6 BULLETIN 1296, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
In the period of expansion and development of the seventies and 
early eighties, there was a rapid increase in the acreages of both 
corn and oats. This expansion was given considerable impetus dur- 
ing the years 1885 to 1888, which were not favorable to wheat pro- 
duction. In 1888 the corn and oats acreage constituted more than 
three-fourths of the total acreage of grain crops. The good corn 
yields of 1884 and 1885 directed more attention to corn during the 
following three years. The favorable wheat years which followed 
soon resulted in a reduction in both the corn and oats acreage and 
the reestablishment of wheat as the major crop. Again in 1896 there 
was a temporary increase in the importance of corn and oats, which 
is accounted for by the reduction in wheat acreage at that time. 
The increase in the acreages of corn and oats from 1909 to 1912 
is accounted for by conditions adverse to wheat production during 
this period. In 1910 the corn acreage reached the high peak of 
191,400 acres, and the 77,700 acres in oats was the largest acreage 
ever grown in that county. This was in response to temporary con- 
ditions and the trend of the acreage of these crops has been down- 
ward since that time. 
CHANGES IN THE NUMBERS AND KINDS OF LIVESTOCK 
With the expansion and settlement that took place during the 
seventies and eighties there was a rapid increase in the number of 
cattle and hogs in the county (fig. 4) . This expansion in livestock 
was given considerable impetus by the large production of corn and 
oats following the low wheat production of 1885 to 1888. During 
this period the farmers organized cooperative cream stations to sell 
their dairy products. Low prices for livestock products and favor- 
able conditions for wheat production from 1888 to 1891 were respon- 
sible for the reduction in livestock and feed crops. 
Another significant increase in the numbers of cattle and hogs in 
the county took place from 1896 to 1900. Here again the explanation 
is found in conditions unfavorable to wheat in 1894 and 1895, whereas 
1896 and 1897 were banner years in corn production. The close 
relationship between the production of corn and the number of hogs 
in McPherson County is shown in Figure 5. Changes in corn pro- 
duction resulting from changes in yields or acreages are quickly 
reflected in the number of hogs. The number of cattle depends upon 
the production of hay, forage, and rough feeds and is not so closely 
related to the production of corn. 
The milk cows are kept primarily for the production of milk and 
butter for use on the farm. Some surplus of these products is sold. 
These cows are a " dual-purpose " type and the raising of calves is 
almost as important as the production of surplus dairy products. 
In addition to the milk cows, some beef cows are kept. 
Sheep have never been of importance in the county. During the 
late seventies and eighties there were a number of sheep which were 
kept primarily on pasture. From 1908 to 1911 large numbers of 
sheep were shipped into the county for winter feeding. This was 
very profitable at first, but in 1911 proved unprofitable on account 
of a rapid decline in prices. The sheep now found in the county are 
in small flocks kept on the general farm to utilize farm-grown rough- 
ages and help to keep the farmstead and farm clear of weeds. 
