Great Falls daily tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1895-1921, 1920-07-25
CROPS GENERALLY
IN GOOD CONDITION
FROM RECENT RAINS
First Cutting Alfalfa Heavy Oy-
er Entire State-Scarcity
Farm Labor.

Helena, July 24.-Reports from II
counties, for the week ending July II,
received by Commissioner Charles -.
Greenfield Of the department y agrcul-
ture and publicity, show that during the
early part of that week rains were gen
eral throughout the state, with ile result
that crops in every section save one are
reported in excellent condition. Tie first
cutting of alfalfa is about over and the
yield in all sections is reported as heavy
In all of the counties there is scarcity
of help. and in many complaints that
farm labor that is available is inefficient
Many farmers are doing their own WORK
not employing anyone in some cases be-
cause of the scarcity Of farm labor, and
in others because of the high wages de-
manded. In certain sections of the state,
where the condition sup to July were
not so good as in other sections, rains
since have caused big improvement so
that the reports show that in every coun-
ty crop conditions are excellent. Ihe
following are the reports from the differ
ent counties:
RichIand-One good general rain fell
throughout the county. Days warm,
nights cool Crops in fine condition. Ma
turity practically assured Grasshopper
condition not serious.
Dawson-Recent heavy showers are
boosting early crops. The Russian
IHlSJISS are iDJuEluS idlEI CIOpS anu IL -
estimated the latest seeded will yield
from a minimum of nothing to a maxi
mum of half a crop. Corn is doing well.
Custer--Local showers over consider
able portion of the county. All kinds Of
crops are growing WELL Plenty of help
available but not very efficient.
ussesheII-Plenty of moisture and
growing conditions generally good. Pres
ent prospects good. Grasshoppers doing
some damage small areas.
YelloWstone-Plenty of moisture in
the soil and growing conditions good.
Late seeding of small grains is uneven
and poor. The first crop of alfalfa yield
ed well. Farmers finding difficulty IN
getting good reliable help.
StiIWater-Warm and dry latter part
of week with local showers in southern
end Of county. Winter wheat in dough
stage and filling we'll Spring crops
heading. flax in fair condition. Alfalfa
yielded heavily. Corn, sunflowers and
potatoes all doing exceptionally Well
Wool clip of the county amounted to
about 100000 pounds Of excellent quality
Farmers storing for better prices. Good
demand for labor
Observation-Disclosures conditions good.
Winter wheat filling spring wheat head
ing Flax making excellent growth. Sun
flowers and corn grew rapidly during the
week. Some demand for labor but wages
a
their own crops.
notwithstanding conditions ideal. All
crops are in excellent shape. Haying is
under way. No labor shortage reported
Grasshopper outbreak under control.
Lewis and CIark-Growing conditions
favorable all week Irrigated oats are
heading Wool growers have pooled their
wool and are holding. Labor scarce.
Fergus-Growing conditions generally
very good although there is need for
rain in a few Of the northern communi-
ties. Winter wheat filling well. Hay
crop is yielding well. Some local dam
age by grasshoppers. Labor supply equal
to demand Haying progressing, good
yield. Most farmers are planning to get
along without hiring help.
Teton-Rain fell over the eastern part
of the county, but little in the southern
and western parts. Where a good rain
was received. crops are recovering rapid
~ from the effects of the previous hot,
dry weather.
Chouteau-Good rain fell over the en-
tire county Monday ranging from y to
~ inches. General crop growing condi-
tons have been good. Winter wheat
harvest will probably begin within two
weeks. 1t is filling well and promises
fair crop With favorable moisture con.
ditions spring wheat may come ont in
good shape The average WELD for the
els The harvesting Of rye hay is COM
pleted IT is believed that the crop will
be SO light that farmers will not nerd
great deal of outside help during har
vest.
RooseveIt-Crops on heavy soil are N
excellent condition Those on light
sandy soil were considerably fired before
rain early in the week Flax looks fair.
RYE is ripening fast. Farm help scarce.
PhiIlips-General rain early part Of
week put the ground in excellent shape.
All crops making fine progress.
BIaine-Heavy general rain on Mon
day. This rain assures at least a fair
crop Land that has been we'll farmed
will produce a good heavy crop. Where
grain was disced in it will be much be-
low the average Winter rye harvest be-
gun in some parts Wheat is all well
headed. Early seeded flax is looking
fine Farm help is scarce.
FIathead-Crops are spotted, promis-
ing lower yield than last year in some
parts Of the county. Sunflowers.s corn
and potatoes and forage crops are in fair
condition. Spring wheat is in worse
shape than other crops Grasshopper
damage serious il n few communities
where the farmers did not unite for their
control
RavaIII = Crop conditions generally
good except in some fields Of peas. where
an apparently serious fungus disease is
developing. Alfalfa hay is an exception
ally heavy crop this year. but there is
shortage of help for handling it.
d. L C.nIes CTv,Lc