The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-06-08
OPPORTUNE RAINS
4 \ 4
MEAN BIG CROPS
FOR GRAIN BELT
Federal Reserve Agent Optimistic
Over Outlook for Humper
r., Harvest in Northwest

St. Paul, MIMI, June S-Opportune
rains during the last week OF May
and the first few days Of June have
greatly improved the already excel
lent crop prospects in Montana, South
Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
North Dakota was not so fortunate
and stands in need of soaking rain
that will cover the entire district.
The weather station at Bismarck re-
ports the driest May in ~ years. The
western end Of the state, part Of the
southern portion and parts of the
eastern portion have had the benefit
OF moderate showers. The remainder
of the state has not benefited. Rye
has already been severely damaged,
and there is a possibility that if rain
does not come within few days, that
wheat too, may begin to show injury
from dry weather.
Crop Acreage Increased
1t is now evidence that over the
district as a whole the crop acreage
has been considerably increased. In
Montana, where there was consider
able winter killed wheat, the damage
has been repaired by spring plant
ing, and in the Yellowstone Valley,
and generally through the eastern
portion, very large crop has gone
into the ground. North Dakota's
acreage is the largest in the history
of the state, due to the remarkable
campaign for record breaking acre
age which was conducted by banks
and bankers. The wheat acreage is
is from to Z per cent greater than
a year ago There are good increases
in barley and oats, and a substantial
increase in the amount of flax plant
ed. Crop production work undertake
ell by the North Dakota banks hassin-
volved several million dollars ,;of
loans, and credit has been freely ex-
tended to all reputable farmers.
Early June Rains Help
Should North Dakota receive the
early June rains that are now need
ed, the outlook for the district as a
whole will be as good as the north
west has ever had at this season Of
the year. Canadian reports are not
encouraging. The wheat acreage is
considerably less than normal, and
planting was generally late in the
northwest provinces. The yield that
may besexpected from the wheat ter
ritory in the Canadian Northwest will
be reduced to such an extent as to
put a considerable burden upon the
grain raising sections of this district.
This is a factor of importance in con-
nection with the prospective wheat
supply of the United States and it's al
lies, and is considered as further evil
dence that farmers will receive very
favorable prices for wheat this fall,
as we'll as good returns upon other
small grains and corn. Under these
conditions, the crop in this district,
if it natures without setbacks, will be
extremely profitable, and will bring
great prosperity in its wake. d
The business outlook at the larger
centers is generally good, except that
construction is somewhat interfered
with by the high price of labor and
materials The electrical trade, and
classes of labor such as carpenters,
plumbers and steamfitters, and others
that are dependent upon business and
residence building, have suffered
somewhat The buying power of the
people seems to be in no way i'm
paired, as is evidenced by the very
satisfactory volume of retail trade,
and good demand from all country
points upon the shippers and distribu-
ting houses of the cities. Country re-
tailers are ordering carefully, and on
account of high prices, have been
keeping their stocks down to moder-
ate size. The difficulties with many
classes of goods that have been slow
in coming forward from the manu-
facturers, still continue. Eastern con-
Germs, especially those affected by
war orders, are far behind on deliv-
cries.