CHAPTER VIII 

 PRODUCTION OF CORN 



Value of corn as a farm crop. Corn is the great American 

 farm crop. It is produced in nearly every state in the Union, 

 the total yield for 1917 being 3,124,000,000 bushels, with an 

 estimated value of $3,500,000,000. It furnished the chief 

 feed for 62,747,000 hogs, and helped support 43,291,000 beef 

 cattle, 23,906,000 dairy cattle, and a large number of sheep 

 and horses. The relation of corn to live-stock production 

 may be seen by comparing the two in any large corn-producing 

 state. For example, in Iowa, in 1915, the production of 

 corn was valued at $154,530,000, with a corresponding 

 value of $282,015,000 for live stock. A similar relation 

 holds good for the entire country. Furthermore, when the 

 corn crop is short, an increase in the price of live stock 

 follows. 



In spite of the immense total production of corn for the 

 entire country, the average yield per acre is low. In no ten- 

 year period has the average exceeded 28 bushels. Yet boys 

 and girls who are members of corn clubs have produced 

 more than 100 bushels on a single acre, in many states. In 

 view of the success of these club members, it seems reasonable 

 to expect that some of the principles of corn production 

 learned in school will soon be put into practice, and in that 

 way lead to a high production of com in every community 

 where corn is a common crop. 



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