Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 181, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 August 1917 — GRAIN CROPS ARE PROMISING [ARTICLE]

GRAIN CROPS ARE PROMISING

Western Canada 1917 Crops in Good Shape. While it is a little early to predict what the Western Canada grain crop will there is every indication at the present writing that the 1917 crop will give an excellent return. Reports received from all portions of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta speak of good growing weather, a fairly advanced stage of all grains, with prospects as good as in the past two years. Should conditions continue as at present, it is safe to conclude that Western Canadian farmers, already free of debt, as a result of the splendid crops and prevailing high prices, expect from this season’s returns to be in a position that will place them away beyond any fear of the future. _ The acreage of Western Canada will be about the same as last year. Seeding was somewhat later than last year, but germination was quicker. The only possible drawback now would seem to be a scarcity of harvest hands, but it is felt by the authorities that the situation will be pretty well cared for by that time. Land values are increasing, but there is room for a much greater increase than in the past, owing to the returns that farmed land will give when compared with its cost. In some districts land that could have been bought five years ago for sls an acre is changing hands at S6O an acre, the seller satisfied that he is giving the purchaser good value for his money. And why not, when it is known that in a great many cases during the past two years crops have been grown on this land that have produced a profit of forty and fifty dollars per acre, over and above cost of production. These cases, while not general, were not exceptional.

In addition to the lands that are offered for sale by railway companies* land companies and private individuals, the homesteading areas offer great inducements for those who are willing to do a little pioneering for a year or two. By that time settlements would come into existence, and this means a condition similar to that enjoyed by many of the older settlements of today—schools, churches, railways. The land is of high-class quality, strong and vigorous, easily worked, and capable of producing the very best of crops. The demand for all grains for some years will be great, and It will require all the resources of man, beast and soil to meet it. That the prices win be good goes without saying, but at the present time there is something more appealing than the lucrative prices that prevail. That is, the desire to assist in winning the w’orld war. The man at the plow is doing his “bit,” and the spirit of patriotism that prevails will lead him Into a broader sphere of action. No matter where he may be he will look about him that he may find land to further develop the country’s resources. It is possible that his own state may furnish the land, In which case he will be quick to take advantage of the offer. If land In his own state is not available, Canada (now our ally) will be glad to furnish It in unlimited quantity, as she is vitally Interested In largely Increasing the supply of foodstuff which is now as urgently needed and is as valuable as ammunition to the allied countries. The appeal made by Mr. Hoover, United States controller of foods, and also by Hon. W. J. Hanna, Canadian controller, emphasizes the need of the allies, urges economy and the prevention of the waste in food, and bespeaks whole-hearted public co-opera-tion. Speaking of Great Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and their European allies, they say:

“For nearly three years their man power has been engaged In the direct work of war, and in some cases large hreas of their most productive lands have been overrun by the enemy. Their food shortage and the food to supply the armies of Canada and the United States must be wholly provided from this side of the Atlantic. The supply must also be sufficlent to cover losses at sea. Australia, New Zealand. the r Argentine Republic and other "countries are not now available to relieve the situation because of their remoteness and the shortage of tonnage. “The crop of storeable foods grown in Canada and the United States suitable for shipment overseas threatensto he entirely Inadequate to meet the demand unless the whole people determine by every means in their power to make up the shortage. Every individual is under a direct obligation to assist in rationing the allied force*. There must be national self-denial and national co-operation to provide the necessary supplies."—Advertisement.