24 
Wisconsin state agricultural soceity. 
The valuable aids furnished by improved machines for prepar¬ 
ing the soil, seeding, harvesting and threshing, render the cost of 
production much less than with the rude implements of olden 
times. The cost of raising this grain varies as the best modes of 
culture are pursued or otherwise. I am of the opinion,. that un¬ 
der favorable conditions and surroundings, with thoughtful and 
intelligent culture, wheat has been grown in this state the past 
year for fifty cents per bushel, while the thoughtless, ur skilled 
farmer has been able to obtain nothing above the cost of produc¬ 
tion. 
COEN. 
There has been a falling off in quantity of this great staple, at 
least 25 per cent., and the quantity was so inferior that I am of 
the opinion that the value of the crop for food was reduced fully 
40 per cent, over the product of 1872. The causes of this low 
and inferior crop were largely to be attributed to a wet, cold, and 
hence backward spring, short, dry, cool summer and early frosts, 
accompanied with a damp cool atmosphere unfavorable to its 
maturity. The importance of early planting, with thorough cul¬ 
ture, so as to push it vigorously forward was never more fully 
realized by producers of this crop than their experience the last 
year. 
OATS. 
Crop a little above the average of 1872, and of equal, if not 
superior quality. This excellent crop will go far to supply the 
deficiency caused by the partial failure of the corn crop, and while 
the price has been somewhat higher than in former years, the 
amount has been sufficient to supply the home demand and a 
small amount for export. 
RYE. 
This cereal is not grown to a great extent, only a few counties 
producing it in any abundance. The product was fully up to the 
average of the year previous, and of an improved quality. 
BARLEY. 
Moderate crop ; less than in 1872 ; quality fair. I do not con¬ 
sider it a particularly desirable crop to raise in large quantities, as 
the demand is local and prices fluctuating and uncertain. 
