Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 April 1902 — STATE OF THE CHOPS. [ARTICLE]

STATE OF THE CHOPS.

WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MOST SECTIONS FAVORABLE. Season in Central Areas Is Somewhat Backward—Wheat Promises Well in All Sections—Corn in Texas Already Under Cultivation. Following is the monthly report of the climate and crop division of the Weather Bureau: The weather conditions of March were generally favorable fop farming operations in the States of the Missouri, Upper Mississippi, and Ohio Valleys, ami on the Atlantic coast north of North Carolina. The month was also favorable in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma, but over the greater part of the central and east Gulf States it was unfavorable, largely ou account of excessive rains. Throughout the central and east gulf States farm work is from two to three weeks late, and in many sections much land has been badly washed. There has been a marked improvement in the condition of winter wheat iu the central valleys, although much of the late sown is in poor condition and some will be plowed up for other crops. Oat seeding is well advanced in the States of the Missouri Valley, and is progressing in the Ohio Valley and middle Atlantic States. Corn planting has begun as far northward as Kansas and Missouri, and preparations for planting are iu progress farther north. In Texas the bulk of the corn crop lias been planted and some is being cultivated. The general outlook for fruit, excepting peaches, is encouraging. Reports by States. Illinois—March has been favorable for fa rniing operations; soil in excellent eondl — tioii; g Mid rains considerably improved wheat, which is in good condition, except in parts of southern d strict. where It is stiM poor, lunch oats seeded under favorable conditions; fruit, except peaches, promising. Indiana -Wheat small anil In some localities winter killed In spots, hut generally fields are green and prospects for good crop are encouraging; peaches believed to lie mostly killed: other fruit uninjured: plowing. oat seeding, gardening and planting early potatoes in progress: ground in good condition, except too wet In extreme southern counties. Ohio—March weather favorable and season well advanced: marked improvement In wheat, which, however, is generally small ami in places spotted, but only slightly winter killed and now growing nicely: plowing and out seeding under way. some gardening done, and early potatoes planted; fruit, except peaches, prouiilsng. Michigan—March mostly dry anil pleasant; plowing began, lint Is not yet general, other early spring work well advanced: winter wheat Is small, but healthy, and in generally fair condition: fruit buds have generally wintered well. Wisconsin—Whiter wheat and rye generally in satisfactory condition, except iu few localities In northeastern counties; clover badly winter killed in some sections: considerable plowing and some seeding done; soil well stored with moisture iu central and northern counties; rain needed in southern. Missouri—Month generally favorable for warm work: oat sowing well advanced, except iu some southern counties, where soil Is too wet; considerable gardening done; a little corn planted; wheat looking well and making fine growth. lowa—Month warmer than usual and weather generally favorable for early farm operations; soil In excellent condition for plowing mid seeding: well advanced In all parts of State; fall wheat acreage larger than last year and wintered fairly well; stock generally healthy, with abundant forage on hand. South Dakota—Much preparatory field work dene, ami in southeastern comities some lowlands too wet; winter rye generally In good condition: grass starting. Nebraska —Warm, favorable month, considerable acreage of oats sown: winter wheat continues to look well.