Newspaper Page Text
Circular No. 113.
New Series. /
Supplemental Crop Report
OF TIIE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR
THE YEAR ISBS.
ALSO, REPORT OF ANALYSIS AND COMMERCIAL VALUES
OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS
Inspected, Analyzed, and Admitted to Sale to January s ih, ISS9.
State of Georgia,
Department of Agriculture,
Atlanta, January 10, 1889.
YIELD OF CROPS.
The total yields of the different crops of the State as compared with
an average yield of each, both for the several sections, as well as for the
State at large, are given in detail in the table which follows these com
ments.
In the absence of any effective machinery for collecting absolute sta
tistics in bales of cotton, bushels of grain, etc., the Commissioner is con
strained to rely, as usual, upon the judgment of crop reporters. The
results, though doubtless sometimes wide of the truth, are as reliable
and trustworthy as any similar estimates. The movements of cotton,
receipts at the ports, weekly deliveries from plantations, s.ockson hand,
etc., partake somewhat of the value of absolute statistics, but are neces
sarily later, and to that extent, of less practical value than estimates
based on the judgment of intelligent farmers and merchants who are
familiar with the crop prospect and final yield in their respective coun
ties.
These estimates show a yield of fifteen per cent, less than an average
production of cotton in the State, against a yield of ten per cent, less
than an average in 1887 ; or, a total yield in 1888 of five and one-half per
cent, less than the total yield of 1887. The average price, December 1,
1888, was 8.(33 cents against 9.00 cents December 1, 1887.
The total product of corn is 93, compared with an average, or two per
cent, less than the total product of 1887. While the total crop produced
tn the Slate the past year was practically equal to that of the proceeding
year, it is not so well distributed, the eastern part of Middle Georgia
having produced less than a supply.
A reference to the table will show the yield per acre of the principal,
and most of the minor crops of the State for the year. Sugar cane is
the only one of the lesser crops that shows a yield larger than an aver
age. It will be noticed that wheat, oats and field peas were far below an
average yield.
The area sown in wheat is 98, and that of fall oats 90, compared with
last year. This reduction is chargeable to the excessive rains in the fall
which delayed the harvesting of the cotton crop—already late in matur
ing—and preventing the sowing of a larger area.
cash and credit.
The reports show that the average cash price of bacon during the year
was 9.71 cents per pound, and the credit price, payable November 1, was
12.3. The average cash price of corn was 77 cents; the average credit
price, 98 cents. Assuming, as usual, that the average time of indulgence
given in time purchases of these two articles of prime necessity to have
been four months, it will he seen by simple calculation that the farmers
who have bought bacon on a credit have been required to pay about 2(i
per cent, over the cash price, for the four month’s credit, or 0.5 per cent,
per month, or at the rate of 78 per cent, per annum ! The buyer of corn
has been made to pay 27 per cent, over the cash price lor four months,
which is 0.7 per cent, per month, or at the rate, of 89 per cent, per
ouiiuin. The previous year the time price of bacon was 7.5 percent.,
and Ibe lime price of corn 9 percent per month, over the cash prices
respectively, or 90 and 108, per cent, per annum.
This reduction is probably one of the results of the efforts of the
Farmer’s Alliance to reduce prices, and to induce farmers to pay the
cash. The greater the number of cash buyers, the lower the cash price ;
and the smaller the number of credit buyers, also the lower the credit
price. Rut the greatest loss to the farmer is not the amount paid for
credit —large as it is; but it results from buying corn and bacon, at all ,
either for cash or on time. The great loss is in not produgjmg these
articles of prime necessity, or some equivalent for them, in abundance.
If bat •on costs the farmer live cents per pound to produce it at home, and
he buys it at 9 cents cash, lie loses 4 cents on every pound ; if for 12
cents, he loses 3 cents more—a total of 7 cents per pound; The same
argument will apply with more or less force, to corn, Hour, lard, butter,
etc.
A farmer who produces his own bacon, lard, corn, mules, etc., succeeds
better than his neighbor of equal skill and judgment in other matters—
not because the first can make cotton cheaper, but because he makes and
saves more money in producing these supplies; because there is more
money in making these than in making cotton at present prices. It is
a grave and often a ruinous mistake to consider the production of cotton
the chief aim of fanning, and the production of food supplies as mere
drawbacks on cotton production. Food, shelter, and the ordinary,
every day necessaries of life should be the prime consideration ; and the
more direct the method of procuring them, the more profitable will be
the general results of tanning.
condition of farmers.
The general condition of farmers is not quite so good as it was a year
ago, the figures being 97 in comparison. This is mainly due to the occur
rence of destructive storms and Hoods in portions of Middle Georgia.
North Georgia and Southwest Georgia show a slight improvement.
The indebtedness of farmers is sixteen per cent, less than a year ago ;
being eighteen per cent, less in North Georgia, one per cent, greater in
Middle Georgia, fifteen per cent, less in Southwest Georgia, two per
Cent, less in East Georgia, and forty-eight per cent, less in Southeast
Georgia. It #s again to be remarked that the Indebtedness is less in
those* sections which are less devoted to cotton culture!
The amount of farm supplies purchased was twelve percent, less than
the amount purchased in 1887, showing the greatest decrease in North
and Southeast Georgia, as before.
SEED TESTS.
The results of experiments in the planting of improved seeds distrib
uted confirm previous opinions of the great value of this feature of the
Department work. The Spanish peanutand Kaffir corn have continued
In favor, ami are almost universally accepted as valuable and timely
•acquisitions. The Commissioner proposes to continue this feature to
*4l,e extent tl.ul majr t.e justified by the fim,ls available.
TABLE. — Consolidation of Supplemental Crop lleport for 18S8. — li<j Sections.
• '
Total I’rcwl’t . .
c-<mill mir'< Ito Average Yield Per Acre. 1 r Miscellaneous.
hii average. icecmiH.r I. is-vs.
C tl sJ .t! u ~~ u tIT W *"*
%% i* p I I £'!i|! '•!
SECTIONS. !4j | * r - li f i!-■= =s| =£ Ei| 15 I Tu
§ ! I1 Ii J* = * =| £|. 'ej
111 I1 I 5 IIfS!=! i1 1 1=? !|
5 i; c"5 - 5 tjf 5 £ Jj 5 !'£ >• >JU
o 0 x C g o x 0 yJaJr- i<~ < < "** i< ”< y
y„rih (iiurgia 80 912.00 14.8 4.81 U. l IXS 72 P.Ti F 00 'L *n*, 80 07 00 00 00 102 *2 102 80 0.01 12.2 051 81
Mi.|.lie Georgia 80 87.1.70 0.7 5.:? 12. 2 102 ft*. 8.77 fts 128 50 00 04 00 00 42 02 0U 10] 01 91 0.01 11.2 7*.'| 07
Soul Invest Ueorgia 00 102 8.01 0.4 7.0 11.0 287 71 S2B 01 110 5s llhi 05 00 N‘. ft". 01 101 K> lUS 84 0..51 12.0 75| 100
Fast Cenrgia 81 87 8.00 0.8 0.8 14.8 288 112 8.85 70 !►* .V HD 88 00 08 50 08 *4> 08 im joo p.*,, 12.4 81 Hai
Southeast liyorgiiu 80 94 2.88 10.2 11.1 20.2 800 so ..." oo 01 05 80 78 08 Os 52 01 82 10.25 18.1 84 |O2
Average for State 85 08 8.50 11.4 5.0 12.7 287 7* H. 08 fts *luo ~57 ~08 00 07 05 01 02 07 8] osi xx 0.71 12.8 77 08
Average. Jail. 1. 18S8 87 95 8.-ill 11.1 0 0 12.1 17S 75 p, no (>) -, | (> 7 p-j 771 04 08 i‘>2 88 o*l 8-5 101! 8.5 h.SO 11.0 72 08
SUPPLEMENT TO THE COURANT AMERICAN.
A SHORT TALK TO THE FARMERS OF GEORGIA.
The old year, with its successes and failures, its struggles and its disap
pointments, has passed away, while the new year is upon you with its
new demands, its new opportunities and its new hopes. Let the “dead
past bury its dead,” and recall only its memories that you may avoid its
errors and its failures! The whistle of the locomotive on new lines of
railway; the chatter of thousands of spindles and looms in new fac
tories; the blasts of new furnaces; the growth of villages into towns,
and towns into cities—all proclaim the eve of a development and
prosperity in all the departments of industry, except farming , that we
have never before witnessed. How is it with the farmers? Have you
been in the race for prosperity, wealth and happiness that
springs from successful effort and enterprise? Let us see, for upon your
success depends tlie continued success of all others, or, your enslave
ment as the “ hewers of wood ”to all these other industries. All these
must draw their life blood from the food and material furnished by the
toiling eH’oirts of the farmers. Without the cotton and grain, the cattle
upon a thousand hills, the butter and cheese, the fruit, oil and wine, of
the husbandman, all these industries must fail and cease. You farmers
of Georgia have made, during the past year, not far from one million
bales of cotton, worth forty-five millions of dollars; thirty million
bushels of corn, worth over twenty millions of dollars; seven million
bushels of oats, worth four millions of dollars, besides many millions
worth of potatoes, peas, syrup, and other minor products, to say nothing
of the new soureesof production found in the growth of melons, grapes,
pears, etc. All this, notwithstanding unpropitious seasons, and yet, it
is true, that you are not in as prosperous condition as these figures would
seem to indicate. There has been progress and improvement, but there
is yet a demand for greater progress, and there is still large room for im
provement.
In the effort to retrieve losses and escape from embarrassments and
oppression you have wisely sought the power and influence that comes
from organized effort. You are fust realizing the power of union and
co-operation —the philosopher's stone , which may yet turn to gold, the
efforts of the future. You are learning the reasons why you, the pro
ducers of wealth, are not receiving the due rewards of industry and
production. In your investigations you have discovered that while the
cause of your failures heretofore rests largely with yourselves; yet
there have been long existing combinations and customs, trusts and
exactions and Legislative indifference (if not absolutely spoliations)
that have helped to turn the stream of wealth that has its fountain in
your soil into other channels, enriching others while you have been
despoiled.
Let the good work continue. Let farmers know and understand
their wants, their faults, their rights and their remedies. Temper your
efforts with “wisdom, justice and moderation,” and while demanding
what is due you, be careful to give every man his due. Re not cajoled
by designing “ wolves in sheep’s clothing,” or led by men whose real
aim is their own advancement and aggrandizement.
I have, from time to time, for nine years past, urged upon you the
practical reforms in farming methods, as well as advised and encouraged
the co-operation—now so happily and hopefully inaugurated. The
Farmers’ Alliance is upon the right line in urging upon farmers the
spirit and practice of independence, that independence that naturally
belongs to the calling of -a farmer. Among all the sound maxims none
is more peculiarly applicable to the businessof farming than that of “ pay
as you go.” It should be the aim of every one of you to reach that
condition when you will “owe no man nothing,” and will be able to
pay the cash for every article that you buy.
Recent events illustrate the power of concerted action and wise, intel
ligent co-operation. The increased appropriations for public schools,
the benefitsof which will be chiefly enjoyed by you, the establishment of
a State experiment station and experimental farm, and other measures
pending, are proofs of the influence that you are now exerting on the
destinies of the State through your representatives. Rut 1 am digressing
from the line of thought I intended.
The present system of agriculture, grown out of the poverty of the
people, is an abnormal oifb. The practice of devoting all our energies to
the production of a single crop—cotton while all others have been con
sidered as merely subsidiary, is an unwise and ruinous policy. Inante
bellum days we had a system of rotation of crops, imperfect as it may
have been, and the production of corn, oats, wheat, bacon, and other
supplies, was a much more prominent feature of our farming than it has
been in the last twenty-five years. Learned discussions were then hail
as to the best succession of crops, and the best methods of reclaiming
and preserving our lands. If then, when our soils were comparatively
fresh, how much more important now, when our fields have been
deprived of their humus, anti largely denuded of their original surface
soil. It is not my purpose now, as time and space are wanting, to map
out in detail a plan of rotation and succession and soil recuperation.
Rut I am quite confident that you cannot permanently improve your
lands without increasing the aiea in food crops'and pasture for stock,
and giving more attention to the growing and fattening of stock
horses and mules, milch cows and beeves, hogs, poultry, etc. In the
meantime, the covvpea furnishes the cheapest and most convenient of
renovating crops. Suppose you divide your farms into two equal, hut
shifting, or alternating halves; one-lmll in corn and cotton, the other
half in small grain, pasture and forage crops. When the small grain
comes off, make a hay field of it in the fall, and in the spring sow liber
ally in peas. In the fall save as much pea vine hay for consumption by
horses, mules and cattle, at borne, as can be used, and turn unde! the
remainder to aid in building up the soil and enriching it with humus
and soluble plant food. Plant peas in every acre of corn. These are
mere suggestions, often made before, hut never yet generally adopted.
If some such system he adopted and generally followed, the results
would surprise those who have never tried it. Rotation of crops natu
rally tends to intensive fanning; it is in fact an essential part of such a
system applied to general fanning. Too many successful illustrationsof
intensive farming have been brought to notice, especially in the neigh
borhood of large cities, to doubt its superiority when compared by
results with the extensive system that lias so Jong prevailed. If any
farmer doubts, let him try two competitive acres. One under the usual
scratching, land and crop-starving plan, and the other under the most
approved style of high manuring, deep plowing, improved seeds, im
proved implements. Try it on five acres; extend it gradually and then
more rapidly, as proofs cumulate and doubts vanish.
Diversity of crops should also be a feature of tin* system. Not such
diversity as would take into the plan of the farm operations and the list
of crops on an individual farm, every crop grown in this country, or
even in the South. A farmer should not undertake to produce every
thing that he may, by possibility, produce on his farm; but lie should
cease to rely on one crop alone for his money crop; one crop alone for
his stock grain crop; one crop alone for his bread crop; one crop alone
for hog food; and he should cease to rely on the merchant, or on the
West for any of those articles that he now produces sparingly. The
farmers of Georgia should produce all the corn and oats, farm horses and
mules, beef, milk and butter, bacon, lard, flour, poultry, eggs, mutton
and wool, fruits and vegetables required for use or consumption in Geor
gia. This is the very least that you should accomplish.
Of the above list, there is hardly a farm in the State that will not
profitably produce nine out of ten of the products named in abundance
for home consumption, and most of them in sufficient surplus to supply
the wants of all the non -producers in the State. You cannot make cot
ton at 8$ or 9 cents per pound under the system that has been in vogue.
There is more money in almost any one of the articles enumerated, in
the long run, than in cotton.
Another feature that belongs to the intensive system, is the adoption
and use of the very best implements for doing the work of the farm.
Still another item, is tlie selection and planting of the best and most
prolific varieties of farm plants. Many of theso details of change fiom
old to new and better methods can be accomplished with but little cost,
and will more than repay the small outlay before the first year’s crop is
marketed or harvested. I might also very properly and confidently
stress the importance of breeding mules and horses for the farm. lam
satisfied that there is no one article of the list, heretofore habitually
purchased by farmers, that can be more profitably produced by the
fanner at home, than the mules and farm horses that he must have.
The farmer, as a rule, should keep mares instead of geldings, and breed
from them the mules needed. One brood mare will keep a four plow
farm well stocked in mules, and do almost full work besides. For any
surplus there will always he a demand and ready sale at home, until the
supply outgrows the demand. In large sections of the State even th®
best thoroughbreds and roadsters can he bred with as great a protit as
on the high priced lands of Kentucky.
| 11
.REPORTS ON SEEDS TESTED, REMARKS OF CORRES
PONDENTS, ETC.
NORTH OHO ROTA.
Ranks.—The Spanish ground pea did well, as also the big Tennessee
corn, but the latter did not stand Ibe wet Tall as well as hardier varieties.
W. J. It.
—Half, probably more, of our farmers cannot pay their current in
debtedness this full, and some have nothing to go on another year. A
great number are leaving for the West. O. W. W.
Hahtow.—The past crop made with less expense, though the yield is
less than an average, and the farmers are in better condition than tor
several years. More wheat sown, and a larger area in grass and clover,
and less cotton will be planted next spring.* \V. A. and.
Cii attoocja.—The Egyptian beet is hardy and a inpid grower, hut
not otherwise extra. Early Winningstadt cabbage is good and almost
sure to bead and comes early. Cheese pumpkin a hunifmy; so is the
nutmeg melon ; .Jumbo melon a good grower ami sweet. Rig Tennes
see corn not extra good. General condition of farmers greatly im
proved and improving, for which we thank God. D. W.
—Don’t like Kaffir corn. Farmers seem more determined to get out
of debt, but there’s a “bard road to travel.” W. F. T.
Cjikkokkk.—The Jumbo melon is splendid. Spanish peanut very
prolific and early —good for stock. J. J. A. S.
—The llerlopg cotton is rather too late for I his sect ion ; requires high
manuring to force it forward. I mf tress on farmers to make their owu
supplies. Id. fb I*.
Conn. — I think Ihe farmers in my county arc in better eondil ion than
at any time since the war. Cess provisions bought, more attention to
grasses and belter stock. ' J. T. C.
Da in:.—The Yellow Oroimeo tobacco seed you sent me is the best
variety ever int roduced into I his county -easy to cure, bright and yel
low. Rig Havana is very large hut requires very careful handling to
(Mire well. Owing to blight (some say) or oilier cause, very few tobacco
seeds have mat tired in this county. Spanish peanutdoes not conn* up
to the reports of its success in M iddle ami Soul hern (leorgia. J log cholera
lias been very bad and large numbers of bogs have died.
(;. A. R. R.
l’eas —American wonder--good. Rea us—early Valentine -early
and good. Okra —while velvet-—preferred to others. Horn - big Ten
nessee — fine ears hid more injured by early frost than smaller varieties.
Mits. J W. R.
Gii.mkk. — Field peas an entire failure, having been bitten by frost;
did not. even make seed. L. 'l'.
(j'oi; i ion.— My experience with Kafiir corn is satisfactory ; made IS to
20 bushels per acre, cutting stalks for slock feed. O. JC D.
Haukhsiiaju.— Jumbo melon only ordinary. Egyptian beet is line,
and giant curled mustard is all I haf could he asked. Spanish peanuts
are a success. M. W.
—Spanish ground peas did well, yielding about 40 bushels per acre.
Kaffir corn is also good and will pay to raise for forage and for seed.
A. H.
Jackson. —The Jones’ Jumbo melon is not excelled by any. J. J.
liUMI’KIN. —The past year I made ISO bushels of corn on live aero9
without manure. Great deal of hog cholera. F. V. M.
Mijkkay.—Owing to unusually wet fail all eiops arc badly injured
and wheat sowing cut short. Twenty per cent, of the cotton is yet in
I lie field. tJ .
I’aiiuhmi. —Spanish peanuts not so good ns last year, on account of
drouth. Tennessee big while corn did well.
I’icKKNS. —There is no doubt your influence through the press, and
otherwise, has held tin* farmer hack from running into debt. So far, so
good. Now, we ask you to lend your inlluenee to the enactment of a
dog law, so as to encourage the sheep industry. R F. It.
|*m.K. —We have thnrnughly tested Jones* and Hawkins’ cotton, and
find them all that was promised.
Hoc (Jiioi.kka Rem kiY.— One tablespoon fill of common soda mixed
with bran mash, to each Img, given twice a day for three or four days,
will cure any case if the hog is not too far gone to eat. J. (). W.
Kakun. — Kafiir corn did well. The Spanish peaTfnt was good. The
big Tennessee corn too late. The Missouri Dent is a good corn for us.
The Cuban Mammoth Prolific corn lias a big name, but won’t do here.
K. S.
Union. — Hog cholera has been raging, and fully fifty percent, of the
hogs have died, which will make bacon scarce. Other stock are healthy
as usual. 11. L. (\
[See report from Polk county.]
Wai.kek.—We are nearly out of debt, and there is a great disposition
tow arris the improvement of our landsaiid the inlroduet ion of line slock.
H ABERSH am.— Last year (IKN7) I planted Early Amfier and (loose
Neck side by side on uniform land. The Amber made HMI, and Ihe
Goose Neek 29<> gallons of syrup per acre. This year I planted <.o.s©
Neck alone <n the same quality of land, the yield was 2'*n gallons. Syrup
from the Amber is very dark. Thai lroin Goose Neck, bright as honey.
The Amber is not worth planting. J. K. u.
MIDDLE GEORGIA.
RAI.PWtN. — I find the Spanish peanut to be all that is claimed for it.
Our ordinary em u belter Ilian the big Tennessee. Everybody is /.nrstui
—merchants uiul all. II V.
Rl lilt.-Seeds sent did well, especially Georgia col lards, Spanish pea
nuts, and Jones’ Heriong cotton. ,Tlie big Tennessee corn not so good
a.. our old kinds. T. ( i. I*.
(’aMI'HEI.I.. —The present distress amongst the agricultural class can
net be easily accounted for. t'oltoii, it is true, has fallen of! fifteen per
cent, of an average, but prices has been something over for the last live
years, yet there is great distress—amounting almost to a panic—ill
money matters. It don’t seem possible that the fanners could have
over-traded, for nothing has been preached by them and to them bill
retrenchment and economy for the last twelvemonths; yet, the fact
remains that collections are poorer than for years’past. J. J. R.