See News link for full story

"Agricultural success is pre-eminently essential to national prosperity. It affords employment to over six hundred million of the human race, and subsistence to all the multiplied millions that dwell upon the earth."

"Should Heaven for a single season frown upon the efforts of the farmer, by withholding its rain and sunshine, or by sending mildew and blight, the general round of prosperity in every department of government and trade would be silent as death; machinery would become motionless; vessels would be tied in their mornings; the efforts of genius would be paralyzed; the distortions of want and despair would fill the places of departed plenty and gladness."

"Yet, notwithstanding all these facts, the importance of agriculture is not properly appreciated. Our government is slow to recognize its real magnitude and worth."

"Appropriations of money for its promotion and development are small and insignificant compared with the fostering care and protection afforded to other minor interests."

Leonard Rhone- PA State Grange Master