The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-12-31
FOR
BIG 1928 CROP
is EXCELLENT
Joseph A. Kitchen, Commits.
sioner of Agriculture,
Prepares Review

:. prospects are more than 0rdlnar.
lily bright for bumper crops in North
Dakota next year, according to Jo-
Seph A. Kitchen, commissioner of
agriculture and labor. A review of
the 1927 crop year, made by Mr..
Kitchen, follows:
BY Joseph A. Kitchen
North Dakota was q favored area
Of the United States in 1927.
Throughout the state conditions for
crop production were excellent. 1t
was rather an unusual season mas
much as crops were uniformly good
corn, wheat, flax, potatoes, hay.
The eastern part Of the state had
considerable moisture in the spring
and this meant that the drier west
ern part had ample for the best
yields. And there is considerable
variation in precipitations in this
state. Eastern Cass county, accord
ing to the U. S. weather bureau re-
ports, has an annual drop Of &c
inches; parts Of the western slope
receive an annual precipitation Of
16 to 18 inches. The year 1927 was
one Of the best the western part ever
saw. Everything that was planted
thrived. Grains and feed crops alike
were Of bumper proportions. Then,
an unusual amount Of snow fell COW
ering to a considerable depth the
entire southern half Of the state.
What a fine condition for winter
wheat and winter rye! As We can
not rely on q blanket Of snow for
this winter crop protection very lit
tie winter wheat is seeded. AS rye
is much harder there is largo
acreage in for 1928. Conditions for
this are perfect.
Plenty of Feed
While the snoW-covered part of
the state requires more feeding
there is an abundance of feed on
hand. Last year was lavish in heavy
growth of all feeds. This was well
stored and conserved. The snow as
sures those in the western part that
tho outlook for 1928 is far above nor
NAL. There will be a good acreage
planted for 1928. With the increase
of dairy stock larger tracts have
been reduced to tame grasses, Glow
ers, alfalfa and other such fields for
pasture and hay.
As North Dakota has steadily
progressed in butter fat production,
the prices on dairy products have
been an added inducement to get
away from low prices on grains.
1927 prices for poultry and eggs
have been good. In the eastern part
of the state the venture in sugar
beets has proved q splendid and
paying matter in crop diversified
ton. It will be noted that large
numbers Of Mexican laborers arc
used during the growing season in
beet fields. This labor is q neces-
sary requirement and must be Sc
cured If we advance in this crop.
Ignite Mining Increases
The year 1927 saw more activity
and development in our great re-
source, Ignite coal, than any pre-
ceding year. About 100000 tons
were mined. Power plants have
been completed at strategic points
where coal is mined and burned at
the mine to develop electric energy
to be transmitted by wire to points
of power consumption.
Immense mines are being opened,
both underground and stripped, that
enormous amounts can be mined and
shipped. With the present mines
In full operation we believe North
Dakota could mine and ship up to
100000 tons annually If needed.
The geological survey estimated this
state has at least SOC, 200, OOO, 900
tons accessible for mining. It would
be hard to conjecture just to what
extent mining and industry will de-
velop in The next five years in
North Dakota. With 1927 develop
ments the Industrial horizon is very
bright.
Fro-, our observations it appears
there viii be good soil moisture con-
ditions Tor crops next spring. The
only crop now seeded, winter rye,
has the very best conditions. The
insistent demand for certified seeds,
including potatoes, will encourage
larger acreages Of pure seed. Re-
CARELESS Of the weather till spring
there is an abundance Of feed, and
North D.kota can be assured Of Q
Happy New Year with an unusual
OUT * for prosperous year.