Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1914 — Henry Hayes Writes of a New Irrigated Section in South Dakota. [ARTICLE]

Henry Hayes Writes of a New Irrigated Section in South Dakota.

Newell, So. Dak., Dec. 6,1914 T F. E. Babcock, Rensselaer, Ind. Dear Sir and Old Friend: As I have been very busy this season, I have neglected to write and have the address of The Democrat changed from Acme, So. Dak., to Newell, So. Dak. We have been moved to near Newell for some time, but as the Acme office has been discontinued since May 15th we have gotten our papers just the same. You may change the address, and enclosed find $1.50 for another year's subscription.

Would say as to dry farming, we have all of it we wish. We farmed out there for six crop seasons and got but one crop, in 1912. Some of the other years we had part of a crop, but in 1911 we had nothing, not even hay. In order to make a living 1 have worked out every season since 1910 up to the present, and the boys did the farming. But this season we have faired better, as I rented some land under irrigation and moved to within one mile of Newell. The land was prairie land and I broke it late, but we got about 18 acres broke and planted to corn the fore part of June, and as it was late we were favored by frost staying off till the 4th of October, and the corn got ripe. Haven’t husked all yet, but estimate we have about 300 blishels. Now this is no crop to speak of, but 1 was counting on nothing this year, as 1 only wanted to get the land broken for next year. I rented the land for three crops lor the breaking, and the owner paysj the water right. The next crops will be good ones unless hail or storm comes, as under water crops are sure to grow, as one can make it “rain” any time he wishes. This part of the country is under the north side canal, which is still under construction and only some sections -have water as yet. This part has had water only two years, so it is not very well»improved, but down under the south si'de canal they have had water for 5 years, and things are booming there. One can see alfalfa stacks as far as one can see. There are thousands of tons here. They get four crops, ranging from 114 to 3, and sometimes 4 tons to the cutting, to the acre. It is worth $4 per ton at present in stack, or $7 baled and delivered on track for shipment. There is lots of seed this year and the price is low, from 10c to ,12c per lb., and it takes from five to ten pounds to the acre, owing to the notion. White is a good

crop here and all other crops do fine under irrigation. Some raised 70 bushels of corn. Oats run from 50 to 100 bushels per acre, and wheat from 20 to 40 bushels per acre. But while the yields are big, it is hard work to raise crops as it is quite hard to irrigate. About 80 acres of land is a good season’s work for one man, and he will put in most of the Sundays besides, as one has to use the water when it is turned on and when it is needed. Now, we like the country here fine. "We have such a good climate. Have no snow yet. It has been trying to snow today and it may make it before it is 'through, but it is time of the year for it now. There hfis been lots of work at good wages. I worked five months for the government on the carpenter force at $3 per day, 8 hours work, and my boy worked six weeks with the team at $4.50 per day, not including board, as every one pays his own board here, only when he works on a farm. But while wages are high, everything one buys is also high, meals 35c and 50c for bed, if working away from home. The government runs camps and give meals at 25c, and each man has his own bed. They give $2.24 -per day for pick and shovel men and teamsters, but the carpenters get more, the boss $3.75 and the other carpenters $3, and helpers $2.40. This section there are working is about completed, and will be thrown open in March. There will be about 500 farms in this section subject to entry, and as there is a new law now in effect that favors the newcomers, there will be a great rush when it is throw-n open. I only wish I had a right to file, but used my right out on the dry land. However, one can rent all that he wishes, and this year we have got on our feet, and will farm more next year. Hoping this may be of some interest to the readers of The Democrat, and with best regards for all old friends and relatives in old Jasper, I remain, Respectfully,

H. H. HAYES.