Campus 1907 - 08

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Louisiana's Campus
1907-08

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1907 was the year that the USDA founded the science of nematology. It was also the year that one of it's branches the "Bureau of Plant Industry" set up a “Demonstration Farm” on the campus of SLII.

While the very first demonstration farms were set up on private property to test some experiment. The model of SLII's Demonstration Farm was different from the experimental farms that were set up on private property. This farm was designed to show existing farmers what worked.

Dr. Knapp who was in charge of these farms stated in 1904 "The object of all such demonstrations is to test or prove some important fact bearing upon agricultural conditions. If these demonstrations are conducted in such a way that few persons see the result, or learn about them, little is accomplished."

Thus the preferred location of choice for Demonstration Farms soon became colleges all across the US. The stated endeavor of the "Bureau of Plant Industry" was "to coordinate extension activities of the Department of Agriculture with those of state agricultural colleges."

To help this endeavor the "Bureau of Plant Industry" provided parish agricultural and home demonstration agents. Mr. L.E. Pellerin was SLII’s District Inspector.

The goal of the "Bureau of Plant Industry" and its Demonstration Farms was also to:

Publish results of agricultural research.

Provide emergency services through local agents. (like Mr. Pellerin)

Help the various universities present displays and exhibits at fairs and expositions.

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Lafayette Gazette
November 1, 1907
	Industrial Institute - Demonstration Farm
	The Demonstration Farm is continuing to get the ground thoroughly plowed up with the big disc plow, though much of it is very thickly covered and bothered with Bermuda grass. Mr. L.E. Pellerin, the District Inspector of the Farmers Cooperative Demonstration Work of the Bureau of Plant Industry, paid the Farm a visit during the week and expressed his approval of the start being made and the plans for the continuation of the work on the farm this winter.

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1907 campus drawing. Text added by RP staff.