River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1918-02-28

years was that of 1917-7,0 100000; 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,350,000 in
1915; Minnesota's 4.15OOO0 in 1913;
Montana's 1,122,OOO in 1917, and Ida
hos $4,000 in 1917. North Dakota's
t1ve-year average (1912-1916) was
1857 900; Minnesota's 1895, 900; Mon
Montana's annual planting has shown
Increases during the last four years as
follows: 1914-15, 321,OOO; 1876,
$4,000; 1867, $4,000. What these
states can do this spring it is difficult
to determine.
It 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
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 welcome food in
Europe.
Summary of Other Recommendations.
Following is summary of other i'm
portant recommendations regarding
cereals, meat, poultry, and perishables.
Hogs. 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 we'll
established or are necessary to sound
agricultural practice.
Production Of satisfactory substi-
tutes for sugar, including sorghum,
corn and cane strip, maple products
and honey can and should be in
creased.
Sorghum sirup, it is pointed out, may
be produced in nearly every state in
the Union, and increased production Of
sorghum sweets would enable the pub
lie to conserve still further the sugar
supply in the form most available for
transportation to our soldiers.
Dairy Products. The supply of dairy
products should be maintained to meet
the needs Of this country and to help
supply the increasing demands of the
allies.
Poultry. Poultry production should
be increased greatly, especially in back
yards and ON farms where waste mate
rial is available and the purchase of
expensive grains and other material is
not required
Corn. An acreage of corn approx
mately equal to that of 1917 should be
planted, with possible slight reductions
in certain sections to free areas for
spring wheat.
Oats, Barley, Rice, Buckwheat and
Flaxseed. The area in oats should be
maintained, especially in regions and
on soils which are not SO we'll adapted
to other grains, but with small reduc-
ton to provide for increasing the
wheat acreage. Barley production
should be increased in regions where
it grows best, especially in the north
ern edge of the corn belt and in sec
tons north and west of the belt; and
rice. buckwheat and faxseed produc-
ton should be maintained and, if pos
sible, increased.
Grain Sorghums. The production of
grain sorghums (kafr, milo, feterita,
etc. should be increased greatly
throughout the drier portion of the
Plains region. Kafirs are the most
certain grain crops in this section and
they can be made to supplement wheat
as human food and to replace corn as
animal food.
Potatoes. The normal acreage of
Irish and sweet potatoes should be
maintained in 1918, Notwithstanding
the large crops in 1917.
Hay, Forage and Pastures. Wher-
ever feasible, the area devoted to hay,
forage and sf1age crops should be in
creased and these products should be
used to a greater extent in place of
grains and other concentrates.
Beef Animals. The number of beef
animals should be maintained and, in
areas where it is clearly the best range
and farm practice, should be increased.
Beans, Peas and Peanuts. The pro-
duction of beans and peas should be
increased in regions to which they are
adapted, because, of their high food
value, keeping qualities, and available
ity for domestic or export trade. Soy
heans and peanuts should be increased