King, F P 1975-01-09
F. P. King, Dawson County farmer and seed developer, discusses farm implements and agronomy research leading to his creation of a better non-hybrid maize (milo).
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: F.P. King
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: January 09, 1975
Location: Lamesa, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour, ? minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Autobiographical data given,
Recalls grandfather in Tarrant County,
Explains "grubbing out" with sleds by tenants,
Follows development of cotton sled stripper,
Says that Georgia Half and Half bumble bee cotton, most popular type, brought about stripper,
Cites Maca cotton as superior cotton, developed in 1936-37,
Relates cotton types and mechanization,
Tells about decision to strip rather than to hire Mexicans,
Talks about farm labor,
Describes "Dugger strippers" with anger,
Agrees that 1926 was first year for sled stripper,
Points to pioneer blacksmith, naming McClintock,
Discusses planting process and technological progress,
Anecdote about fellow farmer in Martin County,
getting first tractor (1933),
Brings up sandfighter,
Anecdotes about Dawson County soil.
Tape 1, Side 2: Continues explanation about water retention of soil,
Estimates costs of sled-type strippers,
Recalls Oliver stripper,
Discusses relation between weather and planting,
Praises deep chisel and breaking plow,
Predicts water importation and vegetables,
Promotes reservoirs for conservation,
Recalls tenants who worked his land,
Points to changes in credit,
Discusses E. C. Martin maize,
Contends that maize stubble is as important as grain,
Gives example of cubes from entire stalk,
Stresses importance of maize (milo) in underdeveloped nations,
Tells about relationship with Texas Tech University for sorghum research,
Compares wheat and sorghum,
Mentions West Texas Public Utility Company and Clem Thomas,
Repeats need for chemical analysis (nutritional analysis) of maize.
Tape 2, Side 1: Recapitulates research with grain sorghum,
Follows discovery of hybrids,
Gives opinion of hybrid protection act of Congress,
States goals of research,
Recalls rat trials,
Remembers college years at North Texas State University,
Comments on status of research,
Tells anecdotes about sorghum hybrids,
Accounts for marketing of their hybrids.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1926-1975
Bulk Dates: 1926-1975
Access Information
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Transcript:
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