C^ JJ^ Extension Service in Agriculturs and Home Economics 



University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Urtana f^ECElVEn 



WEEEaY REVIEW AND FARM OUTLOOK LETTER ^X" /yl/ip 2\] ]Q^c 



By G. L. Jordan ANIIIALHU<;P4<wnpv 



Professor, Agricultural Econcaaics 



(Prepared March 22) APR 1 U lC4o 



The past week has "been characterized "by statemer^ts^h^ i^vernpi^nt^ officials 

 emphasizing that further restrictions on domestic coneumpti'on'ol^ 'meats'"' 6riA^ some other 

 food items may he expected, and hy strong demande for all classes of livestock and 

 celling prices for most high-quality grains. 



According to March 1 intentions of farmers, the total 13^'^ plantings Of feed 

 grains--corn, oats, barley and grain sorghums --will he ahout 171 million acres, or 

 ahout 2 percent below the 19^4-^ acreage. Planting intentions for all feed grains were 

 under the 19^4 figures with the exception of oats. An 8 percent increase in oats 

 acreage is planned. Only in the case of oats will the 19^-5 goals be met according to 

 these estimates. The reduction in livestock numbers, the uncertainty concerning the 

 duration of the war and prices following the war and the need to get more clover into 

 rotation were the factors that were cited as influencing farmers' intentions this 

 year. 



The total meat production for 19^5 will be about 10 percent smaller than 

 the record production in 19^^, according to government estimates. A further decrease 

 in the numbers of cattle other than milk cows, sheep, horses and mules is in prospect 

 for 19^5. No material change in the number of hogs, chickens or milk cows is ex- 

 pected. The hog-corn price ratio has recently been more favorable than at any time 

 since the spring of 19^5 and well above average. This, combined with the expectation 

 of a continuation of this favorable ratio during the summer, may lead to heavier feed- 

 ing and some increase in fall farrowings. 



The U, S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the total supply of fats 

 and oils in the United States will be substantially reduced in 19^5. Production from 

 domestic materials will be reduced over one billion pounds, principally because of 

 lowered lard production. A slight increase in the production of domestic edible oile-- 

 cottonseed, soybean, corn and peanut — will be more than offset by decreases in output 

 of lard and butter. Military demands are very heavy, both for the expanded military 

 program and for relief distribution in areas under military control. Lend-lease re- 

 quirements continue large. 



Cash receipts frcM farm marketings for February were down ^4- percent from 

 February 19^^, according to a government estimate. Part of this was due to the inabil- 

 ity to get boxcars to get grain to market. The decline in cash receipts from live- 

 stock and livestock products in February was greater than usual and greater than 

 occurred in either 19^5 or 19^^. 



The stocks of merchantable potatoes held by growers and local dealers in the 

 37 late and intermediate states on March 1 were 26 percent below the record stocks of 

 a year ago but were 19 percent greater than on March 1, 19^5. 



Some of the leanest months of the war period were predicted for the home 

 front during the past week. Included in this prediction were food, tires, shoes and 

 manpower. Even though the war in Europe should end by midyear, no substantial In- 

 crease should be expected in output of manufactured consumer goods for several months. 



-0- 



Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics: University of Illinole 



College of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. 



H. P. Rusk, Director. Acts approved by Congress May 8 and June 30, 191^. 



