The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-09
CROPS AND THE MARKETS.

somewhat unfavorable outlook for the
crops, together with the apprehension
lest the general railway strike be ac-
tually begun, explains in some measure
some of the sluggishness of the securities
market. Should the harvests prove to be
as unsatisfactory as some of the experts
fear and hould there come a general
railway strike, security market conditions
will be affected for a time.
James j. Hill used to speak with pride
of wheat growing conditions in the Da-
kotas, for which he was in great meas
ure the inspiration. He believed that
whatever the condition Of wheat in other
parts of the country might be, South Da-
kota, east of the Missouri river, and
North Dakota would harvest crops that
would do much to make good impairment
elsewhere. Were Mr.. Hill now living he
would learn with some chagrin that the
Dakotas and the northwestern section Of
Minnesota are not to harvest average
crops of wheat. The gain sustained Sc
we're damage in this section, where for
some years record making harvests were
garnered. This was due entirely to the
continued heat. The crops as a whole
will be very uneven and probably Of poor
quality.
Nevertheless there are some compensa-
tons. The indications now are that the
the northern hemisphere, are to be below
the average This will inevitably cause
higher prices for wheat, SO that while the
farmers may not harvest as many BUSH
els, they will in all probability receive
more money for their wheat than they
would have gained had a record harvest
been garnered.
There Is another compensation to be
considered. for if the wheat crop is I'M
.-f- So nzI
cially hay are to be magnificent, espe-
cially in the northwest.
The latest government report which
tells of cotton harvest prospects indicates
the harvesting of between 1900, 900 and
100000 bales of cotton. There will be
heavy demand for this cotton and the
prices received for 1t are likely to be er-
cellent. Nevertheless, 1t is now deemed
probable that the money value of the
hap crop and other forage crops in 1915
will be greater than the money value OF
very fine quality, differing in that respect
from the crops Of last year. Moreover
these yields have been heavy. and If the
weat her has been unfavorable for grain
it has. on the other hand, been ideal for
curing hay and other forage crops.
THE CORN HARvESTS
one which comes to New York from
Kansas, predicting only half crop OF
corn in that state, and probable yield
of not more than 100000 bushels. would
have been regarded with much greater
concern than was the case when this re-
port was received. For it is now known
that II the farmers cannot harvest grair
suitable for feeding or grinding neverthe
less there Is a great industry of thu
United States, perfected within a few
years, which by means of science, thu
study of experts and the mastery of thu
entire subject. is able to utilize in ont
way or another cornstalks and half de
veloped ears of corn. These would form
erly have been regarded as waste prod
ucts or fit only for winter forage. Blu
the corn products company has Learned
how to use every particle Of wealth tina
turks in corn however unsuitable the earl
of corn may be for market purposes.