. Article VII. Amendments. This Constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present at any annual meeting of the association. BY-LA'JS. 1. This Association shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order. 2. These by-laws may be amended by majority vote at any annual meet ing of the association. 3. On proof of the use of fraudulent or other undesirable methods for the sale of seed a member may be suSpended by unanimous vote of the executive committee; and may be expelled by a two-thirds vote of -30- the members present at a regular meeting of the Association. 4. A Board of Review, consisting of the Secretary, Professor of Farm Cl‘OpS, 1.1.8.0., Plant Breeder, MoS.C., shall handle all inSpection appeals and dijsputeg,‘ The Michigan Association has endeavored to carry out the purposes set forth in its constitution in the following manner: Demonstrations: The Association and its individual members have cooperated in every way possible with the activities of the Michigan State College. They have assisted the extension staff in putting on demonstrations and have been a means through which these workers could get local contact in the several commmities. Holding Meetings and Disseminating Scientific Knowledge: This is carried out only through having scientific Speakers on their programs at meetings and through the spreading of literature published by the Association from time to time. Annual Meetings and Grain Shows: These are held regularly during Farmers Week at the Michigan State College. The Association offers Prizes, consisting of cups and cash to those exhibiting the best potatoes, grains, beans, etc. The number of exhibitors has been large, the compe- tition keen and the educational value of the shows outstanding. These meet 5-1183 Offer excellent Opportunities for menbers to exchange ideas and discuss ideas given to them by the College men. They see here the demon- strated value of better agriculture and get both information and inspiration. Growing and Distributing of Improved Varieties: This is con- Sidered the phase of the work wherein most good can be accomplished. Bibbins (11) says "High quality seed is the prime factor of successful crop -31- production". Thus, the Michigan.Association hinges upon this idea and its organization and activities are based on carrying out this purpose. The Michigan.System.of registering pedigreed seed is as follows: To be adOpted by the Association for registration purposes, a strain must have shown outstanding merit and adaptibility in tests conducted at the College and throuout the State. Most of the varieties accepted have been deveIOped by the Plant Breeding Division of the Mfixfliigan State College. The Association looks to this division as the source of further improvement. However, seed of proven merit from otluar sources are considered and.varieties are being certified orginating botli from.private sources and from other.Associations. Varieties that are not increased directly from pure line stock are carefully tested for purity. Open pollinated crops are tested for continuous vigor and productiveness. The Association divides seed into three classes: Elite, Registered and Certified. Elite seed are (1) "The first increase of seed released by the 111011182121 State College. They are defined as seed of a pure line selection, or Beed. Preparation seed bed Amt. manure ............................ Amt. and kind of fertiliser : Amt. and kind of grass seed per acre ‘ Other varieties similar grain Threshing method to be mod I1 Acreagessmm... Time of seeding \ Amt. seed per acre Stand Vigor ............................ Estimatedsmount for sale paras Rejected Remarks Inspector Plate 7. Form used for field inspection by LIichiD'an Cr0p Improvement Association. -87.. .,,....-. --_"m“--‘m-----vv------ : MlllfllliAN cm mmvmm assoclmuu‘ PEDIGREED GRAIN INSPECTION ., . COPY FOR GROWER Thisisareportottheseedeonditionofthessmple of (v'ariety and kind of seed) submitted by (nameotgrm) which he guarantees to be representative of the seed at this variety that he has for sale. . pus haunt, Addralll Weight per bu Color Mixtures Weeds Foreign Materiel L“ - - Yellowberry..............% Shrunken Seed ............ % Cracked Seed ............. % sman seen 95 Large Whole gm! ' «7. Moisture % Germination % omen No. Ava-15mm Remarks inspected by: \ Plate 8. Form used for threshed grain 1115pection by Michigan CroP Improvement Association. -88.. Wisconsin agricultural emcrimcm association CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION f. I nu :V ‘r. ':0.. . 3?: i i‘ Madison, \\ lx‘lmsin \VISCUNWN' AT ON, D... NW .1, (92.4 ~ ,, We)” . ( ‘ Secretary) I Wisconsin agricultural encrimcnt association TI“) is (0;?!in that the followin seeds, grown by Madison. Wisconsin > I \VISCON-SIN E WA. , D.-_vwm.r,lazr W .. W m ‘ ry) Plate 9. Pom of tags used by Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Associ ation. - 89 - W: :07. wow- wow. :9. :> 1» t. :w ow 52W 3 2 (.crtificatc VII. ................... Registration No. ........ . ........... g missouri urn @roiucrs stotiation ‘-fl'v 9221! Registration tertifitatc C mp ............................ Variety Quantity ........................ bu. EDI! I! to (map that the above mentioned quantitv of seed of the variety indicated has been produced In the year 19..-.bv Mr. . ..... , .. County (Nana) (I‘ all» IIIeI-l Missouri in accordance with the rules of the Association, and that the said sccd has been recorded by the Association as Registered Seed Stock No. ..................... Estimated purity . of seed stock based on field and sample inspection g g Germination ............ per cent Weight per bushel ................ pounds. Disease ...................... .. $24 ............................ Soundncss and condition of seed 3 » ' / Plate 10. Certificate issued by missouri Corn Growers Association. t‘f*§“"$“"_‘.~. ug£ W; Y : I ,. yr. .- Lr‘ .. I .. . 4 3"f , '- ‘ hr k ' ‘ ‘ 1E5 "‘Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii