Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1896 — WEATHER AND CROP BULLETIN. [ARTICLE]

WEATHER AND CROP BULLETIN.

Beport of the Department of Agriculture for the Northwest. The report as to the condition of the crops throughout the country, and the general effect of the weather on the cultivation and growth of same, made by the directors of the several climate and crop sections, and received at Chicago, show that over the central and northern portions ofthe country theseason is from two to three weeks Tate, in consequence pt which farm work has been correspondingly delayed. The condition of winter wheat is reported as poor in Virginia and “Ohio "and faTFln Illinois - and Kentucky, but more favorable reports were received from Kansas, Arkansas and New York. The recent freeze has caused some injury to winter wheat in Michigan. No spring wtheat'has yet been tfoWn in North Dakota and practically none in Minnesota. In South Dakota spring wheat seeding is becoming general, and au Nebraska and lowa seeding is nearly completed. Oat seeding is generally well advanced in the States of the central valleys, and in the gputhern States this crop is reported as doing well. Reports by States follow: Illinois—March was a cool, dry month, much below the normal In- rainfall, except In a few of the extreme ‘southern counties along the Ohio River. Vegetation was held In check by the coolness, and the crop season begins about ten days later than usual. Grain came through the winter In fair condition only, the freezing and thawing, with only light snow protection, injuring It somewhat, but it is probable that the lack of rain last fall and the dry winter caused more harm. Wheat Is In the best condition In the wet counties along the Ohio. Spring work began generally during the last week In March, but was stopped by the cold weather the middle of last week and is just beginning again. Some oats have been sown, but the crop will go In this week. Stalk cutting and plowing are also being pushed and much corn land will be prepared this week. Earl/ gardens and potatoes are being planted. Grasses are coming on nicely, with the exception of clover. Fruits are thought to be unharmed and trees are laden with bloom buds, which are bursting' In southern counties. The soil Is working well throughout the State, although the subsoil Is generally lacking in moisture. What little winter wheat the northern counties contain seems to be in good condition; rye also Is doing well and grasses are starting nicely. Fruit beds have not yet started, but are thought to be unharmed. In central counties winter wheat Is generally in good condition, although a few fields In every county have suffered from freezing and thawing, and good, warm rains are needed. Chinch bugs are already reported as numerous. Wisconsin—The greater portion of the State was visited during the last three days of March by a. fairly distributed rain and snow storm, which was of decided benefit, yet more rain Is needed In the middle and southern sections; no farm work has been started Jn the northern sections and very little in the middle; in the southern sections the farm work was generally stopped by the cold weather; the weather has been generally unfavorable to winter grain, especially wheat. South Dakota—Stormy weather, with snow during first of week and frosty nights since, have retarded spring work; soil amply moist, generally In good condition for seeding; but little seeding has been previously done, though now it is becoming general; season unusually late. Nebraska—Fall-sown grain Is starting and Is in excellent condition; spring wheats mostly sown and oat seeding well advanced) plowing for corn has commenced In southern counties, and soil Is in fine condition for working and seding. lowa—Temperature and rainfall below nor. mal; seeding and plowing In progress, with soli In good condition; bulk of seeding dons In southern districts and well begun la northern section. Indiana—Warm, rainy weather first days of week Improved cereals, which began to show green, but windy weather following checked advancement; plowing for corn and oats continued and oats and potatoes planted In localities; fruit buds swelling. Ohio—Fore part of week favorable, latter part unfavorable; some plowing done, but farm work la greatly delayed; wheat generally poor and other cereals and grass variable and backward; some peaches winter killed, other fruits probably safe; buds swellMlchlgan—Cold wave of Thursday and Frl-' day caused considerable damage to wheat, rye and clover; farm work held back by cold weather; spring plowing Just begun In southern counties and some oats being sown; fruit buds reported in generally, good condition.