The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-10
1900, 900 11.66 LAT, 100, 900
IL, 410, 900 1871 l78, $50, 600
The Jones report appeared this morn


ing at 11:05, being given out personally
by the compiler as a Commercial West
bulletin at the chamber Of commerce Be-
fore the report was received, the trading
room was almost deserted and hundreds
of men packed the lobby, awaiting re-
ceipt of the estimate. It came as great
surprise. No one, even the most con-
sentative, had expected so low a total.
Chicago houses took the report at first
with hesitation, as 1t was lower than any
thing suggested in the numerous rumors
that were atioat during the week, and
asked for confirmation, which was
promptly forthcoming. It is the opinion
among grain men here that the report
means higher prices average for wheat
in Minneapolis this year than for many
years. The crop is shown to be the small
est for number of years, with the ex-
ception of 1898, the year Of the prolonged
drought.
Analysis by Mr.. Jones.
Speaking of the report H. v. Jones said
to 7 he o urn a. l:
81 assume that the figures in my esti-
mate Of to-day will be found lower than
the trade in general has been looking for.
The decrease of 81, 100000 bushels in yield
from last year is due in part to loss Of
acreage, and In part to loss in the aver
age yield per acre. LAST year we re-
sduced the estimate of wheat acreage
100000 acres from that Of the previ-
Gus year on account of the cutting down
due to diversified farming, and the crop
distribution fully sustained that reduc-
ton. This year we reduce the wheat
acreage 100000 acres additional making
a reduction of almost 100000 acres in
the area planted to wheat since the col
lection of the data that made up the basis
for the last census report. This is in all
a decrease Of about 10 per cent in the
wheat acreage of the three states. We
thing results will sustain the further re-
duction because the increase this year in
the area put to oats, macaroni and corn
is marked and very evident to any one
who has kept record of acreages in this
territory
Not General Crop Shortage.
While the wheat will fall short, it must
not be inferred that there is crop shortage.
There is shortage of wheat, but an in
crease in all other grains except flax.
Business conditions in the northwest
should be good, and barring about two
limited areas in the three states all Sec
lions habe fair crops. The Red river val
ley will produce nice yield Of wheat and
will raise a majority Of the crop Of North
Dakota. The area of heaviest average
yield is in a district arount Larimore
where in places the yield will go about Is
DuShelS. one the DalryLnIIe farms the
average will be about 20 bushels, which
will make it the largest crop ever raised,
the average being higher than the big
yield of 1895. The northern tier of coun-
ties in North Dakota will have a light
yield as will also, the Missouri slope.
Macaroni In South Dakota.
Probably the greatest surprise in the
estimate will be found in the figures for
South Dakota, where an extra large yield
has been claimed. My figures show lit
tie less wheat than last year. My report
does not take into account the macaroni
wheat I am willing to call it macaroni
but will not call it wheat It is not clear
to me what the departm ent Of agriculture
proposes to do with several million BUSH
els of it, but presume they figure that
it will do as a substitute for wheat. The
southern counties of South Dakota have
raised a good quantity Of 1t this year, as
it will yield high per acre."
Comment On the Report.
John Washburn said Of the report: IT
believe it to be conservative and reliable
estimate and a true reflection of the sit
uation in the northwest. While the fig
ures are low they did not surprise me
greatly for I saw much myself In the
the wheat fields to lead me to believe some
time ago that we could not hope for
heavy crop this year"
Charles E. Lewis says the report was
surprise to majority in the trade as
the figures were low. But will not say
they are too low. have confidence in the
ability Of the estimator to get pretty close
to it. do not want to talk much of high
er wheat prices for prices are already up
10c. from former figures, but If the Jones
report Is correct, the supply situation
possibility of dollar wheat, If any further
bad news comes along.