StftTLPOSJWffli Montana Farm RjviewVol. 2 M ^,.^ ^^-■"■•^u-^-V'-^^^' nCV •^ ' . • >X' ... SEP 4 -K^'A Montana State Librai 3 0864 1004 5711 1 MONTANA FARM REVIEW FOR 1923 VOLUME 2 Issued by THE MONTANA COOPERATIVE CROP REPORTING SERVICE GEORGE A. SCOTT, Agricultural Statistician, HELENA, MONTANA. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS Washington, D. C. H. C. TAYLOR, Chief of Bureau and MONTANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE I Helena, Montana CHESTER C. DAVIS, Commissioner Co-operating. JOINT BULLETIN This Publication is Issued and Circulated by Authority of the State of Montana. MONTANA FARM REVIEW Foreword Volume 1 of the MONTANA FARM REVIEW contains a historical sketch of the state's agriculture, together with compilations of the records of crop and livestock production as far back as available, while this and succeeding volumes contemplate only information for the last current year, with some comparative data. The information herein contained has been collected and compiled by the Montana Co-oi)erative Crop Reporting Service, which is the Montana unit of the Division of Crop and Livestock Estimates, Bureau of Agricul- tural Economics, United States Department of Agriculture, co-operating with the Montana State Department of Agriculture, and with the Extension Service of the Montana State College. Except where otherwise noted, the figures given are estimates of this Division of the United States Department of Agriculture. These data are based chiefly upon monthly information submitted by more than three thousand voluntary reporters, the annual farm census taken by the county assessors, records of the movement of farm and range produce submitted by railroads, supplemented by information from many other sources. To these individuals and agencies must be given the credit for making possible the collection of data on Montana's agriculture. The figures showing the farm values of crops produced and the total values of livestock on hand must not be interpreted to mean the net wealth produced by the farmers and stockmen, nor the amount of cash received, but should be viewed in a relative sense. In accordance with established practice, the estimates of crop acreages and production for 1923 are subject to final revision in December, 1924. Livestock numbers for January 1, 1924, are likewise subject to revision in January, 1925. The MONTANA FARM REVIEW^ itself is widely distributed and is intended to serve as an accurate, uncolored source of information concern- ing Montana's agricultural production ; the geographic range and distribu- tion of crops and livestock ; and the trend of changes that are now taking place in agriculture within this state. From it those who are interested or who hope to become interested in agriculture in Montana can secure dependable information on what the state grows, and where and in what quantity its production is found. CHESTER C. DAVIS. GEORGE A. SCOTT, Commissioner of Agriculture. Agricultural Statistician. MONTANA LIVESTOCK 3 Livestock The trends and shifts in livestock production in the state that were in evidence in 1922 continued in more pronounced fashion during 1923. There was a very heavy liquidation in beef cattle, a continued expansion in sheep, and still larger proportionate gains in milk cows, hogs, poultry, and bees, while the cash income ' from horses was very small compared with several years ago. Grass on ranges was generally abundant, and a large supply of feeds was raised. (See tables for information as to numbers, values, gross receipts, etc.) Beef Beef cattle production, the leading branch of the livestock industry Cattle in Montana, met with severe reverses again in 1923, in the form of low market values for range cattle, local financial difficulties which would not permit of further extensions of much needed credit, and (comparatively high production costs. Most cattle went on summer ranges in good shape, and ranges were for the most part excellent throughout the season, while the supplies of winter feeds produced were more than adequate for normal requirements. But growers found it necessary to sacrifice many stock cows, calves, and much immature stuff. As a result more cattle were shipped from the state in 1923 than in any other year in the history of the state, except 1918 and 1919, when grass and feed crops were short, and prices very favorable. On the whole, cattlemen are yet in a distressed financial condition, although a ray of hope is seen now and then, and those who have been able thus far to stay in the business hope for an improvement in 1921. The mild winter of 1923-'24 enabled stockmen to winter their herds at about minimum expense and still maintain them in generally splendid shape. More cattle were fattened on corn and other feeds in the state in 1923 than usual, which is encouraging; but it will probably be some time before any considerable percentage of the annual output of cattle is fattened before shipment to markets. Sheep The production of sheep and wool continued on the upgrade during 1923. Both lambs and wool brought a profit to the growers. The sheep industry is also carrying a heavy burden of debt, but the two favorable years just passed have enabled the sheepman to strengthen his financial holds. There was a moderate exipansion in numbers of sheep in the state last year, but many owners found it expedient to sell practically all of their ewe lambsl. The 1923 wool clip was quite generally satisfactory both as to quality and weight. It seems that sheepmen are drifting away from the custom of contracting their clips in advance of or at shearing time, and are selling more wool through local pools and associations, largely on a con- signment basis. Hogs The increase in hog production gained momentum in 1923, which is in line with state-wide diversification tendencies. This expansion was by far the most pronounced in the corn-growing counties. At the end of the year there were as many hogs in the state as ever before, if not more. Most of our hogs are used locally and by packing establishments within the state. The bulk of the shipments out of the state go to markets to the west of us. Montana leads all the states in avejrage production of surplus honey and per colony over the ten-jear period 1913-1921, with an average yield Honey of 82 pounds per colony. Wyoming stands second with an average of 80 pounds, and the average for the entire country for the same period is 46.1 pounds. In 1923 the average yield of honey per colony in Montana was 118 pounds, which was exceeded by North Dakota, but compares with the United States 1923 average of 39.1 pounds. 4 MONTANA FARM REVIEW A steady and healthy expansion in apiculture is in progress. The 1920 census showed t^bout 12,000 colonies then in the state, and the estimated number of colonies for 1923 is 17,000. The estimated income from honey and wax in 1923 was $170,000. Horses liittle intere§t was manifest in the raising of horses during 1923, due to very slow demand and low values. Only about enough breeding was done to maintain numbers ; but for light losses on the ranges, there probably would have been a substantial decrease in numbers. Poultry Montana farmers are raising more poultry than ever before. The last census showed that about three and one-quarter million chickens were raised in the state in 1919, and more than eleven and four-fifths million dozen of eggs produced. The receipts from the sales of chickens and eggs in 1919 amounted to $2,160,209. In 1923 about 3,500,000 chickens were raised, and over sixteen million dozen of eggs produced. The receipts from sales of chickens and eggs for this year are esti- mated to be $2,591,000. Prices received for poultry and eggs have generally been unsatisfactory during 1923. Local demands are easily satisfied. More attention is being given to the marketing side of the enterprise, and the State Department of Agriculture has recently established grades for eggs, and, in cooperation with the Extension Department of the State College, has devised a workable plan for producers to have their eggs officially graded at shipping point. The application of such a system should aid in eliminating from market channels many eggs of inferior quality, greatly improve the average quality of eggs marketed, and insure better prices to the producer. Turkey raising expanded greatly in 1923, most of the increase taking place in the counties east of the Divide. The climatic conditions of Montana and the feeds grown here are important factors favoring the production of turkeys. Much progress was made in marketing the turkey crop, through demonstrations in dressing and grading turkeys, conducted over the state by the State College Extension Service, by the market news service handled by the State Department, and by the functioning of several cooperative marketing associations. Prices received for turkeys were mostly very unsatisfactory. The estimated gross farm income from turkeys in 1923 was $473,000. MUk Cows Commercial dairying in Montana has received great impetus within and the last two years. From 1919 to 1922 inclusive, the increase in the Dairying output of dairy products within the state was not so rapid. The increase in 1922 over 1919 was about 40% in creamery butter, the output of cheese decreased, and ice cream remained nearly stationary. The year 1923 showed an increase of over 50% in the output of creamery butter over any previous year. Reports from most of the creameries for the first three months of 1924 show an increase of about 10%' over the same period of 1923 in the production of creamery butter. There are si3d;y-five creameries now in oi)eration in Montana, or fifteen more than in 1919. Four county cow-testing associations are reported as organized and functioning on April 1, 1924. Considerable advance registry work is being done by the owners of purebred herds of the Guernst^y, Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss breeds. Many dairy cattle are being brought into Montana from outside of the state and a constantly increasing number of farmers are turning to dairying as the principal part of their agricultural operations. A much larger number, however, are limiting their dairy operations, milking enough cows to furnish a sufficient in<'orae for current expenses in the home, and making it a part of their plan for diversification of their agricultural activities. Best estimates obtainable for the producti(m of dairy products in 1924 would indicate an increase of at least 25% in the production of creamery butter over 1923 with a substantial increase in the production of cheese, and the production of ice cream remaining about stationary. It seems at this time, from best sources of information obtainable, that prices for creamery butter will hardly remain at the level of 1923. MONTANA LIVESTOCK NUMBERS AND VALUES OF MONTANA LIVESTOCK ON FARMS AND RANGES (1920-1924) Montana Livestock on Farms & Ranges Total Number Average Value Total Value Horses : Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 643,000 643,000 670,000 669,000 669,000 1 $31.00 38.00 41.00 50.00 61.00 119,933,000 1923 24,434,000 1922 1921 27,470,000 33,450,000 1920 40,809,000 Mules: Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 9,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 9,000 55.00 60.00 69.00 87.00 1 92.00 495,000 1923 540,000 1922 621,000 1921 783,000 1920 828,000 Milk Cows: Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 194,000 173,000 160,000 156,000 153,000 1 53.00 55.00 58.00 75.00 .83.00 10,282.000 1923 9,515,000 1922 9,280,000 1921 11,700,000 1920 12,799,000 Other Cattle : Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 1,222,000 1,273,000 1,260,000 1,080,000 1,116,000 1 27.60 1 30.90 1 27.20 35.40 46.80 33,727,000 1923 39,336,000 1922 34,272,000 1921 1920 38,232,000 54,288,000 All Cattle: Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 1,416,000 1,446,000 1,420,000 1,236,000 1,269,000 1 31.08 1 33.78 1 30.60 1 44.78 I 52.85 44,009,000 1923 - - 48,851,000 1922 43,552,000 1921 49,932,000 1920 67,087,000 Sheep: Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 2,370.000 2,270,000 2,270,000 1,973,000 2,083,000 1 8.70 1 8.70 1 4.70 1 5.80 1 10.40 20,619,000 1923 19,749,000 1922 — - 1921 10,669,000 11,443.000 1920 21,663,000 Swine ■ Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 1924 270,000 225,000 180,000 160.000 167,000 1 11.20 1 13.20 1 13.10 1 16.50 1 20.00 3.024.000 1923 2.970.000 1922 2,358,000 1921 2.640,000 1920 3,340.000 TOTAL VALUES OF ABOVE CLASSES OF LIVESTOCK IN MONTANA: 1924 * % 88,080,000 1923 96,544,000 1922 : 84.671,000 1921 98,248,000 1920 133,727,000 Jan. 1^ Jan. 1, Jan. 1, Jan. 1, Jan. 1, MONTANA WOOL PRODUCTION 1919 1920 Wool Produced (thousands of pounds) Montana's Rank with other States 18,267 3d 16,000 5th 1921 16,400 5th 1922 16,770 4th 1923 17,775 3d MONTANA CALF AND LAMB CROPS, AND LOSSES OF CATTLE AND SHEEP Year Calf Crop» I Per Cent Lamb Crop* Per Cent Cattle Losses^ ' Per Cent Sheep Losses* Per Cent 1922 1923 70 75 73 11 Based upon number of cows and ewes of breeding age on hand at the beginning of the year. Based upon the total number of cattle and sheep on hand at the beginning of the year. MONTANA FARM REVIEW NUMBERS OF HORSES, CATTLE AND SHEEP BY COUNTIES. (As shown by Assessors to State Board of Equalization, 1923) District and County All Horses All Cattle All Sheep NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT Flathead 4,004 1,817 4,581 15,829 16,146 5,421 11,689 4.422 11,899 9,784 6,093 10,221 19,223 10,028 • 14,651 27,794 1,383 3,287 559 3,113 3,984 5,727 2,836 4,511 10,375 25.994 5.754 3.941 7.578 5.250 4.993 6.604 5.469 15.406 16,329 17,956 10.936 14.927 6.054 12.594 9.271 1.926 8.485 10.796 6.231 8,801 5.817 12.160 7,274 11.828 10.779 1 9.598 1 12.790 1 9.497 I 2,727 1 9,014 2,676 8,119 36,655 25,982 17,669 13,667 5,954 13,564 19.435 6.379 10.352 25.946 13,878 18.636 28,276 4.810 11.254 718 9.123 16.263 19,347 9.332 14.676 29,875 52,016 11.114 14,448 25.319 28.676 22.551 12.600 22.870 20.034 22.455 18.048 13.404 18,202 7.496 81.413 36,608 6.072 18,120 21.394 22.614 20.040 23.531 19.732 60.001 26.313 1 28.038 I 13.751 1 44.809 [ 22.931 1 7.866 1 3,287 76 1.256 103,458 35,281 23.475 13.960 5.988 15,632 32,081 26,919 3,668 50,120 900 Lincoln Lake NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN DISTRICT Daniels Phillips : Roosevelt Sheridan 7,683 65,446 5,366 8.933 14 Valley WEST CENTRAL DISTRICT Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula 1,667 90,416 18,895 Powell .... Ravalli Sanders 2.826 CENTRAL DISTRICT Broadwater 25.250 74.386 49.201 11.004 1.953 Cascade Fergus , Golden Valley „ Jefferson . . Judith Basin ;.. Lewis & Clark .., Meagher , 32,632 64.162 128.689 Musselshell Wheatland .... 9.029 60.200 EAST CENTRAL Dawson , . . Garfield ....!.......;.. McCone * 10.928 52.850 27.734 Prairie Richland : Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow 10,127 1.501 2.513 156.346 115.457 7.270 SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT Carbon Gallatin Park 1 24 .^01 16.048 45.735 Stillwater I Sweet Grass Yellowstone 26.937 76.856 38.246 SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Big Horn I Carter ! 12.123 75.704 Cuatei" 1 Fallon 1 Powder River 1 Rosebud 1 Treasure I 29.514 8.679 20.762 57.461 7.437 STATE TOTALS 1 497,142 1 1.114.066 1 1.798.582 DIVERSIFICATION SIGNS— About 160,000 acres more land were devoted to inter- tilled crops in Montana in 1923 than in the previous year. The acreage growing strictly feed crops in 1923 was 216,000 acres greater than in 1922. The number of milk cows in the state increased 12 per cent in 1023, and the number of hogs 20 per cent. A big in- crease in the number of turkeys raised was noted, and more chickens and eggs were produced than ever before. A part of the increase in the numbers of sheep in the state was due to the establishment of more farm flocks. MONTANA LIVESTOCK MILK COWS BY COUNTIES. Estimated numbers, January 1, 1924. Number of County Milk Cows Flathead 5,000 Lincoln 1,300 Lake , 2,200 Blaine 4,200 Chouteau 4,000 Glacier 400 Hill 4,800 Liberty 900 Pondera 3,800 Teton 3,400 Toole 1,500 Daniels 2,700 Phillips ,. 4,700 Roosevelt 4,300 Sheridan 6,800 Valley! , 2,900 Deer Lodge 1,400 Granite 2,600 Mineral 400 Missoula 5,000 Powell ■. 3,300 Ravalli : 9,000 Sanders 2,200 Broadwater 2,200 Cascade 6,000 Pergruq 9,400 Golden Valley 2,700 Jefferson 4,000 Judith Basin 4,200 County Lewis & Clark. Meagher Musselshell "WTieatland Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux : Beaverhead Madison .— Silver Bow Carbon Gallatin Park Stillwater Sweet Grass .... Yellowstone ...... Big Horn Carter? Custer Fallon Powder River .. Rosebud) Treasure Num Milk ber of Cows 3,800 1,900 4,000 3,800 3,500 1,800 1.600 2,100 5.300 3,000 2,00Q 4,700 3,800 4.800 7,600 4,000 4,400 3,200 8,400 2,400 1,000 3,000 3,300 800 2,700 1,800 STATE TOTAL 194,000 D/sfr/bufion nf MILK COIVS January t, I9Z4-. Loco f ion of CffEAMERIES and CHE£^E:r/ICTOR/E5 I9ZS. LIVESTOCK GRAZED ON NATIONAL FORESTS— For the year 1922, the U. S. Forest Service reports that 644,000 head of sheep and over 165,000 head of cattle and horses were grazed on the National Forests in Montana. ■'• MONTANA FARM REVIEW MANUFACTURED DAIRY PRODUCTS. (Data supplied by Dairy Division, Montana Department of Apiculture.) Year Number of Creameries Operating Butter Made (pounds) Number of Cheese Factories Operating- Ciieese Made (pounds) 1921 1J22 1!)23 Ice Cream Made (gallons) 53 57 66 7,464.679 7,815.847 10,721,595« 158.559 188,889= 250,000* 481,160 355,041* 711,762» » Estimated about 50,000 pounds were not reported. •Reports of cheese manufactured for 1922 were very incomplete. " Reports incomplete. ♦Estimated that only about one-half of Ice Cream manufactured was reported for 1922. •Probably about 100,000 gallons not reported. CATTLE SHIPMENTS FROM MONTANA. (Data fumiohed by Secretary of Livestock Commission of Montana.) Average Number of head shipped out 1885-1894 ave. 10 yrs. 1895-1904 ave. 10 yrs. 1905-1914 ave. 10 yrs. 1915-1923 ave. 9 yrs. -168.117 .219,000 .222.496 .303.366 Number of head shipped out 1919 641,337 1920 211,242 1921 147,413 1922 246,000 1923 342,687 &50 — — ' — n n n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 n n ~^ -] n n 1 1 n — \ r~ — 5 550 OUTPUT or CATTLt FROM MONTANA Bu Years -1885 to 1923 \ 1 0500 \ \ 0450 \ 1 ^400 - \ -550 / «%o 1 / Jzso w200 / ^, \- / \ \ 1 / / N / \ / ^ N / -v.. / \ / \ y 1 "5' n«50 / \ / \ / "— . / \ ( |ioo 50 1 \ /' \ 7^ ' W| i i i 0 1 i 1 1 i i i 1 M 1 If 1 \ \\ '\ \l J J 1 if 2 I I » 3 1 \ . < i \ \ 2 J e I 2 % 0 w CROPS GROWN UNDER IRRIGATION— The acreage of irrigated lands devoted to tame and wild haj's exceeds the combined acreage of all other crops under irrigation. More than 90 per cent of the wheat acreage is not irrigated. Less than one-fifth of the oats acreage, about one-third of the barley acreage, and a small percentage of the corn licreage, are under irrigation. Sugar beets for sugar are grown only under irrigation, and this is largely true for seed peas. MONTANA LIVESTOCK 9 Relative Farm Receipts from the Sale of Montana Livestock and Livestock Products for 1923> v-^ t^ ^^. 0^ ^-^ ^^^ d^^ CO^^ A\ rti' Hogs 7.1% A ^ ,\^ ^ "V ^o Livestock Stockmen have asked the Department of Agriculture for a long time Reporting for current reports regarding the livestock situation, so that they might have definite information upon which to base necessarily fre- quent decisions concerning time of marketing, whether to increase or decrease their holdings, and related problems. Accordingly, late in 1922 this Division began issuing monthly reports on livestock. In this work advance estimates are made of the supplies of the different classes of stock that will be available for market at various times from different sections of the country; monthly reports are issued on the condition of stock and ranges in the seventeen western range states, and on feed supplies in various sections; and other items of value and interest are covered briefly, in order that stockmen may have a general view of the livestock situation over the entire country. These reports are based mainly upon information received direct from thousands of stockmen, from records of rail movements, and from several other sources. 10 MONTANA FARM REVIEW D>strit>vf>on oT fJFEF CATTLE 'Rffa/ numer Jon. I. /dZ^a- /,ZZ2.000. t % 'mmsm ZX : : /■ ■■■■■^■■■■■■■■■- fiach idof represenh JOO head D/sfr,buf/on nf SHEEP Tbfo/ nt/mber January /, /S24 — B.SVO.OOO. Each dc^ represents 600 Mead. IRRIGATED AREA IN MONTANA— The Montana Irrigation Commission, in 1920, reported 2,136,974 acres of land actually irrigated, with 885,543 acres more to be ir- rigated soon under plans or works completed at that time. The Commission estimated that an additional 2,266,000 acres were feasible of irrigation. The irrigated area within the state is steadily being enlarged by the completion of new projects, and by the exten- sion and improvement of many older ones. MONTANA LIVESTOCK 11 Tofof D^sfr>bu/fon ar HOGS number January f, t92'^ - 270,000. ....... u«.r M->>v^: .• ■<,...•,.. J ->— .-^\' f-H h- _ 0 •■...N^-Hi:^ J. .•,■■• ■-•.■• ';■ .o.o.,ru, H^ • o-l-rJ Li„- .■ ^| r- V_ ESTIMATED GROSS FARM RECEIPTS FROM MONTANA FARMS AND RANCHES, 1923. INCOME FROM CROPS SOLD: Winter wheat % 8,200,000 Spring- wheat 27,838,000 Oats 1,510,000 Barley 161,000 Rye 190,000 Flax 1,496,000 Corn 400,000 Hay 3,930,000 Potatoes 940,000 445,000 880,000 506,000 210,000 50,000 300,000 70,000 Apples I Beans ^ Peas (seed & canning) Alfalfa seed Misc. seed crops Truck crops sold Misc. fruits Sug-ar beets 2,725,000 Wood products sold (from farms) 550,000 TOTAL INCOME FROM CROPS $50,401,000 (Estimated total farm value of all crops prdouced in 1923, $95,917,000) INCOME FROM LIVESTOCK AND LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS SOLD: Cattle (for meat) $20,930,000 Sheep and lambs 7,117,000 Wool 7,643,000 Milk and milk products 6,753,000 Hogs 3,600,000 All poultry and eggs 3,153,000 Horses 400,000 Honey and wax 170,000 TOTAL INCOME FROM SALE OF LIVESTOCK AND THEIR PRODUCTS $ 49,766,000 GRAND TOTAL $100,167,000* •There is a small percentage of duplication of income here, since it includes the value of some hay and other feeds sold by farmers to feed stock which are later sold by others. MONTANA'S HAY CROP — ^Hay ranks second in importance among all the crops in the state, both of acreage and in value. Approximately 25 per cent of the total cropped area in 1923 was devoted to tame and wild hay combined. Practically all of the hay grown is used in the state; less than three per cent is usually shipped out. 12 MONTANA FARM REVIEW Estimated Receipts by Counties of All Livestock and Livestock Products Sold in 1923. (In millions of dollars) Beoi^erheod .... Fergus Modison Blaine Meagher Cascade Big Horn Valley YellokV'Sfone Lems Si Clark.. 3\^eefgrass Carier Phillips Powell Potyder Piver.. Wheatland. Posebud. Gallalin Ravalli Park Chofeau Garfield Judiih Basin Custer. Stillwater. Carbon Teton Sheridan McCone Richland Dav\/son Broadyvater. Hill Pondera _ Flathead. Musselshell. Glacier. Poosevelt — Missoula Prairie Fallon Jefferson Golden Vol/ei^... Granite Daniels......... Toole Wibaux. Treasure Silver Bo^v. Sanders. Liberty Deer Lodge. Lincoln Mineral. MONTANA LIVESTOCK 13 Estimated Combined Receipts from Livestoclc and Livestock Products Soid and Value of All Crops Produced in 1923— By Counties. (in miiiions of dollars) 4 Fergus Yelloyyzfone.. Beoi^erheod. Cascac/e Ga/hf/n Sheridan JudHh Basin.... Madison Valley Blaine Fai/alli. Tefon Phillips Flathead Big Horn Carbon Chateau Richland. 3fillv\/aler Pondera Parh Roose\/elf Missou/a Daniels Lem's Si Clark. Datv<5on 3h, .^ All ^^3 MONTANA CROPS If GENERAL SUMMARY MONTANA CROPS Acreage, Production and Farm Value, 1923, 1922, 1921, 1920, Year Acres Yield Per Acre Production Farm Value Dec. 1 Crop Per Unit Total Winter Wheat Spring Wheat Oats 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1921 1920 1923 1922 1923 1922 1923 738,000 768, OUO 800,000* 780,000* 2,793,000 2,850,000 2,990,000* 3,100,000* 673,000 660,000 618,000 533,000 97,000 92,000 75,000 64,000 192,000 240,000 116,000 80,000* 110,000 84,000 110,000 407,000 365,000 228,000 190,000 184,000 1,087,000 1,045,000 1,045,000 1,105,000 653,000 660,000 657,000 652,000 36,000 45,000 41,000 40,000 17.0 15.2 14.0 12.0 14.3 14.4 12.0 10.0 33.0 32.0 24.0 22.0 25.5 25.0 20.5 18.0 11.0 14.0 11.2 8.0 8.2 7.2 5.0 2.6 26.0 24.3 20.0 12.1 1.88 1.89 1.80 1.80 .91 .90 .80 .95 110.0 126.0 115.0 110.0 li75 13.0 2.5 2.8 13.6 12,546,000 Bus. 11,674,000 Bus. 11,200,000 Bus. 9,360,000 Bus. 39,940,000 Bus. 41,040,000 Bus. 35,880,000 Bus. 31,000,000 Bus. 22,209,000 Bus. 21,120,000 Bus. 14,832,000 Bus. 11,726,000 Bus. 2,474,000 Bus. 2,300,000 Bus. 1,538,000 Bus. 1,152,000 Bus. 2,112,000 Bus. 3,360,000 Bus. 1,299,000 Bus. 640,000 Bus. 902,000 Bus. 605,000 Bus. 550,000 Bus. 1,058,000 Bus. 9,490,000 Bus. 5,540,000 Bus. 3,800,000 Bus. 2,226,000 Bus. 2,044,000 Tons 1,975,000 Tons 1,881,000 Tons 1,989,000 Tons 594.000 Tons 594,000 Tons 526,000 Tons 619,000 Tons 3,960,000 Bus. 5,670,000 Bus. 4,715,000 Bus. 4,400,000 Bus. 990,000 Bus. 610,000 Bus. 975,000 Bus. 825,000 Bus. 265,000 Bus. 49,000 Bus. 16,000 Bus. 20,000 Bus. 253,000 Bus. 1.82 .89 .85 1.28 .82 .89 .85 1.28 .38 .37 .34 .51 .48 .50 .60 .65 .51 .54 .53 1.08 1.93 1.97 1.40 1.75 .65 .53 .67 .80 8.90 9.00 8.70 12.00 8.00 8.00 8.60 9.00 .73 .40 .80 1.05 1.30 1.00 1.50 1.80 3.40 3.20 13.65 11.00 1.58 $10,288,000 10,390,000 9,520,000 11,981,000 32,751,000 36,526,000 30,498.000 39,680,000 8,439,000 7,814,000 5,043.000 5,980,000 1,188,000 Rye 1,150,000 923,000 749,000 1,077,000 Flax 1,814,000 688,000 691,000 1,741,000. Corn* 1,192,0001 770,00Q| 1,851,000 6,168,000 Tame Hay 2,936,000 2,546,000 1,789,000 18,192,000 Wild Hay 17,775,000 16,365,000 23,868,000 4,752,000 Potatoes 4,752,000 4,524,000 5,571,000 2,891,000 Apples 2,268,000 3,772,000 4,620,000 1,287,000 610,000 1,465,000 1,485,000 Beans^ 23,000 3,800 6,400 7,200 18,600 901,000 Alfalfa seeds Seed Peas^ 157,000 218,000 220,000 400,000 ♦Tentative Revisions. * Corn production based upon total acreage, but not all harvested for grain, and figure should be used accordingly. ' Yield and production include marketable beans only. 3 Data incomplete for previous years. ° VALUE FIRST ELEVEN CROPS ABOVE. 1923 $ 88,774,000 1922 87,227,000 1921 76,114,000 1920 98,265,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED VALUE ALL CROPS. $ 95,917,000 93,580,000 81,430,000 105.700,000 ESTIMATED PERCENTAGES SOLD OF MONTANA MAIN CROPS, 1923 Crop Per Cent Sold Wheat -. 82 Oats 17 Barley 13 Rye 18 Flax 85 Crop Per Cent Sold Corn 7 Hay 18 Potatoes 40 Apples — 45 All crops combined 53* •Based upon total crop values, and not tonnage. 18 MONTANA FARM REVIEW Relative Importance of Montana Crops in 1923 According to Gross Farm Values. /Ill Wheaf .roduction 1923 Spring Wheat Winter WTieat All Wheat Oats 2 16 5 17 17 4 Potatoes Apples (Commercial) Corn Hay, Tame Hay, Wild Beans 27 27 _ 31 18 Barley Plax .. Montana ranked 22d with other states in the total acres in crop in 1923, and 30th in the total value of crops produced. The area cropped in Montana exceeds that of the ten other far western states except California, which leads by only a few thousand acres. Of this western grroup of states, California, Colorado, and Washington lead Montana in total crop values. In the total value of all livestock on farms and ranges, Montana ranks 17th among the other states, and stands second to California among the eleven western states. MONTANA CROPS lb u 5800 i \ 3600 / \ 3500 / - ► All WhcO< 3400 3300 I 3200 i / / 3O00 / 2900 / 2800 1 1 .J~^ - 1 1 i 2700 SHOWING THE TRENDS OF /iCREAQE OF MONTANA PRINCIPAL CROPS Al50 shows relative ACREAGt OF THESt CROP^ 2600 / 2500 _ / 2*00 r 1 I - - 2500 - 2200 / 2(00 / 2000 1900 \ 1800 \ 1700 -i \ 1600 ' 1500 / 1400 / • 1300 / 1200 1 * 1100 / \ 1000 i / / \ _ ^ "— TbmeH«i, »oo / / 800 / / TOO /. / "H 600 / \/ \ __.. _- -^ __, r^ -= ^-Wlld Ho4 soo ^ -/ 7 , ,' \ / h-. ^wo / / ^ \ / \ f— 1 — 300 ■^ ^ — \ ^ - ^ — , / \ / — N ^ ■^-Com 200 / y - / X /■ \ / .00 Z- -^ ^ - -- ^ ^ — ■-■ \ / \ ^^: :-3ijn _ — -^ ^ .^ z _ __ = — ■^ =^ :^ - -- -.- -: I. . ^ ~ ^ ^• -— Boriey s °? o6ScoooooSoDff)mffi(r>5)6ooooo o3oBoo«5)ooooooooooooooooooeoooo6o)ff>^e)ffiai fe S 8 10 ■* If) vS N tnC^ffiffiff^ffiO^ffiC) ffl O — PJ - fM (\J N CT) 01 01 O) AVERAGE ASSESSED VALUATION OF MONTANA LANDS. Irrigated Lands Non-Irrigated Agricultural Lands Grazing Lands 1923 1922 $51.08 51.38 $12.76 12.65 $6.24 6.51 MONTANA'S TIMBER RESOURCES— The estimated timber stand in the state it' 59,509 million feet. Approximately two-thirds of this is under the jurisdiction of tlife"' federal government, about four per cent is owned by the state, and about twenty-nine' per cent is privately owned. 20 MONTANA FARM REVIEW 1 too All WhMt 1 P< - 1 ILLUSTRATING THL CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE ACREAGE PFR FARM OF CERTAIN CROPS IN MONTANA - / 90 / ^^■' >^ / / ntt Based upon farms ^rowin^ each crop, / / f and not upon total number of farms in the state. // ^-x rfVyin 1 ter Wheat TO />' c» /. 1 ■iog Wheat GO / /' •- 36 y^ ' ;/ . ' bo ^ ^ ^^ / 45 _^, .-- ■^ / / y 40 _-. ■-- -^ --- r- --■ --- -- T~' — 1 "1 35 ^ \J\arr>e. 1 Hoy 30 __ — ■j^ n ^^ — __u — 1 — ' ■ — ' H -— . --- — _ ^ — ■ to X-Oats X t-Corn c — - -^ / ^l 1 I \ i * 1 i i i t 1 \ I I I > i 2 ) \ H i ■ 2 This graph is presented to illustrate the trends in the average size of fields of the main crops, but is not an absolute measure of them. Bureau of the Census figures were used for 1899. 1909. and with some modifications for 1919. As no data are available for the periods between census years, it is assumed that changes were more or less gradual. For the past three years, the annual farm census returns through county assessors and surveys of individual farms covering representative portions of all farms, furnish the bases for state averages. The averages for tame hay for the past three years were partly estimated, since our form of returns do not permit of accurate computation of average per farm for this crop. AVERAGE VALUE OF PLOW LANDS PER ACRE. Poor Plow Land Good Plow I^and All Plow Land March Mon- Iowa tana United States Mon- tana Town United ; ^^^* , States Mon^. Iowa United States 1924 $13 14 21 $107 115 129 143 45 51 130 31 45 $169 181 196 $82- 85 92 $21 22 34 $143 163 169 $64+ 1923 67 1919 . 74 FLOUR MILLING IN MONTANA— This is one of the most important state in- dustries from the standpoint of agriculture. The Montana Trade Commission reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1923, that there were 66 flour mills in operation in the state, having an aggregate rated capacity of 12,053 barrels of flour per day. These mills ground 8,692,825 bushels of wheat in that year, or about 16.5 per cent of the 1922 wheat crop of the state. MONTANA CKOPS 21 SPRING WHEAT BY COUNTIES — 1922 and 1923. 1922 ! 1923 District and County Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) ' Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) NORTHWESTERN Flathead 1 50,000 1 3,000 1 71,000 1 99,000 1 29,000 1 152,000 1 43,000 1 102,000 1 112,000 1 27,000 117,000 78,000 1 155,000 243,000 154,000 1 1 12.4 1 7.2 1 13.8 9.8 1 8.9 1 15.7 1 13.0 1 8.0 i U.8 1 12.6 1 17.3 1 16.9 1 15.1 530,000 17,000 855,000 718,000 400,000 1,490,000 382,000 1,600,000 1,456.000 216,000 2,200,000 982,000 2,680,000 4,107,000 2,325,000 I 1 1 47,000 1 2,500 69,000 1 88,000 1 31,000 1 130,000 1 34,000 1 98,000 1 115,000 1 22,000 1 112,000 73,000 150,000 235,000 147,000 21.1 20.0 17.0 10.2 13.6 7.7 8.8 19.2 22.5 6.0 14.5 12.0 10.0 10.2 11.8 990,000 Lincoln .... 50,000 NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau _ Glacier _ HiU Liberty Pondera Teton Toole . 1,173,000 900,000 420.000 995,000 300.000 1,880,000 2,595,000 1 132.000 NORTHEASTERN Daniels . . .. 1,630,000 Phillips 876,000 Roosevelt 1 1,500,000 Sheridan 2,397.000 Valley 1,730,000 WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula Powell Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Broadwater Cascade Fergus (jolden Valley... Jefferson Judith Basin... Lewis & Clark Meagher Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn Carter Custer Fallon Powder River Rosebud Treasure SOUTH CENTRAL. I Carbon I Gallatin I Park 1 Stillwater I Sweet Grass I Yellowstone I 3,000 6,000 400 18,000 8.000 11,000 2,200 17,000 90,000 176,000 32,000 9,000 110,000 14,000 8,000 21,000 34.000 104,000 28,000 63,000 64,000 130,000 62,000 10.000 20,000 400 31,000 42,000 24.000 41.000 22,000 55,000 18.000 15,000 17,000 72,000 8.000 23.000 6,000 26.7 23.3 15.0 10.0 20.0 27.3 13.7 17:9 16.1 13.7 8.8 19.0 11.3 16.5 12.0 10.1 13.0 13.5 14.3 15.4 13.4 15.2 14.3 18.6 24.5 20.0 23.1 20.6 20-7 12.0 16.4 15.3 16.0 14.5 15.1 15.0 13.6 15.7 16.3 80,000 140,000 6,000 180,000 160,000 300,000 30,000 305,000 1,444,000 2,416,000 281,000 171,000 1,232,000 231.000 96,000 212.000 442.000 1,404,000 400,000 970,000 857.000 1,976.000 887,000 186,000 490,000 8.000 716.000 865,000 497,000 492,000 360,000 838.000 288.000 217.000 257,000 1,080.000 109,000 361,000 98,000 3,000 5,500 400 15,000 7,000 11,000 2,400 16,000 101,000 164,000 29,000 8,500 100,000 15,000 8,000 25,000 36,000 110,000 30,000 64,000 68,000 126,000 63,000 10,000 18,000 400 28.000 42,000 25,000 50.000 22.000 59,000 23.000 17,000 20,000 78.000 8.000 25.000 6.300 25.0 21.8 25.0 24.7 20.0 27.4 22.5 22.2 22.9 19.5 11.6 19.0 22.3 20.7 17.0 16.2 22.2 8.8 13.8 10.1 7.8 8.0 7.9 23.0 26.2 20.0 20.9 23.5 25.3 15.0 19.8 18.0 17.0 9.5 10.0 7.5 14.0 10.4 12.0 I STATE TOTAL. I 2,850,000 14.4 I 41.040,000 I 2,793.000 I 14.3 I 75,000 120,000 10,000 370,000 140,000 301,000 54.000 355,000 2,314,000 3,198,000 337,000 161,000 2,230,000 310,000 136,000 406,000 800.000 978,000 445,000 648.000 530.00C 1,008,000 498,000 230.000 472,000 8,000 586.000 987,000 633,000 750.000 435.000 1.062.000 391,000 161.000 200,000 585.000 112,000 260.000 76,000 39.940.000 MONTANA FARM REVIEW SPRING WHEAT. Moisture conditions were quite favorable for the start of the 1923 spring wheat crop, but more than the usual proportion was sown late, because of lack of labor and a back- ward spring. Average yields per acre were reduced about fifty per cent in the eastern counties by several temporary hot dry periods, and by black rust Grasshoppers devas- tated a considerable acreage in the north central district, and reduced the average yields greatly there. In all other sections the yields were generally better than any year since 1916, and brought the average for the state up to within a tenth of a bushel of the average for 1922. The quality of the spring wheat was not as good as usual, due to light chaffy grain in the eastern sections, and to some injury from rains after harvest, espe- cially in the central and southern portions. Prices for the crop were very disappointing, and farmers produced wheat at a loss except where yields were unusually good. Dafnbofion or ^PRiNQ mC^T A:reaffe Tofol S/(7/e acrvu^e /92^ - Z, 793. OOO. LcJch dot represcTTti COO ceres WINTER WHEAT. Winter wheat for 1923 was seeded under unfavorable conditions, and the young plants made a very poor start before winter set in. Abandonment was unusually heavy in the following spring, but that remaining for harvest yielded much better than was expected earlier in the season, the average yield per acre for 1923 being the best since 1916. As very little winter wheat is grown in the eastern counties, the average yield was not adversely influenced as was that of spring wheat. In the fall of 1923 a big reduction in the acreage sown to winter wheat took place in the central and north central counties, partly on account of farmers being occupied by delayed harvesting and threshing, and partly by the intention to replace it by spring wheat. This reduction was partially offset by increased seedings in the eastern fourth of the state and in the northwestern part MONTANA CROPS WINTER WHEAT BY COUNTIES — 1922 and 1923 23 1922 1923 District and County NORTHWESTERN Flathead Lincoln NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley \v:est central Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula Powell Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Broadwater Cascade Fergus Golden Valley . Jefferson Judith Basin ... Lewis & Clark Meagher Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin Park Stillwater Sweet Grass Yellowstone SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn Carter Custer Fallon Powder River Rosebud Treasure Acreage 22,000 400 6,000 106,000 200 9,000 1,000 3,000 12,000 500 600 1,000 500 1,000 1.000 400 2,000 400 18,000 3,000 2,000 5,000 5,000 43,000 156,000 30,000 5,000 60,000 4,000 3,000 21,000 7,000 500 2,000 1,400 1,000 700 4,000 1,500 5,000 200 14,000 44.000 7,000 53,000 10,000 46.000 29,000 1.500 1,200 5.000 1.000 7.000 4.000 Acre Yield (bu.) 16.4 15.0 13.3 10.2 10.0 10.8 10.0 17.0 13.0 10.0 13.3 13.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 12.5 15.0 12.5 11.7 14.7 17.0 15.0 19.4 17.9^ 17.9 10.2 17.0 17.4 16.0 17.0 14.3 14.0 12.0 13.5 14.3 15.0 14.3 15.0 I 16.0 I 21.0 I 15.0 14.0 21.9 18.3 11.9 16.0 14.8 15.4 14.0 15.0 16.0 16.0 14.7 16.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 360.000 6.000 80,000 1,081,000 2,000 97,000 10,000 51,000 156,000 5,000 8.000 13,000 7,000 14,000 14,000 5,000 30,000 5,000 210,000 44,000 34,000 75,000 97,000 770,000 2.800,000 306.000 85,000 1,041,000 64,000 51,000 300,000 98.000 6,000 27,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 60.000 24,000 105,000 3,000 196,000 940,000 128,000 630,000 160,000 680,000 448,000 21,000 18,000 80,000 16,000 103,000 64,000 Acreage 30,000 500 4,000 97,000 200 5,000 1.000 3,000 16,000 500 1,000 1,000 800 2,000 1,600 300 2,000 500 22,000 1,000 2,000 5,000 2.500 43.000 151.000 22.000 6,000 64,000 4,000 2,000 15,000 5,000 1,500 4,500 2,000 2,500 1,200 7,000 2,000 8,000 200 5,000 46,000- 8,000 44,000 7,000 40,000 27,000 2,300 1.500 7,000 1,000 4.400 5,000 Acre Yield (bu.) 27.0 26.0 8.0 11.1 10.0 8.0 8.0 13.3 16.0 8.0 12.0 12.0 8.8 12.0 11.2 23.3 20.0 22.0 26.6 17.0 28.5 27.0 18.0 23.0 16.6 12.0 18.0 17.0 15.7 17.0 16.5 17.0 8.0 11.5 8.5 7.2 9.2 7.1 25.0 26.8 25.0 16.6 26.8 25.0 15.0 19.0 16.5 17.4 11.2 8.0 7.1 14.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 14.8 I 810,000 13,0U0 32,000 1,078,000 2,000 40,000 8,000 40.000 256,000 4,000 12,000 12.000 7,000 24,000 18,000 7,000 40,000 11,000 585,000 17,000 57,000 135,000 45,000 989,000 2,507,000 264,000 108,000 1,091,000 63,000 34,000 247,000 85,000 12,000 52,000 17,000 18,000 11,000 50,000 50,000 213,000 5,000 83.000 1,232,000 20.000 660,000 133,000 662,000 470,000 26,000 12.000 50.000 14.000 41.000 74.000 STATE TOTAL 768,000 15.2 I 11.673,000 ! 738.000 I 17.0 I 12,546,000 I 24 MONTANA FARM REVIEW Distr-flM/fior, of tVINTLR WHEftT oceoge Toio/ StofB tycreooe /9£3 - 7Se, CX)0 £o>ch alof reforestnis 300 ocr^s OATS. More oats were sown in 1923, mostly to produce more local feed. The crop was \ generally good, except in the east and north central portions where dry weather and J hoppers seriously reduced the yields. The yield per acre was the best since 1916. \ Disff/bufion of O/ITS acreage Tofa/ Stoic cxreoqe I9Z:5 - &73.000 £cfch c^of represents SOD acres MONTANA CROPS 25 OATS BY COUNTIES — 1922-1923. 1922 1923 District and Couhty NORTHWESTERN Flathead Liincoln NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula Powell Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Broadwater ... Cascade Fergus Grolden Valley... Jefferson Judith Basin... Lewis & Clark Meagher Musselshall Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin Park Stillwater Sweet Grass Yellowstone SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn Carter Custer Fallon Powder River Rosebud Treasure Acreage 18,000 4,000 17,000 15,000 4,000 23,000 3,000 10,000 11,000 4.000 26,000 21,000 26,000 48,000 33,000 2,000 3,300 400 9,000 7,000 7,500 2,000 21,000 14,000 16,000 9,000 25,000 14,500 ,000 ,000 800 7,700 17,000 8,000 15,500 6,400 16,500 7,000 8,000 8,600 17,000 2,000 7,000 2,000 Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) 22.2 12.5 26.4 22.3 33.3 22.5 21.6 35.5 24.8 22.0 30.1 25.8 36.2 36.0 28.0 55.0 55.8 52.5 37.6 45.6 55.5 35.0 400,000 50,000 448,000 334,000 133,000 518,000 65,000 355,000 273,000 88,000 783,000 542,000 941,000 1,728,000 924,000 110,000 184,000 21,000 338,000 319,000 416,000 70.000 9,000 35.0 315,000 12,000 32.7 392,000 48,000 25.2 1,210,000 13,000 18.2 237,000 3,500 . 40.0 140,000 13,000 28.0 364,000 5,500 37.0 203,000 4,200 33.3 140,000 11,000 26.0 286,000 6,600 31.1 205,000 31.8 27.7 30.0 31.6 38.6 32.9 37.1 42.0 29.0 26.7 51.4 49.6 26.4 36.6 35.5 36.0 41.0 33.4 38.0 36.0 37.4 39.0 668,000 388,000 480,000 284,000 965,000 477,000 297,000 378,000 23,000 206,000 875,000 397,000 409,000 234,000 582,000 252,000 328,000 287.000 646,000 72,000 262,000 78,000 Acreage 18,000 4,000 15,000 12,000 4,500 17,000 2,300 10,000 13,000 3,000 28,000 21,000 25,000 47,000 32,000 2,500 3,400 400 9,000 7,000 10,000 2,200 9,800 13,000 52,000 12,000 3,200 12,000 6,300 5,200 12,000 6,600 21,000 15,000 17,000 10,000 26,000 15,500 9,000 9,700 800 7,000 19,000 9,000 16,000 6,800 16,600 8,300 7,600 9,400 19,500 2,400 7,000 2,000 Acre Yield (bu.; 42.2 43.0 34.5 29.6 27.5 21.3 27.0 33.5 33.4 22.0 33.4 33.8 27.4 27.1 28.1 51.2 46.2 45.0 50.0 38.0 61.0 45.4 46.4 37.1 38.1 23.8 48.1 41.7 33.3 35.6 29.0 35.3 24.6 31.0 24.0 21.0 23.2 25.2 47.2 49.2 32.5 51.4 50.0 48.7 27.5 37.2 34.0 33.0 29.2 21.0 21.0 29.2 26.3 36.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 764,00(> 172,000 518,000 356,000 124,000 362,000 62,000 335,000 436,000 66.000 935,000 710,000 684.000 1,275,000 897,000 128,000 157,000 18,000 450,000 266,000 610,000 100,000 455,000 482.000 ,984,000 286,000 154,000 500,000 210,000 185,000 348,000 233,000 516,000 465,000 408,000 210,000 604,000 390,000 425,000 477,000 26.000 360.000 950,000 438,000 440,000 253,000 564,000 266.000 222,000 197,000 410,000 70,000 184,000 72,000 STATE TOTAL, 660,000 32.0 1 21,120.000 I 673,000 33.0 22.209,000 26 MONTANA FARM REVIEW BARLEY. With the intention of raising more feed, the farmers planted more barley in 1923, and the average yield and total production was the largest since 1916. BARLEY BY COUNTIES — 1922-1923. • 1922 1923 District and County Acreage Acre Yield (bu) Produc- tion (bu.) Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) NORTHWESTERN Flathead 13,000 500 1,800 800 300 2,200 300 3,600 1,500 200 800 700 1,400 2,600 1.600 200 500 100 1,800 400 1.600 300 1,400 2,800 7,000 800 400 3.700 700 800 600 800 1.600 800 700 1.100 2,300 900 2.200 1.700 100 1.200 5.000 5.200 1.400 1.100 2,400 2,000 1.000 700 3.700 700 600 400 18.0 14.0 19.5 15.0 26.7 15.4 20.0 19.5 20.0 20.0 25.0 22.9 25.7 26.0 23.1 25.0 30.0 20.0 18.8 20.0 36.3 23.3 33.0 26.1 22.0 18.7 35.0 23.8 22.9 27.5 23.3 25.0 23.2 22.5 1 22.4 1 25.0 25.6 1 26.7 29.0 29.3 25.0 40.0 37.4 1 35.7 1 22.2 1 24.5 1 25.8 1 29.0 1 29.0 1 23.0 1 29.6 1 23.0 1 21.6 1 25.0 234.000 7,000 35,000 12,000 8,000 34,000 6,000 70,000 30,000 4,000 20,000 16,000 36,000 70,000 37,000 5,000 15,000 2,000 34,000 8,000 58,000 7,000 46,000 73,000 154,000 15,000 14,000 88.000 16.000 22.000 14.000 20.000 37.000 18.000 16.000 27.000 59.000 24.000 64.000 50.000 2.000 48.000 187.000 186.000 31.000 27.000 1 62.000 58.000 1 29.000 1 16.000 1 110.000 1 16.000 I 13.000 1 10.000 14,000 500 1,600 600 400 1,800 300 4,200 2,000 200 600 600 1,300 2,900 1,700 200 500 100 1,900 400 1,600 400 1,200 3,000 7,500 800 400 3,800 800 800 700 900 1,700 900 800 1,100 2,500 1.000 2.200 1.800 100 1.500 5.000 5.500 1.600 1 1.100 1 2.500 2.200 1 1,100 1 800 1 4.000 1 800 600 500 35.3 26.0 21.9 16.7 25.0 13.3 13.3 29.0 26.0 15.0 20.0 21.7 16.5 20.0 20.6 30.0 28.0 30.0 31.5 27.5 33.8 30.0 28.7 28.0 21.2 27.5 28.5 25.0 20.0 22.9 22.2 :3.5 16.7 16.2 14.5 15.2 13.0 29.6 30.0 30.0 32.0 32.0 29.0 20.0 23.6 23.2 16.4 15.5 16.3 13.0 16.3 15.0 20.0 494,000 13,000 35.000 10,000 10,000 24,000 4,000 122,000 52,000 Lincoln NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty . . Pondera Teton Toole 3.000 NORTHEASTERN Daniels ' ....: 1 12,000 13,000 21,000 58,000 35,000 6,000 14,000 3,000 60.000 11.000 54.000 12 000 Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula Powell Ravalli Sanders - ...~. CENTRAL Sroadwater 32 000 Cascade 86.000 Fergus . 210.000 17.000 Golden Valley Jefferson 11.000 Judith Basin 107.000 Lewis & Clark 20.000 Meagher 16.000 Musselshell 16.000 Wheatland 20.000 EAST CEINTRAL Dawson 23.000 Garfield 15,000 McCone 13.000 Prairie 16.000 Richland 38,000 Wibaux 13.000 SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead 65.000 Madison 54.000 Silver Bow 3.000 SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon 48.000 Gallatin 160.000 Park 159.000 Stillwater 32,000 Sweet Grass 26.000 Yellowstone 58,000 SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn 36,000 Carter 17,000 Custer 13,000 Fallon 52,000 Powder River 13.000 Rosebud 9.000 10.000 STATE TOTAI> 1 92,000 1 25.0 1 2,800.000 1 1 97,000 25.6 2.474.000 MONTANA CEOPS RYE. 27 Rye was a disappointing crop in 1923. The acreage sown in the fall of 1922 was much smaller than the previous year, and the crop made a very poor start. Stands were very spotted in the main rye counties of the north, and average yields obtained were low. Unsatisfactory market prices for this crop during the last three years have caused it to be largely dropped as a cash crop. Com is replacing some rye acreage. RYE BY COUNTIES — 1922 and 1923. 1922 1923 District and County Acreage NORTHWESTERN Flathead Lincoln NORTH GENTRALi Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge Granite Mineral Missoula Powell -■. Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Broadwater Cascade Fergus Golden "Valley Jefferson Judith Basin Lewis & Clark .... Meagher Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin Park Stillwater Sweet Grass Yellowstone SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn Carter Custer Fallon Powder River Rosebud Treasure 3,400 600 55,000 14,000 2,000 20,000 2,400 1,600 3,500 2,000 5,300 13,000 16,000 14,000 4,400 200 500 100 1,300 500 800 1,600 900 2,000 14,000 2,500 3,500 1,400 1,100 1,000 2,500 700 1,200 6,000 3,000 1,800 2,700 1,700 500 600 1,400 1,500 3,000 800 2.600 800 3,500 1,200 3,200 2,300 4,800 1,400 3.000 1.200 Acre Yield (bu.) 16.0 13.3 13.2 10.0 17.0 11.0 10.9 20.0 18.0 10.0 17.0 13.0 15.0 15.0 14.5 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.3 14.0 15.0 11.9 14.4 15.0 15.0 10.0 17.4 16.2 15.5 16.0 11.2 15.7 I 15.8 I 15.0 I 15.0 I 15.5 I 14.0 I 14.1 I 18.0 I 18.2 I 15.0 I 11.3 I 20.7 I 17.5 I 15.0 I 12.5 I 17.1 I I 18.3 I 16.0 I 15.6 I 18.1 1 18.5 I 13.3 I 15.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 54,000 8,000 726,000 140,000 34,000 220,000 26,000 32,000 63,000 20,000 90,000 169,000 240,000 210,000 64,000 2,000 6,000 1,000 16,000 7,000 12,000 19,000 13,0j00 30,000 210.000 25,000 61,000 23,000 17,000 16,000 28.000 11,000 19.000 90,000 45,000 28,000 38,000 25,000 9.000 11,000 21.000 17,000 62,000 14.000 39.000 10,000 60,000 22,000 51,000 36.000 87,000 26.000 40,000 18.000 Acreage 3,200 600 42.000 10,000 2,000 16,000 1,400 1,400 4.000 1,500 5,000 10.000 15,000 13,000 3,600 200 400 100 1,200 500 700 1.200 800 1.500 11,000 1,200 2,000 600 1.000 1.000 1,600 600 1,600 4.000 2,500 1,200 2.500 1.000 600 700 800 600 4,000 600 2,000 600 1,800 1.000 2,800 1,500 3,500 1,000 2,000 1.400 Acre Yield (bu.) 23.7 21.7 8.0 11.7 9.0 6.0 5.7 13.6 14.5 8.0 10.0 9.0 9.7 9.7 10.6 20.0 20.0 20.0 23.3 18.0 21.4 20.0 12.5 16.7 14.0 12.5 18.0 16.7 21.0 16.0 17.5 16.7 10.6 10.2 11.2 11.7 10.4 9.0 21.7 24.3 17.7 18.3 18.5 18.3 14.0 23.3 16.6 15.0 11.5 12.0 8.6 13.0 8.5 15.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 76,000 13,000 336,000 117.000 18.000 96,000 8,000 19,000 58,000 12,000 50,000 90,000 146,000 126,000 38,000 4.000 8,000 2,000 28,000 9.000 15.000 24,000 10,000 25.000 154,000 15,000 36.000 10,000 21.000 16.000 28,000 10,000 17.000 41,000 28,000 14,000 26.000 9.000 13,000 17,000 15-.000 11,000 74,000 11,000 28,000 14,000 30.000 15.000 32.000 18,000 30,000 13,000 17.000 21.000 STATE TOTAL I 240.000 I 14.0 1 I 3.360,000 I I I 192,000 I 11.0 I 2,112,000 28 MONTANA FARM REVIEW CORN. The corn acreage in 1923 was 60 per cent greater than in 1922, the larger part of this expansion taking place in the eastern half of the state. Corn has been planted almost entirely for use as local feed, although not a little of the 1923 crop is finding its way into state marketing channels. Growing conditions were quite favorable for corn, and, although much of it was planted late, delayed frosts in the fall permitted most of it to mature. It is worth noting that corn yields in the eastern counties were little affected by the factors which cut down small grain yields so materially. In the counties which had a considerable acreage of corn, the increase in numbers of hogs and milk cows is most pronounced, and there more stock, including lambs and cattle, is being fattened for market than ever before. About 53 per cent of the 1923 crop was harvested for grain, 2 per cent for silage, and 45 per cent cut for use as fodder, or grazed off in the fields by stock. CORN BY COUNTIES — 1922 and 1923. 1922 1923 District and County NtJRTHWESTERN Flathead NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Hill Liberty 1 Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley WEST CENTRAL Missoula Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Cascade Fergus Golden Valley Judith Basin Lewis & Clark ... Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Madison SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin Stillwater Sweet Grass Yellowstone SOUTHEASTERN Big: Horn Carter Custer Fallon Powder River Rosebud Treswure OTHER COUNTIES. Acreage 3,400 5,800 4,400 400 800 500 1,900 9,000 9,600 8,000 5,300 400 300 400 1,200 13,300 4,100 300 500 6,800 1,500 12,400 11.700 9,500 9,300 17,500 4.800 3,800 300 3,500 500 16,000 3,800 7.600 13.000 8,400 9,000 11,600 4,000 2,500 STATE TOTAL 228.000 Acre Yield (bu.) 900 I 22. 22.1 20.0 20.9 20.0 20.0 20.0 21.1 23.0 23.5 23.0 21.9 22.5 26.7 22.5 22.5 22.3 19.3 23.3 18.0 21.8 20.0 27.9 22.2 27.1 27.3 27.0 27.1 23.1 23.3 22.3 22.0 23.5 24.2 25.5 26.3 27.3 26.0 25.0 24.0 20.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 24.3 20,000 75,000 116,000 92,000 8,000 16,000 10,000 40,000 207,000 226.000 184.000 116.000 9.000 8.000 9,000 27,000 297.000 79,000 7,000 9,000 148,000 30,000 346,000 260.000 258,000 254.000 472,000 130.000 88,000 7,000 78,000 11.000 376.000 92,000 194,000 342.000 229.000 234.000 290.000 96.000 50.000 Acreage I 5,540,000 I I 1,500 8,000 10,000 6,400 800 2,500 1,600 400 2,700 30,000 16,000 14,000 15,000 1,000 400 500 5.000 25,000 6.000 900 800 8,400 2.000 16,000 14,000 13.000 11,500 27,000 6.000 6,000 500 8,000 800 23,000 6,400 10.000 18,000 11.000 10,000 18.000 5.500 1,000 365,000 Acre Yield (bu.) 26.6 25.7 25.6 23.4 18.7 21.2 25.0 20.0 24.8 25.7 25.3 24.6 25.7 26.0 30.0 26.0 26.6 27.2 23.0 22.2 23.7 22.6 23.0 28.1 25.5 27.3 28.0 28.2 25.7 400 I 20.0 30.4 28.0 26.2 25.0 26.8 23.8 27.0 25.0 25.0 27.3 23.6 25.0 20.0 Produc- tion (bu.) 38.000 206.000 254.000 148,000 15,000 53.000 40,000 8,000 67,000 770,000 420,000 345,000 385.000 26,000 12,000 13,000 133,000 680.000 138,000 20,000 19.000 190.000 46,000 450,000 371,000 355,000 322,000 760,000 154.000 8.000 184,000 14.000 210,000 20.000 616.000 152.000 270.000 450.000 275.000 273.000 422.000 138.000 20.000 I 26.0 I 9.490,000 J. MONTANA CROPS 29 1 3 Di^frtbufion of CORN ocreooe T<^o/ ocr^aof /SZ3 - JSS.OOO. __ _ •'■'""« Teen 1 - S: ^ • ' ' * ' " '. 1 "^'.'^ '. . ■ Tl ■• ° .' i'.'. V -^l— H M _ L,l .^yy-r-y^ • •^^i^^' • f-JiWkily-''*-Sl*d ffl J L-^ \-r-^"""M I . » oa t 0 y o ,• W^ •] 1 • 1 v,^ El r y- ■'■.'■ 1 \oJ^ ^ t r^>cf*Boy — . ■. • /, £och dof^ repr-esenh 300 acres HAY. A moderate increase in the hay acreage was noted in 1923, due mainly to more sweet clover, alfalfa, millets, and other hay crops being seeded on non-irrigated lands. In some irrigated sections there were also indications of more land being put into alfalfa and timothy. The production of more hay is in line with the desire to produce more feed crops for local use. The wild hay acreage is fairly constant, moisture conditions in non-irrigated localities controlling to some extent the acreage cut, as well as the yield. Di:iti~,t»/fion of combined TAME and iVILX) Hfiy acneaxir- Total 31ate acreage /9 23— I. 7^40.000. £^ach c^ot represents SOO acres 90 MONTANA FARM REVIEW TAME HAY BY COUNTIES— 1922 and 1923. 1 1922 1 1923 - District and County Acrea«re Acre Yield (tons) Produc- tion (tons) Acreage 24.000 10.000 i 1 19.000 13.000 800 6.300 2.000 16,500 8,000 1,300 I 6,000 ! 24,500 ! 9,000 1 15,000 16,500 7,400 32,000 1,800 41,000 40,000 37,600 14.000 19,400 40,000 55,000 8,400 13,400 26,000 33,000 16.800 7,600 16,600 9,200 15,000 14.500 4,500 22,000 6.000 47.000 55,000 5.400 43,000 53,000 41,000 23,000 22,000 45,000 23,000 4,500 1 19.000 1 5.000 1 19,500 1 20,000 1 8,600 1 Acre Yield (tons) 1.74 1.38 1.63 1.43 1.20 1.70 1.68 1.15 1.50 1.72 1.40 1.50 1.63 1.82 lit 2.54 1.68 2.13 2.00 2.37 1.73 1.76 1.70 2.00 1.65 1.70 1.55 1.32 1.50 1.10 1.33 1.34 1.31 1.55 1.20 2.43 2.44 1 1.82 ] 2.68 1 2.40 ; 2.00 1 1.50 2.00 1 2.00 l.,7 1 1.22 ! 1.18 1 1.36 1 1.38 1 1.30 1 1.88 j Produc- tion (tons) NORTHWESTERN Flathead Linnoln 22,000 9.000 20,000 16,000 700 7,000 2,000 14,000 7,000 1,500 5,000 22,000 8.000 14,000 16,000 7,000 29,000 1,400 37,000 39,000 36,000 12.000 18,000 37,000 52,000 7,600 13,000 25,000 30,000 16,000 7,000 16.000 8.000 15,000 13,000 4,000 22.000 6,000 1 46,000 1 54.000 1 5.200 1 1 . 44,000 1 52,000 1 41,000 1 22.000 1 22,000 1 43,000 1 23.000 1 5.000 1 19.600 1 5.000 1 19.000 1 20.000 1 9,000 1 1.36 1.45 1.65 1.26 1.29 1.37 1.22 1.87 1.57 1.00 1.50 1.96 1.47 1.52 1.70 1.86 2.00 1.72 1.80 L84 2.42 1.70 2.08 1.62 1.44 1.65 1.86 1.60 1.80 1.69 1.43 1.60 Ut 1.51 1.82 1.51 I 1 1.93 2.15 1 1.85 ! 2.30 1 3.12 1 2.13 1 1.92 1 1.94 1 2.02 1 «2 i 1.54 1 1.68 1 1.88 1.84 1.83 1 1.80 1 30.000 13.000 33.000 20,100 900 9,600 2,400 26,200 11,000 1.500 7,500 43,000 11,700 21.200 27,200 13,000 58,000 2,400 66,600 71,700 87,000 20.400 37,400 60,000 75.000 12,500 24.200 1 40,000 ! 54,000 27.000 10,000 25,500 12.000 20,800 ' 18.400 ! 6.000 1 40.000 1 9,000 1 89.000 1 116.000 9.600 ! 1 101.000 162.000 1 87,300 ' 42.200 I 42,700 1 87,000 1 1 51.000 7.700 I 33,000 ' 9.400 1 35.000 I 36,600 1 16,200 1 40.800 16.000 33,000 9.000 2.400 28.000 13.400 1.500 9.000 42.000 12,600 NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill ^ „ Liberty . „„ Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips „ Roosevelt Sheridan 22,500 Vallev 27.000 WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodgre „ Granite 13.500 64.000 Mineral 4.000 Missoula 104,000 Powell . . . „ 67.000 Ravalli 80.200 Sanders 28.000 CENTRAL Broadwater Cascade 46.000 69,000 Fergus . . 97,000 Golden Valley „ Jefferson 14.300 26.800 Judith Basin 42,800 Lewis & Clark 56.000 Meag-her 26.000 Musselshell 10,000 Wheatland 25,000 EAST CENTRAL Dawson 10.000 Garfield 20.000 McCone Prairie Richland „ 19.500 5.900 34,000 Wibaux 7.200 SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow 1 1 SOUTH CENTRAL | Carbon I Gallatin Parte Stillwater 114.000 134.000 9,800 115.000 127,200 82,000 .'14.500 Sweet Grass 1 Yellowstone - . I 44.000 90,000 SOUTHEASTERN 1 Big Horn „.....! Carter 1 Custer ^1 43.000 5,600 22.500 Fallon ^1 Powder River „| Rosebud 1 Treasure 1 6.800 27.000 26.000 16.000 1 STATE TOTAL 1 1 1.046.000 1 1.S9 1 1 1,975,000 1 II 1,087,000 1 1 1.88 1 1 2.044,000 IVtONTANA CROPS WILD HAY BY COUNTIES— 1922 and 1923. 31 •- 1922 1 1923 District and County Acreage 13,000 1.400 23,000 8,000 12,000 4,000 4,000 5,000 18,000 500 5,000 34,000 20,000 16,000 20,000 5,000 4,500 200 2,500 26,000 1,500 2,000 6,000 5,000 16,000 2,700 8,000 12,000 12,000 16,000 4,000 9,000 9,000 4,000 11,500 4,000 17,000 5,000 184,000 22,000 5,000 2,000 16,000 4,000 4,000 3,000 3,500 9,000 9,000 8,000 10,000 6,000 1,200 Acre Yield (tons) ,50 .55 1.04 .60 .63 .70 .62 .72 .72 .60 .90 .94 .85 .90 .90 • 1.04 1.11 1.00 .88 .92 1.07 .70 1.12 .90 .82 .85 1.00 .85 1.00 1.10 .85 .90 .90 .85 .92 .90 .85 .90 .90 1.05 1.00 .90 1.06 1.00 .75 1 1.00 .86 1.11 .78 .81 1.00 I 1.04 1.00 1 1.00 Produc- tion (tons) Acreage 1 14,000 1,600 23,000 7,500 11,000 4,000 3,600 5,000 21,000 500 4,400 32,000 19,000 15,800 20,500 5,000 4,600 200 2,600 26.000 1,800 2.000 6,500 5,000 16,000 3,000 7,700 12,000 12,000 16,500 3,500 9.700 9,000 4,000 10,000 3,600 16,400 4,600 1 1 184,000 23,000 5,000 2,000 1 16,000 1 4,000 1 4,000 1 3,000 j 3,500 1 8,500 I 7,000 1 7,000 ' 6,000 1 9,000 1 5,400 1 1,000 1 Acre Yield (tons) .80 .81 .93 .76 .75 .75 .56 .84 .80 .80 .68 1.00 .79 .82 .78 1.00 1.00 1.00 .89 .97 1.06 .90 1.15 1.00 .90 .80 .91 .90 .95 1.12 .69 .93 .78 .70 .65 .56 .58 .57 1 1.05 1.06 1.00 .90 1.04 1.05 .75 .93 .86 ■ .68 .64 .50 .67 .61 .56 .90 Produc- tion (tons) NORTHWESTERN Flathead 6,500 800 24,000 4,800 7,500 2,800 2,500 3,600 13,000 300 4,500 32,000 17,000 14,400 18,000 5,200 5,000 200 2,200 24,000 1,600 1,400 6,700 4,500 13,000 2,300 8,000 10,200 12,000 17,500 3,400 8,100 8,100 3,400 10,600 3,600 14,400 4,500 165,000 23,000 5,000 1,800 17,000 4,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 10.000 7,000 0,500 6.500 10.400 6,000 1,200 11.200 1.300 21.400 5,700 8.200 3,000 2,000 4,200 16.800 Liincoln i NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier Hill Liberty Pondera Teton Toole . 400 NORTHEASTERN Daniels ... ... 3.000 Phillips 32.000 Roosevelt 15.000 13,000 Sheridan Valley 16,000 WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge 5,000 Granite 4,600 Mineral 200 Missoula . 2,300 Powell 25.200 Ravalli 1,900 1,800 CENTRAL Broadwater 7,500 Cascade 5,000 Fergus „ Golden Valley 14,400 2,400 Jefferson 7,000 Judith Basin, 10,800 Lewis & Clark .. .. 11,400 Meagher 18,500 Musselshell 2,400 Wheatland 9,000 EAST CENTRAL Dawson 7,000 Garfield McCone 2,800 6,500 Prairie 2,000 Richland . . . 9,500 Wibaux . 2,600 SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison 193,000 24.400 Silver Bow 5,000 SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin 1,800 16 600 Park Stillwater 4,200 3 000 Sweet Grass Yellowstone 2,800 3,000 SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn Carter . . ... 5,800 4,500 Custer 3,500 Fallon 4,000 5,500 3,000 900 Powder River Rosebud Treasure STATE TOTAL 660,000 .90 594,000 I 1 653.000 .91 594,000 32 MONTANA FARM REVIEW TAME HAY BY VARIETIES — 1919-1923. Acreage Yield Pro- per duction Acre Tons Tons Acreage Yield Per Acre Tons Pro- duction Tons ALFALFA HAY 1923 -.505,000 ..486,000 ..466,000 ..4:j4,000 -.374,000 .. 83,000 .- 83,000 -. 81,000 .. 90,000 -. 81.000 & TIMOTI -156.000 -.150.000 154.000 2.15 1.08( 2.20 1.06J 2.25 l,04i 2.15 91i 1.70 63e 1.63 13£ 1.50 12^ 1.40 11-3 1.50 13£ .80 6£ iY HAY 2.00 3U 1.90 28£ 1.70 262 1.80 252 1.10 12i J.OOO >.000 1 i.OOO 1 GRAIN cut green for hay 1923 197.000 1.37 1.40 1.20 1.15 .45 1.80 1.80 1.60 1.60 1.05 Lme Hay 1.54 1.64 1.37 1.44 .87 270.000 1922 1922 ,. 195,000 273,000 1921 1921 .. 202,000 242.000 5.00i >,000 >.000 l.OOO 1.000 >.000 J.OOO 5.000 >.000 ,000 ,000 .000 1920 313,000 467,000 Y 52,000 45,000 44.000 42,000 360,000 1919 1919 CLOVER HA 1923 1922 1921 210.000 TIMOTHY HAY 1923 1922 94.000 81,000 1921 70.000 1920 1920 67.000 1919 1919 38.000 40,000 MIXED CLOVER 1923 MILLETT and Miscel. Te 1923 94.000 145,000 1922 1921 1922 1921 86,000 98,000 96,000 82,000 141,000 134,000 1920 ..140.000 1920 1919 138,000 1919 .. .. .-116.000 71,000 FLAX BY ecu NTI ES^1922-1923 1922 1 1 1923 District and County Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) NORTH CENTRAL Blaine 3,200 400 500 700 700 1,100 900 1,100 11,200 1,800 4,200 21,000 9,100 200 700 400 "300 3.600 2.800 3,400 1 1.800 5.100 2.500 600 400 600 1 800 1 2.200 200 600 2,000 1 1 1 i 5.0 16,000 1 3.2 1,300 1 6.6 3.300 1 4.8 3.400 1 4.7 1 3.300 1 7.5 1 8.200 1 6.7 1 6.000 4.8 1 5.300 6.2 69.500 5.3 9.500 1 7.8 1 32.800 1 8.3 1 174.000 1 5.4 1 49.400 t 1 8.0 1.600 1 7.6 1 5.300 1 6.7 1 2.700 1 7.6 1 2.300 I I 1 8.5 1 30.600 1 7.8 1 21.800 1 8.4 1 28.600 ' 1 7.4 1 13.300 1 7.5 ! 38,300 1 7.6 1 19.000 i 1 1 7.0 1 4.200 1 7.5 1 3,000 ! 1 1 10.0 1 6.000 ' 1 9.0 I 7,200 I 1 9.4 ! 20.700 1 8.0 I 1.600 1 1 7.6 1 3.800 1 1 1 1 1 6.6 1 13,000 1 1 1 1 1 4,Q00 17400 500 300 1,700 1,000 1,000 13,000 1,700 5,400 30,000 9,500 '900 300 400 400 6,000 1 3.500 1 7,000 1 2,500 1 6,300 3.500 1 600 400 1 1.000 1 1.400 1 3.600 1 400 1 500 1 1.800 1 9.5 576 6.0 5.3 7.0 8.5 4.5 9.0 7.5 7.7 8.8 8.6 l6!'5 6.7 10.5 8.7 7.0 12.0 8.2 7.1 7.5 T.S *., 6.0 5.3 8.5 9.5 8.2 38.000 Chouteau Glacier 7,000 Hill 3,000 Liberty 1,600 Pondera 12.000 Teton 8.500 Toole . - 4.500 NORTHEASTERN Daniels 117.000 Phillips 12.700 Roosevelt 41.600 Sheridan 264,000 Valley 82.000 CENTRAL Cascade Fergus . . 9.500 Golden Valley... Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL 2.000 4.200 3.500 42.000 Garfield McCone Prairie Richland 42.000 57.400 20.000 40.000 W^ibaux 25.000 SOUTH CENTRAL Stillwater 4.500 Sweet Grass.. .. 3.000 SOHTHEASTERN Carter 6.800 Custer 8.400 Fallon 19.000 Powder River ... Rosebud OTHERS 3.400 4.700 14.700 STATE TOTAL. 84.000 1 7.2 1 605.000 1 1 110.000 1 8.6 . 902,000 1 1 . . - MONTANA CROPS 33 FLAX. Favorable market values and the farmers' need for cash caused an expansion in the acreage devoted to flax in 1923. Most of the state's flax is grown in the northeast quarter of the state, but a small amount is scattered over most of the plains area, except the central and south central sections. The factors which affected wheat so adversely in the east did less injury to the flax, and yields w^ere fairly good, in fact the best since 1916. Market prices held up so that some profit was realized from flax sales, and there promises to be a heavy increase in the flax acreage in 1924. Distnbufion of fL ' f92J-l/0.000 POTATOES. A decided reduction in the acreage of commercial potatoes occurred in 1923, less marked in Ravalli, Flathead, and Blain counties than in others. The major part of the commercial potato fields are located in the western counties. Average yields in 1923 were not up to average, even on irrigated lands. Growers are giving more attention to the use of good seed, and to the production of certified seed for local and outside markets. The results of the past two years indicate an expansion in this field. CARLOT SHIPMENTS OF MONTANA POTATOES. 1923 574 (to Apr. 12, 1924) 1922 1061 (to Apr. 14, 1923) 1922 _ 1412 (total shipments) 1921 1838 (total shipments) 1920 : 932 (total shipments) 34 MONTANA "FARM REVIEW POTATOES BY COUNTIES — 1922 and 1923. 1922 1923 District and County Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) Acreage Acre Yield (bu.) Produc- tion (bu.) NORTHWESTERN Flathead 4,500 900 600 600 200 450 100 550 500 150 350 700 600 850 900 1,100 350 150 1,500 1.600 3,200 900 450 1.200 1,700 350 1.400 500 1,900 1 bOO 1 400 j 400 700 700 i 600 1 300 ! 1,400 1 500 I 1 600 1 1,600 1 200 1 1 1,600 1 1,300 1 600 1 500 1 450 1 1,600 1 1 1 450 1 250 1 750 1 550 1 250 1 500 1 350 127 112 97 99 115 94 90 111 108 93 108 114 112 110 105 148 132 134 103 144 1 150 116 136 120 1 83 1 86 150 1 88 1 152 1 104 1 95 1 95 1 110 1 96 1 103 1 107 1 140 1 120 1 142 1 178 I 90 1 130 1 153 1 150 I 146 1 140 1 134 1 120 I 112 1 120 1 116 I 111 1 112 1 115 571,000 101,000 58,000 59,000 23,000 42,000 9,000 61,000 54,000 14,000 38,000 80,000 67,000 94,000 95,000 163.000 46,000 20,000 155.000 230,000 480,000 105,000 61,000 144,000 141.000 30.000 210,000 44.000 290,000 31,000 38.000 38,000 77,000 67,000 62.000 32,000 196.000 60.000 85.000 1 285,000 I 18,000 1 208.000 1 199.000 1 90.000 1 73,000 1 63.000 I 214,000 1 54.000 1 28.000 1 90.000 1 64,000 1 28.000 1 56.000 1 29.000 3,500 700 600 500 200 400 100 500 500 150 300 600 550 800 700 900 300 150 1,100 1,100 2,100 800 1 1 450 1 900 1 1,400 1 300 1 1,000 1 500 1 1,400 1 250 1 300 1 350 I 1 600 1 600 I 600 I 300 1 1,000 1 400 1 1 1 500 1 1.200 ! 200 I 1 1.150 1 800 1 450 I 450 1 350 1' 1.300 ! 1 1 350 1 250 1 600 1 500 1 250 1 500 260 100 90 120 90 100 90 100 130 120 80 90 92 69 70 74 138 133 120 90 110 140 100 145 I 114 1 121 1 107 1 145 I 110 1 124 1 100 1 83 ! 100 72 1 79 1 75 1 73 I 85 1 75 I 146 1 155 1 100 I 130 1 144 1 178 I 122 ! 150 ' 134 1 109 I 76 ! 67 1 56 1 72 1 94 1 112 350,000 63,000 72.000 45,000 20,000 36,000 10.000 65,000 60,000 12 000 Lincoln NORTH CENTRAL Blaine Chouteau Glacier . Hill ^ Liberty Pondera Teton Toole NORTHEASTERN Daniels Phillips Roosevelt Sheridan Valley WEST CENTRAL Deer Lodge Granite .... 27,000 55,000 38.000 56.000 52,000 124,000 40,000 18,000 99.000 121.000 294.000 80,000 65,000 103.000 169,000 32,000 145,000 55.000 174,000 25,000 Mineral Missoula . Powell Ravalli Sanders CENTRAL Broadwater Cascade Fergus Golden Valley Jefferson Judith Basin Lewis & Clark Meagher Musselshell Wheatland EAST CENTRAL Dawson Garfield McCone Prairie Richland • 25,000 35.000 1 43.000 47,000 45,000 22,000 85.000 Wibaux SOUTHWESTERN Beaverhead Madison Silver Bow SOUTH CENTRAL Carbon Gallatin 30.000 73,000 1 186.000 1 20,000 150,000 1 115 000 Park Stillwater . ... 1 80,000 1 55 000 Sweet Grass Yellowstone . . .. 1 52.000 1 174 000 SOUTHEASTERN Big Horn 1 38.000 1 19.000 1 40.000 1 28 000 Carter Custer Fallon Powder River 1 18 000 Rosebud Treasure 1 47.000 1 28,000 STATE TOTAL 1 1 45.000 1 1 126 1 I 5.670.000 II II 36.000 1 I 111 1 3.960.000 1 MONTANA CROPS 35 APPLES. About 90 per cent of our apples are produced west of the Continental Divide, and there conditions favored the production of a large crop in 1923. But there is a considerable number of neglected orchards ; diseases were worse than usual, and rare hail storms did a great amount of injury to the fruit in Ravalli county, so that the amount of fancy and high grade apples was comparatively small. Most of the apples sold from Carbon county orchards are now sold locally or trucked out to nearby towns. MONTANA COMMERCIAL APPLE PRODUCTION. Crop Year Total Crop (bushels) Commercial Crop 1 (boxes) Cars Shipped of this Crop 1923 990.000 610,000 975,000 1 369,000 1 300,000 1 521,000 1 I 1 1 440* 1922 - 351 1921 687 1 •Partly estimated. OTHER FRUITS. Next to apples, cherries constitute Montana's most important fruit crop. Practically all of them are raised in counties west of the Divide. The large sweet cherries of the Flathead region, and the canning cherries of the Bitter Root Valley, are worthy of mention as important sources of farm income. A considerable expansion in the number of cherry trees of both types took place in 192S. Small fruit and pears are locally important in the western counties also, and some are shipped out. BEANS. The acreage planted to beans increased several hundred per cent over that of 1922. The Great Northern variety is grown almost exclusively for sale. Most of the 1923 acreage was in Yellowstone, Carbon, Big Horn and Stillwater counties, but many other counties give promise of having comparatively large bean acreages in 192i. The beans are grown on both irrigated and non-irrigated land, and the 1923 average yields were very good. Market prices were such that growers would have realized a very satisfactory profit on the crop had not unusually persistent fall rains caused severe injury to most of the crop which was not yet threshed. SUGAR BEETS. The sugar beet acreage in 1923 was increased greatly over that for 1922. Montana beets are grown chiefly in Yellowstone, Carbon, Stillwater, Big Horn, Treasure, and Richland counties. Approximately 25,000 acres were grown in 1923. The average yield per acre was close to 11 tons, and the returns netted a profit to growers. Several thousand head of cattle, sheep, and lambs were fattened during the past winter around Billings, the wet pulp from the Billings sugar factory forming the basis of the fattening ration. This feeding industry is only one of the direct advantages resulting from sugar beet production. There apparently will be considerable expansion in the acreage for 1924, including more extensive trial plantings in the Milk River Valley and on the Sun River Project which were begun in 1923. ALFALFA SEED. The alfalfa seed crop for 1923 was fairly satisfactory in the southeast fourth of the state, both as to yield and prices received. The production in the northern counties along the Milk River was cut down on account of the June floods and grasshoppers, while the conditions were unfavorable to good yields in Sanders county. Most of the crop last year was produced in localities more or less distant from shipping points, such as in Garfield, Big Horn, Rosebud, and Powder River counties. This crop possesses a distinct advantage for such localities, because of its relatively low bulk and high value. Under continuing favorable markets alfalfa seed production will probably increase. 36 MONTANA FARM REVIEW SEED AND CANNING PEAS. Several companies contract with farmers to grow seed peas each year, and this is one of the important crops in some counties. Most of the seed peas are grown in the irrigated valleys of the south central, southwestern, and western districts. Growing conditions were not the best in 1923, and hail damaged peas in several localities, so the average yield per acre was much lower than usual. There are several advantages to farmers in growing this crop, and the excellent quality of seed produced seems to insure a moderate increase in acreage. Peas for canning were grown in Gallatin and Ravalli counties, and good profits were generally reported from this crop, besides the obvious value resulting from growing it in rotation with other crops. There are also indications of expansion in the canning pea acreage. i#i MISCELLANEOUS CROPS. Among the miscellaneous crops of importance that are grown should be mentioned sweet clover seed, timothy seed, sunflowers for silage, melons, cucumber seed, vegetables and truck crops. Not a few farmers secure the main part of their cash income from the seed crops. ESTIMATED AVERAGE YIELDS PER ACRE ON IRRIGATED, NON-IRRIGATED LANDS, AND FOR ENTIRE STATE — 1923. MONTANA. UNITED STATES Crops Irrigated Non -Irrigated Ave. for State Average Winter Wheat Spring- Wheat 26.0 Bus. 24.0 Bus. 46.0 Bus. 35.0 Bus. 16.0 Bus. 12.0 Bus. 38.0 Bus. 147.0 Bus. 23.0 Bus. 3.00 Tons 2.30 Tons 1.15 Tons 7.50 Tons 11.0 Tons 16.9 Bus. 14.1 Bus. 30.0 Bus. 23.0 Bus. 10.9 Bus. 8.2 Bus. 25.5 Bus. 90.0 Bus. 11.5 Bus. 1.30 Tons 1.50 Tons .75 Tons 4.10 Tons ! Tons 17.0 14.3 33.0 25.5 11.0 8.2 26.0 110.0 18.0 2.15 1.88 .91 5.00 11.0 Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Bus. Tons Tons Tons Tons Tons 14.5 Bus. 11.4 Bus. Oats 31 8 Bus Barley 25.1 Bus. Rye . - 12 2 Bus. Flax 8.5 Bus. Corn 29.3 Bus. Potatoes 108.1 Bus. Beans 12.1 Bus. Alfalfa Hay 2.63 Tons All Tame Hay 1.48 Tons Wild Hay 1.11 Tons Com Silage Tons Sugar Beets 10.59 Tons AVERAGE WAGES OF MALE FARM LABOR IN MONTANA Per Month With Board Without Board Per Day at Harvest \\ Per Dav Other Than 1 Harvest With Board 1910 II $38.00 I $50.00 1922 II 42.20 I 63.00 1923 II 48.00 I 65.50 United States 1923 M 33.18 I 46.91 $ 2.05 3.60 3.60 2.45 Without Board With Board $ 2.80 4.40 4.52 3.03 $ 1.77 2.40 2.70 1 93 Without Board $ 2.66 3.20 3.55 2.47 MONTANA'S AREA — Montana ranks third in area of all the states. It averages 275 miles in width from north to south, and 535 miles in length. It contains 94,078.080 acres, of which 589,440 acres are water surface. The land of the state has been roughly classified into: Farming land, 80,000,000 acres: mountain and forest lands, 26,000.000 acres; and grazing land, 37,000,000 acres. MONTANA CEOPS 37 38 MONTANA FARM REVIEW Index Pages ACREAGE 16,19,20 ALFALFA — See crops APPLES— See crops ASSESSED VALUATIONS 19 BARLEY : 26 BEANS 35 BEEF CATTLE 3,8,10 Shipments from Moutaua 8 Output of (graph) ._ : 8 Distribution of 10 BEES AND HONEY 3 CALF AND LAMB CROPS 5 CORN : '. 28-29 CROPS 15-36 Alfalfa Seed 35 Apples 35 Average yield per acre 36 Barley 26 Beans , 35 Changes in average acreage per farm of (graph) 20 Corn 2&-29 Flax 32-33 General Summary of 17 Hay :... 29-32 Miscellaneous crops 36 Montana's rank with other states 18 Net returns from 15 Oats - 24-25 Other fruits 35 Percentages sold of, 1923 17 Potatoes 33-34 Relative acreages of, 1923 (graph) 16 Relative importance of, 1923 (graph) : 18 Reporting districts, map of Inside front cover Rye 27 Seed and canning peas 36 Sugar beets 35 Total cropped area ^ 15 Total farm value of all crops produced, 1923, by counties (graph) 14 Trend of acreage of principal crops (graph) 19 Wheat 21-24 INDEX 39 Pages DAIRYING - 4,7,8 Distribution of milk cows (map) 7 Location of creameries and cheese factories (map) : 7 Manufactured dairy products 8 Milk cows and dairying 4 Number of milk cows by counties 7 FLAX : - 32-33 FOREWORD :: — - 2 HAY 2»-32 HOGS : 3 Distribution of : 11 HORSES 4-« IRRIGATED AREAS 37 LABOR, wages of, on farms 36 LANDS - : '..... 19-20 Assessed valuation - " 19 Plow lands, value of 20 livestock; 3-13 Beef cattle 3 Beef cattle, distribution of (map) 10 Bees and Honey 3 Calf and lamb crops, and losses of cattle and sheep 5 Cattle shipments from Montana 8 Cattle output 1885-1923 (graph) 8 Combined receipts from, and products sold and value of all crops produced in 1923, by counties (graph) 13 Farm receipts of (graph) 9 Gross farm receipts from farms and ranches, 1923 11 Hogs 3 Hogs, distribution of (map) 11 Horses 4 Income from and products sold , 11 Location of creameries and cheese factories 7 Manufactured dairy products 8 Milk cows and dairying 4 Milk cows, distribution of (map) 7 Montana wool production 5 Number of milk cows by counties 7 Numbers and values of 5 Number of horses, cattle and sheep by counties 6 Poultry 4 Receipts by counties of, and products sold, 1923 (graph) 12 Sheep 8 Sheep, distribution of (map) 10 40 MONTANA f'ARM REVIEW Pages LOSSES OF CATTLE AND SHEEP 5 MILK COWS— See Dairying MONTANA— Rank in crops 18 Relative importance of crops 18 OATS 24-25 ORCHARDS : 38 POTATOES 33-34 POULTRY 4 PRODUCTION, See livestock, crops RYE ■ 27 SEED CROPS 36 SHEEP 3 Distribution of (map) 10 SUGAR BEETS : 35 WHEAT 21,22.23,24 WOOL 5 MIttOULUN PUB. CO MIStOULA MONTANA mm ^ ^'^ l\ ^ v-^ ^ V