The Glasgow courier. [volume] (Glasgow, Mont.) 1913-current, 1920-04-16
1920 CROP PROSPECTS
SAID TO Be PROMISING
Reports from Agricultural Counties
Indicate Reduced Grain Acreage
But More Forage Crops.


ports of crop and soil conditions re-
ceived from county agricultural agents
for the month of February are dupli-
Gated in the reports received covering
March. County agents in 81 counties
in Montana in their reports to Chas.
b. Greenfield, commissioner of agri-
culture and publicity, for the month
just closed indicate that spring work
in a large majority of them would be-
gin early this month. The reports
also are to the effect that there is
plenty of moisture in the ground for
the beginning of the season, that
there has been comparatively little
winter killing of fall sown grains,
that there is as a rule sufficient feed
and seed on hand to insure the put
ting in of crops. March was particu-
larly severe on livestock, many of the
counties reporting heavy losses in cat
tie and horses. This is the only I'M
satisfactory feature of the agricul-
situation in Montana today. The win
ter wheat killing reported is in GAL
latin, Broadwater, Cascade and Mis-
soula counties, though how consider
able the damage has not yet been de-
cided. Reports indicate that there
will be a reduced acreage in the grain
crops sown this year, but that there
will be a largely increased acreage in
hay and forage crops. The following
are the reports from the different
counties:
Sheridan.-Snow had all disappeared
at the end of March. Ground was
ready to work and seeding will begin
early in April. Grasshoppers are re-
ported Matching in some sections.
Decentralization favorable for
early spring work. Practically all
farmers are reducing their acreage,
and will plant only what they can take
care Of themselves. Severe storms
during the month took heavy toll of
unsheltered livestock.
Prairie-Weather conditions favor
able for the beginning of spring work.
Nearly all farmers we'll supplied with
feed and seed. Reports indicate that
the winter losses of livestock have
been severe, especially range horses.
Observation-Disclosures is plenty OF
moisture in the ground, but spring
work has not yet started. Livestock
is thin and feed scarce for spring
work.
MISUNDERSTANDING Of winter
wheat fields in good condition and very
little winter killing. Indications point
to a reduced acreage in the spring
wheat crop. Livestock in poor con-
dition.
Custer.-All the snow has. disap-
peared and there is a fair amount OF
moisture in the soil. Land is III ex-
cellent condition with plenty OF seed
available. Grass has started in some
sections.
Observation-Disclosures conditions are
excellent. Fall wheat and rye winter
ed we'll. Cattle losses have been
heavy but sheep losses comparatively
light. Indications are that there will
be a large acreage of forage crops
while the wheat acreage will be mod
crate.
Stillwater.-Fall crops have come
through in good condition and no win,
ter killing has been reported. In q
few sections of the county some pillow,
ing and spring seeding have beer
done. Majority of the farmers are
planning to seed good acreages to for
age crops. Livestock in fair condi'
ton.
Observation-Disclosures of snow in the
mountains guarantees sufficient irri'
cation water this season. Winter
wheat conditions considerably below
normal. Feed of all kinds scarce, anc
it is estimated that over a million
dollars has been spent for feed ship
ped into this county.
Broadwater.-Some winter killing
reported in fall grain and alfalfa but
no indication as to how extensive. Con
siderable seed has been shipped in fol
spring planting.
Lewis & Clark.-Prospects for
good grain and hay crop are better
than usual. Stockmen still feeding
heavily. There was a considerable
loss in livestock during the month.
Observation-Disclosures wheat damage
estimated at 10 per cent for the en-
tire county. Farming operations have
begun on sod ground. Farmers gen
orally increasing acreage of forage
and feed crops.
Cascade.-Weather conditions gen
orally favorable to livestock interests
Some winter wheat reported frozen
but percentage not estimated.
Chouteau.-Winter wheat condition.
at present uncertain. There will b.
increased paintings of forage and feet
crops. Ground is moist to a depth O.
two. feet in cultivated fields. Live
stock in fair condition.
Fergus.-General condition of whea
is good with slight loss in a few sec