The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1922-12-26
PROSPECTS FOR
AGRICULTURE In 1928
New Years Statement And Resume
OF Agricultural! Conditions And
Prospects From Secretary OF Ag-
ricuiturc 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 economic depres-
sion. 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. Never
the less, as we stop bit and look
backward we can see that every con-
siderable ground has been gained by
the great majority, and we can enter
the New Year with. renewed hope
| and with that courage which comes
from the realization that we are real.
ly making progress.
A year ago, when speaking of the
prospects for farming in 1922. said
that while there was no reason to ex-
pect boom times for the farmer in
the near future, there was promise of
better times, both for the farmer and
for those whose business is largely
dependent upon him. The year has
brought fultillment Of that promise.
Speaking 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
are mostly considerably higher.
Whilo there has been correspond
ing advance in the prices of the
necessary things the farmers must
buy, the total sum which farmers will
receive, for the crops of this year is
prnatnr hI, hi11in,, hole dol
lars or more than that which they re-
ceived 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 winter. Inter
est rates are lower and the credit
strains has been eased. This has
made it possible for many farmers
who VIZ rather heavily involved to re
fund their obligations and get them
SELVES Ill " w LII LII ou6h.
There are still some dark spots. In
some sections weather conditions
were unfavorable and crops were
short and farmers in these sections
are having very hard time Of 1t.
Freight rates are still too high es-
pecially 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 bee ngratifying growth
in farmers cooperative marketing
associations and more of them are
being organized on q sound husienss
basis
Aside from the help which has
been given by legislation and by adj
ministration activities strong econ
omic forces are at work to restore
more normal relation between agri-
culture and other industries.
The peril in the agricultural de-
preston is more keenly realized by
other groups than ever before and on
every hand a 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.