Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1901-10-12
STATE CROP REPORT.
0ctnhar 1 1Ql1

The reports from correspondents, for
October LIST, are OF special interest as
giving the estimates of the principal
farm crops OF the state, either fr m
results of threshed grain, ON
point of development of nru, ested
crops, that enables very cluso estimate
to be made.
The weather since August LIST has
been we'll calculated to insure the
growth and development of unripened
crops, the amount of rainfall having in
most localities been ample for the needs
OF vegetation, and the absence of killing
frOsts being exceptional.
In that part of the state where, at the
time OF issue OF our last report, the
ravages of drought made crop prospects
most favorable conditions since existing
much higher estimates are now reported.
In the seventeen counties, in the
southern part of the state, classified in
our last report as "drOugth-stricken
section" corn has advanced from So per
cent to 81 per cent-a gain of four
points; and tobacco from 50 to Y per
cent, while the reports of threshed grain
show better yields than were antici-
pated. The only crop that shows a loss
during the past two months, is potatoes
This crop is not to be full one in any
general part of the the state. Even in
those sections where rain has been suf-
ficient during the entire season, the
yield is not up to early indications.
In the whole state, with a careful con-
sideratiOn of the Importance of the crop
in the various sections, we are compelled
to report falling off of six points since
August LIST; our estimate then being 70
per cent, against 70 per cent. now.
1t may be of interest to state, in this
connection, that from the statements of
crops raised, given in reports of the
secretary of state for several years past,
the average yield of potatoes in the
state is given as some 80 bushels per
acre; it is doubted whether the present
crop will fall below these figures.
Our previous estimates of small grain
crops are amply sustained by reports of
bushels threshed, and show these crops
to be well up among yields of former
years.
Our reports show an inclination to
sow less winter wheat than in past
years, spring wheat now yielding nearly
as heavily as winter wheat and being
less subject to chances of loss.
Pastures are now better than they
have been since early in the season and
the continued warm wet weather gives
promise of their lasting well into the
late fall.
The corn crop has been more generally
secured with referened to the feeding
value OF the roughage than usual, and
the absence of frost has allowed it to be
cut while in good form.
The prospects for winter feed are not
so gloomy as they were at the time of
last report; any while large numbers of
young cattle have been sold at low
figures, we are of the opinion that there
is ample feed in the state to winter the
farm stock now in the hands of farmers.
Asa whole, the farmers of Wisconsin
have little reason for encouragement at
the results of their work in 1901. and
lessons may be learned from peculiar
conditions existing this year, suggestive
OF better culture and management, that
may largely compensate for losses
sustained.
Below we give the aggregates of esti-
mates received from our correspondents,
respecting the various crops:
VIII n DID IrDF