Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1902-04-18
is A BIG CORN STATE.
Farm Lands Value Double In
the Last Two Years.

the Last Two Years.
Prof. r. F. Kerr Of the state agricu
tural college: South Dakota has earne
for herself : prominent place in th
northwestern galaxy Of states in th
last few years. She has passed th
transition period and the agriculturs
outlook for the coming year is yer
flattering indeed. We have just com
4! to the realization of the fact that on
lands are fitted for greater variety q
crops and uses than the early settler
were aware Of when first arrived. Th
mon with the one crop idea are NOV
ing farther towards the frontier o
have gone out Of business. New
ideas have prevailed and we are nov
receiving new infusion of epergeti
men, with capital enough to till thei
farms properly and to turn their at
tention to stock raising possibilities
Every interest IL possible here that il
found in common with the other farm
ing regions of this latitude and the
state gladly welcomes prospectives set
tiers who are practical enough to know
how to make the most of the opportu
mites that are to be encountered.
Farm lands have almost doubled in
value in the last two or three years,
but they are not overvalued yet and
there are splendid chances to get hold
of good farms at reasonable figures and
on good terms. Many men who came
to the territory comparatively poor
are now able to retire to adjoining
towns and villages and live upon in.
comes from property they have &C.
quired since they came. Like opportu.
mites are just as numerous today and
the knowing ones seem to appreciate
these facts.
Wheat has been the principal crop
until within few years in the eastern
part of the state, but more attention
is being paid to corn Of late years. In
fact it has been the surest and most
profitable crop as far northwest as in
Walworth and Campbell counties, and
land prices are sttffening in many of
the hitherto neglected districts. We
have become corn shipping state. and
will be, if we are not already, known
as the corn and hog-raising state Corn
is profitable crop nearly everywhere
east of the Missouri river. Wheat is
surest in the Sioux Valley. The dairy
interests are equally good in all the
eastern part Of the state, except where
farmers think that others pursuits are
more remunerative West Of the river
of course are to be found large cattle
ranges. but there is considerable graz
ing on the Missouri slope and in the
James river valley. In other parts Of
the state cattle and sheep are being OK.
tensively fed for the eastern markets.
W. are destined to be great hog.
raising state for the reason that we are
free from porcine scourge- cholera.
Dakota soil being . drift formation,
is noted for its elements Of fertility,
and there IL sufficient rainfall In most
Of the tillable portion Of the state to
answer all purposes. We average as
we'll IN sureness of crops as in most of
our sister states. Where the rainfall is
not 80 certain there are means for irri.
eating the soil and experience has
taught as how to use water to the best
Advantage. Wetting down the fields
every two or three years is found to be
sufficient to secure good crops. With
fertile soil plenty Of. sunshine, ard a
fairly good rainfall, the peolpe are be.
ginning to adopt themselves to their
surroundings, and it is claimed that,
"for the fourth successive year, South
Dokota is unquestionably in the first
place for the per capita production of
new wealth" ,
1t took time and experiences 10 learn
just what methods and what crops
were best adapted to the conditions of
our new land, and having demonstra-
ted all of these things quite satisfac-
torily' the new settler will have bet
ter opportunity to make good living
and secure competency for his old
age than did the pioneer who had to
work out his destiny without any help
from others experiences and expert
ments. There was large immigration
last year and every indication points to
3 greater this year. There is room for
them and welcome. ,+