MONTANA CROPS 



13 



Tame hay is another crop the acreage of which has trended upwards in recent 

 years. The bulk of the tame hay in the state is alfalfa and grain hay, and it is in 

 the former that a good share of the increase has occurred. 



Acreage Trends Since 1920. 



A study of acreage tendencies during the past five years is shown in Figure 

 VII which depicts various crop acreages for the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924, as 

 a percentage of their 1920 acreages, shown in the graph as 100 per cent. 



The diversification trend of this period is shown by the increases in feed crops 

 of corn, oats, barley and tame hay to balance a curtailment of wheat acreage. Rye 

 shows a big increase in 1922 that was not followed through as was the case of the 

 other crops named. The bulk of the rye crop is grown as a farm feed, although 

 varying percentages are marketed when prices are attractive. As a feed crop rye 

 has been losing apparently in favor of corn and barley. Prices until last fall (1924) 

 have not been favorable for its production as a cash crop. Flax acreage which was 

 reduced sharply during the first two years of this period recovered strongly in 1923 

 and 1924 due to favorable yields and good market prices. 



O oga oeL 

 loo 07J, J* 



9o 



80 



Figure TD 



^ 



■7^ ■>---»v -tys-^ 





W/>-ter Wheat 



The graph above shows acreage of important crops in 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924 

 as a percentage of their 1920 base acreages, considered as 100 per cent, and de- 

 picts the diversification tendencies of the period. 



