lljeJ^x^t^M^ Glass _SLiJl Book Mil WMM •r '? *^ ■ — *m AGRICULTURAL SERIES No. 12 AGRICULTURAL SERIES No. 12 UNIHD states RAITROAD administration united states RAIIROAD ADMINISTRATION mwmgfipn NEBRASKA — BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE ^ Messages from State Officials \ There are good possibilities under the climatic limitations of Western Nebraska for men who will establish themselves there and work in accord with Nature; but it requires intelligent effort for success. Naturally, there must be a relation between the returns from the land and the cost of production, all of which is governed by prices of land, labor, material, and the products raised. The man who is to win must not be hampered by false hopes that climatic conditions will change or have changed, nor must mere theory' govern his practice. He cannot carr\' with him hard and fast rules by which to farm. Under the erratic clirnate conditions ob- taining, any system of farming to be successful must be sufificiently elastic to meet conditions as they arise. All factors that influence production and profit must be considered. Whenever men move into new sections and unfamiliar conditions, there is a certain amount of risk through attempting to grow the same crops and employ the same methods they formerly used. One of the biggest factors insuring success is the adaptation of crops and practices to local conditions. Nature sets the limits and we should tr>' to meet her conditions. In going into new localities, there- fore, one should first attempt to familiarize himself with those conditions and to learn what the best practices are. This can be accomplished by observing what the successful farmers in the new locality are doing. The farm practices of the best farmers in estab- lished districts are usually sound. Most counties now have a county agricultural agent who will be able and glad to furnish information and whatever assistance he can in aiding newcomers to establish themselves. The State also maintains experiment stations — the central plant at Lincoln and substa- tions at North Platte, Mitchell, and Valentine. It has been the business of the experiment stations to study crops and methods. Any information they may have will be gladly furnished to any one calling I have always advised the people of Nebraska that there were no greater opportunities for success in industry, agriculture and home building than are to be found in this State. The very same reasons that I have offered in connection with that statement are the ones which I have offered to people outside the State, who are seeking a new location. Even now, though Nebraska is a young state, it stands foremost among the agricultural states of the Union. More important still, however,, is the fact that the agricultural products that are grown here are those which enter most prominently into the very life of the Nation. Wheat is an essential food product. In its production Nebraska stands second. Corn and alfalfa represent the most economic ration for pro- ducing beef, pork and mutton. In these Nebraska stands well toward the top in the quantity and quality produced. Grazing land is essential in the economic production of cattle, and, of course, Nebraska has a very large area of the finest pastures in the world. Of very great importance in connection with the permanent agriculture, is the ability to produce crops which at once provide for the maintenance of soil fertility and the rotation of crops. The crops which I have above enumerated facilitate both of these ends, so it is possible for the Nebraska farmer to not only grow abundant crops, but to maintain the productiveness of his land while he is doing it. There are not large areas of land open to entry in this State, nearly all of the land being deeded, but it may still be bought at reasonable prices and there) is abundant opportunity here for further agricultural development. I know of no State in which^^the opportunities are so great. Verv trulv vours. or writing for it. 0.: •t Go^•ernor. H'Jl 25 IB liLO. LO IQ>'^^<^\^^yy Acting Dean, .A.gricultural College. U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Headquarters on a Western Nebraska ranch. There are many large ranches now being cut up and placed upon the market at prices ranging from $25 to $100 an acre THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOKLET HOW THE RAILROADS CAN HELP THE HOME-MAKER This booklet is issued by the Agricultural Section, Division of Traffic, United States Railroad Admin- istration, J. L. Edwards, Manager, Washington, D. C. The information was compiled by the Nebraska Agricultural College and representatives of the following railroads: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, Chicago Great Western, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha, Chicago & North Western, Missouri Pacific, and Union Pacific. The purpose of the booklet is to help to direct ambitious and industrious home-makers and pro- ducers, desiring to better their condition in life, to localities in which they should meet with success, in proportion to their resources and ability. Our mission is to help industrious men and women to become farm owners and to enable them to lay the foundation for a home and eventually inde- pendence for the family. Bear in mind that none of the agricultural de- partments of the railroads above mentioned has any interest in the sale of lands nor are they en- gaged in the land business. They are, however, greatly interested in the development and general prosperity of the districts served by their respective lines. The interests of the railroads and the communities served by the lines are identical and interwoven. Prosperous communities mean prosperous railroads. A well satisfied settler is a good asset. A misplaced man is a liability. Our interest does not cease with NEBRAbivA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Corn IS grown in every part of the State. It is a leading crop in Western Nebraska on non-irrigated land, at yields ranging from 20 to 40 bushels an acre the location of the settler. We are deeply interested in his success. We stand ready at all times to help the newcomer with his problems. Much valuable knowledge of farm practices and opportunities has been gained by observation and experience which will prove helpful to farmers. This is available to all inquirers. The railroad agricultural representatives have for years made a careful study of conditions and keep in direct touch with their respective territories. Owing to limited space, detailed information is not attempted in this booklet, but should the reader desire special information on any subject connected with any branch of farming or stock raising in Nebraska, it may be secured by writing to, or calling upon, the Representative whose name and address are stamped on page 36 of this booklet. State fully just what is desired. Prompt and dependable information will be furnished. NEBRASKA FACTS Nebraska has no bonded debt. Its total taxable wealth approximates four billion dollars. The value of its property has doubled in the last ten years. The per capita wealth of the State is about $3,000. The average income of the farm families of the State, in 1918, was $5,280. The annual value of Nebraska crops is approxi- mately $750,000,000. Nebraska stands first among the states in the production of beef, pork, wheat, and corn, per unit of population. In total production it is second in hay, third in cattle, third in corn, fourth in hogs, and fifth in beet sugar. Alfalfa production is 2,528,000 tons. Potatoes, 10,500,000 bushels. Nebraska's annual poultry and egg production reaches $40,000,000. Armual dairy products are valued at $30,000,000. U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION A small flock of sheep will prove profitable on every farm. tLxpensive shelter is r^ot necessary Nebraska farms carry more than 2,000,000 beef cattle, 500,000 milch cows, 2,000,000 hogs, and 500,000 sheep. The money value of the live stock reaching its chief market center annually is more than $100,- 000,000. Nebraska having the largest butter market and the largest creamery plant in the world, and being one of the largest alfalfa producmg states, it may be understood that dairying is one of the outstanding agricultural features. Nebraska's altitude ranges from approximately 1,000 feet on the east to 4,500 feet on the western border. It has an area of 76,800 square miles and is 415 miles long and 205 miles wide. The rural population averages but a little above 10 per square mile. It is, therefore, very evident that her farm population may be easily doubled without bringing about a crowded condition. Climate Western Nebraska is a region of rather limited rainfall, which occurs mostly in the summer when the crops are growing rapidly; of strong contrasts of tem- perature between summer and winter and between day and night ; of rather strong winds which in winter at times are severe and cold, but which in summer render the heat less uncomfortable; of skies with a relatively small percentage of cloudiness and of a large percentage of sunshine ; of a rather dry, health- ful atmosphere whose summer heat is less oppressive than in some other states of the same latitude, not only because of the nearly constant movement of the atmosphere, but also because it is less nearly saturated with moisture; and whose winter cold for the same reason is much less severely felt than in the moisture-laden atmosphere of most other states. Temperature January is the coldest month, with a mean tem- perature of 25 degrees in the southeastern comer, and 20 degrees or a little more in the northern por- tion. In the coldest days of winter the temperature usually falls to between 10 and 20 degrees below NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Nebraska stands third among the states in total production of corn. It stands lirst in production per unit ol population. This pile contains 4.000 bushels of corn, raised on non-irrigated land in Duval County. Nebraska zero, while on rare occasions 30 degrees below zero occurs. During the summer months the temperature ranges from 70 to 78 degrees. The maximum tem- perature frequently exceeds 95 degrees and a few times each summer it exceeds 100 degrees. The hottest days in summer mostly occur in the last half of July, but the hottest spell of the year sometimes comes in August or September. The high tempera- tures seldom last more than a few hours in the middle of the day. Usually there is a fresh wind blowing and the air is quite dry, making the high temperature less oppressive than the figures would seem to indicate. From the middle of September the tem- perature decreases rapidly — approximately one-third of a degree a day until December. Frosts Light frosts, sufficiently severe to kill tender vege- tation or a few of the less vigorous fruit blossoms, are likely to occur throughout May, and sometimes early in June, especially in the northwestern counties. The average date when the last freezing temperature or frost sufficiently severe to kill staple crops occurs, is the first week in May, in a line drawn from the northeast corner to the southwest corner of the State. The date becomes earlier southeastward to the southeastern corner of the State, where it is about April 15th, and later northwest of this line to the middle or latter part of May, in a large part of the more elevated portions of the northwestern part of the State, where the altitude is about 4,000 feet. Light frosts, not sufficient to cause any practicable damage to vegetation, have occurred in a few years in the very last days of August, and several years in the first half of September. Such frosts, and in some years more severe ones, are to be expected dur- ing the last half of September. The average date of the first killing frost in the fall is the last days of September, for a line drawn from the northeastern U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION North Platte. Nebraska, near Scotls Bluff and a portion of the Gering farming district in the distance. Scotts Bhiff and Gering are thriving Western Nebraska cities corner of the State to the southwestern corner of the State. This date becomes later southeast of the Hne to the southeastern corner, where it occurs the middle of October, and earlier northwest of this line, where, in the greater part of the northwestern portion of the State, it occurs near the middle of September. Precipitation The rainfall for the year in Nebraska has a wide range in different parts of the State. It is greatest in the southeastern corner, where it is between thirty-two and thirty-five inches. It is least in the extreme western portion, near the center of the State, where it is less than sixteen inches. Most of this precipitation is rain. The snowfall for the year averages only about twenty-five inches, equal to a little more than two inches of water, or less than one-tenth of the annual precipitation. In fact, the year may be divided into wet and dry seasons; May, June, and July constitute the wet season, with 46 per cent, of the annual precipitation falling during these three months. November, December, Janu- arty, and February are the dry months, with but 11 per cent, of the total amount falling during these three months. The other 43 per cent, falls during the remaining five months, or approximately one- twelfth of the annual amount each month. As this indicates, very little rain or snow falls during the late fall and winter months. A slight decrease occurs in March, but the spring rains begin in April. The period of heaviest rainfall is during the month of June. This is also the period when the rainfall is most certain; that is, least likely to vary from the average. In July the showers are slightly farther apart, although the monthly rainfall is nearly as large as in June. The rainfall for the crop season, April to August, inclusive, exceeds twenty inches along most of the Missouri Valley and decreases regularly westward to a little more than ten inches along the Wyoming border. It will thus be seen that a very large percentage of the annual rainfall occurs during the NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE A typical country church. There are thousands of such churches scattered over the western part of the State, offering ample opportunity for religious services growing season and in this respect Nebraska com- pares favorably with the great agricultural states of the Union. Records of rainfall have been kept in Nebraska for more than sixty years, and there is no indication of a progressive change, either towards an increase or a decrease of rainfall, although there are wide variations from the normal — some wet years when the average rainfall for the State has been nearly thirty-six inches, or about 50 per cent, above the normal, and some dry years when it has been about fourteen inches, or nearly one-half the normal. However, in a great majority of years, the State averages near the normal. Sunshine and Cloudiness March, April, and May are the months of greatest cloudiness, when the sun is obscured about one-half the time. The cloudiness decreases rapidly in June, July, and August, giving a large percentage of sunshine during the period of maturing crops. MARKETS Nebraska is well supplied with railroads; no part of the State is more than twenty-four hours from a profitable market. This is a very important con- sideration for the farmer. Most of the state products are shipped to the Missouri River markets — Omaha, St. Joseph, Kansas City. Sioux City is the leading market for the northeastern part of the State. Chicago furnishes a market for many prod- ucts produced in the entire State, while all of the Western and Southern States consume immense quantities of her com and corn products, also her packinghouse products. Omaha is the principal market within the State, yet there are numerous other towns which furnish satisfactory markets for produce grown locally. The following railroads and their branches serve this State: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy; Chicago Great Western; Chicago, U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION A typical consolidated school. The State has been one of the foremost in educational progress. I liere are more than 300.000 children enrolled in public schools in the State Rock Island & Pacific; Chicago, St. Paul, Minne- apolis & Omaha; Chicago & North Western; Mis- souri Pacific; St. Joseph & Grand Island, and Union Pacific. School consolidation is developing rapidly, and in all parts of the state the people take a keen interest in the improvement of social conditions. Good roads are the rule and make social life pleasant. COMMUNITY LIFE Organized agriculture in Nebraska has developed rapidly in recent years, and along with this develop- ment came splendid neighborhood social life. There are thousands of farmers' co-operative organizations throughout the State. A large nvmiber of Nebraska communities now have county agricultural agents and farm bureaus, and the newcomer should make himself known as soon as possible after his arrival, get in touch with the county agricultural agent and join the farm bureau. The newcomer will find congenial home surround- ings. There are thousands of churches of all de- nominations in the State, and in many sections the church is the center of the community life of the district. SCHOOLS Possibly no state in the Union has made greater progress along educational lines than has the State of Nebraska. Less than half a century ago there were three schools in the State that were doing work higher than the twelfth grade in our present high schools. These schools were located at Peru, Lincoln, and Fremont and each had but one building. Since that time Peru has many times doubled and quadrupled itself and it has turned out hundreds and thousands of teachers in the State. The uni- versity is recognized as one of the leading universities of the United States. Fremont has given back to the State over 3,500 teachers. To-day the State has 300,011 children attending public schools. The number of counties is 93; the NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Land of this character furnishes excellent grazing for cattle and sheep. Pioneer stock men were attracted to this country because of the good natural shelter for stock, as well as the nutritious grasses. There are good farming lands tributary to these greizing lands total number of school districts, 7,216; total number of schoolhouses, 7,681. Number of teachers employed in the public schools, male, 1,150; female, 12,098. Total amount of money received from all sources for school purposes, including bonds, fines, and licenses, non-resident pupils, and other sources, $14,520,934.33. The last Legislature passed a law which provides for the redistricting of the State of Nebraska for consolidation purposes, as consolidation here is in its infancy. Last year the assessed valuation of the consolidated districts amounted to $12,058,682. STATE AND GOVERNMENT LANDS All the major portion of the homestead lands, suitable for diversified farming, in Nebraska, were taken up years ago and there are no such free gov- ernment lands available at the present time, with the exception of the irrigated homestead lands on the United States Reclamation Project in North Platte Valley. Government irrigated lands in the North Platte Valley are thrown open for settlement, from time to time, as the canals for the delivery of the water are constructed. These lands (which are chiefly in Scotts Bluff County) may be had in 80-acre units. Three years' residence, of seven months per year, are required to secure title to these lands. The settler must pay for the cost of the water which amounts to about $70 per acre, and is allowed twenty years' time in which to make these payments, without interest charge. Information about these irrigated homestead lands can be secured by addressing the Project Manager, U. S. Reclamation Service, Mitchell, Nebraska. The lands owned by the State of Nebraska are not offered for sale, but may be leased. Information about these State lands may be secured by addressing the State Commissioner of Lands and Buildings, Lincoln, Nebraska. 10 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Experiment Station for the benefit of farmers at North Platte. This station is maintained by the State for the purpose of testing varieties of crops and to determine the most profitable ones for Western Nebraska How the Extension Service May Assist the Settler The type of farming varies greatly in the different sections of Nebraska, due to soil, rainfall, topog- raphy, and altitude. In Western Nebraska rainfall of half that of Eastern Nebraska, and an altitude of 4,000 feet greater, necessitates radically different farming methods. Many failures of farmers in the past have been due to an attempt to force nature; whereas, har- monizing methods with nature has usually brought success. Experiment and experience have, in the course of years, proven what practices are safe to follow under a given set of conditions. The Extension Service of the Nebraska College of Agriculture seeks to disseminate, among the farmers of the various sections of the State, the most approved practices of successful farmers in those localities; and to make known the successful practices, as proven by the experiment stations and the farmers themselves. This is largely done in two ways: Through resi- dent extension representatives, namely county agricultural agents and home demonstration agents; and by extension specialists in the subject matter departments of the College of Agriculture. The county agent and the home demonstration agent work under the direction of the County Farm Bureau co-operating with the Extension Service and the United States Department of Agriculture. The most efficient work of the extension specialist can be done in those counties having a farm bureau organi- zation, but prompt and careful attention is given to all inquiries from unorganized counties. These agencies of the extension service are at the disposal of the new settler. One of the most serious problems confronting the farmer, who locates under a set of conditions differing from those to which he has been accustomed, is that of obtaining properly adapted seed and a knowledge of successful cultural methods. The farm bureau and county agent are especially valuable in assisting the newly located farmer in obtaining seed and live stock and, what is 11 NEBRASKA — BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE A ranch headquarters in tlie Sand Hill region of North Central Nebraska. Land similar to this may be bought for $10 to $50 an acre The low-lying lands furnish excellent hay and produce good yields of other crops even more valuable, in acquainting him with suc- cessful farmers of that locality. Discouragement and failure may thus be avoided. The Extension Service stands ready, at all times, to respond to the inquiries of the farmers of Nebraska and takes a deep interest in newcomers, since their success contributes to the welfare and greatness of the State as a whole, and makes for general happiness and prosperity. Every new settler is invited to become a member of the farm gureau in the county in which he locates. The newcomer should make himself known to the bankers and business men of his town, and get acquainted with the county agri- cultural agent at the earliest opportunity. EASTERN NEBRASKA To make clear the value of Nebraska lands for specialized or general purpose farming, a dividing line, beginning on the northern boundary and follow- ing the eastern edge of Holt, Wheeler, Custer, Daw- son, Gosper, and Furnas coimties, may be adopted. The area to the east may be classed as fully settled and offering nothing to the newcomer, imless he has means greater than the average man who leaves his field of acquaintance and settles in a new location to carry on farm operations. The eastern part of the State must be seen to be appreciated. In a large percentage of it comfortable and beautiful homes are built, roads are improved, and the network of railroads leaves no farm distant from market. It is an area comparable with the best of the Corn Belt, and while lands range in price from $100 to $300 an acre, all familiar with the territory know it has not reached the top. Eastern Nebraska lands are good investments. NORTH-CENTRAL NEBRASKA Arthur, Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Garfield, Grant, Holt, Hooker, Keya Paha, Loup, Logan, McPherson, Rock, Thomas, and Wheeler coimties make up the northern group and cover the great native hay area of the State. Chiefly the lands are sand and sandy loams. Broad valleys flank the streams and extensive basins without surface stream drainage grow a very high quality hay that serves well as a cash crop, since 12 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Alfalfa yields from two to five tons an acre under irrigation. Productive irrigated lands with excellent water rights may be purchased for $100 to $300 an acre the insistent demand for it at central markets assures a top price. These valleys are separated by ranges of hills that are covered with buffalo, gramma, and other grasses that furnish excellent pasturage, and their character and soil has caused the area to be widely known as the "Sand Hills." This is primarily a stock country and some of the largest herds of the best bred cattle of the State are found here. These counties cover more than 12,000,000 acres of which approximately 1,000,000 acres are culti- vated. Potatoes are a principal commercial crop and garden vegetables of every kind are grown in great abundance. More corn, wheat, rye, oats, and barley are grown than local demand absorbs, and hundreds of thousands of bushels are shipped to the central markets. This surplus grain, the great prairie hay production, the hogs, cattle, and horses bred and grown in these counties, the large volume of dairy products originating here and the vast quantity of eggs and poultry supply a marketable tonnage that probably excels any other agricultural section of like area that has no greater percentage of its land in tillage. Boyd, Keya Paha, the north half of Holt, and a section of Brown, are chiefly "hard soil" lands, and a large part of the area is in cultivation. These lands carry a higher valuation than do areas where the major part is pasture land. Several other counties, too, have smaller areas of this character of soil that locally considered is of much advantage, but affects the whole county very little. For such areas market prices range from $40 to $125 an acre, while the range for the sandy lands runs from $10 to $50 an acre. There are 10,000 farms in these counties. Many small ranches, with stock and equipment or without such, are offered by retiring owners at such prices that the normal earnings from the ranch and the increasing value will, in a very few years, pay for the ranch. Large holdings, too, must be divided for more profitable operation, and to supply the demand for a ranch of such size that the farmer and his family can handle it. 13 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND GUTTER STATE Northwestern Nebraska counties produce two-fifths of the Slate's I U, 300. 000 bushels of potatoes. Dry land seed stock yields approximately 24 per cent higher than seed grown in other sections of the State NORTHWESTERN NEBRASKA Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties form the northwestern group, and are commonly known as the "Pan-Handle" of the State. On account of the large irrigated area and the large acreage of sugar beets and other specialty crops grown, this group contains some of the highest priced land in Nebraska. The northern two-thirds of Garden County and the southern half of Sheridan County are of the same character as the sand hill group, with a broadening of the hay valleys and a corresponding recession of the hill ranges, as the western extremes of the sand hill country is reached. In each of the counties there are scattered parts of sand areas or rough clay and rocky areas, and while such lands have lower values than adjacent prairie they are very desirable for the range stock- man on account of the natural shelter they afford. The timbers from the canons and rugged slopes furnished the early homesteader fuel, posts, and other building material before railroads made it possible to supply this need. The rough areas are only a small percentage of the total area. They stand in bold outline and sometimes give the new- comer the impression that they typify the country, while the major part of the lands is gently rolling prairie farms and ranches growing successfully all of the common field crops. This group of eleven counties contains approxi- mately 11,000,000 acres of land, 75 per cent, of which is tillable. Within it are some of the largest and most highly developed ranch properties of the State; likewise, some of the smallest and most intensively cultivated farm units. For the entire group about one-eighth of the area is cultivated. The non- irrigated lands range in price from $15 to $100 an acre. This group of counties embraces the chief potato district of the State. The average acre yield is 120 bushels, while the state average is 86 bushels. These coiinties produced two-fifths of the State's 10,500,000 bushels. Thirty-five of the 44,000 acres of sugar beets grown in the State were grown here, and three of the 14 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Thousands of high-grade dairy cows have been shipped into the Stale in the past few years. The dairy business appeals to the newcomer because it requires but Httle capital to make a start and it offers an immediate cash income. It is a safe line of farming to follow. State's four sugar factories are located here. Three of these counties produced 100 per cent, more wheat than the average of the State. The potash produced in these counties is one-half of the total production of the United States. Nine thousand farms are operated, 6,000 of them by the owners. These "Pan Handle" counties have 211,000 acres of irrigated land, and fonn one of the most important irrigation districts of this country, involving millions of dollars for canal and lateral systems, dams, and other structures needed in operation, and adding tens of millions each year to the production of this area. Land values for irrigated farms range from $100 to $300 an acre, and deliver an income every year warranting these prices and guaranteeing increasing value as further development takes place. Dawson, Dundy, Hitchcock, Keith, Lincoln, and Red Willow have a total of 69,000 irrigated acres. Several other counties have small areas but are of local importance only, since the irrigated land docs not materially affect land values for the county of which it is a part. SOUTHWESTERN NEBRASKA These counties may be divided into three groups of somewhat uniform conditions. The counties divided by, and lying to the south of, the Platte River Custer, Dawson, Gosper, Furnas, Red Willow Frontier, Lincoln, Keith, Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Hitchcock, and Dundy— are chiefly "tight lands." Wheat and corn are the principal cash crops. Ninety per cent, of the surface is tillable, and 10 per cent, has only grazing value. Hogs and beef cattle are extensively raised and dairying is constantly in favor. The all-year return from milking cows is a strong argument for enlarging this industry. Large tonnages of sorghuins and kaffirs are grown to sup- plement corn and alfalfa. These counties embrace about 9,000,000 acres, 2,500,000 acres of which are cultivated in 16,500 farms. The area thus has an average of more than 500 acres per farm, and taking into account the relatively small acreage cultivated, it is at once apparent that there is considerable room for develop- 15 INLBKAbKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE :^ The estimated 1919 wheat crop is 80,000,000 bushels and wheat is a leading crop in the State. Winter wheat is an important crop on the non-irrigated land ment. One hundred sixty and 320-acre farms and ranches, ninning up to 1,500 or 2,000 acres, are on the market at a range of prices from $20 to $100 an acre. The farmer in this territory, who has based his operations on grain production, in connection with feeding cattle and hogs or milking cows with poultry as a side line, is the outstanding example of success. The farming business in these coimties is well organ- ized and undergoing a healthful extension. Hun- dreds of these thriftily managed farms yield their purchase price every few years. There is no abrupt change in the land or climatic conditions between Eastern and Western Nebraska. The change is gradual. Counties to the west have much in common with neighboring counties to the east. Forty coimties in the western part of the State offer special opportunities to the man of limited capital, where he may secure a home of his own. These forty counties have nearly all of the 23,000-, 000 acres of unimproved land of the State. They have one-quarter of the corn acreage, one-third of winter wheat, and one-half spring wheat acreage, three-fifths of the potatoes, seven- twelfths of the wild hay, one-sixth of the alfalfa. They have one- third of the milch cows and one-half of other cattle. Land values vary greatly in these western coimties. Western Nebraska is settled to an extent so that its value as a profitable farming section is proved; yet there is room for double the number of families now living in that part of the State. The homebuilder will find few more inviting loca- tions. The climate is healthful, water for domestic use easy to secure, good roads the rule, rural mail routes, telephone connections throughout, a school system second to none, colleges and high schools, state normals, agricultural schools, experiment sta- tions, and churches — all well supported and thor- oughly representative. Fast growing towns fully meet the trade and market needs. There are several towns of 5,000 population. • 16 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION A Western Nebraska sugar beet factory. I here are tour ol these lactones in the State. Where sugar beets are grown, land values are high The followint! tables contain detailed information of prodtiction and development; North Central Counties 1918 Alfalfa Total Tons Wild Hay Milch Cows Other Cattle Horses Hogs Sheep Potatoes Bushels 2.240.0 244.0 20,941.5 3,465.0 14.S96.0 8,052 , 13.744.8 22,398.6 934.5 14.336.0 1.377.6 5,361.3 904,0 2,431.0 959.4 2,378.2 19.514.0 16,456.0 4,954.5 37.774.0 19,284.0 8,857.5 3,643.1 19.994.0 107.647.5 34.746.6 51,142.0 7,942.4 83.878.2 121.020.9 8,810.2 6,009 . 3 31.418.5 6.518.6 3,756 9,279.6 13.083.4 41.091.3 7.051.8 13,708.8 44,239.5 36,948.0 30,834.0 49,460.0 237,855.2 46,076.0 34,138.5 252,831.6 43,895.5 36,085.0 17,248.0 19,620.0 47,277.0 62,873.3 23.526,0 34.182.5 3,780.8 12,995 14,160.3 14,506.1 6,251.0 3.567.0 1.870,0 28.201.5 16.665.3 61.758.9 21.908.7 6.136.2 56.723.1 17.026.1 9.021.1 11.506 5.640.0 .S.352 . 8 11.409,6 3.198.8 17,639.2 135.151 9.288 3.348 1.740 1,527 5,240 3,550 6,203 2,634 823 11,624 956 3,120 1,597 1.459 1.385 2.978 1.114 1.689 714 2.510 2..586 2,585 2,746 1.013 1,439 3,197 3,228 3,979 2,796 2,574 15,564 10,193 2,890 5,673 6,435 3.944 3.448 4.269 2,169 7.794 2.630 4. 'J 19 11.552 9.0.59 19.202 25.422 178.249 15.863 39.835 92.375 13.434 25.355 10.413 10.487 11.857 31.872 9.908 18.758 16.793 23.115 12.527 29.078 4,1.57 44.412 8.574 39.284 23.136 65.960 51,566 16.396 93,817 34,370 20,716 27.547 21,430 18,350 13,998 10,714 26,558 61,604 13,709 19,298 2,989 2,997 7,663 8,491 28,907 4.092 4.056 19.307 3.344 7.743 3.929 3,616 6,185 6,578 2,445 3,691 5,257 8,925 10,855 10,507 3,832 11,544 4.846 13,118 11,435 19,632 12,179 8,462 36,925 17,310 7,693 13,676 13,582 7.715 7.492 7,291 8,625 21,170 8,934 9,656 1,640 1,728 21,833 4,850 11,917 4.849 395 20,006 674 7,682 4,282 3,737 2,392 2,387 917 5,389 1,610 3,287 5,195 6,137 3,190 7,900 1,621 5.200 8.276 11.258 3,608 8,389 71,461 35,515 10,045 14,996 16,004 14,582 8.103 7,090 11,975 19,418 5,644 11,772 43 211 157 2.182 2,237 67 180 2,23S 8 80 313 349 11 651 79 527 1,427 42 88 6,945 159 1,412 5,287 350 53,964 2,465 21,965 157 5.266 4.579 35 1,031 4,984 94 1,074 40 269 4,359 1,538 167 35,000 Blaine County Boyd County 37,890 101,867 280,500 323.739 Garfield County 38,988 44,220 Holt County ... 171,440 38,025 Keya Paha County Logan County Loup County 37,760 41,895 28,260 71,925 Rock County 56,700 53,900 26,640 Northwestern Counties 34,832 Box Butte County 1,225.107 109,388 549,542 Deuel County . . 92,218 57,950 Kimhnll Cmint.y 149,380 445,278 1,029,936 Sheridan County 1,388.760 Sioux County Southwestern Counties 406,953 55,500 150,248 Dawson County 90,104 22,300 Frontier County 44,250 30,800 Gasper County 30,470 Hayes County Hitchcock County Keith County , 49,720 40.827 38,100 Lincoln County 185,900 46,531 Red Willow County 57,942 wforj Rutland ■"' %( H-npniings ItN^' ,-o'-''° ]{T^^'''^arlan i J"""^ I "V^rVQemingfordll c Hewitt I- p..,-.l\ ^^ ^ '^^'^'^^'^ O _ Luella ..a J j Ila.rMjurg , ""^^^^JH'--'^^o>' ! 8 ^A N N E R ll X<- i"- ' ^Ss^^ f. _ '^V'^ j I|.«'.rH>l,| I.,^,h f.v'i^„-,5 I x^'X-^-A^VSS-V <^ ^ E YE N N'E'.' >- Ku»a„aa^^^- a R A N T J H O O K ,E R ; Euckj Valley I J-C~J?!^Jl'i T H ARTHUR ©Arlliur Mc PHERSON [ L Ti'vbn f L. "Gaifidld „.ph' Ju^tlo <,Cluue^ CathtnVl '-StriVi/aiU \5 Maywood^-'---uter SlorViUli-i. Uarfiio t ! GOSPE * -- <•■ .1.1 tor Id u Quick , '^11° r», i F J R N A S ''.null ^ ki Mii. I, tip^^^X . '^"■'■TL^-' Map of Nc » K 11 ...N'^*^ ■ Jtlu* PHELPS?!. ■J^^"^^ ■ ■ ' /vCn^'i ^' i^J"^f^' lEBRASKA CopYtiftil. I.; Ra.id .Mc^«llJ i IV757 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Some good brood mart's iii the C liiniiie\ Hot k district an excellent stock and diversified farming section, produce strong boned, sturdy animals Nutritiou s grasses North Central Counties 1918 Total Land Acres Cultivated Area Spring Wheat Acres Winter Wheat Acres Corn Acres Barley Acres Oats Acres Rye Acres 553,600 460,80J 340,480 679,040 3,870,720 368.640 460,800 1,561,600 460,800 460,800 368,640 368,640 1,013,760 675,840 460,800 368,640 483,840 691,200 1,692,800 898,560 960,000 1,140,480 614.400 925.440 483.200 1,589,760 1,309,440 568,320 1,658,880 657,920 614,400 622,080 460,800 296,960 460.800 460,800 725,760 1,658,880 526,080 460,800 25,300 32,109 115,158 81,600 112,717 43,478 6,012 216.334 18,633 79,441 39,483 30,505 33,699 41,478 15,573 32,998 55,569 78,120 178,891 69,165 168,330 40,112 72,448 77,681 165,609 133,633 85,682 127,171 511,194 327,363 108,499 231,521 244,795 136,718 107,482 152,975 79,408 233,362 112,623 214,351 225 106 26,576 3,425 4,953 1,521 32 12,057 68 4,635 1,154 873 292 964 82 1,983 21,356 15,172 62,556 14,543 24,976 3,781 23,428 18.930 17.571 19,285 7,874 9,112 14,803 8,546 2,585 1,327 220 932 2,335 645 10,988 9,383 10,557 281 350 600 1,401 3,200 1,043 3,202 30 5,807 89 2,529 6,473 882 536 536 304 335 5,753 5,834 66,965 2,928 87,319 8,781 21,271 10,848 6,688 2,732 602 40,767 68,165 90,806 20,302 60,831 116,474 41,659 31,808 70,303 21,317 51,368 34,602 ; 83,978 16,344 17,366 65,599 49,305 58,879 24,350 896 117,245 7,655 35,317 19.038 12.7M 18.822 20.499 7.320 16.674 8.224 20,250 25,354 29,716 22,726 14,561 6,217 18,775 13,396 43,037 15.294 45.388 209.021 117.171 68.608 99,858 75,999 75,226 50,894 37,706 32,503 218,950 34,758 78,200 675 1,870 29,473 14,800 13,008 6,130 61 37,541 231 7,286 4,606 3,564 980 4,377 223 4,749 8,071 11,624 12,932 9,682 9,040 2,710 8,552 7,368 13,033 21,582 6,105 1,949 58,079 27,804 553 12,301 5,289 6,732 2,945 1,662 5,222 16,823 6,289 5,461 4,250 10,757 3,481 150 352 276 1,961 8,740 11,834 2,383 537 1,169 22 1,602 619 61 22,823 6,299 6,000 7,797 4,214 8,171 45 4,638 4,201 Wheeler County 6 161 2,357 1,355 1,681 4,754 330 770 748 3,708 3,909 1,545 7,432 11,464 10,816 6.922 10.790 15,945 1,352 11,144 14,220 3,682 4,954 5,373 12,548 5,633 Northwestern Counties 524 Box Butte County 8,170 1,861 9,672 1,744 3,050 1,671 3,387 Scottsbluff County 666 20,349 Sioux County 5,147 Southwestern Counties 5,726 28,589 18,555 7,167 9,489 2,027 1,393 3,110 1,087 4,434 24,012 7,640 Red Willow County 1,824 20 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Modern methods of plowing. Note the excellent tilth of this soil. Western Nebraska soils are deep, work well, and are easily handled Soils and Soil Management in Western Nebraska In the production of crops, where the amount of moisture is rather Umited, the soil is a very important factor. Since there are many different kinds of soil in Western Nebraska and the dry farming country in general, care must be taken in purchasing a farm. Some soils are good only for grazing purposes while others may be cultivated. The soils of Western Nebraska are generally divided into the "sand hills" and "hard lands." Although all of Western Nebraska is more or less of a stock country, this is particularly true of the sand hills section which occupies the central and north-central parts of Western Nebraska. The sand hills proper are good only for grazing, but between the dunes or ridges are numerous valleys. In the northern and eastern portion of this section sheet water is generally close enough to the surface so that crops may be grown in the valleys by means of sub-irrigation. Some excellent yields of wild hay have been reported, and where the valleys are of sufficient size they are often cultivated. The sub-irrigated valleys are generally called "wet valleys." In the southern portion of the sand hills occur the "dry valleys." In these there is no possi- bility of sub-irrigation, but since they have received some run-off from surrounding lands they have grown better native grasses in the past than the hills, and contain a greater amount of organic matter. They produce a considerable amount of native grass for winter feed, and when properly handled, may be cropped to advantage. Probably the chief problem of this country aside from the limited rainfall is the tendency of the soil to blow. It should be kept covered with growing crops or crop residues, such as stubble, and should be supplied with organic matter. It is important, in buying land in the sand hills region, that sufficient acreage be secured to pasture the number of stock desired and that sufficient valley land be obtained for growing winter feed. 21 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Corn is the leading fodder and silage crop. The early maturing varieties are best for the western part of the State In the hard land areas of Western Nebraska, which surround the sand hills, there are some sub-irrigated lowlands. Where the water table is at a sufficient depth excellent yields of alfalfa are obtained. There are also parts of the valleys which are irrigated. In buying irrigated land, it is especially important to get soil that is of good depth, of the proper slope to irrigate easily, that will take the water well, and hold it well. Alkali lands, or lands that have a tendency to become alkaline, should be avoided. In the latter class might be placed lands lying just below a shelf or bench which is also irrigated. The seepage water from the higher lands tends to rise and cause an accumulation of alkali water on the lower lands. Irrigated lands are found chiefly in the North Platte Valley, although smaller tracts are found along the Lodge Pole, Republican, and other streams. The greater part of the hard land section, however, is upland soil. Some of this upland soil is valuable only for grazing while other areas may be cultivated to advantage. Any soil that will grow grass may be used for pasture, although the nature of the soil and subsoil has much to do with the amount of feed secured from an acre. A man should buy pasture land at a price comparable with the feed that it will produce in the average year. It is well, in buying land for any purpose, to make a careful examination of the soil to a depth of five or six feet. Soils that are to be put under cultivation should not be sandy enough to blow badly when uncovered, nor too fine to take in the rain well. The subsoil is extremely important in the storage of moisture. If gravel, coarse sand, or hard pan comes too near the surface, the capacity of the soil for holding water will be materially lessened. Crops grown on soils thus underlaid will not stand drought. The best dry farming soil may be described as one that is of medium to slightly sandy texture at the surface and slightly heavier in the subsoil, so as to receive and hold water well. It should contain a relatively large amount of organic matter, considering 22 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION There are more than 2,000.000 hogs in the State. Alfalfa and com, two of the leading crops of Western Nebraska, make a balanced ration for hogs. Omaha is one of the largest hog markets in the United States the rainfall. Soils of the dry farming region should not be expected to contain as much organic matter, and hence are not as dark in color as soils of the more humid regions. A good amount of organic matter indicates a fair production of native vegetation in the past. Dry farming soils should have a depth of at least four or five feet — better, six or seven feet without gravel or hard pan. On soils having a hard pan, gravel, or coarse sand within three feet or less of the surface, crop production is more hazardous since no considerable amount of moisture can be stored and crops are very dependent upon the dis- tribution of the rainfall. Such soil is probably better left in native grass. After a good dry farming soil has been selected, the next thing in importance is to manage it prop- erly. Crops should be secured that are suited to the climate and the soil. In his selection, a man must be guided by the experience of local farmers having similar soil conditions and by the results from near- by experiment stations. Approved tillage methods in the dry farming country are rather simple, consisting largely in keeping the soil in the best condition to take in rainfall and preventing the loss of moisture through weed growth. The prevention of blowing must also be taken into account, since, with the higher wind velocity of the Great Plains region, most soils will blow, to some extent, when left smooth and bare. Especially is this true of soils rather deficient in organic matter. In much of the diy farming country, manure has not been saved and applied as it should be. Al- though many farmers appreciate the superiority of new lands, they do not realize the importance of keeping the soil, if possible, as well supplied with organic matter and nitrogen as it was when broken up. There are probably three reasons for this: (1) manure .applied to soils in dry climates, particu- larly to sandy soil, does not decay well unless the season is abnormally moist; (2) often no immediate favorable results are seen from the proper application 23 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Thirty thousand acres of sugar beets are grown annually in Western Nebraska; average yields, twelve tons an acre. Sugar beet lands are the highest priced lands in the State and the beets are one of the most profitable crops grown. Several million dollars are paid out annually to sugar beet growers of manure; (3) when manure is applied in too large quantities, particularly if plowed imder, it may cause drying out of the soil and actual damage to the crop, especially in time of drought. This is a cormnon experience of those coming from more moist regions, and attempting to use fertilizer practices to which they have become accustomed in the past. CROPS GROWN IN WESTERN NEBRASKA In going from the southeast corner of Nebraska to the northwest comer, a considerable change of climate is observed. The rainfall decreases from a yearly average of about thirty-three inches to an average of about fifteen to eighteen inches. The altitude increases from less than 1,000 feet to more than 4,000 feet. The latitude, from north to south, varies three degrees. These climatic changes result in a shorter and less intense growing season. The average length of growing season in the northwestern part of the State is about 135 days. The nights are usually rather cool. It is important that the climate as well as the soil be taken into consideration, when crops or varieties of crops are selected. Corn is produced in every county in the State, but, in the western counties, only the earliest varieties should be planted. Corn suited to Eastern Nebraska will seldom, if ever, mature in the western part. Varieties developed locally by the best com growers are safest. Barley has proved to be one of the most profitable feed crops on the better soils of Western Nebraska, and oats do relatively well in the extreme western and northern counties due to the rather cool climate. Rye, both winter and spring, is grown on the western uplands. Winter rye is one of the best grain crops for the valleys of the sand hills, although corn is grown quite generally. Wheat and potatoes are the most important cash crops of the region. The latter crop is considered elsewhere in this booklet. Some spring wheat is grown in northwestern 24 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION The practice of growing alfalfa in rows under cultivation on non-irrigated lands of Western Nebraska is profitable. Seed of the finest quality is produced from alfalfa grown this way Nebraska, but winter wheat is now grown in all the counties and bids fair to take the place of spring wheat within a few years. This part of the State is in the Durum wheat belt and quite an acreage is grown in some parts. Pinto and early navy beans are early maturing and well adapted to the western counties. Emmer, commonly called speltz, grain sorghums, and millets are of minor importance. Grain sorghums are used to some extent in the southwestern part of the State. They are drought resistant and sure crops. Alfalfa is of outstanding importance as a forage crop, where it is possible to grow it. It is especially well adapted to the irrigated and sub-irrigated val- leys. It is grown on the uplands, also, both broad- cast and in rows to be cultivated. The climate is especially favorable to seed production. Sweet clover has been going westward in the State and has prospects of becoming of considerable importance. It has not yet been generally determined how suc- cessful it will be on the uplands. Amber cane is grown quite extensively for forage, giving good yields of excellent feed. Forage millets are used to a considerable extent in the northwestern counties. Of the tame grasses, Brome is of importance in the lowlands and on the uplands of the northern coun- ties. Timothy is grown in the valleys of the north- ern edge of the State and to some extent in the wet valleys of the sandhills. Red top is used on similar lands and is also found in some of the dry valleys of the sandhill section. Blue grass is extending westward in the valleys. The most common wild grasses are blue stem, in the eastern part of Western Nebraska, buffalo grass and gramma grass on the original prairie, and western wheat grass often on the lands once broken and allowed to return to sod, particularly in the north- western counties. A "black root" grass, also, is found on the uplands in the western counties. It is a typical short grass. 25 AbKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Western Nebraska dry land potatoes are in demand for seed stock — the average yield per acre being about 100 bushels. Yields under irrigation range from 200 to 400 bushels an acre Flax is grown to a limited extent as a sod crop on the western uplands. It is quite well adapted to the climate. POTATO DEVELOPMENT WORK The total output of potatoes in Nebraska is approximately 12,000,000 bushels. This places the State tenth in potato production. A large per- centage of the total yield is grown in the western counties, including Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Sheridan Dawes, Kimball, Banner, Morrill, Sioux, and Brown. Approximately 2,000,000 bushels are grown under irrigation in Scotts Bluff, Morrill, Sioux, and Kimball counties. On account of the climatic and soil conditions in these counties, it is probable that the potato will always be one of the principal agricultural crops. The high altitude insures a relatively low mean temperature. The season is well adapted to potato production. The soil is suitable and contains proper elements for potato production. These conditions are all favorable for the production of potatoes. Despite the fact that moisture is the limiting factor for production, in certain years, the average yield per acre, under dry land conditions, is approximately 100 bushels. It is not uncommon to get a yield of 150 bushels without irrigation. The average yield, where irri- gation water is available, varies from 200 to 400 bushels an acre. There are almost unlimited possibilities for extend- ing the potato industry in Western Nebraska. Over one-half of the land suitable for potato production is still in native sod. A three or four-year crop rotation, with potatoes as one of the crops, makes it possible to grow potatoes indefinitely. The general production of high quality seed pota- toes, in Western Nebraska, is a possibility as yet only partially realized. It is generally known that potatoes, produced in a cool climate where the grow- ing season is short, will give a heavier yield, when used as seed, than potatoes produced under warmer conditions. From a test at the State Experiment 26 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Nebraska farms and ranches carry more than 2,000,000 beef cattle. The grazmg lands m the western part of the State offer excellent opportunity for the production of beef cheaply Station extending over a period of ten years it has been shown that potatoes, produced in the northern states or in the high altitudes of Nebraska, will yield approximately 24 per cent, higher than seed that has been grown only a single year under warmer conditions. We have concluded from this work that the vigor of seed potatoes, as expressed by yield, is largely determined by the temperature conditions under which the potatoes were grown. A comparison of the yielding qualities has been made, during the past two years, of seed produced under dry land conditions of Western Nebraska with seed from various other states. This comparison has been made in Eastern Nebraska, Central Mis- souri, and in Southern Texas. These tests indicate that seed stock, produced in the high altitudes of Western Nebraska, without irrigation, will yield favorably with seed produced in the more northern states. A systematic attempt is being made by the experi- ment station to determine the varieties that are best adapted to the different types of soil found in the commercial potato-producing counties. All of the important standard varieties are being grown at fourteen different places in the western counties. This work will be done on a comprehensive scale during four or five consecutive years. The Nebraska Potato Improvement Association is an organization of growers striving to do all it can to promote the potato industry in Nebraska. It purposes to bring together all the agencies interested in the production, transportation, distribution, and utilization of potatoes. LIVE STOCK PRODUCTION The live stock interests of Western Nebraska have always been, mainly, beef cattle production. While sheep and hogs are being produced in some regions, the greater part of the area described is devoted to cattle production. On account of the comparatively dry winter, cattle need virtually no housing and, aside from a wind- NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE 1 here are large areas of excellent pasture lands, which assist in the production of cheap iiulk and beef in Western Nebraska break which is often afforded by a cannon, no pro- tection is planned for most of the herds. Grazing conditions may be relied upon for practically the entire year, barring the intermittent stormy periods occurring during the winter months. As the rainfall in this area is rather light, and in many sections the soil is of a light character and does not produce grass as abundantly as in eastern dis- tricts, and although the grass is more nutritious, we must count upon a considerably greater acreage per head to carry cattle. The most satisfactory pasture plan thus far worked out, where a part of each ranch is not pastured during the summer, is to allow the grass to mature and cure. This is then used for winter pasture and, very often, one is able to carry his herd through practically the entire winter upon this. Upon many ranches there is sufficient flat land, known as hay tracts, from which the rancher cuts enough hay to carry the herd through the greater part of the winter. As a rule, the summer range is good, especially in the area north of the Platte River, and the problem of the cattle man is one of providing winter feeds. If he does not have sufficient acreage to reserve a winter range and does not have enough of the hay flats to produce sufficient hay to carry his cattle through the winter, then he should plant some crop which will produce a maximum amount of roughage. Com is, perhaps, the best crop for forage. This will make considerable tonnage and, when stored in the silo, makes excellent feed for all classes of cattle. Cane and the kaffirs make silage equal to corn and, on the dry lands, produce greater tonnage. On accoimt of their drouth-resisting powers, they may usually be depended upon to produce well. Upon practically every farm or ranch is at least a small area which is adapted to the production of alfalfa. Alfalfa is especially desirable for young growing animals. Alfalfa does not produce abun- dantly upon the high table lands, but can be grown in rows very successfully. Sweet clover is proving to be a good pasture crop for dry lands. 28 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION The grazing districts of Western Nebraska produce thousands of good cattle which are finished on farms producing com. alfalfa, sugar beets, and grains Hog producers should plant such crops as barley, rye, oats, and speltz. Any one of these grains makes good hog feed. They should all be ground and soaked for the hogs to get the most benefit from them. It has been found by experience that these grains, in most seasons, especially on the sandier lands, will produce more grain for hog feeding purposes than will corn. Sheep are adapted to conditions prevailing over Western Nebraska, provided they are afforded pro- tection from coyotes. Ten sheep will consume about as much feed as one mature steer. Small ranches can be purchased in the western part of the state, well adapted to the production of any class of live stock that the settler wishes to produce. The splendid climatic conditions, excellent grazing facilities, and the character of the feed crops which may be produced, put Nebraska in the front rank as a live stock state. SILOS The silo is fast becoming a necessity to the live stock farmer in Nebraska. Farmers, in the western part of the state especially, have learned that the silo is the best possible insurance. They have found that in this section a silo may be built at a very small expense. The pit silo — ^which is becoming very popular in the drier sections of the state — can be built without expert labor and at an actual cash outlay of not to exceed 25 cents a ton capacity for the cement and hoisting apparatus. It is very easily constructed and entirely satisfac- tory. It requires no expensive machinery for filling and can be filled with a small outlay of labor cost. The pit silo is practical for a man vnth a few head of live stock. By its use 100 per cent, of the crop pro- duced can be saved for feeding. The flow of milk from dairy cows can often be increased more than 30 per cent, by the use of the silage. The grain ration can be reduced at least one-fifth. The value of the forage crop produced 29 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Nebraska grows Ker own dairy feeds, and climatic conditions are excellent for dairying. Good niarkels are near at hand and prices are good. The State has the largest butter and creamery plant in the world can be doubled. The fact that silage, properly stored, can be kept indefinitely makes it possible to keep on hand a surplus of feed for future use. The man who milks cows or feeds cattle cannot afford to be without a silo. Every man who plans to move to Western Nebraska should consider carefully the pit silo. It is one of the great advantages of Western Nebraska. Pit silos will be found in considerable numbers in every dry land county. Newcomers will do well to visit farmers who have these silos and plan to put one down the first season for their own use, if possible. The county agriculturak agent will be glad to assist newcomers with silo problems. DyJ^IRYING POSSIBILITIES Dairying is proving very profitable in Nebraska. In the dry land sections, the uncertainty of rainfall makes it especially profitable to maintain a dairy herd. ■ Rough feeds to mnter stock can be produced every year, and, when put in the silo for winter feed- ing, make di-y land farming safe. Nebraska is a region of cheap, bulky feeds. Corn is grown in abundance in the eastern half of the state. Sufficient corn may be grown in other sections to furnish roughage, either as fodder or in the form of silage. Alfalfa is grown from one end of the State to the other. Heavy yields are obtained in the eastern part of the state and in the valleys of the Republican and the Platte. The average yield per acre is more than three tons. Wheat is so extensively grown that mill by-prod- ucts from this grain are generally available. Quantities of kaffir, sorghum, and millet are grown in the drier sections where they are especially adapted. From the cheaper lands, an abundance of prairie hay is produced. In much of the western part of the state cheap lands, with plenty of pasture and a long grazing season, enable the farmer to produce milk at a lower figure than can be done in eastern counties. It is essential, for best results, to 30 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Climatic conditions are well adapted to poultry production. Every farm should produce poultry. Nebraska produces $40,000,000 worth of poultry products annually feed alfalfa, oil meal, or mill feeds with roughage in this portion of the state. The production of so much roughage and other home grown feeds, and the excellent climatic condi- tions, make Nebraska an ideal dairy state. It is a significant fact that the eastern farmer can buy Nebraska grown hay and other feeds, and, by feeding them to dairy cows, realize a good profit upon his investment. Nebraska farmers have the advantage in that they grow their own feeds and the market for their products is just as good. The prices paid for dairy products in the east are little, if any, better than those received by western farmers. The dairy industry in Nebraska is rapidly in- creasing. Thousands of high grade and pure bred dairy cows have been shipped in from eastern dairy sections for foundation herds. The dairy business especially appeals to the newcomer because of the fact that it offers an immediate cash income. The returns are certain. The importance of the dairy business, especially in Western Nebraska, camiot be overestimated. Expensive buildings for shelter are not necessary. The climatic conditions are the best, markets are near at hand, and prices just as good as in the eastern communities. It requires but little capital to make a beginning in the dairy business. POULTRY Successful poultry raising depends on favorable climatic conditions, plenty of good feeds at a reason- able price, good markets, and finally, of course, good management. Nebraska as a State is well adapted to poultry raising; the clear atmosphere and long periods of sunshine being especially helpful in keep- ing the flocks healthy and vigorous. Plenty of good feeds are also available for poultry feeding — corn, wheat, barley, oats, kaffir, and alfalfa are common home-grown feeds. Most of the poultry and eggs, so far produced, are a by-product of general farming. Every Nebraska farm should have poultry. The farm 31 NEBRASKA BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE Winter rye is a sure and profitable crop on the non-irrigated lands of Western Nebraska, yields ranging from fifteen to thirty bushels an acre flock is a very important source of immediate cash income. Eggs are readily saleable and the new- comer should plan to produce sufficient eggs for his table and also have a surplus for market. The importance of having a small flock at the beginning cannot be overestimated. There is a healthy interest in better poultry; and with this interest comes a great opportunity for the pure bred poultry breeder. Several hundred thou- sand middle-west farmers constitute the buying population for the breeding stock and hatching eggs which these breeders produce. We find instances of specialization in the milk- feeding establishments, which are located in about twenty commimities of Nebraska. Here, market poultry, purchased from the general farms, is especi- ally fed and finished for a short time before being dressed and sent to the best markets. Several of these milk feeding establishments have a capacity of from 30,000 to 40,000 birds at one time. FRUIT, HOME GARDENS, AND BEES No farm home is complete without a family or- chard and a home garden. Fruit sufficient to supply the family needs can be grown in all parts of the State. All common garden crops may be grown successfully, and a good home garden will do much to reduce the cost of living. Bee keeping is a profitable side line for the Nebraska farmer. The climate of Western Nebraska is well adapted to bee keeping, and there is a place for bees on every farm. Amount of Capital Required to Begin Farming in Western Nebraska Many men have gone into Western Nebraska with no backing but a strong body, a good reputation, a level head, and a willingness to work, and have 32 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION Progress of a Western Nebraska farm. At left, a typical sod-house of the early pioneers. At right, developed farm after a few years' residence become independent. Others have started with con- siderable money and have failed. The individual factor is so variable that no fixed amount of money can be set as necessary for success. However, as a rule, if a man go on an unimproved farm, he should have enough to make the first payment on his land, equip himself with the necessary machinery and horses, secure three or four good dairy cows, two or three hogs, twenty-five or more choice hens, and a sufficient balance to build a small house and sheds and a well; and also to buy seed and feed to carry him until his crops come in. A plow, a disc, a drill, a spike tooth harrow, and a wagon are necessary, at the start. A soil packer would be a good thing, but the disc set straight may be used instead. Other tools used only a short time each season may be bought co-operatively with neighbors and used jointly. The newcomer should have at least four horses. Such a layout will require from $1,500 to $2,500 capital, depending upon conditions and the individual. The prospec- tive settler should secure all the information possible as to local conditions, prices of materials, etc., in the locality of his choice and plan wisely his probable expenses, before selling the equipment he has on hand. A personal visit and examination of the land should be made before moving. HOW TO MAKE A START Diversified fanning, which means the production of several kinds of crops and live stock, is the most profitable and safest kind of farming to practice. Experience in farming in Nebraska shows that the man who produces a diversity of crops and live stock, so that his labor is well distributed throughout the year, and who has something to sell at all seasons, has the highest average income through a term of years. In Central and Western Nebraska live stock is especially important, and the man who is beginning farming with a small amount of capital should plan 33 NEBRASKA -BEEF, BREAD AND BUTTER STATE A busy day on a dry land Western Nebraska farm. This wheat yielded thirty-five bushels an acre on keeping some live stock from the start. This will make his income sure and protect him from uncertain weather conditions. Before deciding what crops to plant the newcomer should make mquiry as to what varieties are best adapted to the particular section in which he is located and should secure seed of the very best. He should plan to produce some cash crops, such as wheat or beans or possibly potatoes, but should leave sufficient acreage for growing enough drought-resis- tant grain sorghum crops, such as kaffir, feterita, milo-maize, etc., to carry his live stock over winter. The grain sorghums produce feed for live stock in the driest of years and can be relied upon. It is important that the beginner avail himself of every means to keep down expenses the first year. He should produce as large a share of his living from his farm as possible. A good home garden will reduce the grocery bills and a small storage pit, which can be cheaply built, will successfully keep potatoes and other root crops through the winter months. The dairy cow will undoubtedly give the quickest return on the money invested and will bring in a monthly cash income. It takes but a small amount of capital to purchase a few head of dairy cows, and because of the safety of this kind of farming, the bankers in the State are showing a disposition to loan money to industrious farmers for the purchase of dairy cows. Every farmer should have a few dairy cows to supply milk and dairy products for his own table and to furnish a surplus for an imme- diate and regular cash income. He should also have a small flock of hens to pro- duce eggs for his table, thus reducing the cost of his living and to furnish a surplus which is always readily saleable. He should have a few hogs — suflficient to take care of the waste products on the farm and to produce his winter meat supply. The com- bination of the garden, cows, chickens, and hogs. 34 U. S. RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION The sun flower is an excellent silage crop in the higher altitudes. Fifteen to twenty tons of ensilage with a feed value equal to corn may he produced to an acre with the growing of drought-resistant feed crops will insure success to any industrious man of reason- able judgment. The pit silo (where the water-table is not too near the surface, or the subsoil is not rock or sand), in connection with the above combination, makes suc- cess even more certain. By means of a silo a man can save the entire feeding value of his crop in such shape that it will be convenient for winter feeding. Progressive men. looking for a new liome. will bear in mind the important fact that Nebraska is not a ONE-crop State; that it produces a great diversity of crops; that climatic conditions are. on the whole, excellent; that opportunities in the United States are not excelled in any country in the world. Nebraska offers special opportunites that you, for your own best interests, should investigate. VACATION OUTINGS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS "The Nation's Playgrounds" Your National Parks are a vast region of geysers, peaks, canyons, glaciers, big trees, volcanoes, pre- historic ruins and other scenic wonders. Visit Them This Summer for fishing, mountain climbing and "roughing it." Ask for descriptive illustrated booklet of the National Park or National Monument you are specially interested in -here is the list: Crater Lake, Ore.; Glacier, Mont.; Grand Canyon, Ariz.; Hawaii; Hot Springs, Ark.; Mesa Verde. Colo.; Mt. Rainier, Wash.; Petrified Forest. Ariz.; Rocky Mountain, Colo.; Sequoia. Cal.; Yellowstone, Idaho -Mont., Wyo.; Yosemite, Cal., and Zion, Utah. Address Travel Bureau, U. S. Railroad Administration, 646 Transportation BIdg., Chicago, 111., or 143 Liberty St., New York City, or 602 Healey Bldg., Atlanta, Ga. CONGRESS 003 006 099 4