The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-05-17
BILLION BUSHELS
WHEAT EXPECTED
GOVERNMENTS MAY CROP RE-
PORT PUTS WINTER WHEAT
AT HALF MILLION BUSHELS.
CITIES MUST HELP HARVEST
Promise of Big Crop Does Not War
rant Relaxed Efforts for Greater
Production or Increased
Wheat Conservation

Dillon DuShel wheat crop, for which
the government is striving this year
has been strengthened by the depart
ment of agriculture's May crop report
forecasting production of 572, $50, 00C
bushels of winter wheat.
Secretary Houston in statement
said there was every reason to antici-
pate increased farm yields this year
over the record production of last year.
He added, however, that the promise
did not warrant relaxed efforts for
greater production and for greater con-
servation and called upon the people
of towns and cities to realize that the
farmer cannot work miracles, and lend
him the assistance needed at harvest
time.
Realization of a winter wheat crop
as large as that forecasted would
place this years harvest of that grain
as the third largest ever gathered. The
estimate is 154,40O,000 bushels more
than the crop harvested last summer.
| Rye production would be a record
the forecast of the crop being S2620,-
600, or 100000 bushels more than
asst years crop.
with favorable weather and with
a supplement of manpower from the
towns and~cities to help in farm tasks
of particular strain, especially in har-
vesting." said Mr.. Houston's state
ment, there is every reason to antici-
pate an increased yield of farm
products this year over the record
production last year, but the promise
for the future does not in the least
warrant relaxed efforts both for great
ed production and for greater conserva-
ton. The increase should be reas-
surfing to consumers and matter of
encouragement to farmers that they
can again overcome difficulties. There
is continuing need for large supplies
of food and feed products, not only for
our own population, but for the allies
in Europe who will depend more and
more on this country.
1.-THE farmers last year responded
generously to the patriotic appeal of
the president, the department of agri-
culture, the state colleges of agricul-
ture and other public agencies, by
planting and harvesting the largest |
acreage in crops on record in this |
country. Since last July the depart |
ment, in cooperation with the agri- |
cultural colleges and other state and |
local organizations, has labored I'M
ceasingly to maintain and, ifvpossible,
l Il
of 1917. with necessary adjustments
especially to provide for larger pro-
duction of wheat and other bread
grains which are most needed.
''The indicated increased acreage in
food crops this year over the record
crop of 1917 is gratifying. An increase
over the record peace times would have
been striking in view of all the diff
culties. The vigorous efforts of the
farmers evidence their patriotic deter
mination to help win the war.
Reports that indicate that in order
TO plant larger acreage with less help
than ever before, farmers are work
ness, utilizing to the fullest capacity all
their manpower, family, horsepower
and machinery and setting an example
Of extraordinary eXertion and eff
fiency which might well be followed in
other essential industries. The work
IF the farmers and of the agricultural
agencies is not spectacular and does
lot catch the public eye but it is new y
artheless unceasing and effective and T
s as vitality important as any other
service rendered in the nation in this
Farmers have done and will continue
o do their part. They have planted
They will need the as
,istance in cultiyating and harvesting
If many additional laborers. The crit.
cal factors in crop production after
will be weather and labor
Weather is beyond human control,
,ut the necessary labor foy cultivat
ng and harvesting the food crops
planted by the farmers of thi coun. {
.ry must be supplied and where mos
needed.
ssThe departments of agriculture ant
abor are cooperating and are asking
,very step possible to help the farm i
RS secure labor. 1t now devolves up {
IN the cities and towns to lend as (
distance. l trust that the thoughtful {
,eople of the towns and cities will rea, /
ize that the farmers cannot work mi {
acles, and upon the cities rests the J
of furnishing the neces !
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