The Farmville Herald And Farmer Leader

State President Of Amelia Reports
On National County Agents Meeting

The 38th annual convention of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Oct. 11-15, at the Benjamin Hotel in Philadelphia, broke all records for attendance, according to County Agent E. L. Wood, of Amelia, president of Virginia Association of County Agents.

Forty-three states were officially represented. Registrations, including wives of delegates and other guests, totaled 696 men and 300 women. One of the men was a visitor from Australia. The registration was over 50 above the previous record set two years ago at the 1951 convention in Memphis, Tenn.

County Agent E. L. Wood was a member of the Professional Improvement committee and was re-elected to serve another year. Others from Virginia named to serve on committees were L. B. Wilkins, chairman of Federal Agency Relations Committee; H. B. Eller, farm and home planning; J. B. Flora, 4-H and older youth; J. E. Beard, urban planning.

Starting with an informal coffee klatch Sunday night, convention activities continued in high gear until the final banquet meeting, Thursday night, at which 97 agents from 39 states received distinguished service awards for long years of outstanding work.

Receiving awards from this state were P. H. France, C. W. Richards and J. E. Beard.

Highlights included addresses by Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson, Dr. Wilson S. Eisenhower, president of the Pennsylvania State College; C. M. Ferguson of Washington, national extension director, and Wheeler McMillen of Philadelphia. Two farm tours, one into Pennsylvania and the other to New Jersey also were popular features.

Next year's convention will be held at Salt Lake City, Utah.