Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-30
FARMERS ATTEMPT
TO REDUCE COSTS
Economy Program Seen in
Heavy Purchases of Agri-
cultural Machines.
BY J. C. ROYLE.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, March 30.-Sales OF
agricultural implements continue In
extraordinary volume. 1t is evident
that the farmers are determined to
reduce costs. They have found that
I'D to date power machinery can ac-
complish this. The amount OF ma
chinery being bought, therefore, is
better indicator of the actual financial
position of the farmer today than any
thing else, according to the corn peit
farm dailies, an authority on the agri-
cultural situation.
Farm lands are at lower price In
the farm belt than at any time since
the war, but this does not indicate
decentralization of agriculture. The fact
that farmers can and do buy farm
machinery, automobiles, radio sets and
washing machines indicates better po-
sition than the prices for farm lands
would indicate.
Production Increases.
At present there Is no active mar
ket for farm lands and little surplus
cash for investment in them. Produc-
ton of farm products Is still excessive
and more land Is not needed. Pernaps
the last thing TO show the improve
ment which may take place in the po-
sition OF the farmer will be farm lana
values.
The number of farm workers has
been generally decreasing in proportion
to the population, but the production
of farm crops has been just as steadily
increasing in the last generation. ac-
cording to the Farm Journal. Mechanl-
cally pulled plows, grain harvesters and
machines which pick corn, hoe out
weeds from the young crops and dig
potatoes are making 1t possible Tor one
man to do the work which once 0e-
cupied three to five workers. The pig
combines have replaced crews OF ten
to twelve men.
The combines are not new develop
ment. They were invented and built as
early as 1848, but demand has risen
until there are 10000 in this country
and 10000 in Kansas alone. 1t Is
claimed they have reduced the cost OF
harvesting grain Is to 20 cents a bushel.
Corn planting has been speeded by ma
chimes, which operate over four rows
simultaneously.
There are somewhat fewer cattle and
hogs on the farms now than year
ago but the farmers who count on
selling their corn in the form OF meat
have good prospects Visible supply OF
corn is we'll under that of a year ago
and export demand has been higher.
The Argentine crop now maturing Is
expected to be $4,000, 900 bushels snort
Of the previous yield. Cash corn since
November has brought an average be-
tween SO and SO cents. Government
figures as of the first of this month
showed farm reserves Of 1,03O .OOO,O GOO
bushels, 64,000,000 under the five-year
average.
Crop Outlook.
The outlook for wheat is not SO
bright. This is due in no small part
to the foreign situation. 1t Is the price
that the surplus, which cannot be con-
sumed in the United States, brings in
word markets which determines the
price here. Competition in those mar
kets IS tightening. Canada has increased
wheat production to above 100000, 600
bushels a year and the Canadian water
ways will soon be carrying grain to
Europe. Australia has doubled its
wheat acreage in the last few years.
Argentina can be counted on to market
abroad approximately 140 ,000. 900 BUSH
els. Russia is buying machinery and
planning to add 100000 acres to wheat
paintings.
That is the situation of the wheat
growers as Congress prepares to take
up farm relief. which, despite current
optimism, agriculturistS agree is sorely
needed. Perhaps as sharp a struggle az
any will come in conjunction with the
situation of the sugar beet growers.
The sugar producers. both cane and
beet, are urging strengthening Of the
tariff walls, declaring their very exist
ence is threatened.