Summary of Agricultural Data Is Interesting. Comparisons for 1920 and 1925 Are Made.

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FARM OWNERS,TENANTS INCREASED IN BROWN

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Value of Land Much Lower. — Buildings Higher. — Breeding Cattle Nearly Doubled.

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The Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C., has just issued a preliminary announcement relative to agricultural activity in Brown county. The data furnished by the department is illuminating as to several lines of activity on the farms of this county. It is noted the number of farms have increased during the past five years. Statistics are given for 1925 and for1920 in the report. In 1920 there were 1,976 farms listed in the county, while in 1925 the number had increased to 2,008, thirty-two more. This denotes that the dividing of farms and the cutting down of the acreage is gradually becoming effective in this county. The value of the land has decreased considerably during the five-year period. According to the report the combined value of the land and buildings in the rural districts in1920 was $51,351,311. This is compared with a total value of $34,851,610 this year. This is a decrease of 47 percent. The water was squeezed out. The value of the land alone this year was $25,896,075, while in 1920 the value was $43,687,742, a decrease of $17,791,667 or 68 per cent in five years. The inflation was written off. The figures given as the value of the buildings in 1925 are $8,955,535, while in 1920 the value is $7,663,569, an increase of $1,291,966, or 14 percent, which shows a healthy trend. Owners and Renters. The total number of farm owners in the county in 1920 was 1,259, while in 1925 this number had increased by 37 and is 1,296. The manager idea is losing hold in Brown county, as but ten farms were under a manager this year, while five years ago the number was 21, a decrease of over 100 per cent. In 1920 there were 696 tenants, residing on farms in this county. This number had increased by but six during the five-year period just passed, for there are 702 tenants residing on farms in this county now.The proportion of tenants as regards the number of farms in the county has remained about stationary during the five-year period under observation, it will be noted by the figures. In 1920 there were 1,976 farms in the county and 696 renters, while in 1925 there were 2,008 farms and 702 renters. The number of farms are increasing just a trifle more rapidly than the number of tenants. This is a most healthy sign. A number of the tenants purchased farms during the five-year period or owners returned to their farms and this caused a decrease. Brown county has too many rented farms, and it is hoped that the number will decrease as time goes on. The ideal situation is reached, when the renter disappears and the owner is 100 percent.

Farm Acreage Decreases

According to the statistics there are 352,884 acres of land in farms this year, while the total acreage in 1920 was 369,113, a decrease of 16,229 during five years. This shows that land is not being cultivated as intensely now as five years ago. The total number of acres in crop in 1924 in the county was 262,723. 0f this 260,849 acres were harvested.There were crop failures on 877 acres and fallow or idle land composed 997 acres. There is no data as regards1919. The pasture land in the county in 1924 totaled 65,525 acres. This was divided as follows: Plowable, 35,891 acres; woodland, 10,595 acres and other land,19,039 acres. There is 3,022 acres of woodland not pastured. The acreage of all other land is 21,614.

Livestock on Farms

The horses in the county have decreased, as this year there are 11,485 horses, while in 1920 there were 12,610. Mules numbered 140 this year and 131 in 1920. Cattle have showed a slight decrease, there being 34,727 this year and 37,369 in 1920. The cattle are divided as follows: Beef cows, 7,687; other beef cattle, 7,076; dairy cows, 13,300 and other dairy cattle, 6,664. There are no statistics with reference to five years ago, as to the manner in which the cattle was divided. Swine is on the increase, there being 53,553 in the county this year, as compared with 44,234 in 1920. Breeding cows have almost doubled, as there are 19,200 this year, while10,835 was the number five years ago. These animals are not included in the cattle listed above.

Data as to Crops

The following data was given as to the principal crops on farms of the county in 1924: Corn, 71,059 acres; 2,184,588 bushels. Oats, 63,434 acres; 2,833,417 bushels. Wheat, 25,378 acres; 642,626 bushels. Barley, 7,129 acres; 230,656 bushels. Rye, 15,874 acres; 336,422 bushels. Hay, 53,311 acres; 64,076 tons. Data for 1919 follows: Corn, 47,574 acres; 1,344,474 bushels. Oats, 39,077 acres; 832,006 bushels. Wheat, 48,830 acres; 328,879 Barley, 3,750 acres; 35,527 Rye, 18,246 acres; 189,158 Hay, 50,714 acres; 79,201 tons.

Brown County Journal,

November 13, 1925

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