Omaha daily bee., 1920-01-01
RICULTuRAL
ECORD OF 1919
|ATKER ERRATIC
ked by Radical Extremes
Exalted Expectation and
pressed Foreboding-
Outcome Gratifying.
By B. w. SNOW,

Chicago. Ill.
Z agricultural record OF 1917
one Of erratic changes, marked
radical extremes of exalted ex-
kation and depressed forebod' ing,
With 4 final outcome that fur
Is 4 striking evidence of Amer
resources, both in soil and in
energy, industry and intelligent
lization of opportunity by Ameri-
farming population.
n spite OF labor shortage, and in
face Of difficult climatic eondi-
ms, the volume of production vas
kh, not record-brcak aking, but suffi-
nt. The farmers OF America, at a
he when unrest has gripped pro-
Etive labor in every other dice
HI, and when the economic dis
rbances of the war have been ag-
waited by curtailment of produc-
N in general industries, have been
one class of laboc that accepted
responsibilities aua measured up
its duty.
There were no slackers on the
I'M. no shortening Of hours or of
tort, no shrinking from the bur-
ems imposed by hungry world.
he American farmer stands for h
this year Of trouble, one man who,
tth elear-eyed vision and calm un-
rstanding, seeing his duty has
me it. Unaffected by clamor, un-
Huenced by spacious class pro1a-
nda, he has worked that the world
ght be fed. becoming the greatest
eadying influence in the mairte-
hnce Of the social orde, that has
zen builded upon 1000 years of hu-
Ian experience.
Will Save the Word.
The volume of farm production,
when the true history of these
rroublous times is finally written.
will be hailed the factor that saves
The world from postwar political
kataclysn1.
From a promise that at one time
n seemed scarcely possible to ex-
sggerate, the wheat crop steadily
shrunk until an outturn of only mod
trate proportions and vety moder-
lite quality was secured. Drought
h many districts, floods in = few,
Illustrate the extremes experienced
" winter wheat, while heat blight
nd rust decimated the spring sown
Top. With a total harvested wheat
reage nearly one-fourth larger
an in 1918 the total wheat crop
lally measured only 2 per cent
heater. The total wheat crop of
p,987,O00 bushels with an abun-
nee OF general foodstuffs furnished
ample supply for our own neces-
es and with moderate economies
IL permit of the sale abroad of all
II is needed to supply European
knts.
The volume OF corn production,
II, 100000 bushels. neither meets
(ly extravagant expectations nor
Is II accord with midsummer
ssimism. 1t 10 crop of practical
prewar proportions grown upon
kprewar acreage and furnishing a
adequate for all domestic
1nts. With the gradual improve
lent Of shipping facilities, corn
ipplies from Argentine beeom. in
rcasingly available leaving us with
production which balances we'll
ith our needs for home use.
One Distinct Disappointment.
The oats crop is our one distinct
ereal disappointment, both in vol
(me and in quality. Weather con.
3itions were unfavorable both early
IND late, so that the yield was below
normal and the weight and quality
inferior. By reason, however, o1
the stimulated war acreage the
volume Of the crop at 1,24S,310,00(
bushels il above the pre-war stand.
ard and should meet domestic re
Auirements, but cannot be mater
ially relied upon for any unusua
export demand.
The other cereals are In moder.
ate supply, less than in recent years
but in excess of the volume required
to- meet our own needs before the
war. Other food crops are ample
but not excessive, necessitating care
full economy in use but not threat
ening any failure of an ample ane
well balanced national dietary.
Agriculture has functioned well
during these trying times, and thu
American farmer is entitled to full
measure of reward for his intelli
gent and whole-hearted effort t.
measure up to the demands mad
Upon us.
Annual Rnnnrf nf fhn