The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1913-11-27
COMPOSITE Statement MADE
BY ONE HUNDRED BANKERS
SHOW CONDITIONS GOOD.
FIFTEEN PER CENT GAIN
Crop Above the Average In Places
and Normal In Others - Prices
Remain Good.

factor is reported to be the most pros
porous section of the United States
particularly SO far as agricultural and
farming interests are concerned. A
complete canvass Of the principal pro-
ducing centers Of Oregon, Washington
and Idaho has been made by the
Northwestern National Bank of Port
land through the medium of a hum
dred banks throughout the section in
question. The reports are all conser
vative and go to prove that the north
west has experienced year of un-
usual prosperity with the exception of
lumber. The advance has been more
pronounced in some localities than
others but no place reported a loss.
While the fruit crop was not as
heavy as last year, the quality of the
yield was much better and the prices
were higher. The result, it is esti-
mated, will be a cash return to the
fruitgrower of about Is per cent in
excess of the 1912 return. All fruit
growing districts report satisfactory
results especially in marketing.
Prices are from Is to SO per cent bet
ter than last year.
Grain Yield Normal
The grain yield, too, has been a lit
tie short of last year, but is better
than normal. The market has been
firm enough to satisfy the farmers
The quality has been better. Cash re
ceipts from grain, therefore, are heav
Ter than in ordinary years.
In the eastern Oregon district, par.
ticularly around PendletOn, the wheat
production is much heavier than the
average. 1t is estimated that the ter.
ritory directly tributary to Pendle
tom produced more than 5000, 200
Fbusf5c7y Of wheat, -which--eQslals- t0
the big crop record Of 1907.
Districts that export lot Of lumber
such as Portland, Tacoma, Seattle,
Marshfield and Gray's Harbor points
report continued activity, although
the price is not high enough to give
the mill owners much financial sat.
isfaction. In spite of present depres'
sion, all mill owners and bankers are
optimistic of the future and predict
increased business In 1914.
South Idaho Prosperous
Southern Idaho reports a prosperous
season. The first hay crop there was
badly damaged, but this loss was
nearly overcome by the prices on
later crops.
The mining districts of Idaho, such
as Kellok and Coeur d'Alene, are
much encouraged. Theirs Is a crop
that brings returns every month in the
year. The present prices of metals are
sufficiently attractive to make sue.
cessful operation through out the year
possible. Increased prosperity is
prophesied for next year.
Central Oregon, which only re-
Gently has been relieved from isolation
by railroad connection, is advancing
steadily. Grain, potato and onion
crops at Bend and Redmond are neav-
ier than last year. A larger acreage
also has been under cultivation. Banks
and retail merchants report good busi-
ness.
The Willamette valley and the
Rogue River valley are reporting their
usual superiority of crops. The acre
age has been increased, only slightly,
however. Not SO much advence has
Deen made as in some Of the newer
sections. Merchants report good trade
and have hopeful outlook for the
future. Much attention has been given
to clover production. A big crop
was harvested, but the price has been
off in the last few months. Hops,
prunes, fresh fruits and grain served
to make this year Of success for the
farmer, as well as the tradesman.
In southwestern Washington the ag
ricultural districts have shown steady
Improvement. Increased acreage IL
reported.
III. of the most encouraging signs
is that of the lowly hog. Nearly
every community is raising more hogs
this year than ever before. More Will
be raised in the future
The dairy districts, too, give favor
able reports and promise soon to pro-
duce enough butter to meet the needs
Of the northwest. Importation OF
dairy products from the east, the
bankers point out, has been one OF
the heaviest drains on the cash re.
sources Of the northwest.