EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IX 501 



grains, yet other conditions are favorable, wliich, taken in connection with 

 the strong determination of all of our farmers, Iowa, as usual, will be able 

 to feed a large part of the world. 



Bulletin No. 2. April 17, 1917 — 



The week was unseasonably cold and dry, the temperature being below 

 the freezing- point on several mornings, and the rainfall was almost nil 

 until the 16th, when light to moderate showers occurred; but the weather 

 was favorable for field work which has progressed rapidly. Seeding of 

 spring wheat, oats, and barley is finished in the southern counties, and 

 from 60 to 70 per cent finished in the northern sections. Later reports 

 show that not only fall wheat, clover and alfalfa were badly winter- 

 killed but also much timothy and blue grass, especially in central and 

 southern districts. Winter wheat and clover is worse than indicated last 

 week, the condition of wheat is now placed as low as 30 to 40 per cent. 

 Many meadows are being plowed up and prepared for corn, the acreage 

 of which will be greatly increased over last year. The acreage of potatoes, 

 oats and spring wheat will also be increased, but the acreage of hay will 

 be reduced. Stock is in good condition and the indications are favorable 

 for a nearly normal pig crop. 



Bulletin No. 3, April 24, 1917 — 



Higher temperatures and copious to heavy showers have been very bene- 

 ficial to all vegetation, but in some localities, especially in the north- 

 western and southeastern quarters of the state, the rainfall was sufficient 

 to retard field work somewhat. In the northwestern counties the rainfall 

 ranged from one to more than four inches. Spring-sown grains of all 

 kinds are coming up and show a good stand, and winter wheat has made 

 considerable improvement. Plowing for corn is progressing rapidly with 

 the soil in fine condition. If the weather continues favorable, corn plant- 

 ing will begin in the southeastern counties the latter part of this week, 

 and the corn acreage will be decidedly increased. Much more than the 

 usual amount of potatoes and small garden truck is being planted. Pas- 

 tures are supplying some feed and grass is beginning to grow rapidly 

 under the effects of warmth and abundant moisture. Fruit is still 

 promising. 



Bulletin No. 4, May 1, 1917 — 



The week was cold, cloudy and wet, there being an average daily de- 

 ficiency of about 12 degrees in temperature and a large excess of pre- 

 cipitation. Snow fell on the 26th and 28th and freezing temperature was 

 recorded over the greater part of the state on one or two mornings. It 

 was too cold for much growth of vegetation, and the frequent and heavy 

 rains have delayed farm work, though considerable progress was made in 

 some localities in plowing. The rains, however, have been beneficial to 

 small grain and grass and w^ill prove to be of great benefit to all other 

 crops as soon as warm weather comes. Oats, spring wheat and barley are 

 up and show good stand generally. Some early potatoes and garden truck 

 are also up. While winter wheat has made a little growth and shows 

 slight improvement, more fields have been plowed up on account of the 

 poor stand, thereby increasing the prospective corn acreage. Tests show 

 high percentage of germination of seed corn and the quantity is sufficient. 

 A few small patches of corn were planted early in the week in the southern 

 counties. The prospect for a good tree fruit crop is still very promising, 

 but raspberries, blackberries and strawberries were badly winterkilled in 

 a few localities. Early plums and apples are in bloom in the extreme 

 southeastern counties. The first bloom last year was reported on 

 April 25th. 



No. 5, May S, 1917 — 



The first four days of the week were cold and wet, with heavy snow 

 in nearly all parts of the state on the 3d. The last three days were clear 

 but continued cold, with frost and freezing temperatures in many localities. 



