Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-03-02
Prepared by University of Maryland, U. S. Dept. of
Agrl., State and County Farm Organizations
Cooperating.
Cooperating.


partly upon information pertaining
to conditions in Maryland. (Pre-
pared by specialists of the Expert
ment Station and Extension service).
The General Agricultural Situation.
In 1927 there was better balance
between the different lines of agri-
cultural production than in any other
recent year. Agricultural income in
1928 for the country as a whole is
likely to show some improvement
over that of 1927 provided total ag-
ricultural production is maintained
at its present volume and farmers
continue to make further adjust
ments toward a more balanced pro-
duction. Expansion, especially in
cash crops, is to be guarded against.
During 1927 the average of prices
of farm products for the United
States as a whole advanced, as shown
by the increase of 10 points in the
index of farm prices from 127 in
December, 1926, to 1877 fer Decem-
Der, 1927. This increase was due
largely to higher prices for cotton,
cattle, feed grains, apples and to-
bacco which more than Offset the
marked decline in hog prices, and
lower prices received for wheat, hay.
potatoes, and eggs. The net advance
in farm prices is the result not of
any better demand situation, but
rather of reduced production of cot
ton, cattle, and fruits and vege-
tables.
The gross agricultural income in
the United States for the crop year
1926-27 was about $12, 0,000,0 900;
for 1885 it was $12,70O,O00, 900;
and for 1922, $9,200,000,O00.
While the gross income from agri-
culture in 1926-27 was practically
the same as in 1886, the purchas-
ing power of the farmers dollar was
higher in 1927 than in 1926. The
relative purchasing power of farm
products in terms Of non-agricultural
commodities stood at 81 per cent of
the pre-war level in November, 1927,
as compared with 80 per cent for
November, 1926.
The gross value of farm crops for
Maryland in 1927 was $7O,346,00 as
compared with $69,772,000 for 1926.
In Maryland the livestock indus
try as a whole has been in a rela-
lively favorable position, although
there was considerable decline in
hog prices in 1927. The outlook for
wool in 1928 appears favorable. The
dairy industry is in a relatively
stable position while poultry pro-
ducers have reasonably good pros
poets of higher level of prices for
eggs, and dressed and live poultry,
at least during the first half of 1928.
Beef cattle prices in 1928 promise
toNaverage higher than in 1927.
Domestic And Foreign Demand.
The agricultural industry as a
whole may anticipate domestic
market situation for the 1928 pro-
duction at least equal to that of the
present winter with the possibility
of some improvement. While there
may be a slightly better domestic
demand for the 192S-29 season, it
will not be sufficient to warrant ex-
pansion of production without re-
gard to the greater consequences of
increased supplies. Foreign demand
for our agricultural prosucts of 1928
probably will be no better than it
was for those of 1927. The Purchas-
ing power of foreign consumers
seems likely to be no greater than
during the present season and for
eign competition is likely to be
greater.
Farmers in Maryland should, so
far as possible, adjust their produc-
ton to meet local market require
ments, especially in those products
for which there is likely to, be keen
competition from other States and
countries. More attention should be
given to lowering cost of produc-
ton and to producing better quality
products rather than to any general
increase in production.
Agricultural Credit.
The agricultural credit situation is
somewhat improved over that of
year ago. The credit supply in finan-
cial centers continues abundant and
rates on commercial loans and in
vestments have declined. In Mary
land and the other Eastern States,
particularly. no difficulty should be
encountered in securing credit at
reasonably low rates.
Farm Labor, Equipment And
Fertilizer.
Farm Labor:
The possibility that industrial en-
ployment will continue at a lower
level than during 1927 will result
in a larger supply of farm labor
during 1928. With better prices for
farm products it is quite likely that
the demand for farm labor will be
greater than in 1927 and farm wages
during 1928 will probably be main.
tanned at about the level for 1927.
Fertilizer:
Prices of fertilizer are likely to be
slightly higher in 1928 than they
were in 1927. Wholesale prices of
mixed fertilizers have advanced
steadily since May, 1927, until in
December, 1927, they were only 40
per cent below the average prices
Of year ago. Retail prices of
mixed fertilizers and fertilizer ma.
terials in December, 1927, were at
about the same level as the year be-
fore, but above Z per cent higher
than last spring. The decrease in
cotton acreage and the smaller pur-
chasing power Of the South caused
material decrease in the amount of
fertilizer consumed in 1927. and fer