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Cuai A r No. 1 IS. }
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Supplemental Crop Report
OF TIIE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR
THE YEAR 1868.
ALSO, REPORT OF ANALYSIS AND COMMERCIAL VALUES
OF COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS
Inspected, Analyzed, and Admitted to Sale to January oth, 1SS9.
Statu op Gf.orota,
Department of Agric ulture,
Atlanta, January lu, 1889.
YIELD OF CROPS.
The total yields of the different crops of the State as compared
an average yield of each, both for the several sections, as well as foF the
Slate at large, are given in detail in the table which follows these com¬
ment*.
In the absence of any effective machinery for collecting absolute sta¬
tistics iti hales 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 movement* of cotton,
receipts at the ports, weekly deliveries from plantations, w.ockson hand,
•tc., partake somewhat of the value of absolute statistics, but are neces¬
sarily later, and to that extent, of less practical value than estimates
bused on the judgmeut of intelligent farmers and merchants who are
familiur with the crop prospect aud 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 often percent, less
ilian nu average in 1887; or, a total yield in 1888 of five and one-half per
•cut. less than the total yield of 1887. The average price, December 1,
1888, was K.ii.'i cents against 9.00 cents December 1, 1887.
The total product of corn is 98, compared with an average, or two per
cent, less than the total product of 1887. While the total crop produced
In the .State the past year wus 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 fdr the year. Sugar cane is
the only one of the lesser crops that shows u .yield larger Mum an aver¬
age. It will be noticed that wheal, oats aud field peas were fur below an
average yield.
The area sown in wheat is 98, and that of fall oats 90, compared with
lost year. This reduction is chargeable to the excessive rains in the fall
which delayed the harvesting of tlie cotton crop—already late iu matur¬
ing— und preventing the sowing of a larger area.
CASH AND CREDIT.
The reports show that the average cash price of bacon during the year
wnsU.71 cents per pound, and the credit price, payable November 1, was
12.8. 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 mouths, it will be seen by simple calculation that tin* farmers
who have bought bacon on a credit have been requited to pay about 2l>
per cent, over the cash price, for the four month’s credit,or (i.o per cent,
per mouth, or at the rate of 78 per cent, per annum ! The buyer of corn
bus been made to pay 27 per cent, over the cash price tor four mouths,
Which is <1.7 per cent, per mouth, or at the rate, of 80 per cent, per
auiiuui. 'Hie previous yeur the time price of bacon was 7.5 percent.,
4tnd the lime price of corn 9 percent per month, over the cash prices
fesp'sdlvely, or 9<l 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
€a*h. The greater the number of cash buyers, the lower the cash price ;
aud the smaller the number of credit buyers, also the lower the credit
price, lint the greatest loss to the farmer is not the amount paid for
credit—large ns it is; hut it results from buying corn and bacon, at all,
Cither fin- cash or on time. The great loss is in not producing these
articles of prime necessity, or some equivalent for them, in abundance.
If Itacou costs the farmer five cents per pound to produce it at home, aud
be buys it at 9 cents cash, he loses 4 cents on every pound ; if for 12
cents, he loses 8 cents more—a total of 7 cents per pound; The same
argument will apply with more or less force, to corn, Hour, lard, butter,
•tc.
A farmer who produces his own bacon, lard, com, mules, etc., succeeds
better than his neighbor of equal skill and judgment in other matters—
not llocalise the first can make cotton cheaper, but because he makes and
•aim more money in producing these supplies; because there is more
money in making these than in making cotton at present prices. It is
* grave and often a ruinous mistake to consider the production of cotton
the chief aim of farming, and the production of food supplies as mere
druicftack* on cotton production. Fond, shelter, aud the ordinary,
everyday necessaries of life should lie the prime consideration ; and the
nmre direct the method of procuring them, the more profitable will be
Ui« general results of tunning.
CONDITION OF FARMERS.
The general condition of farmers Is not quite so good as it was a year
•go, the figures being 97 in comparison. This ia mainly due to the occur¬
rence of destructive storms and Hoods iu portions of Middle Georgia.
North Georgia and Southwest Georgia show a slight improvement.
The indebtedness of funnel's is sixteen per cent, less than a year ago ;
being niglitceu per cent, less iu North Georgia, one j>er cent, greater in
}diddle Georgia, fifteen per cent, less in Southwest Georgia, two |>er
Cent, less in East Georgia, nnd forty-eight jx*r cent, less iu Southeast
Georgia. It is again to lie remarked that the indebted ness is less iu
those sections which are less dcvotctl to cotton culture.!
The amount of farm supplies purchased was twelve percent. leas than
tlie amount purchased in 1887, showing the greatest decrease in North
•nd bout beast Georgia, us before.
SEED TESTS.
The results of experiments in the planting of improved seeds distrib¬
uted confirm previous opinions of the great value of this feat lire of the
Ih-partiHctil work. The S|iauis!t |*eanutand Kaffir corn have continued
In favor, ami are almost universally accepted as valuable and timely
acquisitions The Commissioner propose* to continue this feature to
the extent that may lie justified by the funds available.
TAREK.— Consolidation of Supplemental Crop lleport for 1883.— fi>j Sections.
Total 1 ‘sal‘l A |*rire
com |*m r *1 i«t A»er*se % k-UI l>r Acre. Terse* - XliwcllmicoUfe
Mil MVi-fH^V. Ikwiiilurf |, l.vA
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•ECTiOXS. l**^l "111 i?i II iitM 1? l*rl«v l U J.m| * 3 #
igllfiS — 2
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SorvliMiii. 3 izljiZ m -II = 11
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE
A SHOUT TALK TO THE FARMERS OF GEORGIA.
The old year, with its successes nnd failures, itsstmgftles and its disap¬
pointments, has passed away, while the new year is uj>on you vtith 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 01111 * 8 —all proclaim the eve of a development ami
prosperity in all the departments of industry, except farming , that we
have never before witnessed. How is it with the farmers? Have you
lx*on laggards in the race for prosperity, wealth and happiness that
springs from successful effort and enterprise? Let us see, for upon your
success depends the continued success of all others, or, your enslave¬
ment as the “ hewvrs of wood ” to all these other industries. All these
must draw their hfe blood from the food and material furnished by the
toiling efforts 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 tlie 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 miiliojig of dollars, besides many millions
worth of potatoes, jieas, syrup, and other minor products, to say nothing
of the new sources of 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, hut 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 ellbrt. You are fast realizing tlie power of union and
co-oper dion —the philosopher'a atone, 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 tlie 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-opera now so happily aud 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 he 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 fur public schools,
the benefits of 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 Un¬
people, is an abnormal one. 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, I ii ante
helium days we had a system of rotation of crops, imperfect as it may
have been, and the production of corn, oats, wheat, bacon, and oilier
supplies, was a much more prominent feature of our funning than it has
been in the last twenty-live years. Learned discussions were then hud
as to the best succession of crops, aud 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, ami 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 aud 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 slock,
ami giving more attention to the growing and fattening of slock—
horses and mules, milch cows and beeves, hogs, poultry, etc. In the
meantime, the cow pea furnishes the cheapest und most convenient of
renovating crops. Suppose you <livi«k* your farm* into two equal, but
shifting, or alternating halves; one-half iu 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 iu the spring sow liber
ally in peas. Iu the fall save as much j>ea vine hay for consumption by
horses, mules and cattle, at home, as cun be used, and turn under the
remainder to aid in building up the soil and enriching it with humus
and soluble plant food. Plant peas iu every acre of corn. These are
mere suggestions, often made lteforo, but never yet gene$illy 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 farming; it is iu fact an essential part of such a
system applied to general farming. Too many successful illustralionsof
intensive farming have been brought to notice, especially in the ueigli
borhood of large cities, to doubt its superiority when compared by
results with the extensive system that has so long prevailed. If any
farmer doubt*, let him try two cciiqictitive acres. One under the usual
scratching, land ami crop-starving plan, and the other under the most
approved style of high manuring, deep plowing, improved stasis, im¬
proved implements. Try it on live acres; extend it gradually and then
more rapidly, as proofs cumulate and doubts vanish.
Diversity of crops should also l»e a feature of the system. Not such
diversity ns would take into the plan of the farm operations and the list
of crops on all individual farm, every crop grown iu this country, or
even iu the South. A farmer should not undertake to produce evertp
thing that he may, by possibility, produce on his farm; hut lie should
cease to rely on one crop alone for his money crop; one crop alone for
liis 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 ihe
West for any of those articles that he now produces sparingly. The
farmers of Georgia should produce all the corn and oats, farm horses aud
limits l*eef, milk and butter, bacon, lard, Hour, |H»ultry, eggs, mutton
and wool, fruits ami vegetables required for use or consumption in Geor¬
gia. This is the eery least that yon should accomplish.
Of the ulmve list, there is hardly a farm in the State that will not
profitably produce nine out of ten of the products named iu ubundam-e
for home consumption, and most of 1 them in siifiieieul surplus to supply
the wants of all the non-produceA in the State. You cannot makecot*
ton at 8J or 9 cents per pound under the syst em that has been in voguft.
There is more money in almost any one or 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 the selection and planting of the best and most
prolific varieties of farm plants. Many of these details of change from
old to new and better methods caw be accomplished with hut 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. I am
satisfied that there is no one article of the list, heretofore habitually
purchased by farmers, that can be more profitably produced by the
farmer 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 ho a demand and ready sale at home, until tht
supply outgrows the demand. In large sections of the 8tate even the
best thoroughbreds and roadsters can be bred with as great a profit as
on the high priced lands of Kentucky.
REPORTS ON SEEDS TESTED, REMARKS OF CORRES¬
PONDENTS, ETC.
NORM I GEORGIA.
Ranks.—T he Spanish ground pea did well, as also the big Tonnes***
corn, hut I he latter did not stand the wet full a* well as hardier vui iel ies.
W. J. It.
— Half, probably more, of our farmers cannot pay tlieir etnpnl in¬
debtedness lids fall, and some have nothing to go oil another year. A
great number arc leaving for the West. G. W. W.
Rartow.—T he past crop made with less expense, though the yield is
less than an average, and the farmers are in better condition than for
several years. More wheat sown, and a larger area in grass and clover,
and less cotton will he planted next spring. W. A. C.
Chattooga. —The Egyptian heel is hardy and a rapid glower, bill
not otherwise extra. Early Winuiiigstadt cabbage is good and utmost
sure to head and comes early. Cheese pumpkin a huintnoj; so is (lie
nutmeg melon ; J umbo melon a good grower and sweet.. Hig Tennes¬
see corn not extra good. General condition of farmers greatly im¬
proved and improving, for which we thank God., J). W.
—Don’t like Kaffir corn. Farmers seem more determined to get out
of debt, hut there’s a “hard road to travel.” W. 1*\ T.
Cherokee. —The Jumbo melon Is splendid. Spanish peanut vepy
prolific and early—good for sloek. J. J. A. H.
—The llerlong cotton is rather too late for this seelion ; ii-quircs high
ilia mi ling to force it forward, Impress oil fariueis to make their owu
supplies. M. S. I*.
Conn.— I think the farmers in my county arc in better condition than
at any time since I lie war. Less provisions bought, more attention to
grasses and better stock. J. T. L.
DaIiK.—T he Yellow Oronoro tobacco seed you sent me is the fiest
variety ever introduced into this county -easy to cine, bright and yel¬
low. Rig Havana is very large tail requires very careful handling to
cure well. Owing to blight (sonic say) or other cause, very lew tobacco
seeds have matured ill this comity. Spanish pea mil does mil conic up
to the reports of its success in M iddle and Southern < leoigia. 1 lug cholera
lias been very had aud large numbers of hogs have died.
G. A. It. R.
— Peas—American wonder-good, I’eaiis—early Valentine early
and good. Okra—while velvet preferred to others. Corn - big Ten¬
nessee—line ears but more injured by early frost than smaller varieties.
M KM. J. w. It.
Gilmer.—F ield peas Hit entire failure, having been bitten by frost;
did not even make seed. L. T.
GoitooN.—My experience with Kaffir corn is satisfactory ; made 18 to
2U bushels per acre, cutting stalks for stock feed. O. Jl. I).
Habersham.- Jumbo melon only ordinary. Egyptian heel is lino,
and giant curled mustard is all I hat. could he asked. Spanish peanut*
are a success. M. W.
--Spanish ground peas did well, yielding about 40 bushels per nure.
Kaffir corn is also good aud will pay to raise for forage and for seed.
A. 11.
Jackson.—T he Jones’ Jmiilto melon is not excelled by any. J. .1.
Lumpkin.—T he past year I made 180 bushels of corn on five aercs
without manure. Great deal of hog cholera. K. V. M.
MURRAY.—Owing to unusually wet fall all eiops are badly injured
and wheat sowing cut short. Twenty per cent, of the cotton is yet in
the field. G. J.
i’AUl.DlNG.—Kpnnisli pea mil* not so good ns last year, on account of
drouth. Tennessee big w hite corn did well.
I’u'K KNS.;—Tliere is no doubt your influence through I lie pi ess, and
otherwise, lias held the farmer back from running into debt. So far, ho
good. Now, we ask you |o lend your iullueuce to the enact meiil of*
dug law, so a* to encourage the sheep industry. it E. It.
I'ol.K.—We have thoroughly tested Jtjgcs* and Hawkins’coltnu, and
find them aff that was promised.
lion Cholera Remedy.— One lahlespooKful of common sods mined
with bran mash, to curb Img, given twice a day for three or four days,
will cure any ease if the hog is not too far gone to eat. J. O. W.
Rahiin.—K affir corn dhl well. The Spanish peanut was good. The
big Tennessee corn too late. The Missouri Dent is a good corn for us.
The Cuban Mammoth Prolific coru bus a big name, but won’t do here.
i«:. s.
•
Union. — ling cholera has been raging, and fully fifty per cent, of th«
hog* have died, which will make Itacou scarce. Other stock are healthy
as usual. ii. l. <;.
(See report from Polk county.]
Walker. — We are nearly out of debt, and there js a great dis|m«itiofi
towards the improvement of our laiidsand the inlntduel ion of line sloek.
Harfrsiiam.— Last year (1887) I planted Early AiiiIht himI Iiinmc
N eck side by side oil uniform land. The Amber made Inn, and lit*
Goose Neck 290 gallons of syrup |*er acre. This year I planted tin. .s*
N«*‘k alone on t lie same quality of la nil, I lie yield was 2»*o gallons. Syr op
from the Anitter is vciy dark. That from Goose Neck, bright as hooey.
The Aiidter is not worth planting. J K. U.
MIDDLE GEORGIA.
BALDWIN.— 1 find Ibe Spanish |<eam»l to i»e all that is claimed for It.
Our ordinary corn l**tler than the big Tennessee. Kverylmdy 8 fiara/rii
—liierebltnt* and all. II c. v.
*
III nit.—8*« - **d* sent did Well, esjieclatly Georgia eollards, Spanish |.e*»
nuts, mid .1 ones* llerlong cotton. The big Tennessee corn n<>l good
as our old kinds. T. G. p.
CaMckki.l—T he pn**ent distress amongst the agricultural elsss can¬
not Is* easily aiss*iml»**l for. Colton, it is true, has fallen off fifteen j»ef
cent, of hii average, hut price- has Is-eo something over for the Iasi liv®
years, yel there Is great distres*—amounting almost to a panic—in
money matters. It don’t seem |«»*-ible that the farmers could bav#
••ver-traded, for nothing lots l*cen preached by them and to them but
retrenchment and economy for the htsl twelve months; yet, the f;«jt
rental us that collections are poorer lliau for years past. j. j. a