Grand Forks herald., 1916-08-04
COMBINATION OF
CAUSES BRINGS
ABOUT B|GLOSS
Situation Bears Out Predic-
tons of the Most
Pessirnistic.
RED AND BLACK
RUST WIDESPREAD
Heavy Damage by Blight
Adds to Losses-Corn !
is Fine.

"A pOll OF tne leaolnS bankers OIL
Northwestern North Dakota this
morning, in an effort to ascertain the
extent to which the rumors of crop
damage by rust are true, reveals a
situation which confirms the predic-
tions of the most pessimistic. Were
an average opinion to be struck, it
would probably place the damage to
the wheat crop at at least SO per
cent Other crops are not quite SO
badly hurt, but 1t seems to be the pre-
vailing opinion among the farmers
that the early crops. such as barley.
will in many instances scarcely repay
the cutting.
There seems to be combination Of
causes which is responsible for the
enormous damage to the wheat crop.
Red and black rust in all stages Of
spread than at any other time At
points to the north Of Grand Forks,
old settlers do not hesitate to place
the damage from this cause greater
than at any previous time. not ex-
Loss by Blight.
In conjunction with the rust, there
has been heavy loss by blight, this
dread disease attacking the top Of the
plant while the rust attacks the stem.
The exceedingly hot wave which
struck this country at the time the
whole nation was sweltering. left its
mark on the wheat fields in forcing
the grain to early maturity.
Durum wheat is reported in more
satisfactory condition than bluestem
or velvet chaff Other small grains
have also. up to the present time. es-
capped extensive damage from rust,
but the excessive heat seems to have
blistered much of the grain which was
farthest advanced to maturity. Winter
rye is reported to be a good crop
wherever it was planted. Potatoes are
not as good a crop as usual. Most re-
ports place this crop among the dis
appointments of the season.
The corn crop this year is fair, but
not as many acres have been put in
as in former years. The stalks are
healthy and are growing vigorously
although the lateness Of the spring
considerably delayed this crop.
Rain VIII Help Some.
Wherever the rain of last night was
not accompanied with high wind or
hail, reports state that much benefit
will be derived from the thorough
soaking, provided that good weather
follows. The statements Of the men
closest to the financial needs Of the
sections to which this mornings in
quiry reached, indicate that the loan
active this fall and winter, but that
there is no particular cause for ankle
The statements Of the bankers fol-
low:
c. H. Simpson Of Neville: 'The
crops in this locality are badly dam
aged by rust The yield would have
from this cause, but the storm of last
evening has greatly increased this.
The corn crop is very good. Early
barley was good but is now badly
lodged"
A. S. Ellington Of Northwood: Tho
damage to crops in the neighborhood
Of Northwood from rust and blight h
80 extensive that many farmers ques-
ton whether the grain will be worth
last evening has done still further
damage. Wheat near Blabon Is re-
ported to promise grade OF rejected
and to run 6 or bushels to the acre.
Corn, oats and barley are good. OF
the wheats, velvet chad Is least Affect
ed"
A. P. Lord Of Larimore: although
damage from rust is enormous One
farmer places the loss at 70 per cent.
Corn is late and potatoes are showing
luxuriant tops but will not yield very
well. The barley crop will be good"
c. H. Cruttenden: Wheat will
yield about half crop. in this locali-
ty Durum wheat is good, and corn
is doing nicely. The potato crop prom
ises to be light. Harvesting Is Just
commencing here. Tho crop outlook
promises many loans BY farmers this
fall"
Ray stong Of Drayton: The loss
from rust will be about 60 or 70 per
cent. Corn and oats are fair. Far
vesting has been going on for cou-
pie of dayA"
G. J. Lord Of Cando: ''Rust and
blight have attacked wheat TO an ex-
tent which indicates loss Of about
50 per cent: The past three weeks
have been disastrous. Durum seems
to be escaping to q considerable ex.
tent. Potatoes, corn and barley are
good. Harvesting has been In pro.
greas for several days on isolated
pieces. There should be no great diff
ficulty In financing the farmers this
fall and winter
A. E. Cobb Of Grafton: ..The 49,
from rust and blight viii be IN the
neighhorhood Of 33s1-3. par oent
There is much corn hsre whioA loolIs
good. Late barley he's eufeDro1 1kndm
the hot weather. Flax 1o0als 80
Potatoes are not doing WeIl tn 1onS &
Harvsstin9 will comn1eneo n GhfoS X
two weeks. & 81
(Continesd q Paes ~