Jews Settle Close to Favored Farming Zones; Close to Consuming Centers

Speaking before a group of farmminded New Yorkers, at the Labor Temple, Wednesday evening, Gabriel Davidson, General Manager of the Jewish Agricultural Society voiced his conviction that agriculture is too important an industry to remain permanently depressed. It is generally believed, he stated, that recovery must begin with an improvement in agriculture. Encouraged by such a prospect, large numbers of city people have turned their thoughts to farming. It is worthy of note, Mr. Davidson continued, that although Jews in the United States have entered every branch of farming, by far the largest number are to be found engaged in branches other than those that are most seriously affected—that are the subject of much of the publicity in the press and solicitude in Congress.

Jewish farmers settle for the most part, close to those large consuming centers where they had resided and where there is normally a steady demand for their products. Those located within these favored zones will be among the first to be benefited when general recovery sets in.

It is the opinion of agricultural economists, Mr. Davidson pointed out, that this is the proper time for those having a genuine love for the farm and the necessary capital to settle on the land. Starting at the lowest level, the new farmer stands a chance to be benefited from the upward trend that is expected to ensue. However, it is just as important as ever for the new settler to be careful in selecting the proper farm, making the right terms and adopting proper management. In all these problems the Jewish Agricultural Society stands ready to afford its applicants the benefit of its years of experience and the services of its trained personnel.

Another speaker at this meeting, which is the first of a series to be held this winter under the auspices of the Jewish Agricultural Society, was J. Yavener of Windsor, Conn. Born on Cherry Street in Manhattan, Mr. Yavener became interested in agriculture, he said, at an early age, and after completing a course at the Baron de Hirsch Agricultural School and serving several years of apprenticeship on farms, he bought a place of his own. For several years now he has been in charge of the field work at a State Agricultural Experiment Station, in addition to operating his own farm.