164 



FIELD CROPS 



cost of production has undoubtedly increased, so that the cost 

 of $10 an acre for Minnesota in 1909 is probably very close 

 to the true figure. 



Table IX. Average cost of producing wheat on several farms in each 

 of three sections of Minnesota and on a large farm in that state, for 

 the six years from 1902 to 1907. 



(a) Shock thrashing; (b) value consumed in thrashing outfit. 



The variation in the cost per acre is considerable between 

 the large farm in northwestern Minnesota and the farms in 

 southeastern Minnesota. A large part of this variation in 

 cost is due to the item of rent. It will be noticed, however, 

 that nearly all of the items are lower, due largely to the fields 

 being larger and more level than in the other parts of the 

 state. The cost of producing a bushel of wheat is interesting, 

 but it is extremely difficult to determine, owing to the usual 

 variation in yields. The use of the above figures and the 

 average yield of the state will give a very fair basis for deter- 

 mining the cost per bushel. 



