EDITOR’S NOTE: This month Mr. Mann is visiting J.T. Purdie of Fayetteville. Although he was born in Bladen County, Mr. Purdie has lived in Cumberland for the past 29 years. Recognized as one of the outstanding farmers of North Carolina, Mr. Purdie works in close harmony with the different departments at State College. He is active in all work for the good of his community, and, among other things, is a senior deacon of the Presbyterian Church.
The Writer: Mr. Purdie, you certainly would not have to leave the State in order to hide from your friends—you have plenty of places on this beautiful farm to hide. Why I drove all over this place a few days looking for you.
Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, you came within 150 yards of where I was, but I didn’t know you were looking for me. I wish I had for I would have enjoyed taking you over the farm.
The Writer: When did you start farming, Mr. Purdie?
Mr. Purdie: My first year was in 1894.
The Writer: You didn’t know anything about clover and vetch and lespedeza then, did you?
Mr. Purdie: No, Sir-ree, but I’ll tell you what I did, Mr. Mann—I sowed peas and beans from the very first year and I have been increasing my faith in these crops every year since.
You see, I left school in 1893 and came home to work on the farm. Cotton was selling that year for about six cents a pound, and I saw that if I was to make a successful business out of farming that I would have to depend on something besides cotton.
The Writer: I believe you have about 700 acres in this tract?
Mr. Purdie: That’s right.
The Writer: How many acres of cotton do you plant, Mr. Purdie?
Mr. Purdie: I’m ashamed to tell you, Mr. Mann—I started reducing long before the government started its reduction program. I now have 100 acres in lespedeza and 125 in beans and wheat and oats, and, of course, plenty of corn.
The Writer: Well, you have in the past planted hundreds of acres of cotton—I know this for you have delivered to the association.
Mr. Purdie: You’re right! I joined the association when it was first organized and I have marketed thousands of bales through it.
And Mr. Mann, I have never worried about what the association paid me for I knew that whatever the association did pay me was more than I would have received had there been no association, and to save my life I cannot see why all the thinking farmers do not see it the same way—and some day they will!
The Writer: Do you grow any tobacco?
Mr. Purdie: I have one small barn ad we grow a few acres.
The Writer: Mr. Purdie, I believe you do a great deal of work with the State College authorities?
Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, and you know that is one great institution. And if farmers will only make use of the advantages it offers them, it can mean so much.
Why I work with Dr. H.B. Mann—and by the way, is he related to you?
The Writer: No, but I’m well acquainted with him and have a high regard for him.
Mr. Purdie: Well, we work together like twin brothers, and he has done some wonderful experimental work on my farm. Of course I work with the others, too, for I want to farm in the most modern way possible.
The Writer: You’ve been buying seed from Mr. Coker for a long time, haven’t you?
Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir, for at least 20 years, and I’ve been going to his farm every year for a long time.
I buy from him every year—and the best seed that he has.
The Writer: What is your preference?
Mr. Purdie: Well, I believe Farm Relief is the best all-around cotton he has produced.
I have grown some long-staple cotton and did very well with it, but it is hard to sell and, after all, I think we should grow the kind of cotton the association can sell to the best advantage to the mills in this State.
Mr. Mann, let me tell you something: There’s not a bit of need for farmers having to buy hay here in North Carolina. Why I can sow my grain on the top of the soil and not do one thing about it and make a ton of hay to the acre. Why even a lazy man can make hay if he will stop and think!
The Writer: Well, Mr. Purdie, you have certainly hit the nail on the head when you say “Stop and Think.” If we could only get farmers to “Stop and Think,” we could accomplish so much for their good and farming could be made a successful business.
Incidentally, someone told me that you are raising mules on your farm?
Mr. Purdie: Yes, sir-ree, and that’s where the college helped me again. When I let it be known that I was interested in some Percheron mares, why F.M. Haig at the college got busy and found out where the best breed could be bought and did everything he could to help me get them. My friends, W.T. Moss and Sam Homewood, helped a lot too.
I already have two little mules out there. I may be all wrong in my idea about growing my own stock, but I’m going to try it just the same.
The Writer: I’m glad to hear this, for the crying need today is more live stock on our farms.
Mr. Purdie: You’re right, Mr. Mann, and you know every tenant that I have has at least two cows and all tenants are encouraged to have gardens and produce their own meat. I believe in living at home first.
The Writer: Mr. Purdie, it certainly is an inspiration to talk with you for you are one man who is anxious to improve farming conditions. You certainly are making a success, and I only wish that more farmers would follow in your footprints.
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