Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-10
Our Maine Farms
Study of Conditions

oAohoB ANo'. o. nat tllcTe are
! stronger points of satisfaction than
Of Encouragement in the figures re
Gently given out by the United States
census regarding agricultural condi-
tons in Maine is evident to those
who have made a careful study OF
the census summaries. For instance
| while considerably less number OF
farms, and less acreage Of improved
land, are shown in comparison with
the census figures of 1910, there has
been an actual increase in area per
farm, and in acres of improved land
per farm. This would seem to indi-
cate that many of the small farms
have been absorbed b. large farms,
and operated on a more intensil e
scale.
Nj. ID. Jones, farm MANAGEMENT
demonstration of the University of
Maine agricultural extension service,
las very clearly brought out in an
article issued this week many inter-
csting points, CLEANED from a study
Of the census figures, and has shown
that in the comparison of figures COW
cring the last decade Maine agricul-
tCre stands ahead of that of most
ether New England states. The text
of Mr.. Jones article follows:
What is the real situation regard
ing Maine agriculture? At first glance
tie census of 1920 might lead us to
believe that farming is on a rapid de-
cline. "A careful analysis of the cen
sus report, however, reveals a differ
ri
vious reports indicates that there has
been gradual change in the agricul-
tUre of the state in the last 40 years.
from an extensive to more intensive
type. bringing about decrease in the
production of certain products and
IN increase in others This has an
rarcntly occurred as A result of econ
Cmic pressure, due to western COM
petition In certain lines. The de-
crease for certain crops shown in the
census Of 1920 is in ling with the gen
eral trend.
The census reports 11,7S9 less arms.
and 3S3.32S less acres of improved
land in Maine than did the census of
1910. decrease of 1876 in the former
and of 1872 percent in the latter.
Just what has become of these
farms is a problem The census does
show, however, that they were mostly
small farms. OF the total number,
1912, or As percent. were Of less than
, 50 acres, having an average Of 1913
/ acres Of improved land per farm
These farms were doubtless too small
g business to stand the economic
pressure during the war. their opera =
tors being drawn into other more pro-
| fitable lines of employment Many of
these men have doubtless returned to
their farms since the census was emu
merated, in January, 1920.
! Large farms decreased mu h
loss in proportion ha n did
small ones. Those under 90 acres
decreased 1884, thos e betw e e n
so and 100 acres. 200 percent;
those between 100 and Us acres, 1873
percent. and those between IT'S and
3oc acres. only "A percent.
A portion of the decrease in mum
Ter of farms can probably be ac-
counted for in absorption by other
farms, as the area per farm increased
rs during the same period. The
acres of improved land per farm in
creased 43 percent, so it appears that
some of these lost farms are still be-
! ing operated in combination with
| others. Thus. the area of improved
| land per farm in Maine has grown
larger. condition that. with one ex-
! ception, has not happened in any
other New England state. 1t has
doubtless been brought about by COM
hination with other farms of those
too small to be economically operated
Considering the fact that the last
census was taken in January, under
conditions very difficult for travel
whereas the previous one was taken
in April, it is possible that the emu
merators did not reach some of the
more out Of the way farms, thus ac-
counting for some Of the decrease in
numbers reported IN some sections
q certain numbr of men operate
their farms in summer, but move into
! town or into the woods for work DUR
! ing the winter. The Previous ccrsus,
taken in April would have found
them on the farms.
/ A number of farms which were
/ previously operated mainly for the