Annual Report of the 
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not profitable, that the cost of transportation left them barely 
enough to meet the cost of production—and it was argued wisely, 
as we think, that it would be more profitable to grow less wheat, 
and raise more cattle, pork, and wool, etc., the cost of transporting 
which, in proportion to value, is much less than that of a more 
bulky produce. When things return to their natural channel there 
can be but little doubt that the West will find it more profitable to 
produce meat and wool, than to grow wheat. It was so for some 
years previous to the war, and will be so again when the war ends.” 
Again he says, u The western farmer for a year or two has been 
receiving high prices for his produce. He would do well fully to un¬ 
derstand the causes which have led to this result. They are by no 
means permanent.” 
Speaking of the increased demand for wheat then existing he 
says u it will for some years probably keep prices high enough to 
make wheat-growing in the west exceedingly profitable. The time 
must be expected, however, when the western farmer will again find 
the cost of sending wheat to the eastern cities and to Europe, so high 
as to leave him barely margin enough to pay the cost of produc¬ 
tion.” 
These were timely words of wisdom. No one could to-day tell 
more surely what has become a sad reality in the West, than these 
words written ten years ago, foretold would come to pass, should 
the course then pursued by farmers be presisted in. 
What is the remedy for this unfortunate condition of affairs? 
Primarily, it may be stated in a few words. Let the produce of 
every farm be raised with a view to some sufficient market. Six 
years ago, Wisconsin took a costly lesson in over-production in her 
hop-raising. Practically she is now paying for another lesson of 
the same kind. There is only this difference; then there was an 
absolute over-production of hops, while to-day the over production 
of bread stuffs only relates to an available market. # The effect, 
however, upon the producer is the same. 
There must then be a radical change in western agriculture be¬ 
fore there can be permanent prosperity here. The products of the 
West must be changed to those that will meet with constant and 
ready demand. They must be as varied in their nature as are the 
wants of the market, that when one commodity fails to remunerate 
him, the producer’s only support will not be taken away. 
