The Rural Voice, 1982-01, Page 10A scene from the Cereal Grain Crops Day at the Kippen farm of Jack Peck, a number of years ago.
[Photo courtesy Exeter Times -Advocate]
An association that works
The Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association has been active since the 1940's
by Sheila Gunby
In a speech in 1958, H.J. Strang, first
president of the Huron Soil and Crop
Improvement Association said his organi-
zation "was. one of the most useful and
practical of all farm organizations."
It continues that way today, providing
farmers with valued and varied informa-
tion. Information on corn hybrid trials and
insecticides and pesticides. Tests on
micro -nutrients on white beans and
studies on manure use versus commercial
fertilizers. Information on no tillage and
soil testing.
The Huron County Soil and Crop
Improvement Association (HCSCIA) has
been functioning since the late 1940s.
Originally, it was the Crop Improvement
Association. The word "soil" was added
in 1953.
Over twenty-five years ago, the
HCSCIA made a wise move when they
decided to publish their news and thus the
"Soil and Crop News" came into exist-
ence. It has been printed faithfully since
that time by the Exeter Times Advocate.
The "News" provides interesting reading
- "Sixty bu/ac. corn in 1960 in Huron.
That's 1.5 per cent above the provincial
average for that year. But 1961 will be a
better year. Let's aim for 75 bu/acre.
Huron has the land, the climate and the
farmers to do the job." Huron Soil and
Crop News, 1962.
The Huron Soil and Crop News Feb.
1957 - "A startling 12 ton giant --the
revolutionary Wonsover, a multi-purpose
machine that completely prepares and
conditions the soil, plants the seed and
packs the earth in one operation." At least
someone has thought of automation for
the farmer", said Mr. Sykes, Orfeda.
Elmer Robertson, R.R. 5 Goderich, the
first vice-president back in 1946, stopped
long enough from plowing to tell me "we
had to work like the mischief to get people
interested in the organization." Gordon
Bennett, the ag rep at that time" he
continues "was the instigator of the
organization."
The "Seed Fair" held annually was one
of the highlights in the early years of the
association. It was usually held in March
and continued yearly till 1965. In 1960, it
became the "1st Annual Huron County
Agricultural Conference" sponsored by
the HCSCIA and the Huron Federation of
Agriculture, with an expansive program
covering high moisture corn, drainage and
spraying. There were many exhibits, seed
judging competitions. notable speakers,
ladies program and a Junior Farmer
Drama Night.
By 1970, it became the Agricultural
Information Week running for three days
with the co-operation of county livestock
organizations.
The early editions of the "Soil and Crop
News" featured articles on a seed drill
survey, best varieties for spring seeding,
experimental tests and "fertilizer profit-
ability" - practical assistance in a farmer's
operation. It listed the seventeen seed
cleaning plants in Huron and told its
readers of the "big silo", 20x48. the
largest in Huron County in 1959.
The Huron Soil and Crop News
mentioned a panel discussion on "How to
make an extra dollar". Strang, in another
speech said "we must keep the ceiling of
price and the flooring of costs, far enough
apart to make a living in-between."
Each year, the HCSCIA holds an annual
meeting (the last Nov. 26, 1981) in the
Brussels, Morris and Grey Community
Centre. Their program consists of crop
production information, project results
PG. 8 THE RURAL VOICE/JANUARY 1982