The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1906-10-05
SOUTH OAK0TKS BIC CORN CROP
6rnerns Banner Harvest in It's Lands Almost pay Tor
Their Cost From the First Crop.

Although the crop reports of the
government for wheat and corn have
been published, the people of the coun-
try have failed to realize what kind
Of crop has been produced in South
Dakota It now appears as If this
state will step into the foremost po-
sition Of all the western states, and
especially northern South Dakota.
During the past week I have been
travelling through South Dakota in or
der to ascertain the exact condition
Of the crop in this state, and have
found that the crop is record one,
and that the farmer will receive sub
stantial reward for his work.
The greatness of South Dakota has
never stood forth in grander aspect
than it does now. No matter what
part Of the state you travel through,
you see nothing but stacks Of wheat,
growing corn, and the farmer with his
harvest hands busily engaged in
threshirg. That South Dakota holds
out to the man who is seeking home
in the West rainbow Of prosperity
was never so evident.
At Groton I met farmer and made
inquiries regarding crops, the grade Of
wheat, and it's value at present. While
stood on the main street talking l
saw wagon loads Of wheat being
hauled to one Of the grain elevators
In the town.
"Who has had the best crop here
abouts?" I asked.
That's hard to say" was the reply,
'for every one has had good crop;
but If you want to see an average crop
60 out to the farm OF Fred Foth,
about four miles from here. Mr.. FOth
is German from Bancroft, Iowa, who
cultivated his half section this year
for the first time, and you can there
see for yourself what South Dakota
lands do for the farmer"
A Type Of Dakota Success.
drove out to Mr. Foth's farm and
found him directing squad Of har-
vesters. l made myself known and
said:
"Ten me something about your
farm"
Stepping to one side, he motioned
me to sit down, and said:
Three years ago l purchased this
half section of land for $27.50 per acre.
l had land in Iowa under cultivation
at the time, and SO l leased this land
for two years. In the meantime
came out here every season to look
around and closely studied the crops
weather conditions, and all of those
things which aid the farmer in raising
good crops. Finally came to the
conclusion that this was the place for
me and my family. saw plenty of
rain here; a healthy climate, mag
nificent school system for my children,
plenty OF railroads, and so moved out
here late in the winter.
| '.This spring I set to work on my
land and prepared twenty acres for
wheat. My threshing is now COM
plete and the greater part OF my
wheat is at the elevators. From thir-
ty bushels of seed I have reaped 795
bushels of wheat, or almost forty
bushels to the acre. All of this wheat
graded No. l Northern"
what other crops have you raised?"
| 7 asked.
Il planted forty acres of barley and
have reaped thirty-eight bushels to the
acre." was his answer "From twen-
ty acres of oats | have obtained sixty
five bushels by weight to the acre;
have fifty acres of corn still on the
stalk, and a number Of acres OF flax.
All of these crops are in good condi-
ton, and l expect to harvest twenty
five bushels to the acre Of fax. My
corn, as you see, looks good"
Profits of One Season.
What amount Of money will these
crops net you?" l asked.
From my wheat and barley I will
net, above all expenses, $4,000. Be-
sides this I have my fifty acres of
corn twenty-five acres of fax and sew
enty-five hogs. My hogs are In fine
condition. so that I will net for the
season, after every cent of expense
has been paid, not less than $500,
and possibly $3.50"
What will you sell your farm for?"
inquired.
I'm not trying to sell It," was the
answer. perhaps il some one OF.
fered be $75 or 500 an acre I might
be tempted to take 1t. but / doubt 1t.
don't know where l could go and
get land as good as this for any such
figure. Here l can make good liv-
ing. do not have to work so very hard,
and every year my land is increasing
in value. Instead Of selling l am in
clined to buy more"
When had completed my research