The Delta independent., 1925-04-03
Farnliln6
finance

In making plans for 1925 farmers
in each section should consider the
outlook of each commodity that they
produce or can pro-
AGRICULTURAL duce. It is very
OUTLOOK possible that each
farmer can add to
his net income for the year by modify
ing the acreage of his crops or the
number OF his livestock in the light OF
the outlook for each of the products
he can grow. This years outlook for
some of the principal crops we give be
low and they should serve as indica-
tions on which to judge the outlook
for other crops.
The economic condition of this
country during the remainder OF this
year should run about normal. The
recent side stepping of business actiy-
ity indicates that we are not headed
for any boom period. while we are
well above the conditions of depres-
sion. Normal crops should find a
normal market. Even though there
has been a recent firming of interest
rates, from present indications ample
credit for farming purposes should be
available in most regions Of the coun.
try. Farm labor will be in demand.
thus resulting in probable competition
with high wages. However, the in.
creasing of farm tractors and farm
machinery in general may overcome
this condition.
A cotton crop as large as last year
should be absorbed at sustained prices.
From present indications stocks
at the end OF the current season will
not'be large and the improved foreign
demand should be maintained. The
indicated wheat acreage is somewhat
larger than last year. and IT is prob
able that the total world acreage will
be at least as large as last year. II
the yield in 1925 is normal the past
past high prices cannot be expected
for the 1925 crop. The production OF
flax. on the other hand. is stIll some
what under domestic consumption and
flax prices for the 1925 crop will prob
ably be relatively higher than wheat.
Some slight shift frora wheat.to flax
may be profitable. The raising o,
market hay should be adjusted to the
decreasing demand. Production OF al.
falfa and other legumes might be
profitable where the local supply is
not equal to the consumption Corn
supplies are so short that It has nut
a sharp brake upon livestock produc-
tion. and supplies Of the old grain
are almost exhausted. Sufficient corn
should be planted for ones own feed
ing requirements. The present low
price Of potatoes, which is due TO the
unusually heavy yield OF last year. is
likely to result in too small an acer-
age this year. Such an exceptionally
heavy yield as produced in 1924 is
not probable and an acreage equal to
last year is advisable Tobacco stocks
on hand are larger. Although the price
outlook is favorable and Increased
acreage Is inadvisable. Higher prices
for sugar and sugar beets during this
year are unlikely due to the large
carry over from last year.
The hog and sheep Industries ap.
pear favorable for the next 1G months.
ana there appears To be no Immediate
danger Of over production. Prices
| should continue high Immedi-
ate prospects for the cattle Industry
look favorable. Prices for 1925 should
average somewhat higher than for
1924. All conditions Indicate the In.
dustry is gradually working into a
stronger position. Continued expan.
sion In the Dairy industry has de-
pressed the prices OF dairy products.
and with a growing foreign competi.
tion a further increase in the number
OF dairy cows would probably re.
tard recovery of prices. The outlook
for poultry from the standpoint of
market egg prices is favorable but
from'the standpoint Of immediate poul.
/ try prices ls not so encouraging. High.
er prices for other meats and possibly
reduced feed costs, should Increase
poultry profits during the latter part
Of 1925 and early 1926.
The outlook for the agricultural in.
dustry is probably the best in five