The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1918-03-01

tions, they have been decidedly unfa-
vorable during the past two years.
North Dakota's acreage in the last hye
years was that Of 1917-7,000,0o0 Min
nesota's, 100000 in 1917; Montana's,
100000 in 1913, and Idaho's, 100000 in
1913. North Dakota's record acreage
in the last five years was S,350,00O in
1915; Minnesota's 4,150,000 in 1913;
Montanas 1,122,o00 in 1917, and Ida
hos 375,0O0 in 1917. North Dakota's
five-year average (1912-1916) was
1851 900; Minnesota's 3,995,0 900; Mon
tana's $4,000, and Idaho's 900.
Montana's annual planting has shown
increases during the last four years as
follows: 1914-15 321,000; 1915-16,
$4,000; 1916-17, $4,000 What these
states can do this spring it is difficult
to determine.
1t is hoped that many farmers, espe-
cially in the northern part of the corn
belt, will find it possible to plant five
to ten acres additional in wheat. In
some cases they will plant more. In
a number of states in the eastern and
central portions Of the country where
| spring wheat has not been grown in
| recent years, the crop Is now being re-
established and it is recommended that
| this movement be encouraged.
To a small extent the acreage in
oats, If necessary, could be reduced in
the interest of wheat. Likewise, a
very small portion of the acreage
which normally would be planted to
corn in the northern part of the corn
belt might be sown to spring wheat.
If the acreage of spring wheat indi-
Gated for some of the states cannot be
planted, the barley acreage, which Is
known to grow better in some locali-
ties, might be increased. The use Of
barley for food is increasing in this
country and it is a welcome food In
Europe.
Summary of Other Recommendations.
Following is a summary of other i'm
portant recommendations regarding
cereals, meat, poultry, and perishables,
Hoas. The number of hogs should
be increased by at least 10 per cent
during the year 1918.
Sugar. Effort should be made to
maintain the acreage Of sugar cane and
sugar beets, and to increase these
, areas in so far as these crops are well
established or are necessary to sound
: agricultural practice.
: Production of satisfactory substt-
/ tutes for sugar, including sorghum,
: corn and cane strip, maple products
and honey can and should be In
creased.
Sorghum strip, it is pointed out, may
!, be produced in nearly every state in
: the Union, and increased production OF
sorghum sweets would enable the pub
e lie to conserve still further the sugal
=; supply in the form most available 70
l1v transportation to our soldiers.
III Dairy Products. The supply of dair
il products should be maintained to NEE
ar the needs of this country and to he'll
g. supply the increasing demands of TIL
m allies.
n Poultry. Poultry production SHOULD
lie be increased greatly, especially in bacl
re yards and on farms where waste mate
lie rial is available and the purchase o.
e expensive grains and other material /:
IS not required.
d Corn. An acreage of corn approx
IT mately equal to that of 1917 should bt
l. planted, with possible slight reductions
in certain sections to free areas fol
l. spring wheat.
: Oats, Barley, Rice, BuekWheat anc
3, FIaxseed. The area in oats should b
;, maintained, especially in regions anC
on soils which are not so well adapted
d to other grains, but with small reduc
e ton to provide for increasing the
n wheat acreage. Barley production
t should be increased In regionsswhert
/ it grows best, especially In the north
q ern edge of the corn belt and in sec
d lions north and west of the belt; ant
n rice, buckwheat and fiaxseed produc
d ton should be maintained and, if pos
sible increased.
/ Grain sorghums. The production Of
{ grain sorghums (kafir, milo, feterita
/ etc.) should be increased greatly
s throughout the drier portion of the
Plains region. Kafirs are the mos
certain grain crops in this section and
# they can be made to supplement wheat
as human food and to replace corn as
d animal food.
n Potatoes. The normal acreage OF
y Irish and sweet potatoes should be
t maintained in 1918, Notwithstanding
the large crops in 1917.
It Hay Forage and Pastures. Wher,
|, ever feasible, the area devoted to hay
d forage and silage crops should be in.
r creased and these products should be
: used to a greater extent in place OF
$. grains and other concentrates.
e Beef Animals. The number of beef
II animals should be maintained and, in
= areas where it is clearly the best range
# and farm practice, should be increased
n Beans, Peas and Peanuts. The pro-
e duction of beans and peas should be
6 increased in regions to which they are
e adapted, because of their high food
,,nl,n I-nnrni,,rr rr,nnIi+in.. q N LII