Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 307, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 December 1910 — THRESHING RETURNS FROM WESTERN CANADA. [ARTICLE]

THRESHING RETURNS FROM WESTERN CANADA.

They Reveal* Larger Averages of Wheat and Oats Than Anticipated. The returns from the grain fields of Western Canada as revealed by the work of the Threshers, show much larger yields than were expected as the crop was ripening. It is a little early -yet to give an estimate of the crop as a whole, but individual yields selected from various points throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta show that the farmers there as a rule have,had reason to be thankful over the results. Excellent yields are reported from many portions of Manitoba and a large district of Saskatchewan has turned out well, while the central portion of Alberta is splendid. There will be shown at the land exposition at St. Louis a sample of the Marques wheat—a new variety and <®e that appears to be well adapted to the soil and climate of Western Canada—that yielded 53 bushels to the acre. The exhibit and statement will be supported by affidavits from the growers. This wheat weighs well, and being a hard variety will find a ready market at the highest prices obtainable for a first-class article. It is interesting to point out that a field of one hundred .acres of this wheat would give its producers 5,300 bushels. Sold at 85 cents a bushel would give him $45 an acre. Counting all the cost of Interest on land at S2O an acre, getting the land ready for crop. Seed sowing, harvesting and marketing, the entire cost of production would not exceed SB. an acre, leaving the handsome net profit of $37 an acre. Is there any crop that would yield a better return than this, with the same labor and initial expense? Cotton fields will not do it, apple orchards with their great expense of cultivation and the risk to run from the various enemies of the fruit cannot begin to do it. While what is considered an exceptional case just now is presented, there is no doubt that this man’s experience may be duplicated by others who care to follow his example. As has been said the growing of this wheat is but in its infancy, and wheat growing is still largely confined to other older varieties that do not yield as abundantly. Even with these we have records before us of farmers who have grown bushels to the acre., others 35, some 30, and others again 25 bushels. Taking even 20 bushels, and some farmers report that amount, it is found that the returns from such a yield would be sl7 an acre. This wheat will cost to get to market, including all expenses, about $8 an acre, and the .farmers will still have a net profit of about $9 an acre. Certainly the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are progressing, settlement is increasing and there is a general contentment all over the country. The social conditions are splendid, the climate is excellent, and there is every condition to .make the settler satisfied. At the farming congress, held at Spokane in October, wheat shown by the Alberta Government, took the sliver cup, awarded by the Governor of the State. It completely outclassed’ all other specimens on exhibition, and it was but an ordinary selection, hundreds of fields in Alberta and Saskatchewan being able to duplicate it. There are still available thousands of homesteads, as well as large areas of first-class land—that is being offered for sale at low.prices. The agent of the Canadian Government from whom the above facts have been learned expects that the rush to Canada will next year largely exceed the numbers who have gone this year.