The Farm Building Outlook and Its Significance to the Lumber Industry

By Max E. Cook, Mem. A. S. A. E. Farmstead Engineer, Agricultural Dept. California Redwood Association

The American farmer utilizes approximately one-third of the nation's lumber production.

One-third of our population live in farm homes, in which there is a tremendous investment. The value of farm buildings is second only to the land itself, and represents about one-sixth of the total value of all farm property including live stock and equipment.

Over 98/d of all farm buildings are constructecl of lumber, according to the Department of Agriculture, with an average of. 7l buildings on six and one-half million farms.

Ca,lifornia farm buildings, according to 1925 census, have a value of some 362 million dollars. The rate of increase over l92O was nearly 25/o and averages close to $15,m0,000 per year. The total number of farms is now well over 136,000, having increased practically L6/ain five years.

The day of the big farm in California is over. Far greater activity than in the past, in subdividing lands into small individual holdings, ,may be expected in the future; in fact, rs now rn progress.

The cutting u'p at this time of over 500,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley, similar offerings of over 5O,000 aores il t-hg North, with a great number of fruit and poultry subdivisions in the South, and elsewhere, ranging from 1-000 to 18,0@ acres each, will lend tremendous impetus to the bui,ld- ing of farm homes and other buildings.

In the development of small truck and poultry sub-divisions there are over one hundred wel.l organized concern,3 actively engaged in selling and settling great communities.

New homes must be built in all; new dwellings, new poultry,houses, garages, implement and storage h6uses, birns, tanks, silos, milk houses, fences, etc. Accessories and equipment of every description are needed, with subsequent' additions to both pr.esent and new structures to providi for expansion.

T!t. outlook, in California particularly, ls bright. Neu, levels- are repeatedly being reached in the produling acre. ages'brought into bearing, and in the ircrease and vilue of live stock.

According to State and Federal Statisticians' reports, ihe value of 'live stock in California on January lst, was over I$/o1-greater_ than at the same datC last j,ear;'a gain of nearly 19 million dollars, with a total value-of all livi stock well over 200 milliorr dollars.

Current increases in bearing acreages of fruit incluctrg grapes and nuts, will average from 8 to l0%, with bettei than fair crops in prospect.

- Increased__ acreage in crops such as artichokes, cantaloupes, cauliflower,- celery, lettuce, onions, peas, potatoes. tom-at-oes, watermelons, etc., will run trom lO/o to as high y 3l7o g,reater than last year in the important produciig distrlcts.

The average farm income in California is more than double that of the East and Middle West. The farmers, dollar everywhere is rapidly gaining in purchasing power.

Over the State, as a whole, the California farmer is able, and should be encouraged to do additional and much needed buildiag.

Nowhere is there greater need for modern improvements and additions to existing homes and various utilitg buildings or for entirely new structures to keep up with the march of progress and expansion. Whether the farmer continu'es to give the same distinctive recognition to wood in the future as in the past, depends very largely on the retail lumber dealer whose influence is so important in most farming communities.

The farmer is spending huge sums o:r many items of far less economic value or importance to him than on lumber, chiefly because they are better exploited. Surely a more aggressive effort by the lumber dealer is doubly warranted when it has for its object the sale of lumber with which to improve and better equip the farm, to increase its profits, and make the far,rn a better place to live.

Recognizing the value of complete plans, specifications, and bills of material to encourage and make lt easier for the farmer to build, the CaliforniJRedwood Association has established an Agricultural De,partment to assist Lumber Dealers, FarmerJ and Agricuitural interests with farm building problems.

Plans and specifications are made available, that when followed, result, not only in better arrangement and appearance, but that avoid waste of material or labor. and insute greatest economy in choice of lengths, sizes and grade-s of material most- suitable, as confirmed by years of practical .experience in modern farm building design and construction.

Actions speak ,loudor than words. Sales have been materially increased and new farm business has been secured where dealers have built and displayed demonstra- tion farm fixtures and accessories, poultiy houses, etc. Farmers have listened patiently to't6ose who would tell them how to do a thing, but they prefer to be shown.

N9t only. are many dealers helping their far.m trade by furnishing free plans and specificaiions now made available, but they are making new friends and creating new business as well.

The farmers need this cooperation; modern merchandising demands it. They appreciate this service as much as the Dealer appreciates fiim business.

FRANK W,,RIGHT AND FAMILY ON TRIP

\{r. Frank Wright, of the Brey-Wright Lumber Company. Por_terville, accompanied by Mrs.-Wright and their d"yghl._: fl.arjorie, i-s on -an _e_xtenf ed trip through the east.

Ur. Wright attended the National Convention- of Rotarv. at Denver, travelling from there to New york, philadetphia. .Boston and other eastern cities, returning home by'way of Yellowstone.