The Plain Truth About the 1947 
Seed Situation 
- All figures relating to the production of crops harvested in 1946 are taken from the fal Govern- 
ment Crop Report issued December 17, 1946, by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 
The total output of crops in 1946 was the greatest in the history of our country. High yields were 
primarily responsible, although the harvested acreage was fairly large, and the growing season was 
more favorable than usual. Not only the quantity but also the quality of the crops was outstanding. 
ALFALFA SEED: The 1946-production of Alfalfa seed, estimated at 1,658,400 bushels of thresher- 
run seed, is 9 per cent larger than the previous record established in 1939. The largest increase oc- 
curred in the Central and Southern producing States. Seed from the Northern States bordering Canada 
is still about 10 per cent below-average. 
MEDIUM AND MAMMOTH RED CLOVER: The estimated 1946 production of 2,142,800 bushels 
almost sets a record and is 21 per cent larger than the previous year. A record acreage was harvested. 
As the carry-over was very small, we will need all this seed for domestic use and for export. 
ALSIKE CLOVER: The 1946 production of Alsike Clover seed, estimated at 390,200 bushels, is 11 
per cent larger than the 1945 crop and 28 per cent above average. Favorable weather conditions re- 
sulted in larger yields per acre and seed of excellent quality. 
TIMOTHY SEED: Production of Timothy was 5 per cent larger than in 1945 but 27 per cent below 
average. Since the supply of Kentucky Blue Grass and Red Top is very much below average, more 
Timothy seed will be m demand. 
SEED BARLEY: Total production of Barley in 1946, estimated at 263,350,000 bushels, shows a de- 
cline for the fourth consecutive year. Yields this past year were satisfactory. Favorable harvest 
weather gave us excellent quality m our territory. We never have had better seed to offer. 
SEED OATS: The total production of Oats in 1946 was estimated at 1,509,867,000 bushels, about 
1.7 per cent below the record 1945 crop. The use of rust-resistant varieties and high-yielding strains, 
together with the fact that we had an early spring favorable for seeding, gave us high yields this past 
year. Seed stocks will be ample and quality above average. 
SEED CORN: The fifth successive three-billion-bushel Corn crop was harvested in 1946; approxi- 
mately 91 per cent was for grain. A record yield was harvested on a relatively small acreage. Growing 
conditions were very favorable in most areas and the crop was harvested under ideal conditions. Seed 
stocks will show better than average germination. 
The 1946 Crop of Potatoes 
The nation’s 1946 Potato crop of 474,609,000 bushels exceeds by 2 per cent the previous record high 
crop produced in 1943. This record crop was produced from the smallest acreage planted since 1892. 
Potatoes are one of the few crops that have a guaranteed Government support price. Approximately 
90 per cent of all Potatoes on hand January 1 were under Government loan. This will keep eating 
Potatoes at the support price. 
Due to rigid certification standards, the supply of certified seed is not above normal. While the 
supply of some varieties will be short, there appears to be an ample amount for this year’s planting. 


Even though our costs may be higher in 1947 and prices for our farm products lower than a year ago, 
we still believe that farming will be a profitable enterprise in 1947. We can help to make it so by offering 
the best of seed. 
We urge our customers to place their orders as early as possible and to get their seed stocks on the farm 
well in advance of planting time. 
