Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 September 1902 — WEEKLY SUMMARY OF CROPS. [ARTICLE]

WEEKLY SUMMARY OF CROPS.

Dry, Warm Weather Needed in Miasour I Valley for Maturing Corn. Following is the Weekly summary of crop conditions made by the Agricultural Department: The temperature conditions in the northern districts east of the Missouri valley during the week were more favorable for maturing crops than in the previous week, but, as in the two weeks immediately preceding, excessively high temperatures prevailed in the central and 'vest gulf districts, including Oklahoma and Indian territory. Excessive rains have continued in the lower Missouri and Red River of the North valleys to serious detriment to grain in shock and stack, and with temperatures slightly below normal in the Missouri valley the maturity of crops has not advanced rapidly. Continued absence of rain has intensified the drouth in the west gulf districts and rain is generally needed in the Ohio valley and in coast districts from southern New England to the Curolinas. Generally rains have relieved drouth conditions in the east gulf districts. Frost, \yith ice in exposed places, occurred in the northern ltocky Mountain region on the morning of Aug. 29. Generally favorable conditions prevailed on the Pacific coast, although rather cool in the northern districts during the fore part of the week. In the States of the Missouri valley and in portions of the upi>er Mississippi valley corn has made fair progress, but has not matured rapidly owing to low temperatures and excessive moisture. Dry, warm weather is greatly needed in the Missouri valley for the maturity of corn, which will require practically a month in lowa ami eastern Nebraska. In Illinois, Indiana and Ohio the maturity of corn has beep more rapid, but the late crop is in need of rain in portions of Wisconsin. Indiana and Ohio. Early corn is being cut in Missouri and Kansas and is being marketed and fist to stock in the lastnamed State. Rains have greatly interfered with thrashing of spring wheat throughout tile Dakotas, Minnesota. lowa and Nebraska aud sprouting in shock is extensively reported. Harvesting is nearly finished on the North Pacific coast, where thrashing is progressing under favorable conditions, with about average yields. But little rain has fallen over much the greater part of the cotton belt westward of the Mississippi river during the last month, the last three weeks of which have been excessively warm, the w.-ck ending Sept. 1 being practically rainless over the greater part of Louisiana, portions of Arkansas and Oklahoma and throughout Texas, with the exception of a few light showers in tile north, central and northeastern portions, the result of which, with the ravages of insects, has been a steady deterioration in the condition of cotton during the second and third decades. While favorable weather conditions in the near future would cause a marked improvement in the condition in cotton in Texas the reports indicate that under the most favorable eircumstan *es the yield would be much short of an average crop. Cutting and curing of tobacco have progressed under favorable conditions and are largely finished ill the Curolinas and Virginia.