The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1895-04-11
CONDITION OF CROPS.
The Official Report of the State De-
partmcnt.-.Ou for the
Various Grains.

The official report of the Ohio depart
mcnt of agriculture on the condition of
crops and wages of farm hands has been
completed. The report is Of special in
terest as 1t is the first estimate on the
wheat crop for the current year, and 1t
places the average at eighteen points be-
low full or perfect crop. The estimates
are compiled from the returns made by
the regular township crop correspondents
of the department, and represents condi-
tions as they appeared on the first day of
April. Every section Of the state Is rep
resented in their returns and the average
made for townships and counties and
then for the state produce the following
result:
Wheat-Condition compared with an
average, so per cent; degree of snow pro-
| lection, six weeks crop of 1894 still in
producers hands, 21 per cent,
Barley-Condition compared with an
average, 50 per cent.
Rye-Condition compared with an
average, 50 per cent.
Corn-Condition in crib compared with
| an average, % per cent; cut up last fall
| for fodder 80 per cent; remaining un-
husked during winter, 8 per cent; damage
to unhusked during winter per cent +;
damage to fodder during winter, 12 per
cent
Fruit--Prospects compared with an
average, "a per cent.
Wpges of farm hands-Per month with
board, $15 per month without board, S22
per day, without board, 81.
The extreme drouth during seed time
last fall, together with the continued low
price of wheat, no doubt caused n de-
cline in acreage as compared with
previous years Much late sown wheat
went into improperly prepared seed beds,
and this did not withstand the effects
of winter so well as did that sown early
or where soil conditions enabled proper
preparation. Taking the state over wheat
is not as green or vigorous or so advanced
IN growth as compared with an average
The severe weather during March was
the principal cause for the low average
condition so per cent. shown April l.
Growth was retarded and there was some
upheaval of the roots by alternate freez
ing and thawing. 1t is, however, gen
orally believed that the roots are well sci
and some of the now brown fields will
with the needed warm rains, brighter
up and materially increase the present
condidtiOn. From some correspondents
up and put to other crops
Throughout the state, compared Will
the average, thirty-two counties report
the condition of wheat between 20 ant
| so per cent forty-three counties between
{ so and 90 per cent eleven counties 80 PEI
cent; and above. Two counties are below
70 and none reach the 100 estimate ave
rage.
About six weeks was the average tim,
of snow protection; sometimes it wa
light and there was considerable drif
snow, SO that the protection has not beer
ample.
1t is estimated that 21 per cent. of tn,
crop of 1894 remains in the hands of pro
, ducers. Basinp actuation ON the estimat
product of last wear this would represen
10, 500. 600 BUSHELS. This is small
amount considering the low price O
wheat, which would naturally caus
farmers to hold, but is accounted for b,
the fact that the feeding of wheat to liv
stock is Incoming quite general through
ont tbe state