The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1922-12-28
PROSPECTS FOR AC-
RICULTURE IN
1923
New Years Statement and re.
sumo Of Agricultural Con-
ditions and Prospects
from Secretary Of
Agriculture Wallace

Twelve months ago most Of the six
million farmers Of the United States
were starting on the long hard climb
OF 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
theless. as we stop a bit and look
backward we can see that very 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 really
making progress.
A year ago. when speaking OF the
prospects for farming in 1892. ! said
| that whiie there was no reason to eS-
pect boom times for the farmer In
the near future. there was promise
o fbetter 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 for In
dustry.
Crops nave been good, on hte
whole. Prices Of the crops are most
ly considerably higher. While there
has been a corresponding advance In
the prices Of the things the farmer
must buy. the total sum which farm
ers will receive for the crops Of this
year is greater by billion and half
dollars or more than tina; which they
received 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 grind
ing economy they were forced TO
practice the preceding year
The labor cost Of producing the
crops Of 1929 was still further re-
duced. There were some substantial
reductions in freight rates. Much
helpful legislation has been enacted
and more will be this winter. In
terest rates ar clover and the credit
strain has been eased. This has
made IL possible for many farmers
who are rather heavily involved TO
refund their obligations and get
themselves in condition To win thru.
There are still some dark spots.
In some sections weather conditions
were unfavorable and crops were
short. and farmers in these sections
are having a very hard time OF H..
Freight rates are still too high. es-
pecially for those who must pay for
a haul 10 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 sound business
basis.
Aside from the help which has
been given by the legislation and by
administration activities. strong eco
nomic forces are at work to restore
more normal relation between agri-
culture and other industries.
The peril in the agricultural de-
preston IL more keenly realized by
other groups than ever before. and
on every hand a sincere desire Is be-
ing evidenced to do what can ED done
safely to help the farmer better his
condition.
Everything considered, We have
good reason 20 expect still better
things for agriculture in the year