462 Missouri Agricultural Report. 



which may be accounted for by the drought which was general 

 throughout the State and most severe in the southwest section. 



The cotton acreage and yield for the year 1909 are both a little 

 below the 1908 figures, but the shortage is more than offset by the 

 higher price— 13.6 cents per pound, as compared with 8.5 cents last 

 year. 



Tobacco shows an increase in acreage of 11 per cent, over that 

 of 1908, when the estimated value of 'the crop was $244,629, the 

 average yield per acre for that year being 825 pounds, and the price 

 per i30und 12 cents. The 1909 leaf tobacco crop is valued at $279,209. 



Broomcorn shows considerable increase in yield and a very de- 

 cided advance in value, the estimated value of the 1908 crop having 

 been only $42,000. 



Of the minor crops, and those not generally grown except in 

 limited sections, buckwheat, always a local "catch crop" of limited 

 acreage, shows an increase, especially in the flooded districts of the 

 northwest section of the State. 



Summary. — The year 1909 has, taken all in all, been a good one 

 for Missouri farmers. In this connection it should be said that bet- 

 ter farming as well as a fairly favorable season must be given credit 

 for the very satisfactory showing made. The Missouri farmer is 

 mixing brains with the seed that he sows, and is using his mind as 

 well as his muscles. 



In the following pages of this bulletin will be found tables 

 showing acreage, yield and value of the principal crops grown in 

 Missouri in 1909, also tabulations on corn, wheat and oats for a 

 term of years : 



Note — This article, "Missouri Crop Review for 1909," is a reprint from the 

 December bulletin issued by the State Board of Agriculture. It is here reproduced 

 in order to meet the demand for the information contained therein, and to place in 

 more permanent form important agricultural statistics. Had Missouri a state 

 statistical law, such as the Board has advocated, it would be possible to make our 

 crop statistics much more complete and possibly more accurate. 



