Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1904 — COLD WEATHER HURTS CROPS. [ARTICLE]

COLD WEATHER HURTS CROPS.

Planting; in Northwestern States Has Been Retarded Greatly. The weekly crop report, issued by the -Weather bureau, says: From the west gulf coast northwest to the middle Rocky Mountain slope the temperature conditions were generally favorable, but elsewhere the week was much too cold for germination and growth, although thelatter part was warmer ami more favorable. Heavy rains in the lower Missouri and portions of the spring wheat region Interrupted work, while the drought conditions in the middle and south Atlantic and gulf States generally have increased. Freezing temperatures and frosts generally throughout the central valleys, lake region, New England ami the middle Atlantic States were injurious to a greater or less extent. On the Pacific coast it was cooler than in the previous week, but farm work made satisfactory progress. While preparations for corn planting have been active in the principal corn States, as a whole but little planting was done during the week, owing to low temperature. East of the Mississippi river no corn has been planted north of the Ohio river, nor has planting begun in lowa and Nebraska, except in the southwest part of the last named State. In lie Southern States corn- Iras sufferei' from cold weather, and is small, with ir regular stands. Illinois —Temperature abnormally low until 22d, when decided rise occurred; general snowstorm over southern sections on the 20th: showery latter part of week; season decidedly backward; germination and plant growth made little progress; wheat improved and condition not favorable; oats n*»stly sown; much replanting necessary; breaking ground for corn; grasses made little growth. ■ Indiana—Prospects for wheat very poor, large acreage being plowed up and the portion left standing promises less than half crop; rye in fair condition; old clover badly winter killed; sowing oats, planting potatoes and gardens, and plowing for.corn progressing: peaches promise light crop; fair to good prospects for other fruits. Cold weather is reported in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and other Northwestern States.