The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-12-29
Foreign Advertising Representative
THE AMERICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION
PROSPECTS FOR AGRICULTURE
In 1928.

-
In 1928.
New Years statement and resume OF
agricultural conditions and pros
poets from Secretary of Agricui-
ture Wallace.
Twelve months ago most of the
six million farmers of the United
States were starting on the long
hard climb out of the valley of eco
nomic depression. They have not
yet attained the heights which are
bathed in the grateful sunshine OF
prosperity. Some, indeed, have
fallen by the way. Others are still
in the valley. Nevertheless, as we
stop bit and look backward we can
see that very considerable ground
has been gained by the great major
ity, and we can enter the New Year
with renewed hope and with that
courage which comes from the reali-
cation that we are really makins
progress.
A year ago, when speaking of the
prospects for farming in 1922, /
said that while there was no reason
to expect boom times for the farmer
in the near future, there was prom
Use of better times, both for the
farmer and for those whose business
: is largely dependent upon him. The
year has brought fulfillment of that
promise. Speaking generally, times
are better, much better, than year
ago, both for agriculture and fol
industry.
Crops have been good, on thu
whole. Prices of the major crops
are mostly considerably higher
there has been a corresponding adj
vance in the prices of the things the
farmer must buy, the total sum
which farmers will receive for the
crops of this year is greater by bill
lion and half dollars or more than
that which they received for the
crops of last year. This will Ger
tainly mean better times on the
farm, and farm folks will be able tc
ease up little on the grinding
economy they were forced to prac
tice the preceding year.
The labor cost of producing tht
crops of 1922 was still further re
duced. There were some substan
tial reductions in freight rates
Much helpful legislation has been
enacted and more will be this win
ter. Interest rates are lower ano
the credit strain has been eased.
This has made it possible for many
farmers who were rather heavily in
volved to refund their obligations
and get themselves in condition tc
win through.
There are still some dark spots
In some sections weather condition
Re unfavorable and crops weTs
rt, and farmers in these sections
having very hard time Of it
eight rates are still too hign,
especially for those who must pay
for long haul to market.
Taxes are high, but this is largely
due to the increase in local taxes
over which farmers themselves must
exercise control.
There has been gratifying growth
in farmers cooperative marketing
associations. and more of them are
being organized on a sound business
basis.
Aside from the help which has
been given by legislation and by
administration activities, strong
economic forces are at work to re-
store a more normal relation be-
tween agriculture and other indus
tries.
The peril in the agricultural de
preston is more keenly realized b.
other groups than ever before, and
ON every hand sincere desire is
being evidenced to do what can be
done safely to help the farmer bet
ter his condition.
Everything considered, we have
good reason to expect still better
things for agriculture in the year
1928.