934 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



MARION. 



CHAS. PORTER, PELLA, OCTOBER 30, 1912. 



Gener<il Condition of Crops and Season — Weather conditions very fa- 

 vorable and I believe we have had the best crop we have had in the history 

 of the county. 



Corn — The results of good seed has shown that no one engaged in corn 

 raising can be neglectful in saving their seed. Great advancement has 

 been made and considerable interest is taken at the corn tables at our 

 fair. 



Oats — The careful selection of seed and the using of the press drill 

 brought good results and the oat crop was of very fine quality and yield. 



Wheat — More fall wheat than usual. An exceptionally good crop, both 

 as to quality and yield. 



Rye — Not a large acreage; fair yield. This crop is used principally 

 for hog feed. 



Barley — Not much sown. This crop has not given good results for 

 the past few years. This year the yield was good and quality fine. 



Flax — None grown. 



Buckwheat — But little sown. 



Millet — Those who put in this crop realized a large yield per acre. 



Sorghum — Grown more extensively for syrup and seed. Those engaged 

 in raising this crop find ready sale for the product and seed at good prices. 



Timothy — Hay yielded from IJ to 2 tons per acre and most all hay 

 was put up in fine shape. Present price being $10.00 per ton. 



Clover — The severe winter did a great deal of damage to new clover 

 fields. However, that which wintered well brought large returns in hay 

 and seed. 



Prairie Hay — Not any. 



Other Grains and Grasses — Blue grass soon takes all other grasses in 

 our pastures. We have had very good pastures this season. 



Potatoes — Small acreage to what we had 25 years ago but the prices 

 are now high and will stimulate the interest in this crop. The crop this 

 year was very good. 



Vegetables — Very good. 



Apples — Insects and pests almost ruined the crop. 



Other Fruits — All small fruits and berries were a good crop of fine 

 quality. Plums were abundant. 



Cattle — Not the usual number. Not many will be put on feed. 



Horses — More attention paid to the breeding of draft horses. The au- 

 tomobiles are taking the place of the roadsters. Many horses are 

 shipped out of this county each year. 



Swine — Improved breeds. Poland China and Duroc Jerseys are the 

 leading breeds. 



Sheep — Mutton sheep principally raised but there are large flocks fed 

 from western markets with good results. 



Poultry — More poultry is being raised each year. The past year was 

 favorable for the raising of poultry. 



Bees — Favorable year but many reported heavy losses last winter. 



