Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1903 — WINTER WHEAT OUTLOOK [ARTICLE]

WINTER WHEAT OUTLOOK

January Reports Show Generally Good Conditions. The crop report issued by the weather bureau says that on the whole the winter wheat crop fared well in January, the central and northern portions of the winter wheat belt being well protected by snow covering tmtil the closing days of the month, when much snow melted, leaving only the extreme northern districts with a covering on Jan. 31. Over the southern portion of the belt some damage resulted from alternate freezing and thawing, but the crop lias apparently not sustained serious injury. The rainfall was light, r rhan usual; but Kansas is the only State reporting need of moisture. In Washington and Oregon the general condition of wheat is satisfactory although portions of these States have suffered from alternate freezing and thawing, in California the first half of the month in the northern sections was cold and foggy, while hot, dry winds prevailed in the southern part of the State, but no serious damage resulted: more favorable temperature conditions, with beneficial rains, prevailed during the latter part of the month. Special reports were received from the following States: Illinoi. Temperature above seasonal average, and precipitation well distributed; snow fall in north and central districts afforded good cohering for wheat, the general condition of which is excellent; in the southern district the crop has been slightly injured by alternate freezing ami thawing. Indiana—Ground covered with snow greater part of month, but now mostly bare; wheat in good condition, except the comparatively small acreage of early sown that was injured by fly. Considerable corn yet in field in some localities; live stock wintering well. Ohio—Ground generally well covered by snow from the Gth to 27th and wheat well protected; no damage reported; frost out of ground in many places at end of month. Michigan—Winter wheat well prot’eted by snow until 27th, when it was partly uncovered: plant rather small on account of late seeding, but green and healthy: very little frost in ground. Nebraska —January was warm and dry, without severe weather of any kind; favorable month for winter wheat, condition of which has changed little, at’d continues excellent in western portion of wheat belt, and but slightly less favorable in eastern. „ Kansas—Mild, dry month; some plowing done in south portion; wheat looks well, but needs moisture; corn husking well advanced. Missouri—The month was generally unfavorable for winter wheat; considerable thawing and freezing and little protection afforded by snow in northern sections; but little damage resulted. however, and crop generally is in good condition.