The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1919-10-17
HAS
HIGH PLACE As
POTAT0CENFER
Production for Canyon Shown
To Have Increased By Leaps
and Bounds During Recent
Years.

That territory tributary to Caldwell
has become one of the premier potato
producing section of the state is evil
denced by the recent report for Idaho
made by Julius H. Jacobson, state
field agent with the United States de-
partment of agriculture. From a pro
duction of 1877 cars in lol6-l7, the
crop has grown to a total output of
more than 1000 cars annually.
The report is as follows: n
1.-THE Caldwell district has been rap
idly developed the past four years for
the early market, its production prac
tically doubling each year. The tubers
are artificially matured by cutting off
the irrigation water. This. practice
generally begins in July. To avoid
deterioration and loss, the crop must
be loaded in refrigerator cars and
| rushed to market.
Shipments commence in-July and
reach their height in August and Sep
TENDER. Thereafter cars continue to
roll each month until as late as the
following May From beginning Of
1877 cars in 1916-1ol7, the industry has
developed until it is estimated that
from 1000 to 1900 cars will move out
this season, although it may be re-
duced due to heavy loss in the field
on account of car shortage.
Reports October l indicated con-
dition u per cent of normal for the
entire state, compared with SO Eer
cent last year. In 1918 the carload
movement was 1880 cars. 1t is esti-
mated that this year some 5000 car:
will roll.
Five commercial potato district,
are recognized and are known to thu
trade as the Caldwell, Twin Falls
Burley-Rupert, Blackfoot-Shelley ant
Idaho Falls districts. In all district!
except Caldwell the season has beer
unfavorable. A cold. dry sprint
caused poor termination and unevel
stands, and the reduced irrigation
water supply, resulting from the pro
longed drought. caused further injur.
: to the crop.
"The one shipping point of Idah,
Falls makes the largest district, witt
1874 cars in 1908: 1890 cars i
1918, and 2lo3 cars in 19l8-19le
t This district has probably suffere
d more than any other from unfavorabl
conditions existing this year. TIL
j, yield is now placed at 60 per cent Q
d normal. Movement begins in Septem
d Der and continues actively until june
"In this connection it should b
E noted that due to the intensive load
!. ing campaign conducted during 1911
o the average weight of a car wa
$4,000 pounds compared with 5000
d pounds in 1916 and $4,000 pounds j
S 1918, so that more potatoes move
/ out in 1917 than the figures indicat'
Z Figuring on the 1916 basis of 5000
h pounds, there would have been 04l
: cars in 1917. In other words, f8S
II cars were saved by the heavier ioao
ing during 1917. an important item
d Idaho where car shortages occur.
81 Shipments Below Normal
y "The northwestern states of Orego
o Idaho and Washington promise I
yhip about II, 500 cars this year, or s
/ per cent of last year.
a; Indications are that the commerce.
81 crop of late potatoes in the Unite
X States will be Is per cent below la
y year and 10 per cent below tho ave
&c age.
= "In general the crop is very good
E. the east, which indicates a produ
5. ton of 40.818 cars in Maine, New Yoi
lie and Pennsylvania. or ga per cent :,