80 years ago this week. The U.S. government, trying to figure out why prices to livestock farmers are so low compared to relatively high prices paid at retail for meats, asked large packers to open retail shops in larger cities to sell meat direct to the consumer, as a means of lowering the retail price and stimulating demand.
Retail prices are relatively twice as high as pre-war averages, while the prices paid to farmers have gradually dropped until they have reached, and sometimes gone below, pre-war prices. Many stock raisers have been entirely wiped out by the declines.
50 years ago this week. Participating in a pasture tour of Trumbull County were 90 farmers and other interested persons. All farms seen and visited are among the 36 enrolled in the county pasture contest. The group met at the farm of Howard Meilkle & Son, where they saw ladino alfalfa and timothy meadows and pastures.
The group motored past the Andrew Hartman farm, Victor H. Logan & Sons farm, and the Russell Logan and Son’s farm. Victor Logan has the oldest ladino, timothy, and bluegrass pasture in the neighborhood. The afternoon agenda included a drive though the Canadian greenland pasture on Steve Ragalyi’s farm, and a ladino hog pasture on Ivan Fisher’s farm.
25 years ago this week. Peggy Staub, 19, of Newville, Cumberland County Dairy Princess, was crowned 1976-77 Pennsylvania Dairy Princess in front of a crowd of 700 in Harrisburg. Staub is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Staub.
First runner-up was Corinne Dunlap, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dale B. Dunlap of Indiana County. Second runner-up was Wanda Herman, 18, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Frank Herman of Bradford County. Forty county princesses participated in the competition.
