The pioneer-review. [volume] (Philip, Haakon County, S.D.) 1920-current, 1922-12-28
PROSPECTS FOR AGRI-
CULTURE IN 1923

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
economic depression. They have
not yet attained the heights which
are bathed in the grateful sun
shine of prosperity. Some, indeed
have fallen by the way. Others
are still in the valley. Nevertheless
as we stop a bit and look backward
we can see that very considerable
ground has been gained by the grea It
majority, and we can enter the
New Year with renewed hope and
with that courage which comes
from the realization that we are
really making 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 promise of better times,
Doth for the farmer and for those
whose business is largely depend
ent upon him. The year has brot
fulfillment of that promise Speak
ing generally, times are better,
much better, than year ago, both
for agriculture and for industry (
Crops have been good, on the
whole. Prices of the major crops
ire mostly cons iderably higher.
While there has been correspond,
ing advance in the prices of the
things the farmer must buy, the
total sum which farmers will rel
ceive for the crops of this year is
greater by a billion and half dol
lars or more than that which they
.eceived for the crops Of last year.
This will certainly mean better
times on the farm and farm folks
will be able to ease up little on
the grinding economy they were
forced to practice the preceding
year.
The labor cost of producing the
crops Of 1922 was still further re-
duced. There were some substant-
ial reductions in freight rates.
Much helpful legislation has been
enacted and more will be this win
ter. Interest rates are lower and
the credit strain has been eased
This has made it possible for many
farmers who were rather heavily
involved to refund their obliga-
tions and get themselves in condi-
tion to win through.
There are still some dark spots
In some sections weather conditi MS
were unfavorable and crops were
short, and farmers in these sec
tions are having a very hard time
of it. Freight rates are still too
high, especially for those who must
pay for a long haul to market.
Taxes are high but this is large
ly due to the increase in local
taxes, over which the farmers them
selves must exercise control.
There has been gratifying grow
tn in farmers cooperative market
ing associations and more of them
are being organized on sound bu-
siness basis.
Aside from the help which has
been given by legislation anad by
administration activities, strong
economic forces are at work to
restore more normal relation be-
tween agriculture and other indus
tries.
The peril in the agricultural
depression is more keenly realized
by 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
better his condition.
Everything considered. we have
good reason TO expect still better
things for agriculture in the year
1923 New Year Statement and
Resume by Secretary Wallace.