Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 July 1902 — PROSPERITY OF THE INDIANA FARMER [ARTICLE]

PROSPERITY OF THE INDIANA FARMER

BY EDITOR W. H.

CRAIG OF THE NOBLESVILLE LEDGER

There is no class of people in this country so fortunate and prosperous as the farmers. Since 1896 the value of their layils as well as the products thereof have increased -steadily and rapidly. GapitAleeeklng good, safe investments has beep going into lands. Farmers have been paying off mortgages and making large and splendid improvements. With prospects for large crops and high prices farmers are now in a most happy frame of mind. A few facts and figures at this time will no doubt surprise those who have not given the matter carefn) attention. Let us take as a basis Hamilton county. The figures and facts we present below are taken from the report of the state statistician, from the market reports, and from the statements of the Wainwright Tnist company. All these sources of information are reliable and conservative. Hamilton county has 256,000 acres of land. The officers of the Wainwright Trust company, the largest dealers in real estate in the county, inform us that land values have steadily increased since 1896. They say that a conservative estimate of the average value of the land of the county would be HO an acre in 1896 and SSO an acre in 1902. This is an increase of >lO an acre in six years, or 25 per cent This increase alone adds to the wealth of the farmer of Hamilton county $2,560,000. Hamilton county is richer and better than the average county of the state. But cut the average increase on land down to $2,000,000 per county and we have the enormous sum of $184,000,000. This great Increase in the wealth of the farmers of Indiana is the result of prosperous times, soundness in our finances and in stability of values. In speaking about farm values the president of the Wainwright Trust company said: “We now loan more money on the acre, at a less rate of interest and commission than we did six years ago.” Besides the increase in the value of land the farmers are receiving for their products nearly double what they did six years ago. For illustration let us take the average yield of wheat, corn and oats for the last ten years in Hamilton county, with the price thereof in 1896 and 1902. Also the average number of horses, cattle and hogs during the last sik years, with the prices in 1896 and 1902: ■ 1896 1902 Average Price Amount Price Amount bushel.... 652.918 $~57~ $ 372,163.26~$ ?76 $ 496,217.68 Corn, bu5he12,079,362 Oats, bushel 210,487 .12 25,258.44 .38 79,985.06 Horses, head 9,016 60.00 540,960.00 100.00 901.600.00 Cattle, head 15,209 25.00 380,225.00 40.00 608,360.00 Hogs, head 48,447 6.00 290,682.00 13.00 629,811.00 Totals ' L. $2,025,161.00 $3,880,416.46 In the above figures we have made our estimate on cattle weighing 800 pounds and bogs 200 pounds. In 1896 cattle were worth from 3 to 4% cents and in 1902 they are worth from 4 to 7 cents. Hogs in 1896 sold at 3 cents. They are now worth from 6to 7 cents. These figures, which any farmer will admit are fair and conservative, show that the farmers of Hamilton county are receiving on the six items mentioned above $1,855,255.36 more than they did for the same products in 1896. This is not taking into account other products of the farm, such as sheep, hay, poultry, butter, eggs fruits and vegetables of all kinds. These items would add very largely to the above figures. Taking the 92 counties of the state and allow $1,000,000 as the average increase per county on the value of the six items mentioned above, and we have an annual increase in the wealth of the farmers of the state of $92.000,000. Taking all the products of the farm into consideration, it is safe to say that the farmers of Indiana are receiving annually for such products $125,000,000 more than they did in 1896. As there are 221,897 farms in this state this is an average of $563 to each farm. Look at these figures and decide for yourself if it is not the part of wisdom to keep on letting well enough alone. Increase in value of land In six years In Hamilton county... .$ 2,560,000 00 Increase in value of land In six years In Stats of Indiana.... 184,000,000 00 Increase In value of six farm products, Hamilton county 1,855,255 36 Increase in value of six farm products, State of Indiana 92,000,000 00 Increase In value of six farm products, to each farmer 563 00