Dean Schaub's Recommendations to Farmers, 1943

“Message From Dean Schaub” in The Progressive Farmer, April, 1943

“As North Carolina farmers start their 1943 crop planting, what are the main messages you would like to send to them?” We said to Dean I.O. Schaub just before this Progressive Farmer went to press.

“Give me a little time to think” countered the Dean. And next day came back at us with four thoughtful paragraphs.

“First and foremost, all the time let’s help the war effort,” he said. “Let each farmer ask himself whether he is growing his largest possible acreage of essential war crops, especially oil-producing crops, such as soybeans, peanuts, and cotton.

“Next, food. We must not only plan for food-producing field crops and fresh vegetables for eating the year around but plan now for more canned fruits and vegetables than ever before. Along with other plans for the family’s needs next winter, I recommend that each family plant a few rows of edible soybeans, for they are more nearly a meat and vegetable than any other garden crop. For most people the flavor is fine, not only when served as green shelled beans but likewise when dried for winter use. Be sure, however, to get a variety suitable to eat—not ordinary field-crop soybeans. Another crop which will produce abundant cheap food next winter is the sweet potato, and storage plans should be made ahead of time.

“Third, labor. Here I suggest swapping labor from farm to farm. This was common in old times and is still followed in corn shucking, threshings, etc. People in small neighborhoods should pool their available labor and help one another, especially in planting and harvesting.

“Finally, equipment. We shall not get enough new equipment this year to replace normal breakage and wearing out of old equipment. Formerly, it was all right for a man who owned a mowing machine, combine, or other equipment to think he had a right to do with it exactly as he pleased. Now, it is different. With the lives of our sons and friends at stake, there can be little excuse for any man failing to help his neighbors by working out satisfactory arrangements for exchanging equipment.”