Abstracted from a talk at the 1935 AAACE meeting, Cornell University, New York. A strong case for reporting vividly, from observation, and with heart. "Flesh and blood on bare bones."
Survey report at annual AAACE meeting. "About 40 per cent of the county extension agents now furnish extension information to their local newspapers regularly, only a very few altogether neglecting to do so, but there is a distinct need for editorial training for agents." Among the training means proposed: journalism courses for prospective agents while in college, state news-writing training meetings held by the college editor for county agents, correspondence courses in news writing, and bulletins on news writing. American Association of Agricultural College Editors.
Traces developments in public programs related to agriculture (e.g., Soil Conservation Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Electrification Administration, Extension Service). "Certainly the agricultural college editors have a major responsibility for keeping the farmer and the public properly informed regarding facts and movements so they may judge wisely."
Author emphasizes intellectual curiosity as a striking characteristic of the effective agricultural college editor. Among other cited credentials: agricultural college education, newspaper training and practical farm experience.
Summarizes a presentation by Lowell Treaster, director of public relations at Michigan State College, at the recent AAACE conference, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
