The circle banner., 1917-08-10
GRAIN CROPS
ARE PROMISING
Western Canada 1917 Crops in
Good Shape.


what the Western Canada grain crop
will produce, there is every indication
at the present writing that the 1917
crop will give an excellent return. Re
ports received from all portions OF
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
speak of good growing weather, a
fairly advanced stage of all grains,
with prospects as good as in the past
two years. Should conditions con-
tinue as at present, it is safe to con-
clude that Western Canadian farm
ers, already free of debt, as a re-
suit of the splendid crops and prevail
ing high prices, expect from this sea-
sons returns to be in a position that
will place them away beyond any fear
of the future.
The acreage of Western Canada will
be about the same as last year. Seed
ing was somewhat later than last
year, but termination was quicker. The
only possible drawback now would
seem to- be a scarcity of harvest hands,
but 1t is felt by the authorities that the
situation will be pretty well cared for
by that time.
Land values are increasing, but there
is room for a much greater increase
than in the past, owing to the returns
that farmed land will give when COM
pared with its cost. In some districts
years ago for SIS an acre is changing
hands at $50 an acre, the seller salts
fed that he is giving the purchaser
good value for his money. And why
not, when it is known that in a great
many cases during the past two years
that have produced profit of forty
and fifty dollars per acre, over and
above cost of production. These cases,
while not general, were not excep-
tional.
In addition to the lands that are
offered for sale by railway companies,
land companies and private individ-
uals, the homesteading areas offer
great inducements for those who are
willing to do little pioneering for a
year or two. By that time settlements
would come into existence, and this
means condition similar to that en-
joyed by many of the older settlements
of today-schools, churches, railways.
The land is of high-class quality,
strong and vigorous, easily worked,
and capable of producing the very best
of crops.
The demand for all grains for some
years will be great, and it will require
all the resources of man, beast and
soil to meet it. That the prices will
be good goes without saying, but at the
present time there is something more
than the lucrative prices
that prevail. That is, the desire to
assist in winning the world war. The
man at the plow is doing his "bit," and
the spirit of patriotism that prevails
will lead him into broader sphere of
action. No matter where he may be he
will look about him that he may find
land to further develop the country's
resources. 1t is possible that his own
state may furnish the land, in which |
case he will be quick to take advan-
tage of the offer. If land In his |
own state is not available, Canada |
(now our ally) will be glad to furnish
t in unlimited quantity, as she is vital
y interested in largely increasing the
supply of foodstuff which is now as
needed and is as valuable as
to the allied countries.
The appeal made by Mr.. Hoover,
United States controller of foods, and
llso by Hon. w. ]. Hanna, Canadian
controller, emphasizes the need of the
lilies, urges economy and the preven-
ion of the waste in food, and be-
peaks whole-hearted public co-opera-
ion. Speaking of Great Britain,
france, Italy, Belgium and their Eu-
opean allies, they say:
For nearly three years their man
over has been engaged in the direct
york of war, and in some cases large
reas of their most productive lands
ave been overrun by the enemy. Their
oOd shortage and the food to supply
he armies Of Canada and the United
tates must be wholly provided from
his side of the Atlantic. The supply
lust also be sufficient to cover losses
t sea. Australia, New Zealand, the
rgentine Republic and other coun-
lies are not now available to relieve
le situation because of their remote
ess and the shortage of tonnage.
'The crop Of storeable foods grown
! Canada and the United States suit
Bile for shipment overseas threatens
, be entirely inadequate to meet the
emand unless the whole people de-
,rmine by every means In their power
make up the shortage. Every indi-
dual is under a direct obligation to
,sist in rationing the allied forces.
here must be national self-denial and
ltional cooperation to provide the
,cessary supplies. es."-Advertisement.
See! ,
II see they are looking for draft :
mp Sites" |