NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
On--Line Library

386

NEBRASKA BLUE BOOK, 1930

crop seriously and caused a shortage of hay and feed in many states, but even this condition did not check the downward trend of prices.
     Fortunately for the Nebraska farmer, the drouth was not as serious in this state and the production of almost every crop was above the average. There wasn't any forced sale of livestock due to shortage of feed as in several of the states. In fact, Nebraska was in position to increase the herds of livestock so as to be in position to supply a larger surplus to meet a possible shortage in the near future. Cattle production had been expanding since 1928. Hog production was normal or better and the corn and other feed grains were ample to increase production to meet a prospective reduction in production of pork in many of the Corn Belt states where drouth had reduced the corn crop to an extent that is likely to curtail production of hogs.
     Taking the situation as a whole, Nebraska agriculture is in much better condition than that of the average state and is probably not excelled by any state. Livestock contributes more than 70 per cent of the gross farm income and with the 1980 production above the average which enables farmers to increase their livestock, Nebraska will be far ahead. of those states that will have to build up their herds before their usual surplus is available. If history repeats itself with better, farm prices following the business depression, Nebraska farmers will be the first to realize from the same until such time as the, reduced production of livestock from the drouth catches up again.
     The business depression has lowered the level of prices of manufactured products which is favorable to agriculture. Labor may be employed at lower price levels. The combined result of the business depression, unemployment and reduced farm production from the drouth may ultimately result in a price equality between the farmer's products and manufactured products which may finally give agriculture the thing it has attempted to get for nearly a decade. Should that occur, Nebraska agriculture will again be in a prosperous condition.
      Prosperity to agriculture will bring prosperity to every industry in Nebraska because all are dependent almost entirely upon agriculture. Manufacturing, the second industry in Nebraska, derives 70 per cent of its production from the raw farm products. Transportation, which is perhaps the third industry, derives most of its revenue from the large, bulky farm surplus. It may be said that the success of all other industries depends upon the fortunes of these three major basic industries.
     From the standpoint of surplus production of major staple food and feed crops, livestock and its products, Nebraska ranks third, if not second. Such an attainment in slightly more than half a century indicates the possibilities of Nebraska agriculture. The fertile soil, the healthful climate and varied altitude has enabled a diversification of staple crops and livestock which is probably unexcelled. The farmer has learned to master the unfavorable factor, which is occasionally a shortage of rainfall, by conservation of moisture through proper till-

age methods. It is generally admitted that Nebraska can produce more economically than other states. Per capita production is very high in Nebraska.
     About the only thing that Nebraska agriculture needs is price equality between the farm products sold and the manufactured products purchased. If this could be obtained, it would be safe to predict a development during the next half century that would compare favor. ably with the marked development of the past half century.
      There are many developments that could take place that will support such a prediction. First, and perhaps the outstanding one, is the possibilities in the development of irrigation from the flood waters of the Platte river. The gradual slope over much of the South Platte area will afford one of the finest irrigated tracts in the country. The power that could be developed from the irrigation scheme alone would go far toward offsetting the disadvantage of the lack of coal, oil or gas. Electric power will enable manufacturers to consume more of the raw farm products. Improved waterways will reduce the enormous freight bill that Nebraska is paying.
     In the way of greater diversification, there are still many opportunities despite the great progress already made. Nebraska is second in sugar beets and has the soil that could give her first place. Nebraska excels in the quality of pop corn produced and can attain first place. The production of certified seed potatoes, alfalfa seed and beans in western Nebraska offers opportunities for development. No state can produce finer flavored apples than southeastern Nebraska and no other section can compete with Nebraska for the large consuming market in the central states. Nebraska leads in the acreage of alfalfa and the importance of this crop to the great livestock industries can hardly be overemphasized. Barley has proven to be an excellent crop to substitute in part for corn in western Nebraska which will assist in developing livestock in that region which is essential to a permanent agriculture. The sweet clover crop which has exceeded the million acre mark is one of the greatest soil building crops yet discovered. It is going to be responsible for much of the increased development to come in agriculture. It has solved, the pasture problem to a considerable extent and that means much to the dairy industry. The high standing of such staple crops as corn, wheat, oats, barley, etc., is too well known to need comment as to future development.
     Livestock naturally follows crops and that is why Nebraska is one of the leading livestock producing and feeding states. Second in surplus hog production, sheep feeding, third in cattle and fourth in butter production is a high record, but there are possibilities for still higher rank in the last three items. The advantage that Nebraska has in the way of a great surplus of economically produced grain and feed and the natural gateway for livestock from the vast ranges of the west to the best place for finishing into grain fed beef and mutton is

outstanding. Omaha has been the second world market in receipts of livestock for years and is the most logical center of livestock producing and feeding section in the country. Improved waterways may yet make it the world's largest market in much the same way as cotton manufacturing is shifting to the center of production. A combination of possible developments in Nebraska can bring this about.
     Land prices are dirt cheap at present. During the past ten years, there has been nothing wrong with Nebraska except the price inequality. Already there are considerable evidences or prospects for improvement in this respect. The present economic upheaval may take care of the situation itself. If not, the government will undoubtedly see that agriculture is accorded the same opportunity to stand on its feet that has been given to other industry. Such accomplishment cannot be attained over night, but will gradually be accomplished. In this day and age, very few such problems are left unsolved and what is needed now is the full faith, confidence and cooperation of the farmer. Now, since the government has recognized the farm problem, it should have the united cooperation of farmers so that developments in the largest governmental effort to amidst agriculture shall not perish. Bettered conditions in agriculture will perhaps mean more to Nebraska than any other state due to its outstanding dependence upon agriculture.

     Nebraska's wide range of climate enables the state to produce a large variety of staple crops. Past records show there has been very few years that Nebraska did not have a very large surplus production of farm products. Nebraska's future is secure because the state produces every year, an enormous surplus of food, the leading essential of life. Nebraska ranks second in swine, second In sheep feeding, third in cattle, usually fourth in horses and third or fourth in all livestock. Agriculture is Nebraska's leading industry. Manufacturing, the second industry, derives 70 per cent of its output from raw farm products. Few, if any, states offer better opportunities to the farmer who has sufficient capital and managerial ability to carry on his operations. Some of the finest flavored apples in the world are grown in southeastern Nebraska. The fertile Loess soil is also exceptionally well adapted for other tree fruits and small fruits. Sweet clover, the greatest soil building crop yet discovered, as well as a splendid pasture crop, is now grown upon 1,124,000 acres in Nebraska as compared with 30,000 acres in 1920. No other state offers better opportunities to honey producers than Nebraska. A total of 2,252,000 acres are devoted to alfalfa and sweet clover, two of the leading honey producing crops. Rainfall ranges from 82 inches in southeastern Nebraska to 16

inches in the northwestern section of Nebraska. The altitude ranges from 840 feet in eastern Nebraska to 5,340 feet in western Nebraska.
Nebraska has some of the finest irrigated land in the country. There has been marked recent development in pump irrigation in the Platte Valley, which has proven to be both practical and profitable.
     Nebraska is one of the leading agricultural states in the Union. It occupies third, if not second place, in the production of staple crops, livestock and livestock products, such as are needed for food every day in the year.
     Nebraska is second only to Iowa in the production of hogs. The large acreage of alfalfa, pasture, cheaper grain, large quantities of skim milk and healthful climate give Nebraska an advantage over most states in the production of pork.
     Nebraska ranks first in acreage and second in the production of alfalfa, the best hay in the world for livestock. The state usually ranks third or fourth in all hay production and usually first or second in wild hay production.
     Very few rivers have larger or more fertile valleys than the Platte of Nebraska. One field of the less desirable land in the valley this year will produce an average of 85 bushels of corn per acre, after being supplied with sufficient water from pump irrigation.
     One out of every six farms in Nebraska has a water system. One out of every eight farms has modem bath facilities and lighting systems. One out of every four farms has a gas tractor and one out of every seven farms has a truck. There is a reason for such progress.
     Nebraska has a splendid combination of range and corn belt state areas. The sand hills occupy 27 per cent of the state's area, produce the finest beef cattle in the world and the eastern Nebraska corn belt area finishes these beef cattle with grain and alfalfa at a lower cost than can be done in any other state.
     Nebraska has a high rank in the production of all grain crops, being third, sometimes second, in corn; second in winter wheat; second in sugar beets; usually third or fourth in all wheat; usually third in rye and usually from fifth to seventh in flax or grain sorghum. Nebraska raises the finest popcorn in the country.
     South central Nebraska has a large area of flat land which slopes gently from west to east, which when irrigated from the flood waters of the Platte River now being wasted, will make one of the finest irrigated tracts in the country, and the available power now wasted would develop manufacturing and offset the disadvantage of having no coal.
     Nebraska has the second largest livestock market in the world. The Omaha market received 7,742,845 head of meat animals in 1929. Nebraska farmers marketed 8,730,190 head of meat animals in 1929 or 12.7 per cent more meat animals than received at the second largest livestock market in the world. Nebraska is the gateway to half of the great western range area.
     The dairy industry has increased is per cent in the past decade. An abundance of pasture and cheap feeds give Nebraska dairymen

possibilities that cannot be exceeded by any other state. Nebraska is second in the production of powdered buttermilk, fourth in the production of creamery butter and fifth in the production of condensed buttermilk. The poultry industry is also important and offers good opportunities.
     Nebraska's greatest resource is her fertile soil. Diversified farming has enabled Nebraska farmers, not only to maintain, but increase soil fertility. Manufacturers and farmers with capital and managerial ability will find a fertile field in Nebraska. The state prides itself on its fertile soil with its great adaptation for the production of staple crops, livestock and its products. Its fine climate and health-giving sunshine, and its large surplus production makes it a state full of opportunities. The marked progress of a half century from a state of barren prairies to one of the leading agricultural states in the Union is concrete evidence of past, present and future possibilities.

	HORSES		MULES		CATTLE
	Number	Value	Number	Value	Number	Value
1880	176,100	$11,880,274	16,200	$1,326,808	570,000	$12,926,960
1890	542,086	87,787,194	45,792	4,040,759	1,726,441	80,706,988
1900	686,995	4,830,317	41,980	811,084	2,169,409	10,119 478
1910	906,116	74,566,175	87,429	8,578,800	2,475,639	52,696,290
1920	s79,768	56,698,709	93,488	10,700,342	2,598,067	118,778,114
1927	727,199	29,008,056	107,461	6,194,580	2,276,047	72,252,839
1928	701,247	28,085,527	99,825	6,024,100	2,251,102	88,801,398
1929	682,911	26,960,961	92,082	5,682,996	2,879,766	98,849,340

	SWINE		SHEEP AND GOATS		POULTRY
	Number	Value	Number	Value	Dozens	Value
1880	698,700	$8,640,220	172,800	$ 471,744
1890	2,809,619	12,985,579	289,400	503,388
1900	1,752,163	1,743,206	871,275	274,298
1910	1,680,460	18,084,400	267,004	1,061,796
1920	1,707,092	28,204,860	286,402	1,969,740	738,844	$6,934,595
1927	2,028,445	26,178,261	238,811	1,184,192	845,056	4,751,082
1928	2,169,946	19,949,031	281,942	1,436,688	845,055	4,500,461
1929	2,271,210	25,532,540	804,476	1,858,622	824,198	4,703,177

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN NEBRASKA, 1910-1929

	WHEAT			CORN
	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value
1910	2,894,000	38,760,000	$31,008,000	7,425,000	191,565,000	$68,963,000
1920	3,598,000	60,480,000	79,229,000	7,660,000	255,628,000	104,766,000
1927	3,630,000	78,826,395	80,852,458	8,805,000	291,446,214	180,696,653
1928	3,672,000	69,919,000	66,498,000	8,987,000	212,701,000	161,018,000
1929	5,548,000	56,555,000	55,902,000	9,144,000	287,744,000	164,048,000

AGRICULTURE

391

	OATS			BARLEY
	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value
1910	2,582,000	70,896,000	$19,861,000	127,000	2,860,000	$1,058,000
1920	2,400,000	88,040,000	80,126,000	256,000	7,424,000	8,712,060
1927	2,441,007	69,812,687	27,925,074	246,003	7,677,161	4,167,441
1928	2,892,000	78,936,000	29,996,000	480,000	14,018,000	7,149,000
1929	2,480,000	86,304,000	82,796,000	647,000	18,892,000	9,446,000

	RYE			ALFALFA HAY
	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value
1910	50,000	944,000	$ 566,000	701,000	2,166,000	$20,577,000
1920	129,000	1,819,000	1,874,000	1,238,000	3,329,000	33,290,000
1927	274,010	4,110,361	3,164,981	1,282,999	8,296,992	29,672,928
1928	249,000	3,486,000	2,684,000	1,155,000	2,633,000	28,147,000
1929	262,000	8,694,000	2,807,000	1,095,000	2,759,000	31,259,000

	SUGAR BEETS			POTATOES
	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value	Acres	Production in Bushels	Value
1910	10,488			116,000	6,900,000	$5,796,000
1920	72,296	117,966	$ 8,587,000	85,000	8,415,000	10,098,000
1927	82,002	1,086,000	8,246,000	84,002	8,908,943	6,677,966
1928	86,000	1,021,000	7,127,000	105,000	10,080,000	5,040,000
1929	92,000	1,054,000	7,817,000	92,000	8,924,000	9,816,000

GROSS CASH FARM INCOME, 1921-1929
(Year ending June 80)

Year	Value of Sales			% of Total Sales
	Crops	Livestock	Crops and Livestock	Crops	Livestock
1921	$160,716,065	$224,611,177	$385,327,242	42	58
1922	97,287,464	191,862,381	289,099,846	34	66
1928	98,997,079	239,635,068	333,632,147	28 ,	72
1924	92,096,611	256,269,845	348,866,462	26	74
1925	120,289,278	308,329,022	428,568,300	28	72
1926	102,728,241	333,382,164	436,105,405	24	76
1921	92,981,112	328,167,781	416,148,893	22	78
1928	156,881,848	314,146,813	470,978,656	33	67
1929	140,681,126	355,376,186	496,067,861	28	72

© 2002 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller