land agriculture a broadened representation in policy determinations
with regard to agricultural matters in the State. "

I supported the legislation in the belief that it would bring our
agricultural activities at College Park and elsewhere closer to the
thinking of the individual Maryland farmer. I have a strong con-
viction that it will do just this.

In the high office which I now hold, I have worked hard to bring
about a greater prosperity for Maryland farmers. By emphasizing
agricultural research, and by giving additional assistance to farmers
in such fields as water conservation, disease and insect control, drain-
age, irrigation and a wide variety of other services, I feel that we have
improved the lot of the farmer in our State.

Here on the Shore, for example, we have been successful in im-
proving the varieties of vegetables. Economic studies have been
conducted to devise improved methods of marketing. Our University
of Maryland has been collaborating with the University of Delaware
to find ways and means of strengthening the total poultry industry on
the Delmarva peninsula, the third greatest poultry producing area
of the country and a bulwark of our agricultural economy here on the
Eastern Shore of Maryland. I am advised by our experts that tre-
mendous progress has been made in the corn and soybean improve-
ment program, which is closely allied to our poultry production. In
animal disease control, brucellosis in cattle has been virtually elimi-
nated. Good progress has been made in the control of hog cholera.
Diagnostic laboratories have been established for the study of poultry
diseases, the one in Salisbury being, as I am informed, one of the
outstanding laboratories in the entire country.

In other words, your State government is active and vigilant in
promoting the interests and the welfare of the Maryland farmer and
of Maryland agriculture.

We are interested in Maryland in preserving our social and eco-
nomic diversity—in maintaining a balance among the various phases
of our economy. We have tried to intensify and expand our industry
and our commerce. Agriculture must be given equal stimulation and
equal support it we are to achieve the balance we seek.

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