Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1914-05-27

In the south % per cent of all white
farmers and % per cent of all colored
farmers were reported as having been
on their farms less than one year, and
| lis per cent of all white farmers as
compared with 1871 per cent of all col
ored farmers had been there only one
| year. However, a considerably larger
number of white armers than of col
ored farmers remained on the same
farm as operators for a period of 10
| years and over, the proportion being
q per cent and 10 per cent. respective
ly. One-third-33 per cent-of the white
and 36 per cent of the colored farmers
of the south had been residents of
the same farm one year and less, indi-
eating that approximately the same
proportion of the two races was of the
class of what might be called floating
farmerS.
Tenancy.
The figures returned by this "occu-
pancy of farm census also show that
the farmers classified as owners, free"
move from farm to farm much less
frequently than the Share tenants
farmers who rent farms on shares. Fol
example, for the United States as a
whole only S.63 per cen of Owners,
free" are reported as having occupied
their farms one year or less, while
52.27 per cent of share tenants are
reported as having occupied their
ldIIIlS LOT lHe same lenRtn OIL IlIl0. EOr
the 1O-year period and over the show
ing was equally as significant. Whereas
48 per cent of "owners, Free" reported
that they had occupied their farms for
10 years and over, only 6 per CEN of
share tenants had occupied their
farms for the same length of time.
Effect on Crop Production.
The showing Of greater stability of
occupancy by the farmers in the north
\ 0o n rod with tho rovvro0rc In thu
south n the west is more significant
When comparisons are la OF the pro-
duction Of farm crops. Corn is grown
extensively both In the north n in
the south and probably is the best
crop to use as a basis of comparison.
According to the figures from the re-
ports Of the census the average yield
of corn per acre in 1909 in the New
England states was 45 bushels; in the
middle Atlantic states, 80 bushels: in
the east north central states. 80 BUSH
els. and in the west north central
Atlantic states. where the farmers
shifted from farm to farm more than
in the north and west. the average yield
OF corn per acre was 16 bushels; In
the east south central states, 10 BUSH
els, and In the west south central. 16
that in those sections where farmers
generally have operated the same
farms for periods of five years and over,
the yield of corn is considerably larger
than in the sections where the period
of occupancy is more unstable, or for
shorter periods Of time.
Result Of Frequent Change.
This frequency Of moving from farm
to farm, or instability of occupancy.
very likely forms one of the chief
causes for the decline of rural prosper
ity, or is a hindrance to greater prog
ress. Frequency OF removal OF farm
ers results in general shiftlessness; the
roads and bridges are generally in poor
condition because h farmers. moving
at frequent periods. are not particularly
interested in their upkeep. Farm
buildings of such farms are not usual
ly kept in good repair, as the farmer
who is about to move will leave the
repairs for the next tenant to make.
The same reasons will apply for lack
Of interest by the unstable" farmer
in the schools. churches and general
welfare of the community. They move
frequently; they do not remain on a
farm long enough to get the best re-
suits from it, consequently they are
usually in a poor financial condition.