The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1910-03-04
VOL. XIV.-NO. 8.
IFFlORf PLANTERS
SHOULD GET BUSY


Marked Tree, Ark, Feb. 76.-The ap-
proach Of the cropping season in the
rice fields Of eastern Arkansas prairies
ID marked by q greater activity than
the district has ever known before. AL
though the industry, considered on .
commercial scale, dates back only Ave
years, it is already past the exper-
imental stage and has won for Itself
recognition as one of the established
interests of this county. Millions Of
dollars have been invested within the
last two or three years in the business
OF rico growing, and milling it through
out the country, and the Investment Is
increasing many fold, ~ understanding
becomes clearer concerning the proAts
10 be realized from this industry.
Tho extent Of the increase is we'll
known by the conditions existing
around Welner, in the west end Of the
county, which is one of the newest por-
tions Of the fields. Between the towns
Of Hickory Ridge and O'Bear, the total
area of rice planting during 1909 did
not exceed 1000 acres Immediately
adjacent to Hickory Ridge, there was in
1909 but one irrigating we'll in opera
tion, while in 1910 there will be about
fourteen. save for the inability Of the
we'll drivers to assume further opera
tions, the years increase would have
been still more active. A conservative
estimate Of the 1910 crop in the Vein
or territory placed the yield at be-
tween $50, 900 and 400, 900 bushels. This
estimate is based on only 50 per cent.
Of last years crop, which averaged AZ
bushels per acre, but in fact each sue
cessive year has shown q gain rather
than loss in crop returns per acre.
In order to handle the prodact Of
their farms with the greatest measure
Of profit, the rice growers Of the Wefn-
or district are now incorporating ,
milling plant to be financed and op-
Grated in their own interests. This
mill, with capitalization Of 100000,
In to be located at Weiner and will be
in active operation in time to receive
the 1910 crop. The mill which is in
construction and equipment, will cost
approximately $50, 900, and will have =
capacity Of 600 barrels in twelve
hours, or an annual capacity barely
equal to the handling Of this years
acreage in the district, and already
plans aro forming for the installing Of
other plants to meet the inevitable ex-
pansion Of the rice field for 1911.
The almost unprecedented profits
realized by the growers on these
prairies In 1908 and 1909, averaged $50
per acre, net, and the equally satisfied
dividends paid by tho mills, have turn
cd strong tide Of immigration to the
rice country from all parts Of the older
farming states, and today farmers from
Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin
are investing their money in Poinsett
county soil. The total area Of Arkan-
sas lands adapted to rice growing is
still largely q matter Of conjecture.
But in Poipsett, Craighead and Cross,
the northernmost and least developed
part Of the district, at least 100000
acres are we'll suited to the growing of
the cereal, and each seasons crop
work extends the limits Of this area
considerably, as experimental paintings
are made on new ground. The full de-
velopment Of the entire acreage at the
present rate of increase, will come
. within very few years. 1t il being
retarded only by the inability of the
we'll crews and other workmen on the
ground to meet the demands Of new
business. Commercial Appeal.
Lehore county has the opportunity Of
starting this industry and introducing
this crop in . manner that will insure
its success and rapid development. Mr.
d. Runyon, . practical and successful
rice planter from the Arkansas dis
trict, has Investigated the lands in the
delta with the view Of locating here
His rice farm will be . practical objec
lesson to those who Wish to put theil
nat, stiff lands In this profitable crop
Other counties are Offering him sub
stantial Inducements to locate viii
them. The Business League ha1 se
cured an agreement from Mr.. Runyon