GEOGRAPHICAL PHASES OF FARM PRICES: CORF. 35 



Another element which should be taken into consideration is the 

 larger yield in bushels to the acre of corn and oats compared with 

 wheat. 



Figure 7 refers to the general level (the average for the United 

 States). When the trend of farm prices of corn, wheat, and oats is 

 compared for each State or section, it appears that in some the 

 tendency pointed out is more marked, in others less so, and in still 

 others a contrary trend appears. In Virginia the difference between 

 wheat and corn prices dropped from 68 cents (1871-1875) to 28 cents 

 (1911-1915). On the other hand, in South Dakota wheat was but 

 18 cents higher than corn in 1891-1895, and in 1911-1915 the differ- 

 ence increased to 33 cents per bushel. 



TREND OP YIELDS TO THE ACRE. 



The trend of yields, which must be talien into consideration as qualifying 

 price conditions, is given in Table 7 in absolute and relative figures. Changes 

 can best be followed in the percentages. 



The average yield for the United States (number of bushels produced to the 

 acre) has remained about stationary during the half century under review. 

 While increasing yields are shown in by far the greater number of States, a 

 decided decline is in evidence in most of the great corn States. As the latter 

 produce the greater part of the national crop, they have a strong depressing 

 effect on the weighted general average. 



Most pronounced advances in yields to the acre are shown in the two 

 divisions comprising the North Atlantic States. While yields lower than in 

 other sections still prevail in the Southern States, more especially in those 

 farthest south, it is in the latter that the increases are most notable. 



The important exception to the general tendency toward larger yields ap- 

 pears in the newer States, particularly in the great corn States west of the 

 Mississippi. Here a more or less decided decline is in evidence. Details follow. 



