Joe Went To College—So Can You, 1941

From the March 1941 issue of The Southern Planter

Four years ago Joe Sanderson bought two pigs. Four years hence, if his plans materialize, he will graduate with a B.S. degree in Agriculture from the North Carolina State College. Those four years dealing with pigs and the 4-H Club work have paved the way.

Here is how it happened. Those first two pigs bought in 1937 at a cost of $27 netted only experience, but determination would not be denied. Two registered Spotted Poland-China gilts and one small male, at a cost of $80 when fed and cared for the 4-H way produced 13 pigs in 1938. In addition, Joe bought seven feeder pigs and conducted a feeding demonstration. From the two projects, he made a net profit of $394.

Joe started 1939 with one boar, two sows and one gilt. He raised 71 hogs. Soybeans and lespedza were grown for pasture, and the hogs fed by a self-feeder. October 5^th found Joe and 21 of his hogs at the State Fair, winning $101 in prizes. In 1940 he raised 84 head of hogs, again exhibiting at the State Fair and winning $89 with 23 animals.

During his four years Joe spent $1,465.87 on his pig club project with a gross income of $2,973.87, leaving a net profit of $1,508.

Joe soon learned that a balanced system of farming pays best. In 1937, he produced 106.6 bushels of corn on his club acre, making a profit of $44.94. In 1938 with seed, field selected from the 1937 crop, he produced 137.5 bushels on an acre, making a profit of $66.20. In 1939 he produced 72.1 bushels, making a profit of $28.46. In 1040, by following good cultural practices and wise marketing, he produced $77.05 worth of sweet potatoes, making a profit of $55.60 from is first sweet potato project. The baby beef project made him a net of $38.56, making a gross income of $3,409.81 over the four-year period.

Joe won six championship ribbons, 18 blue ribbons, six red ribbons, and 13 white ribbons with his pigs at the State Fair. What is even more important, he won a gold watch and a state champion livestock certificate, a one year scholarship to the North Carolina State College and a State Champion corn club certificate.

Joe has participated in county, state and district judging contests, has served as music director and reporter for his local club. “During my four years in club work,” said Joe, “I have learned many things about farming. I have learned that balanced farming is profitable, that one must raise not only corn and potatoes but livestock also to consume the farm products. The years I have been enrolled in 4-H Club work have been well spent. I only hope that my future years will be as much pleasure to me as the years I have been a 4-H member.”

America is still a land of opportunity for ambitious farm youth!