THERE IS PROSPERITY AND HEALTH ON THE FARM.
The cost of food is rising in America, and so the profits of farming
and gardening are constantly increasing. For many Jews here is an
excellent chance of work and prosperous living.
Work in the city at good wages is often
temporary, and in the cities frequently come those crises that throw
men out of work. These periods of idleness quickly consume the
savings you have accumulated by your labor. But by farming a poor
man in a short time can often become independent., if besides some
absolutely necessary experience of agriculture, he has persistence,
industry and common intelligence. Country life is healthier for
yourself and your family. You are protected from diseases common in
the city, and, more important still, the moral health of your boys
and girls will be better protected. And in the country the Jew finds
an advantage of peace and happiness that are impossible in the city,
because in the city it is difficult for him to observe the Sabbath
as his conscience dictates; but in the country he has complete
religious freedom, and in peace can worship God according to the
custom of his fathers.
Thousands of Jews are succeeding here in farming
and gardening. To succeed, you need to understand American farming
and follow the methods that are making others successful. There are
many practical opportunities of obtaining this knowledge.
THE AREA OF
EUROPEAN RUSSIA (IN BLACK) COMPARED WITH THE AREA OF THE
UNITED STATES.
The Territory of the United States Is Very Nearly Twice the
Size of European Russia. |
HOW TO BECOME A FARMER:-- Agricultural Schools
and Colleges. For Jewish young men there is the Baron de Hirsch
Agricultural School, at Woodbine, New Jersey. This is open to all
able-bodied young men who have a working knowledge of English. The
course is of one or two years. Board and tuition are free. There is
also the National Farm School, at Farm School, Pennsylvania.
The requirements of admission are nearly the same as for the Baron
de Hirsch School, but the course is four years.
Besides these, every state in the United
States has an Agricultural College and Experiment Station
supported by the Government, and tuition is free to all residents of
the state. The course is generally of four years, though there are
many special courses, some as short as six weeks. For the regular
course and examination is required, which is about equal to that set
for the sixth class of a Gymnasium or Real Schule. For the shorter
courses only a working knowledge of English is necessary and ability
to profit by the instruction. There are many opportunities for
graduates of such colleges in the Government service, in teaching,
the management of estates, and similar positions.
THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE is
probably the largest and best organized in the world. It employs
thousands of scientists and experts and distributes freely pamphlets
and bulletins containing information on every branch of agriculture.
Every state also has a department doing similar work.
Of the greatest use to Jewish farmers and Jews
who wish to become farmers is the Jewish Agricultural And
Industrial Aid Society, at 174 Second Avenue, New York City. It
is a foundation of the Baron de Hirsch Fund. It publishes "The
Jewish Farmer", an illustrated monthly magazine in Yiddish, for
those who, knowing no English, cannot read the government
agricultural publications. It has travelling instructors who lecture
to farmers, organize them into associations and advise them as to
their work. It also has free scholarships given children of Jewish
farmers for the winter term of agricultural colleges, when their
work can best be spared at home.
This Society through its free Farm Labor
Bureau finds positions for those who wish to work on farms. Some
are placed with Jewish farmers. This enables men of ability to learn
American farming methods, learn English and quickly become
Americans. Many who seek positions as farm hands have more or less
capital of their own, and their only purpose in seeking such work is
to gain the necessary knowledge before embarking on their own
account. For the Jew wishing to become a farmer, there is no better
way of finding out if he is fitted for agriculture. Such positions
are easiest obtained for single men.
Besides such practical educational work, this
Society assists Jewish immigrants to become farmers in other ways.
It gives free advice. It helps find suitable farms. It assists
Jewish farming communities to organize for their material, social
and religious improvement, and has helped in the organization of the
Federation of Jewish Farmers of America.
This Federation has 56 local associations, 19 of
which have co-operative credit unions, which are similar to the
European credit banks. The Federation also conducts a co-operative
purchasing bureau, and organizes co-operative undertakings.
Jewish immigrants are urged to consult this
Society before buying a farm. If at a distance, hey may write in any
language.
SPECIAL ADVICE TO THOSE WHO WISH TO BECOME
FARMERS. Fertile land is cheap in the United States, often as
cheap as $35 an acre. Some men start with nothing and make wonderful
progress. But not every Jew is a farmer, and some start with a good
capital and lose it all. Never buy a farm in a hurry. Never buy a
farm unless you have capital enough to keep you the entire year.
Don't buy a farm or pay a deposit on a farm,
unless you are sure of its value. Conditions of climate and soil
differ greatly in this country. Ask responsible and experienced
farmers nearby. Find out how the last owner prospered. Ten acres of
good land are better than a hundred of poor land. The building must
be good, the roads good, the railroad station and market near. There
must be good schools for your children. Beware of farm agents.
Don't buy a farm unless you will have money
enough left for live stock, tools, working capital and living
expenses. Don't forget interest, taxes, insurance.
Don't buy a farm with a large mortgage. Have
nothing to do with a "standing mortgage". Unless a mortgage provides
for a definite time of repayment, it is payable on demand. Have your
mortgages payable in small annual installments, or after a period of
five years.
Don't buy a farm without consulting a responsible
lawyer. Let him make the contract and search the title. His fee will
save money and worry.
After you have bought your farm, insure your
building in a good company. And don't forget to notify the insurance
agent of any alterations in your buildings, or any changes in your
mortgage.
After the farm is bought, general farming is
safest for a beginning. Until you have experience, it is dangerous
to plant special crops, or to attempt poultry raising, on a large
scale.
SOME NOTES ON JEWS IN AGRICULTURE IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Jews now have successful market gardens, farms
and agricultural colonies scattered all over the land. These have
nearly all the conveniences and luxuries of our civilization. They
have daily postal service, telegraphs and telephones, synagogues and
schools. They have fifty Farmers' Organizations. Some of their
successes have been remarkable, but it must be remembered that
every remarkable success is the result of remarkable work, with arms
of iron and wills of steel.
There are over 6,000 Jewish farming families in
the United States, probably comprising 50,000 souls. They are to be
found in nearly every state in the Union, but the vast majority of
them are in the states of the Eastern seaboard, chiefly in New York,
New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We add a list of the
principal farming colonies in these states, with the names of their
associations. If you think that you would like to join one of these
colonies, write for information and advice to the Jewish
Agricultural and Industrial Aid Society, 174 Second Avenue, New York
City.
NEW YORK. |
|
Group |
|
No. Farmers |
|
Associations. |
Centreville, |
|
80 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Centreville Station. |
Ellenville, |
|
80 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association of
Ellenville. |
Ferndale, |
|
78 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association of
Ferndale and Stevensville. |
Greenfield, |
|
75 |
|
Hebrew Aid Society of Briggs
Street. |
Hurleyville, |
|
60 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association of
Fallsburg and Hurleyville. |
Kerhonkson, |
|
40 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association of
Kerhonkson and Accord. |
Livingston Manor, |
|
20 |
|
Livingston Manor Jewish Farmer's
Association. |
Monticello, Mountaindale, |
|
60 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Mountaindale. |
Nassau, |
|
70 |
|
Hebrew Benevolent Farmers'
Association of Rensselaer Co. |
New Lots, |
|
25 |
|
New Lots Dairymen's Association. |
Parksville, |
|
50 |
|
Parksville Jewish Farmers'
Association |
Spring Glen, |
|
18 |
|
Spring Glen Hebrew Aid Society. |
Syracuse, |
|
20 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Manlius. |
NEW JERSEY. |
|
Group |
|
No. Farmers |
|
Associations. |
Alliance, |
|
129 |
|
Norma and Alliance Farmers'
Association. |
Carmel, |
|
84 |
|
Cumberland County Jewish
Farmers' Association. |
Flemington, |
|
48 |
|
Flemington Jewish Farmers'
Circle. |
Highstown, |
|
50 |
|
First United Hebrew Farmers'
Association of Highstown. |
Jamesburg, |
|
56 |
|
Jamesburg Hebrew Farmers'
Association. |
Kinkora, |
|
12 |
|
Kinkora Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Lakewood, |
|
16 |
|
Lakewood Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Newark, |
|
30 |
|
Irvington Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
New Brunswick, |
|
32 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Middlesex County. |
Perrineville, |
|
60 |
|
Perrinevillle Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Pine Brook, |
|
33 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Pine Brook. |
Rosenhayn, |
|
106 |
|
Rosenhayn Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Woodbine, |
|
37 |
|
Cape May County Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
CONNECTICUT. |
|
Group |
|
No.
Farmers |
|
Associations. |
Chesterfield, |
|
32 |
|
Independent Hebrew Farmers'
Association. |
Colchester, |
|
147 |
|
Colchester Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Cornwall Bridge, |
|
24 |
|
Cornwall Bridge Jewish
Farmers' Association. |
Ellington, |
|
40 |
|
Connecticut Jewish Farmers'
Association of Ellington. |
Hebron, |
|
25 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association of
Turnerville. |
Lebanon, |
|
24 |
|
Lebanon Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
New Haven, |
|
25 |
|
New Haven Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
North Canton, |
|
13 |
|
North Canton Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Norwich, |
|
55 |
|
Norwich Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Oakdale, |
|
65 |
|
Raymond Hill Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Rocky Hill, |
|
12 |
|
Rocky Hill Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Stepney, |
|
66 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association of
Fairfield County. |
Storrs, |
|
15 |
|
Storrs Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Vernon, |
|
15 |
|
Vernon Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Willimantic, |
|
40 |
|
Willimantic Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Yantic, |
|
55 |
|
Yantic Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Group |
|
No.
Farmers |
|
Associations. |
|
MASSACHUSETTS. |
|
Attleboro and Taunton, |
|
60 |
|
Bristol County Jewish
Farmers' Association. |
Great Barrington, |
|
50 |
|
Berkshire County Jewish
Farmers' Association. |
Medway, |
|
57 |
|
|
|
DELAWARE. |
|
Dover, |
|
18 |
|
First Jewish
Farmers' Association of Delaware. |
|
PENNSYLVANIA. |
|
Carversville, |
|
20 |
|
Bucks County Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Montgomery County, |
|
34 |
|
|
|
OHIO. |
|
Cincinnati, |
|
31 |
|
|
Cleveland, |
|
51 |
|
|
|
INDIANA. |
|
Knox, |
|
15 |
|
Knox Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
|
MICHIGAN. |
|
Benton
Harbor, |
|
43 |
|
|
|
NEBRASKA. |
|
Cherry County, |
|
19 |
|
Cherry County Jewish
Farmers' Association. |
|
NORTH DAKOTA. |
|
Ashley, |
|
12 |
|
Sulzberger Colony of Jewish
Farmers. |
Bowman, |
|
15 |
|
Northwestern Jewish Farmers'
Association. |
Wilton, |
|
12 |
|
Hebrew Farmers' Association
of Burleigh County. |
|
WASHINGTON. |
|
Lake Bay, |
|
14 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association
of State of Washington. |
|
WYOMING. |
|
Iowa Center, |
|
20 |
|
|
Torrington, |
|
18 |
|
Jewish Farmers' Association
of Goshen County. |