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Newspaper
Graettinger Times
Location
Graettinger, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 17, 1917
Page
9
National Crop Improvement Services urges mobilizing labor during seed time and harvest. Farmers need workers at two crucial periods. Proposes three labor classes and calls commercial clubs, manufacturers, and farm-raised businessmen to volunteer or detach workers to support bumper crop production.
The North Dakota Demonstration Farms tenth annual report shows crop rotation increases profits with an average wheat yield of 29 bushels, usually followed by manured corn. Oats yield 58 bushels, barley 87.14 bushels, rye 21 percent, and alfalfa 2.54 tons per acre.
National Crop Improvement Services argues barley offers higher feeding value than corn and wheat for pig feed, with barley often more profitable than oats. Wheat is described as uncertain, while barley remains a strong option with two to three weeks to adjust acreage. Barley’s feed value benefits dairy by products but only a small share is used directly for brewing.
National Grop Improvement Service reports mixed barley yields with threshing records affecting results. From Wisconsin Experiment Association members, average pedigreed barley yields rose from 31 bushels in 1913 to 33.3 in 1914 and 37.5 in 1915, based on over 260 members. top individual reports reach 60, 57, 56, 55, 53 and 45 bushels. J. J. Garland notes some 1915 figures seem reasonable though higher yields may exist.
Barley, long praised as the corn of holy writ, has largely fallen out of use as bread flour in the United States. Norway and Sweden still bake with it in disks about the size of a phonograph record. It does not make good bread unless mixed with wheat, and its flavor and texture differ markedly from wheat, corn, or rye. In the U.S. its main role is as stock feed and as pearled barley in foods, with limited use in breakfast malting processes.
The article discusses barley use in the United States and Canada as dairy cattle feed and in malting, breakfast cereals, and pearled barley. Prof R A Moore cites barley as a key future animal food, noting its hay value for horses and potential as a profitable crop for new or replanted acreage with careful processing to avoid sticky gluten issues.
Nations Crop Improvement Service warns corn belt losses exceed 200 million bushels yearly. To curb damage from corn root worms, rotate crops and avoid planting more than two successive corn crops on a field. If last year was worm-prone, switch to barley and ready seed barley from your seedsman. Ensure thorough land preparation before planting.
The article argues for universal adoption of dry farming methods beyond the western plains. It urges humid-region farmers to conserve moisture and form an institute with leading farmers to promote the practice, noting that even in drought years the corn belt can secure enough moisture if conserved.
National Crop Improvement Service warns many farmers lack horses or power to plow all acreage. Tractors should run constantly to prepare soil and harvest barley corn and potatoes, each valued highly. Tractor owners urged to lend service to those unable to work soil.
Barley at 60c per bushel could profitably compete with wheat at 1.00. If barley sustains high prices it may rival oats. 1915 barley crops brought 122.5 million dollars. The 1916 barley crop, at 1.30 a bushel for 180 million bushels, could yield 284 million dollars. Yields of 40 to 50 bushels per acre are common, offering solid returns and malting barley promises strong prices.
The Wisconsin Experiment Station at the University, led by R A Moore, offers pedigreed barley by telegraph order for farmers disappointed in spring wheat seed. Barley can be a profitable substitute on idle land and is suitable where spring wheat grows, with potential for farther south where other crops fail.
Article argues banks should fund farmers to increase crop yields during wartime. It suggests bank lenders accept farmer plans with bank-led risk sharing, with federal rediscount backing, and pro-rated losses by business leaders. Emphasizes county agents’ approval to reduce risk and notes demand for food will rise globally.
The piece argues we learn from experience to prepare for peace and war emergencies, urging organization and action in the county. It stresses improving farmers' conditions, securing fair prices, and readying for early fall plowing after harvest, noting current prices are acceptable but improvement is needed.
National Crop Improvement Service notes 1915 barley output near 225,000,600 bushels on 7,000,000 acres, while 1916 yielded about 181,000,000 bushels on 7.5 million acres due to a bad season. High barley malt prices may raise acreage. planting advised up to May 6 or 15 with barley ahead of corn. Barley requires less labor and can be grown for hay or green feed when land is idle.
The article from the National Crop Improvement Service notes barley should be sown later than oats or spring wheat. A late spring frost harms barley more than other cereals. In Canada barley is sown into June, but in this country May’s second or third week is likely safe this year. Seeding is by drill or broadcast at 1.5 to 2 bushels per acre with barley used as a nurse crop if clover or timothy is planted.
National Crop Improvement Service urges testing barley seed vitality before sowing. Seed that tests below 90 percent is deemed inferior and should be replaced with new stock to avoid poor germination from heating damage in bins or stacks.
The note discusses mulch use and the value of shallow cultivation to kill weeds. It urges farmers to plant barley soon and avoid leaving an acre idle this year.
The United States government takes over Belgian relief from private groups and plans to spend about 12 million dollars monthly to alleviate suffering caused by German actions and ongoing rain damage.
The Middle West, one of four naval recruiting districts, becomes the first to meet the target of 10,200 men. This milestone signals strong regional recruitment as the others pursue similar goals.
Repeating U.S. Experience shows Argentina skeptical of German regrets and apologies. A second Argentine ship, the Oriana, is reported sunk, fueling renewed calls for war in Buenos Aires.
In spite of submarine peril, U.S. exports rose in March and April, signaling resilience in trade. The report notes continued export strength despite wartime risks, reflecting strategic economic activity during the period.
If your teeth need attention they can be treated more satisfactorily sow than at any other time. It might be well to have them examined.
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