The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-02-28
1929FARM OUTLOOK
Says WHEAT INDEX
will Be ITS COSTS
Growers Should Hesitate to In.
crease Acreage Unless
Methods Are Cheap
FLAX LOOKS PROFITABLE
Losses Of 1923 May Reduce
Excessive Potato Plant
ing, It Is Believed

ing, IL Is Believed
The agricultural situation for the
past five years has been marked by a
rising level OF production and COM
parative stability in prices paid by
farmers for goods and services such
as labor, machinery, building ma
terial and taxes, says the North Da-
kota Farm Outlook for 1929. The ag-
ricultural income in North Dakota is
likely to show some improvement in
1929-30. Low world prices for wheat
may discourage producers all over the
world and result IN higher prices for
the 1925 wheat crop. Flax continues
to be an attractive alternative for
spring grain crops in suitable areas
Judging from recent trends in gen.
cral business activity. commodity
prices and the financial situation, it
seems likely that business activity will
be maintained near the present level
through most Of 1929 but there may
be some recession in the latter part of
1929 or early in 1880 similar to the re-
Ccssion In 1924 and 1927. Farmers who
are planning new construction may
profit by postponing it until peak
prices are passed and costs are lower.
Producers Of dairy products. flax and
the higher quality of meats should
make their plans with due regard to
the possible effect of decreased do
nestle demand on the markets for
their products. Somewhat less for
eign competition is to be expected in
the production Of pork, wheat and
rye. and more competition will be ex-
pected in corn, flaxseed, dairy prod
uctS and wool.
Credit
The credit outlook is less encourag-
ing than 1t was IL months ago. More
strict scrutiny Of farmers applica-
tiorS for loans, increased rates, or
both. may result from the high rates
Of interest prevailing in the central
money markets, especially if the lat
ter rates should continue we'll into
the year.
Wheat
North Dakota farmers should ne-i.
tate to maintain their present wheat
acreage this year, in spite Of the prob
ability that the world supply and de-
mand for wheat during the 1029-3O
season may be somewhat more favor
able than last season. On farms
where low-cost methods are used or
considerably better than average
yields are obtained, a slight increase
IN wheat acreage may be justified.
Another large crop Of hard red spring
wheat was harvested In 1928. This.
added to . large production in 1927,
has kept this class Of wheat definitely
on an export basis and selling at the
lowest prices since the 1923-24 crop
year. The acreage Of hard red spring
wheat In North Dakota decreased
from 100000 acres in 1927 to 5,3Ol 900
acres In 1928.
Durum wheat prices in North Da-
kota will probably continue relatively
low. In areas where high yields OF
amber durum are secured 1t NAV be
q profitable as hard spring wheat.
Production Of durum wheat has been
rapidly expanding in the United
states and Canada. In Italy produc-
ton Is being stimulated by an in
crease In tariff rates and better fertil-
tzation methods are being used. The
acreage Of durum In North Dakota
increased from q total OF 2.757. 900
acres In 1924 to 4.222,OOO acres in
1877 and last year there was a total of
6,Oo0.Oo0 acres Of durum in the state.
The domestic consumption OF durum
Is increasing. Mill grindinps Of
durum during the 1929 CROP wear
totalled 1900. 900 bushels.
Present indications are that flax
VIII be . more profitable crop in 1929
than other spring grains under cir
cumstances where better than aver.
age yields are obtained. Nearly
1900 600 bushels Of flax seed were
required for commercial use and seed
purposes In tho United States during
the year ending Sept, 80, 1928. and
even with the equivalent Of pr6duc-
tion secured from the record acreage
Of 1924 We would still need to import
about $4,000 900 bushels. Any changes
In the tariff will have bearing on
the prices for this years crop.
Feed Crops
The decline in horse population has
materially reduced the early require
mentS Of oats. Acreage Of oats In
North Dakota decreased from 2,125 900
acres In 1927 to 1884, 900 acres in 1928.
Little Il any Improvement In the mar
ut Tor cash barley may be expected
tor the 1920 crop. The acreage OF
6oxley In North Dakota increased
lroua 1.063,O00 acres In 1927 to g.
11oy0oo acres for 1919.
Potatoes