Oakes weekly Republican. (Oakes, Dickey County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1898, 1898-06-17
$1.5O,PER YEAR

and profitable return from a wheat field and
the taking up of the slow but sure profit
that comes from dairying and its kindred
industries.
1t is the same story that has been told in
every agricultural state in the union, at
first the virgin soil, supplemented by favor
able conditions for market gave promise of
wealth to every wheat grower, then followed
reduced yields and lower prices, debt pro-
ducing instead of wealth giving crops the
| rule, until now We dare not anticipate the
harvest, we SOW in hope but know not what
VIC shall reap. The sad experience of the
great majority, mortgagcd homes and n
struggle for eXistanco has taught lis that
sole reliance on the one crop is like the sup
port of q broken reed, yet we will not let
go the reed.
When raising wheat the good farmer takes
special pains in the preparation of the
ground, is very particular in his selection of
his seed, and makes every effort to put it in
we'll but at the same time knows that he
may be but adding to an expense bill that
| will he all lost. He is always taking his
chances of unfavorable weather, excessive
rams, drought, hot winds, bugs and hail,
something that in day will destroy the
brightest promise and at harvest time leave
him barely enough to pay the cos. of reap
ing the ruined fields. On tho other hand,
he also knows that if using care and good
Judgement i'll selecting q COW, ifshc is prop
erly fed and cared for that if given the
right attention to the manufacture of her
product that all this extra care and attent.
ION will surely bring corresponding good
returns, drought and storm will not DESTROY
the crop from her, and that every oxtra dol
lar and every hours labor judiciously ex.
pended in keeping this living machine in
good working order is sure to pay we'll.
But in the light of this knowledge and all
past experience, the majority of farmers
hesitate to reduce the area of their wheat
fields and use part of their farms for dairy
ing and stock raising. This hcsitancy i.
surely not from fear of results. it must be
largely the want of stability of purpose
When the wheat crop is a loosing one anC
tho end of the year puts him still further il
| >'S'e deter
mines on change, but the next spring
things look little brighter, tho ground il
IN line condition, promises are fair for ;
paying price and he again gamblcs on tho
chances. III it proves to be good year ani
he comes out few dollars ahead, althou pl
every surplus dollar has to go to pay accu
mulated interest on past debts, he is en-
couragod to stay in tho game another wear
So it goes on from. year to year, like tn,
good resolutions Of new years day, the lea
is II ot turned.
1t may be that this is not Il good year in
which to suggest making plans for reduced
whoat areas and the introduction of dairy
ing. War prices now, tho young crop YER,
promising, possibilities good for continued
hlgh prices, wheat is a very tempting bait
and sincerely hope that every wheat field
VIII bring in big money, but if so, and our
brightest hopes are realized, am inclined
to think 1t Will be the part of wisdom 'to
LOOK leetlc oudt' us our friend from ger
many says 1t is well at times to hedge ,
iiltlc ior the future, we can do it by invest
ing some OF our surplus money in few
live milking machines rather than in more
plows and harvcstcrs for increased acreage
next season. 1t may be we'll at times o
war to prepare for peace, wars will end ant
war prices will not continue 1t is we'll te
be prepared to meet the drop when it come.
by having sure money producer to depend
upon.
You can depend on the cow her product
will not be under tho control of elevator O,
wheat ring combines, nor subject to a 25 tc
80 per cent freight rate. Put tho product of
your fields into the condensed forms OF
butter, cheese and beef and you will dc
more to settle the question of freight rates
SO far as you are concerned individually
than will all the arguments advanced by
any X letters.
But like Banquos ghost, the old question
can we make it pay? comes up. Yes, pro
vlded partnership is formed between the
Cow and the Brain. Brain is not an cssent
lal factor when raising nothing but wheat