The Bismarck tribune., 1928-12-12
(Official City. State and County Newspaper)
FLAX AND NORTH DAKOTA

Agricultural experts have been convinced by the
showing made at the International Hay and Grain
show at Chicago that the time has for Nortf
Dakota to restore flax to its former prestige
crop this state. They hold that the state is peculiarly
adapted to raising this crop, and the fact that H. A.
Nelson and H. Ludeman took the sweepstakes prize
at the show seed grown the Ludeman farm south
of Fargo, while Edward j. Olson Of Hannaford, took
Second prize, attests to the quality of Dakota flax.
The agricultural experts therefore, consider the
efforts Of the Greater North Dakota association we'll
directed in offering prizes to stimulate farmers to
ewed growing Of flax. Statistics show that the pro-
1uction Of this crop has been declining for number
of years.. At the same time, Montana production has
been increasing. Tom Campbell, the million dollar
farmer near Hardin, Montana, alone grows 5000 to
10000 acres annually and ships the seed in a solid
train of IS usually. Minnesota has held leading
place in growing flax for its seed.
In fact the finest flax in the world is grown in the
Northwest. The seed goes into the manufacture of
linseed oil. Some day the fibre will cease to be waste
material out here and great linen industry possible
of establishment. The Rev. Frank B. Ggliotti of the
Methodist college of Rome, who has settled Terry
Montana, to ranch-he was a former Montana cow and
, sheep hand youths now working on plans to
make the byproduct, the FIBRE the basis of linen
industry over there saying the climate is perfectly
fitted for it.
There 49, however, drawback to the flax industry.
as the foreign operates at lower costs of
ductioh and this is held distinct disadvantage to the
american flax producers. Here is situation toward
which congress is well in the mood remedy as part
OF its program of farm relief In fact tariff changes
had been able to get the farmer out Of the slough in
which he has been since the defaton following the war;
the trick would have been turned long ago and euua-
zaon plans would not have been the issue thew were
through two sessions Of congress. Tariff is tried
remedy which has scored many successes. 1t ought
to be able to help the flax and should not be
difficult to obtain
Sentiment has begun to develop for going before
congress and asking an increase in the duty on flax
1nls something for commerce associations to take
up and give action Civic associations which are
able to see the matter in that light also should make
this desire potent among the lawmakers 1T Washington
Iarlft encouragement, however, is a matter of gen.
eral Northwestern concern and, aside from it. there
sti remains state encouragement be extended The
Greater North Dakota association has taken this in
hand and probably will consider it wise to continue
in the form Of prizes stimulate the farmers
OF the state to extend their flax acreage Speakinp for
system OF encouraging prizes to promote better
grain showing for this state at the International show
James s. Milloy, executive secretary of the Greater
North Dakota association which gave $1,000 to the ton
winner IN the flax exhibit, said of flax:
North Dakotas flax acreage has been declining for
years. YET flax has always been an important CROP
we believe that It given the increased tariff protection
we are now fighting for at Washington and with better
qushty TAX TO increase our production per acre we
can pr1ng this great and important cash crop back
Ims % IN hne with what we are doing to get more
profit from our grain crops by developing higher .
ity production"