The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-21
D, CONDITION
IMPROVING NOW,
WILLARD SAYS
Farm Economist Points to
Sterilization Trend - Op-
poses Rail Rate Boost

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 2l.-(AP)--The
/. depression which mas existed II
North Dakota agriculture since 1920
: IS far less serious today than was
the case four years ago, as the re-
suit Of sterilization of land values
and increased efficiency in produc-
ton methods, Rex +. Willard, farm
economist Of the North Dakota ag-
riculturaI college testified here to-
day at the interstate commerce COM
missions grain rate hearing.
Bank Failures Arc Fewer
Mr.. Willard told the commission
that bank failures continue in North
Dakota but are much fewer each
year than during the worst period
Of depression in 1923. The annual
number of farm foreclosures in the
state is much smaller than four
years ago, he said, and the amount
/, Of delinquent taxes i'm 1926 was less
than half the 1923 total. The num-
Der Of farm bankruptcies thus far
in 1927 has been less than 80 per
cent Of that reported in correspond
i ing months Of 1923, according to Mr..
Willard.
Mr.. Willard took the stand as a
witness for the state Of North Da-
kota to submit facts regarding ag-
riculturc in his state for use Of the
federal trade commission in its study
of freight tariff on grain and grain
products. He was examined by
Stanley Z. Houck Of Minneapolis,
special counsel for the state.
William Watt, farmer Of Leon
ard, N. D., who has operated farm
in Cass county for 43 years, was
scheduled to take the stand this aft
crnoon as another witness for the
state government.
Land Values Constant
Land values in North Dakota
now are at prc-war level and are
comparatively constant, leading tt
the inference that they have reached
the BOTTOM" Mr.. Willard said
"North Dakota did not have the in.
flation that occurred in other states
and there was little alment to be
overcome in this direction.
''North Dakota farmers are over.
coming the depression situation BY
increasing their efficiency in produc.
ton, the volume of production per
man being increased 20 per cent OF
more in the past 10 years. This has
been brought about by better organ.
ization of farm business, use of more
labor-saving machinery and curtail.
ment of all unnecessary expenses
The purchasing of farmers at pres
ent in terms Of non-agricultural
commodities is about SO cents on the
dollar"
The witness expressed the belief
that North Dakota farmers, despite
their improved condition, are in nc
position to stand a further decrease
in net farm pri, S due to increases
which railways have proposed il
their rates. Other evidence pre-
scented at the rate hearing yesterday
afternoon and this morning deal
with the plea of the North Dakot:
state mill and elevator and privat,
lnilling and grain marketing inter
ests of the state for establishment
Of free milling in transit privilege.
at Grand Forks and other Dakot;
points on NORTH Dakota wheat NOV
ing cast for consuming centcrs.
Governor A. G. Sorlie, who testi
fled last week on behalf Of this plea
was a spectator at today's session O
the hearing. The principal witnes,
this morning on the transit millin,
proposal was w. G. Helm, vice presi
dent and general manager Of tn,
Russell-Miller Milling compan
which operates flour mills at Bis
marck, Mandan and other North Da
kota points, as we'll as in Mime
apOliS and Buffalo.