Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1883 — THE CORN CROP. [ARTICLE]

THE CORN CROP.

The States of Illinois, Indiana and lowa Victimized by Squaw / 1 Winter; Not Enough Sound Corn Left in Those States to Supply Seed. The Chicago Tribune publishes copious reports of the condition of the cofh In the Northwest, which, if accurate, show that the farmers of Indiana, Illinois and lowa have much to complain of as regards this year’s crop of that cereal. In the three States named, with but a few exceptions, the corn is soft and fit, for nothing but feed, for which it is now being generally used. This was brought about by its being first frozen and then thawed out, when damp weather followed, preventing the corn hardening. This state of affairs is especially distressing in connection with the problem of ■where to secure good seed, for the experience of last season shows that Kansas seed ripens too late to be secure from the early frosts of this section* and that Nebraska peed is but a shade better. Ag to the corn crop of Kansas apd Nebraska, the farmers report an exceptional yield in qurfllty find quantity, which is practically secure from harm, the only- thing needed being favorable weather for cribbinir. The .Tribune, in a summarized review of its ,cxtensive reports says: The reports cover the States of Illinois, Indiana, lowa, Kansas and Nebraska. The advices fiom the three States first named are, with’ a few local exceptions of similar character, and all are unanimous' in the statement that it is the poorest crop harvested in anany years. The discrepancy applies more to the quality than the quantity of giain raised. The corn was damp and soggy when the first frosts occurred, and as a result was frozen hard. Then came milder weather, which was followed by rains, and the corn thus had no chance to dryout and become hard and mature. The consequence is that a large percentage of the grain is soft and fit only as food for hogs and other stock. Large quantities of this soft corn will undoubtedly go to waste orr the approach of cold weather, as itoany farmers will have more of it than they can possibly use In feeding stock. The question of seed for next year will prove a ii.ost serious one, as theie will 4>e « large deficiency. Kansas will not be called on to supply the want, as there is general complaint that the grain gt Own this year from Kansas seed suffered proportionately more than any other. The reports from Kansas are of a partimnaHy—cheerful character. The State will harvest the largest crop ever grown, in, her -borders, and the grain is of an ■ extra"good quality. There Is a* decrease in production in certain localities, due conditions, but as_a whole, as stated a l ove, the crop is the ’arrest and also the best ever grown in the Stale. Many of the farmers, not_satlsilejl_wiilL- prevailingp ices, at e cribbing their- corn, and will , hold it for a rise. But a very small percentage of the crop in Nebraska a as injured by .frost, and the grain is hard, sound and in excellent shape in every respect.