Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-03-27
Agricultural Production for 1918

Notwithstanding an increased pro-
duction Of staple crops in the United
States in 1917, there is need for more
food. Taking into account our own
needs, the needs of the nations as
ISOLATED with us in this war, and the
needs of friendly neutral nations, our
best efforts will be required to pro-
vide enough food in 1913.
The demand for larger quantities
OF food, though due nj part TO the
constantly increasing population OF
this country, is due chiefly to the war.
There is necessity OF greatly increas-
ing food exports to the allies.
The farmers of the United States
made a generous and patriotic re-
production in 1917 In spite of the
apprehension which existed when the
United States entered the war as to
the possibility of increasing, or even
of maintaining, agricultural produc-
ton, they planted the largest acre.
ages in the history of the country,
produced and harvested record crops
of most products except wheat, and
succeeded in increasing the number of
live stock, including not only work
animals, but milk and meat animals
as we'll. Weather conditions during
the year caused serious setbacks. The
winter wheat crop of year ago suf-
fered severely because of unfavorable
weather, with the result that last
spring the abandonment of the win
ter wheat acreages was the largest
ever known in the country-about 12,-
100000 acres. The corn crop also
sucered an unprecedented loss be-
cause of weather conditions through
out the corn belt which resulted in
late planting, slow growth, and dam
age by early frosts.
g. The achievements of the farmers
and live stock men last year furnish
cause for congratulation and encour-
agement, but not for complacency or
let-up this year in efforts to better
the production record and to conserve
food. TIL enecessity of again secur-
ing large yields from the farms and
ranges this year already has been
strikingly emphasized by the Presi-
dent in his message to the farmers Of
the country and is steadily being
pointed out by the Department Of
Agriculture and other agencies
through various channels, including
especially the agricultural extension
machinery of the department and the
State agricultural colleges. 1t is
clear that it would be economically
wise and advantageous for the
farmers of the Nation 20 put forth
their best efforts during the coming
season to equal, and, if possible, to
exceed their record of last year.
In spite of the large production in
many directions during the year 1917,
the situation is not satisfactory. The
available supply of wheat is made
quate. Owing to short crops in pre-
ceding years, the reserves of a num-
Der of important commodities have
been greatly reduced. Whether the
war continues or not, the demands on
this country, because OF the increas-
ing population and the needs of Eu-
rope, will be great. They will con-
tinue to be great for a considerable
period even after peace returns. An
especially strong demand will be made
on this country for meats and live
stock. But the record of the farm
ers last year, made in the face of OBJ
stacles, is ground for confidence on
their part that, with equal applica-
ton and organization, they can over
come the difficulties this year.
The Department of Agriculture has
given careful consideration not only
to the needs but to the lines along
which effort should be put forth this
spring. 1t has had the benefit of ad-
vice from agricultural leaders
throughout the country. The follow
ing is statement of conclusions con-
corning the agricultural situation and
the planting needs. 1t is offered as
a recommendation for those engaged
in crop and animal production, espec-
tally for the many farmers who are
in a position to readjust their agri-
cultural program to accord with the
national necessities.
The situation is such that chief
, emphasis should be given to the pro-