The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-07-05
IT'S CRITICAL FOR
WHEAT JUST NOW
The Next Ten Days Will Tell the Story---There's
Danger Of Too Much Rain
Interest Centers in the Possibility of Maintaining
the Present High Level Till Harvest.

The wheat crop Of the northwest as it
stands to-day shows slight deteriora-
tion, as compared with the general con-
ditions a week ago. The prospective yield
has been lowered in moderate degree,
principally by the continuation of wet
weather conditions that are more unfav
orable than otherwise at this time.
Since the seed went into the ground the
northwest has been favored with nearly
perfect growing weather. The crop now
stands so well as to indicate a splendid
yield, barring any calamitous happening
In the short time now intervening until
harvest. This good outlook was foreshad-
owed by the favorable conditions that pre-
vailed at seeding time and the period i'm
mediately following. The primary indi-
cation Of a bountifuI harvest has been
maintained, every succeeding week show
ing the wheat plant holding its own
through the various stages Of development.
The past week has brought the first evil
dence of a turn in the opposite direction.
Since July l the crop has barely held to
the previously indicated high level, and
generally speaking, no further improve
ment can be noted, while in places enough
damage has occurred to bring the prospec-
tive yield shade under that indicated
at this time last week. This suggests that
whatever favorable reports as to prospec-
have been based upon the appearance of
the crop, standing with the conditions at
the maximum for the year. 1t indicates
that July 1 marked the apex as to general
conditions, that further gain cannot
reasonably be expected, and that interest
from this time on must center in the pos
sibility of maintaining the crop on the
present level, until it is harvested.
It's n Critical Time.
This is the most critical time for wheat
The next week or ten days will tell the
story. AS the situation exists to-day
there is bountiful yield in sight. Against
it some unfavorable influences are aris-
ing. Looking over the whole field there
are found some minor instances of injury
from cut worms, and local complaints of
damage from hail and rust. In no instance
have these complaints been sensational,
nor are they widespread yet taken col
lectively, they show a considerable area
Of damage.
The Hopper Situation.
Grasshoppers are a menace in the Red
River valley. Cool weather and the per-
sistcnt combatiye efforts of the farmers,
aided by the growth of small parasite
that kills the hoppers, have held down
their development and prevented serious
damage from this source to date.
Rust and hot winds are to be feared.
What is needed to insure the heavy yield
is period of warm breezy weather. Still
and very hot weather would be bad, as it
would undoubtedly breed rust.
No More Rain Needed.
Most important Of all, however, is the
fact that the northwest does not want any
more rain at this time. Already there
has been more than enough and, In many
places, serious damage has been done by
too much rain.
An Early Harvest.
There will be an early harvest this
year. Wheat is now headed out along the
lines of the Northern Pacific and at some
points forther north. In southern Mime
sofa the crop is close to maturity and
it is probable harvesting will begin as
early as the 18th in some localities.
On the whole the northwest wheat crop
is in state Of maturity beyond the aver
age for this date.
Other Crops.
Corn has shown Improvement and in
general is in better condition than week
ago.
Barley and oats have held up we'll and
the promise previously indicated has been
fully maintained.
Spring rye is we'll along everywhere
and winter rye will be ready for harvest
in few days. The flax acreage has suf-
fered from too much moisture and a lack
of sunshine. The development is uneven
and the acreage spotted. There has
probably been but little damage OF an
irreparable nature and with weather con-
ditions favoring from now on, flax will
show gain week hence
The hay crop will be very heavy.
The reports which follow are from
Journal 4 correspondents in we'll dis
tributed shipping centers throughout the
three spring, wheat states. They are as
nearly impartial and fair as it is possible.
to make them, being based on personal
examination and direct interviews with
the farmers.