Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1896 — GENERAL CONDITION OF CROPS [ARTICLE]

GENERAL CONDITION OF CROPS

Government Report Show Plenty of Rain and Good Prospects. The climatic and crop bulletin issued by the United States Department' of Agriculture says that except in the States of the lower Missouri and central Mississippi valleys, where severe local storms and heavy rainfall have caused much damage, the past week has been generally favorable. Corn planting is now practically finished in the more northerly corn States, except in North Dakota, where it is still in progress. In the central corn belt the crop has made rapid growth. Winter wheat harvest is well advanced in Texas and Oklahoma and has begun as far north as the southern portions of Kansas, Missouri and Illinois; wheat is ripening rapidly in Indiana and Ohio. The report by States follows: ILLINOIS.—The week has been showery, with violent storms In the southwest and south portions, which did much damage. Ths land is too wet for work, and corn cultivation has been delayed and some replanting has been done. Wheat harvest Is just beginning In the extreme south portion and rye harvest in favored fields In central and north portions. Clover cutting beginning, oats rank growth, gardens and potatoes excellent, broom corn a good stand. WISCONSIN.—The moderately heavy rains and cool nights have been somewhat unfavorable to growing crops, though a week of sunshine would place them again tn excellent condition. Corn planting about completed and potato planting under wav. Wheat Improving and heading In southern section. Oats and grasses excellent. Sunshine Is SOUTH DAKOTA.—CooI, with ample sunshine. Showers scattered, mostly light, but heavy In localities. All vegetation made healthy growth, but cut worms are injuring corn and more rain would be beneficial In loca*Jßsß - Cotn planting about complete. NEBRASKA.—Week favorable for farm work and corn planting has been pushed, and most of the crop Is now in the ground. Early corn six Inches high and much of It cultivated. Small grain a verv rank growth and lodging slightly except In extreme westerh counties, where It has suffered from drought. Kansas.—Very warm, with much rain In east part of the State and but little in west part. Unfavorable conditions for grains In west portion. Much work done In fields and corn growing well. Wheat harvest begun In south. MlSSOUßl.—Excessive rains, except In some central and northwest counties, further delayed farm work and caused much additional damage by floods and washing. Severe local storms also did much damage In places. Corn very foul, some rust In wheat, other crops doing well. Wheat harvest commenced in south. lOWA.—Farm work retarded in large par* of State by heavy rains and cloudiness. Drying weather needed for completing corn planting and subduing weeds. Winter wheat and rye doing well, but other grain crops show some ill effects of excessive moisture. INDlANA.—Numerous good rains Unproved crops; hall and local storms did Injury. Wheat and barley are ripening; rye and oats are In best condition. Corn stands well in clean fields; grass Is Improved, but short In localities. OHlO.—Very favorable week. Some early corn In south portion of State received second cultivation. Wheat maturing rapidly and heads filling well, but straw short and thin on ground; crop past any further or special Improvement; also damage by flv and rust. Considerable tobacco set. MICHIGAN.—CooI, wet weather has Improved wheat and grass, and there Is less complaint of rust and Hessian fly In wheat. Rye nearly all In head and looks fine. Corn about all planted and cultivation becoming general. Oats have grown slowly, but In good shape. Cherries and pears badly whipped off by wind, but other fruit very promising.