613 9 0 1 Belle Fourche Irrigation Project South D'^'^^'ota ;;*Siir .._. i0l& fti ?' ■ . i/ -V¥ 'ilw ^B s.'^^:^^\^ ©miLILIl IF' OpportuJiities or l^arm Ownership SOUTH DAKOTA^ to 2516.32 Sugar beets Alfalfa Sheep Dairy cows United States Reclamation Burea\i BELLE FOiraCIF. IRRIGATION PROJECT South Dakota Near the Picturesque Black Hills Good towns Good schools Good roads Good water -^upply LOCATION: The Belle Fourche Irrigation Project lies in western South Dakota, a short distance north of the Black Hills. It covers an area of prairie country approximately 12 miles wide by 25 miles long, beginning Just below the city of Bello Foiirche and extending easterly along the valley of tho Bello Fourcho River and across tho valleys of tributary streams* Nearly all tho land lios in Butto County and tho remainder, a fow square miles, in tho southeast portion of tho project, in Moado County. About 75,000 acros of irrigable land ore included in this agricul- tural dovolopmont. CROPS: The principal crops raised under irrigation in this section are sugar beets, alfalfa, corn, small grains and cucimbers for pickles. Specialized produc- tion commands attention because of tho distance from central markets and tho need of shipping crops in tho more concentrated form of sugar, dairy products, livestock, wool and pickles. Project farming, to a large oxtent, centers around tho Black Hills Sugar Fac- tory at Belle Fourcho. This industry, with its ramifications, exerts benoficial influonco on feeding operations, crop rotations and on bottor agricultural prac- ticos. From 200,000 to 300,000 bags of sugar, of 100 pounds each, arc turned out annually from boots grown on irrigated forms of this region. The acreage given to boots varies from 6,000 to 8,000 acros annually on tho Federal project, which grows about two-thirds of tho total acreage contributed to the factory. Yields run gen- erally from 10 to 20 tons per acre with occasioneil fields outstripping these fig- ures. The sugar content and market price of sugar are factors in cash returns to growers but even in recent years of low prices the beet crop has kept many farm ledgers out of tho rod. Tho hand labor roquired in tho boot fields is paid by the farms and may bo supplied by either tho growers or by the Sugar Ccmpany. Ten beet dumps on the projoct, served by railroad sidings, and the modern trucking fac- ilities, mako it possible to grow beets on practically all faonoof the projoct. Alfalfa is another of the basic irrigated crops that supplies pasture and I'oughage for livestock and builds up the soil for succeeding rotations. Fifteen o^iousand acres on the project are given to production of hay which is available in quantities not only for local herds but for livestock on the adjacent dry land ranches and for shipment to dairy formers within tho Black Hills, The price in recent years has ranged from $4,00 to $12,00 in tho stack, although feeding of this crop on tho faims, means higher returns and increased fertility. The yield of al- falfa averages in tho neighborhood of 2 tons per acre from throe cuttings but f j olds well taken care of and irrigated for maximum returns will produce 3 to 4 tons per aero per year and in exceptional cases 6 tons per acre have been reported. Alfalfa hay, sugar beets, sheep farming and dairying aro tho natural haimenizing furm activities under irrigation. ~ Small grains yield irell under faroreble conditions and are gr©wn extensiraly in rotations and to supply feed for livestock but are not recaimended for marketin,'; purposes. Com leads the cereal list in scrcage and this crop, together with oats and barley, supplies the rations for so:ae 100,000 head of stock as well as 50,000 fowls. Cucumbers for pickles provide profitable returns with $200 cash income from onf^ acre not uncomnon in a favorable ceason. Salting stations are maintained at pro.-jcot towns where the graen cucurabors are marketed daily during the picKli.ic seuFoa, D50 to 130 acres aro gonorally given to pickles, scattered over the project in patches of 1 to 3 acros. LrVESTOCK: Sheep fanning is a favored industry because of the cheap feeds grown under irrigation and also because of the available range outside the project whore summer pasture can be had at S^^ to 15^? per acre. The lomb crop in this dxp- trict sometimes reaches 150^ and nearly always is viell over the 100^ mark. D;irj-- ing is a major activity on many farms and herds of 10 to 30 milk cows aro coni..ono This industry, along vri th other branches of farming, has had its vicissitude du^ins the years of low prices, but with the poor producers woodod out and continuod J...:- provGmont in the grade of herds by means of high class siros, the dairy business hj.s held its own and supplied a steady incomo for the man who markots cream* TREES AND FRUITS: Natural growth of cottonwood, ash and other trees is found along the valleys of project streams and many farms have developed full growth ri wind breaks and orchards of hardy fruit, such as plums, cherries and apples. Local wild fruit includes the buffalo berry, choke-cherry and plum, while a drive to -^he Black Hills 40 miles away affords access to the wild raspberries, strawberries and sarvis berries found in the canyons and on the slopes of the mountains. SOILS; The Belle Fourche Project has two distinct classes of soils — the sandy loam and the clay or gumbo. These occur in different combinations and compo- sition but are practically of equal productivity. The sandy soils are found along tne Belle Fourche -river and in the southern portion of the project and comprise about one- fourth of the entire irrigable area. By far the most extensive soil of t'^e project is the Pierre Clay known locally as "Gumbo". This is generally a hea-Ty, tenacious soil that requires more labor and longer time in preparation but when oixCe in thorough cultivation, shows good tilth, beccraes friable, and will grow ex- cellent crops of alfalfa. Sugar beets are grown extensively on the sandy loam areas but year after year this crop is reaching further into tha heavy soil districts. IRRIGATION: Irrigation of crops, as a rule, begins early in May and continues until the latter part of September. Rainfall varies greatly from year to year and a wet spring sanetimes makes irrigation unnecessary until June. Crops on the aver- age require about IS inches of water in addition to the rainfall, the artificial moisture being applied as needed. Alfalfa and sugar beets receive from 4 to 6 irri- grtions, gardens are watered about every ten days and grain crops one to two times dv.r1.ng the season. The clay soils provide no domestic water supply and recourse is had to cisterns and stock ponds. These ponds are filled late in November to take care of winter needs, CLIKIATE: The climate of western South Dakota is marked by an abundance of sun- shine and the clear air attracts attention by its exhilarating effect. This invig- orating atmosphere is one of the most attractive and healthy features of the irri- ga'ied country and a real Inducement to horaeseekers. Occasionally there occur per:' ods of extreme heat, cold, or winds which are comi^ion in the plains country but ■■.■'he:' settled conditions prevail the project often has l^ng periods of veiy pleasant uQVt> aud fine growing weather. In the summer the temj-' err' tare might occasionally reach 100 degrees and in vrinter 25 degrees below, hub u.j--^r t.i^ prevailing western ary atnosphore there is no serious discomfort under thes--^ orctremes. Snow seldom AEROPLANE MAP OF BELLE FOURCHE PROJECT SHOWING OUR PRINCIPAL STREAMS, CANALS. HIGHWAYS, AND RAILROAD CONNECTIONS remains on the ground long enough for good sleighing and warm Chinook winds are a fouturo of the winters. The precipitation averages about 15 inchos and occurr, roatly in tho spring months, mth an occasional doim-pour that soaks the ground in £,3od shapo, Tho poriod froo from frost is gonorally from tho middle of iJlay to the last of Soptombor and luto garden truck nearly alv/ays matures woll ahead of the first nip. Tho climate will appeal to those who come from the northern half of tho United Statos, and while the nan from tho middle ;7cst will notico a lack of rr-,:..!- fall, this is more than compensated by tho irrigation ?fater from tho ditches, that is available for crops, lawns and gardens, whenever the occasion requires. The altitude averages about 2,800 feet. TRANSPORTATION: Railroad transportation is afforded by the Chicago & North- western Railway, with two principal lines from Chicago to the Black Hills, joining at Rapid City and continuing with a branch line through the project to Newell. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway and the Burlington Lino have torrainals ros- poctivoly at Rapid City and Doadwood. Together •'jheso give a ready outlot to Omaha, Sioux City, Lincoln, Minneapolis, Denver, Billings and the nortu'^cst. Federal hxghyay 79 traverses tho project north and south connecting Nebraska and North Dakota, and No. 212 runs oast and west through tho nrojcct oxtonaing from Minnea- polis to Belle Fourcbo. Connecting with these highway's arc gooa county roads, some graveled, leading to all parts of the project. Highway 85, just off the project, also servos as an outlet to tho north and southwest and to Black Hills points. CIVIC DE7EL0PK1E1-IT: The city of Belle Fourche, the County seat of Butte County, located at the upper end of the projedt has a population of 2,100 with all lines of business represented. Industries consist of a brick plant, creamery, flour mill and sugar factory. The business section is paved and residence streets well improved. The annual rodeo held for 3 days each year early in July, makes this the round-up city of tho west, Newell in the east central part of the project is a place of 500 population and the terminus of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, Two graveled Federal highways pass through the business street. The U, S. Experiment Farm, two miles out, is a Federal enterprise, established for demonstrating the results of irriga- tion and rotation as well as sheep feeding. Newell is also the irrigation project headquarters and contains one of tho largest general stores in tho state. Vale, Nisland and Fruitdalo are other communities on the project all connected by rail, where general merchandise business is conducted and where farm produce may be marketed. Churches and schools arc a feature of the project towns. Tho various relig- ious denominations are well represented and most of these have adequate church edificios. Belle Fourche, Newell, Vale and Nisland provide standard high school courses while college work is available in tho nearby cities of Spearfish and Rapid City. IRRIGATION DISTRICT - WATER CHARGES: The projoct is organized as an Irriga- tion District under tho state law, controlled by a Board of Directors. The dis- trict in turn has contracted with the Ifaited States to repay the cost of construct- ing tho irrigation works. Payments for this purpose arc distributed ever a poriod of 80 years beginning at the time water first becamo available which means that most project farms 7ri.ll continue payments on this account for about 60 years with- out interest. These annual payments vary from 82-^-^ por irrigable acre to $1.37-|-, dcnonding on the class of soil, and average 93(zf for tho entire project. In addi- tion to the assessments for construction of the system there is an annual charge - 3 - m^ ■ •,i^--<.--l Hot-It; ANij oh,fc. I 1-lt.LiJ _MARvijs2"ij s'JGAR bi:kis rn-.AR ^island a#^'lfe:-i^«i£ii in ■■ "riBlIB^) IRRIGA" C 'K- AoiNOS- TJvnoS ^'•^SJ>!vu^'w%S^-^ lilWHii Am, /^ U -isaiL-**- ^R FACTORY AT BELLE > ^Jlv' ■»C-i^ .^^ 1 1 1 r"T -^ m 1- if Mi I'O, , Td ^ l5f' -4 - «K "i-^ "*< -~m^ 1 ONE O; THE' iM'.i apiapjk; PF 1 E ■ .^Itbt. CUCUn&ER PIOKLf ^ riAKL ■> K^ ML - CASH CROP ■ :^^^^' interest, Projoct serial Nob. 1067 and 1081, No. 5 480 acres - 110 acres irrigable, 200 under cultivation; medium clay loan soil. Four miles west of Newell, 2 miles to school; 4-roon house, horse barn, sheed shed, granary, henhouse; well fenced with woven wire. Price $6,000 - :J3,000 cash, balance on terms to be arranged at Qfo interest. Projoct serials Nos. 695 and 699, No, 6 160 acres - 103 irrigable. Three and one-half miles wost of Nisland on the Belle Fourche River; ono and one-half nilos to school; undor the Johnson lateral direct flow water supply. Cut by railroad and by tho river, Sandy loan soil and favorable topography on major portion. Fair house; other buildings would serve for tonporaiy uso, $3, 500 - $525 down, balance to bo arranged by contract, Projoct serials Nos, 186 and 187, No, 7 160 acres - 94 acros irrigablo. Adjoins town of Nisland; on U. S. Grav- eled highway; 16 acres in alfalfa; 50 acres sugar beets in 1933, Fair set of buildings but neod painting, Houso, bam, granary, hoghouso, henhouse, sheep shod and boot workers house. To be sold on bids - 15% down - 25^ pay- able next 5 years at 4^ interest. Deod issues when 40% is paid, balanco in 20 annual installments at 3%, Project serial No. 477, No, 8 80 acres - 53 acres irrigable. Three and one-half miles north of Newell. Traversed by Dry Creek, some bottom land; clay soil. Three-room house, barn, honhouse, root collar. On school bus route, -^ miles from graveled highway, $3,500 - $500 down, balance on terms at 6%, Project serial No. 990, - 5 - 25163^ >To, 11 160 acres - 68 Irrigable. Four miles west of Newell. Medium clay- soil* Meadow pasture on Horse creek, Seven-roora house; large stable, henhouse, granary, ice house, beet workers' cabin. Twenty acres of al- falfa, |>9,500 - 095O dovm, annual payment $785 omortizad at &% interest. No* 14 160 acres - 99 irrigable. Throe and ono-half miles west of Nisland on the Belle Fourcho rivor; one and one-half miles to school; under the Johnson latorcQ. direct flow water supply. Cut by railroad and by the river. Sandy loam soil and favorable topography on major portion. F-ir houso; other buildings would sarvo for temporary use, $3,500 - $525 do-:7n, balance to bo arranged by contract. No. 15 76 acres - 74 irrigable, Ono and ono-half miles north of Arpon post office; twelve miles north of Fruitdale, Clay soil, level topography. School on the farm. Forty acres in alfcdfa. House nacds reconditioning; othor buildings lacking, $1,600 - ^^240 down, balance to bo arranged by contract. No. 16 280 acres - 119 irrigablo. Three miles northeast of Arpan post office. Fourteen miles northeast of Fruitdale. Clay sai; level to roll- ing topography. One mile ' to school. Good house and barn and other im- provements. Ten acres in alfalfa, $3,000 - $450 down, balance to be ar- ranged by contract. No, 17 160 acres - 96 irrigablo. One-half mile northwest of Newell; clay soil; sloping topography. Well improved with 6-roon house, good bam, largo sheep shed, 50' z 200', ico house, other sheds; largely woven-wire fenced. Small orchard; thirty-five acres in alfalfa. To bo sold on bids 1555 down - 25% payable next five years at 4^ interest. Deed issues when A:0% is paid. Balance in 20 annual installments at S%, No, 18 150 acres - 141 irrigablo. Six miles cast of Yale; sandy loara soil; level to slightly sloping. Producing sugar beets; 30 acres in alfalfa, Fivo-room houso (two-story); barn, granarj'-, hen house, Ono and ono- fourth miles to school. To bo sold on bids 15% down, - 25% payable next five yonrs at 4|% interest. Deed issues when 40% is paid. Balance in 20 annual in- stalincnts at 3%, No, 19 160 acres - 133 irrigable. Ten miles north of Fruitdale; one-half mile to Arpan store and post office. Clay soil, level topography. On a main county road; produced 14 tons of sugar beets per acre in 1932, Thirty acres in alfalfa. Small 2-story house; stable and sheds. To be sold on bids 15% down - 25% payable next five years at 4-|% interest. Deed issues when 40% is paid. Balance in 20 annual installments at 3%, No, 20 240 acres - 77 irrigablo. One and one-half miles northwest of Nisland, Sandy loam and medium clay soil. Partly under the project reservoir ond partiyundcr direct flow canal, Twnnty-five acres in alfalfa; producing sugar boots. Good 6-room houso; granary; stable and sheds; orchard of hardy fruit. To bo sold on bids 15% down - 25% payable next five years at 4:^0 interest. Deed issues when 40^5 is paid. Balance in 20 annual in- stallments at 3%. Note: Those farms are not under option. Pricos and terms may be changed under agreements betweon buyer and seller. - 6 - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY This book is DUE on the last iate stamped helow Form L-9-15m-7,'35 BHIYERSm of CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES T TUD A t?V '' J^ i !1 Z-i-- S^ j^ / ;; .-^.': W- ^ ^ ^ -'^'B