The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-04-03
Present Conditions not Favorable TO
Dairy Expansion

New England dairymen are already
familiar with the disturbed conditions
here. Dairying, since the war, has
been more prosperous than some 9TH
or types OF farming. The cOnsum-
ing centers have for many months
had nearly full employment at wages
about 1000 above those off 1913, while
food prices were up only 50%. Con-
sumption of dairy products from 1919
to 1923 increased 14% and the gain
continued during 1923.
The dairy industry has expanded so
that gross production In terms of
whole milk now slightly exceeds gross
consumption. Cows in United States
increased their. number 10 in 1928.
In New England, Maine and New
Hampshire decreased slightly but the
other states about offset this. New
York declined go. The five Lake
States, t0hio, Indiana, IIlinoois, Mich
igan, Wisconsin, gained 1870; the
West North Central group (Minne-
sofa to Kansas, gained 2.6% and
the Far Western group gained 49,.
Stocks of condensed milk are large
and foreign surplus production avail
able for import into this country is
steadily rising. This competition,
the already heavy domestic produce
ton, and the possibility that demand
may not be indefinitely maintained at
levels based upon great industrial
prosperity suggest caution and thor
ough analysis of dairy plans for the
present and future.
The farm labor situation in New
England is reported slightly better
now than six months ago but the
shortage would soon again become
acute II urban demand becomes
brisk. Wages of farm labor are 10
to 15% higher than year ago and
are rising. Fertilizer supplies are
reported as liberal and prices about
$50 above last year while supplies of
farm machinery are adequate and
prices about ia higher. Sales OF
both to farmers in 1924 are expected
to exceed those of last year.
Total values of New England's
principal crops last year were 209o
above those of 1922 while the dairy
business was mostly prosperous. In
consequence farmers for the most
part are in stronger position now
than at this time last season. Last
year the indications favored season
of heavy business, full employment
and high wages in urban industry.
Such industry, aside from dullness in
textile mills and a few others, is yet
in a flourishing state but there seems
somewhat less assurance that this ia
vorable condition will last through
next fall.
Population of the United States
gains about IA millions annually
and upwards of a million moved from
farms to town the past year. These
help on the demand side but farm
production per man is steadily rising
so that decreased production due to
fewer men on farms has not yet set
in. Current reports from many New
England farms show their intentions
to make small acreage increases in
corn, tobacco, oats and other grains
1919 to 1879 increases in potatoes and
small decreases in hay. the total in
cultivation to be about the same as
last year.
For the United States intended acre
ages show considerable decrease in
spring wheat, a small decrease in po-
tatoes, but moderate gains in corn,
oats, barley and hay, and big gain
of $40 in laxseed. If these plans
go through and crop yields are up to
standard feeds next fall should be
adequate,