The Daily Missoulian., 1912-10-09

the farm value of last years wheat
crop was, and about one half of the
wheat crop of the United States is
raised in Minnesota and the two Da-
| kotas.
The report of H. C. Klein of the
Farmer corroborates statements of
huge crops. He adds If there are
any unfavorable features of the crop
situation in the northwest this sea-
son they are yet to be discovered. and
the general feeling of optimism which
exists throughout this entire section
must be based upon unmistakable
facts. The situation is reflected in
trade conditions, which have never
been more encouraging. Northwest
ern railroad lines are anticipating
the crop movement and are endeavor-
ing in every way to avoid the possi-
bi1ity of any car shortage.
Canada.
Crop conditions in Canada point to
large wheat yield this season, says
Herbert Vanderhoof, editor of Canada
Monthly. who places the total at 300,-
0o0.0 600 bushels-double the crop of
1910.
President Tregillis of the United
Farmers of Alberta, is of the opinion
that this province will have a total
grain yield of 70,0O0,00O bushels, the
proportion of wheat being about 90
100000 bushels. Twenty five to thirty
bushels an acre are expected as an
average yield. and the heads are
splendidly filled out.
Saskatchewan shows q considerable
increase In wheat acreage, 5.174, 600
acres Of land being Under wheat and
a yield of II to 25 bushels being ex-
pected. The government supported
line of elevators in this province has
increased from 46 elevators last year
to 40
Reports from Calgary, Lethbridge
and Southern Alberta towns show that
so per cent of the crop was harvested
by September l. In Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon. Lumsden and the Prince
Albert district report harvest pro-
crossing favorably. large crop OF
coarse grain and roughage suitable
for cattle feeding is being expected by
the mixed farming men, and many
farmers are arranging to finish as
many beef animals as possible to take
advantage of the high prices prevail
ing for prime beef At many points
in the west, beef is being imported
in order to supply the local demand
Mixed farming districts, like the
Touchwood Hills, are planning to turn
off more cattle than usual. and the
plentiful amount of root and fodder
crops will be of material help in pro-
dueing prime beef.
Around Biggar, Saskatchewan, the
fields indicate ayyield of from 25 to
35 bushels per acre of wheat, and
from so to 100 bushels of oats. The
Last Mountain Valley district reports
most of the brain cut and showing
equally good yields. Shellbrok. Sas-
katchewan, reports wheat oats and
barley being cut. Steitler, Alberta,
reports bumper crop of all grains.
Central towns such as Wainwright,
Wadena, Battleford. report the crop
as being we'll filled out and unusually
heavy Oats, wheat, barley and flax
are alike in excellent condition and
promise to raise 1911's figures by
many thousands of bushels.
The conditions at elevator and stor-
age points bear out this promise. The
capacity of grain inspection elevators
in the western division this year is
S9,514,90O bushels, an increase of
100000 over last season.
The chief difficulties in the Cana
dian west have been the shortage of
harvest hands and of binder twine.
Thousands of men have gone into the
harvest fields, excursions passing
through Winnipeg daily, but many
western farmers are still unsupplied,
and are wiring daily for more help.
Large shipments of binder twine have
gone into most of districts and more
are being rushed as fast as possible
into the areas of shortage. The rail-
ways are all busy distributing box
cars at various points ready for the
gigantic haul of wheat, and one of
the most discussed questions at pres
ent is whether there will be bottom
enough at Montreal to take the grain
fast enough for shipment without
causing congestion at that point.
On the whole, the outlook, however,
is very good, and a season of unex-
ampled prosperity is forecast for all
three of the prairie provinces.