Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-05-08

High transportation rates are threat
ening agriculture in many parts of the
country. They are likewise sounding
the knell of specialized farming, for the
farmer who raises wheat exclusively
cannot afford to import vegetables and
fruits at present high freight rates.
Instance is Cited.
Farmers in the middle west are find
ing it increasingly difficult to ship
their produce to eastern markets. In
some OF the southern states hay sells
for S3S ton, though it is shipped
from the middle west at $6. Naturally
the demand for it at S3S is limited and
the opportunity of the western farmer
to market it is small What applies
to hay applies to other crops. It is
less expensive to send a shipment of
wheat from Texas to Holland than to
send it from Texas to Kansas.
Because freight rates are holding
western produce out of the eastern
markets, Argentina is coming into
prominence as supply source for ag-
ricultural goods in the eastern states.
Brazil and Argentine Compete.
Brazil is preparing to compete with
Argentina in this respect As re-
suit, the western farmer will tend it is
expected, to abandon specialized farm
ing, and to raise produce primarily for
his own family, taking care that any
surplus he may obtain is of nature
that can be easily marketed. The con-
sequence will be, in the opinion of off
Gals of the department of agriculture.
growing dependence of the Atlantic
seaboard upon South American pro-
duce and curtailment Of agricultural ac-
tivity in the west. In the event of
war. particularly a war in which some
hostile nation or group Of nations
should control the seas, this condition
might lead to disaster for the United
States.
For this reason. it is felt that the
time is now Opportune to revive agri-
culture in the east. In New England.
dairy farming has been the most COM
mon type, but the grip of milk COM
bines in the large cities has been so
strong that great many farmers have
found dairying nnprofitable and have
had to give it up. The census figures
for New Hampshire farms recently is
sued are probably typical of conditions
in other states similarly situated. Not |
only did the number of farms and their |
improved acreage decrease between |
1910 and 1920 but practically every |
crop was diminished, as well as the |
Of cattle on the farms. The |
only considerable increases were in
and values, mortgages and number |
Of tenant farmers.
Through the elimination Of western
to some degree. eastern |
agriculture gains some advantage from |
he high freight rates, but its energy
S also at low ebb and artificial respira-
lion is necessary.
Maine Is Recovering.
The chamber of commerce of Port
and, Me-, and other commercial or
in the state, succeeded,
through well devised plan Of publicity.
n securing support from farmers and
.ity dwellers for an elaborate good
.oads program and the construction of
state pier at Portland. SO that Maine
arms will be made accessible either by
highway or waterway. From the state
,ier it will be possible to tranship,
rom small coastwise vessels. farm pro-
luce to steamships for Boston and
,ther coast cities. Meanwhile to coun
eract the drift Of young men away
rom the farms or to the Canadian
northwest, the state is stimulating i'm
migration from Canada, and cheap
,ower is being made available through
development of the states water re-
ources.
Agriculture in Maine is already show
ng symptoms of recovery, and the pro-
1otors of the various enterprises now
nder way are decidedly hopeful of
rcellent results.