Polk County, Minnesota - Chapter 14: History of Agriculture in Polk County, 1916

Chapter 14: History of Agriculture in Polk County

location of the county - early geological history - soils - temperature - settlement and first settlers red river carts - immigration after 1876 pioneer wheat farming agricultural developments and production statistics - present farming conditions corn potatoes fruits - live and southern parts of the State. This gray drift, derived in larger part from shale and limestone, has proved to be intensely fertile. Polk County is located on this gray drift area, and in that part of it that was covered by the ancient glacial Lake Agassiz. This lake was formed during the recession of the ice sheet. At its ma.xiraum development, it exceeded in size the five Great Lakes of today. The finest parts of the soil carried by the ice, or carried from the surrounding land were deposited towards the center of the lake where the water was deepest. This was the origin of the heavy clay soils which have made the Red River Valley one of the greatest grain growing regions in the world.

There are patches of sand and gravel in this area where glacial streams formerly reached the lake, and long ridges of sand, flanked on either side by sandy loam, which mark its early shore lines. In Polk County these shore lines cross through the center from north to south.

This glacial formation of the Red River Valley crewest and entering Minnesota through the Red River ated a problem in securing adequate drainage, but a the Red River Valley of the North. When first established, it extended from the Red River on the west to Lake Itasca and the Mississippi River on the east. In 1866, all east of the Hue between ranges 38 and 39 was taken to form part of the new county of Beltrami. In 1881, Norman County was created by taking the four southern tiers of townships from the county of Polk, and, in 1897, the county of Red Lake was organized by taking twenty-four full and seven fractional townships in a somewhat irregular form from its northeastern part. Polk County, as it is today, is forty-six miles from east to west in its main part, and about thirty miles from north to south. It has several streams and in the eastern part there are innumerable lakes. The average elevation of the western half of the county is between 750 aud 1,000 feet. The south half has an elevation of between 1,000 and 1,200 feet, while in the south-eastern corner, the elevation is between 1,250 and 1,500 feet.

The soils of Polk County may be divided into three distinct areas as follows : First. The Eastern area of glacial-till, of a clayey nature, with a marked undulation to a hilly topography dotted with lakes, and which was originally wooded with hardwood timber.

Third. The prairie fiats to the west of the "sandy ridge" area which extends in a magnificent plain to the Red River of the North, and which has a soil wonderful in its richness and fertility. It is of a lacustrine and alluvial origin, being deposited there by the waters of Lake Agassiz and the flood waters of the streams that emptied into the plain at a later day. The top soil varies from a sandy loam to a heavy clay loam. This dark rich loam varies from a depth of 12 inches to 30 inches. It is underlaid by a silty clay, which, in most cases, is almost impervious to water.

The plain has been cut through by numerous streams and rivers whose beds lie from ten to forty feet below the level of the prairie, affording excellent outlets for the numerous drainage ditches that have been constructed by the state and county. These ditches have a fall of several feet per mile and where these ditches have been made, drainage forms a simple problem to the farmer, which can be easily and cheaply effected by shallow surface ditches.

Temperature

The mean annual temperature of Polk County is between 37° and 38° Fahrenheit. The mean annual temperature during the months of April to September is between 57° and 58°, and during June, July, and August between 65° to 66°. The average date of the last frost in Polk County is between the dates of May

15 and May 20. The average date of the first fall frost is September 22. This gives an average growing season for the county of between 120 and 130 days.

The average annual precipitation of the county is 22 inches, being greater in the eastern two-thirds of the county, where the average is 24 inches. The average of precipitation from October to March varies from 3.73 inches in the northwestern part to 5.31 inches in the eastern two-thirds of the county. The precipitation from April to September is 15.37 inches in the northwestern part of the county, and 17.07 inches in the eastern section. The evaporation varies directly with the temperature, and is, therefore, less rapid in northwestern Minnesota than in regions farther south. A rainfall of 24 inches in Polk County is equal in crop producing power to 40 or even 50 inches in lower latutudes. In the northern Red River Valley as much as 77 per cent, of the precipitation occurs in the growing season. This, and the fact that the average annual depth of evaporation from a free water surface in Polk County is from 20 to 30 inches, makes conditions that are favorable for crop producing and, particularly, for raising of small grains.

The settlement of Polk County was a part of the general movement that occurred in the late years of the decade of 1860 and the early years of that of 1870. In 1843, Norman Kittson established a trading post at Pembina, in the Red River Valley, which later became the location of a Hudson's Bay Company's post. In 1823, Major Long had ascended to the Minnesota portage through to the Red River, returning later by way of Rainy River and Lake Superior. This indicated the means of entry into Polk County, located in the center of the Red River Valley. Between the Mississippi and the Red River, the principal water route led up the Minnesota River, and over the portage at Browns Valley, from Big

Stone Lake into Lake Traverse, and thence north on the Red River. The distance by this route from St. Paul to Pembina was said to be 448 miles, and the time taken by carts was 30 to 40 days. The stage route over which the early settlers in Polk County arrived was laid out in 1859, following an intermediate course along the border of the hardwood belt by way of Sauk Rapids, Osakis, Alexandria, Pomme de Terre (near Ashby), and Breckeuridge. It is estimated that during 1869, 2,500 river carts passed up and down the valley.

The first steamboat was called the Anson Northup and was launched on the Red River in 1859. Funds for its construction had been obtained in part by public subscriptions in St. Paul, the purpose being to secure the trade for that city of Fort Garry (Winnipeg) and the Red River Region. The period of most active navigation in the Red River Valley was during the years following 1871, when the Northern Pacific Railroad had reached Moorhead, the usual head of navigation, and while the river north of that point was not yet paralleled by railroads. During this period, there were four or five boats on the river which made from 35 to 65 round trips annually, depending largely on the stage of the water and the length of the season.

It was during this period that Polk County received its first settlers. The following is from an article by Judge Watts in the "History of the Red River Valley:"

"In 1871, there came from southeastern Minnesota some Norwegian families that settled along the Red River and near it, in what are now the towns of Hubbard, Vineland, Tynsid, and Bygland. Farther north, at, and near the place where the Red Lake River joins the Red, and along the Marais, at this time also came a considerable number of Scotch and Canadian people, who had been attracted ])y accounts of the lower part of the Valley in the Dominion of Canada, but finding the desirable lands there already taken or reserved, returned to this place, one of the garden spots of the Northwest, to make fine homes for themselves and their families. A line of boats had been established by Norman Kittson plying the waters of the river between Moorhead and Winnipeg, and upon them, most of these settlers reached their new homes. Among those who came thus, and made the deepest impression upon the future of the county, were Robert Coulter, John Coulter, and William Fleming."

Red River Carts

These Red River carts and steaml)oats - and especially the steamboats - were, undoubtedly, great factors in promoting immigration, and in developing agi-iculture in the Red River Valley. Owing to the earlier establishment of agriculture by the Selkirk settlers, more immigrants seemed to have come into Canada by this route, than stopped off in the Minnesota part of the Valley. The railroad was constructed from Glyndon to Snake River in 1872 and, in 1875, from Crookston to Fisher's Landing. Interesting incidents are told of the early traffic on the railroad between Crookston and Glyndon. The people at Crookston built a platform on two pairs of railway trucks, and attached sails, and used them in making trips down to Glyndon, bringing back supplies.

Within the space of ten years, and for the most part within five years, the development of settlement in Polk County dependent upon Red River carts, stage lines, and river navigation for intercourse with the outside world, came to an end, and a way was opened for the rapid settlement of the agricultural development of the country.

The population in 1876 was 937, of mixed nationalities, but largely Norwegians. In 1877 lands sold for $2.50 per acre. The immigration during this period was largely from Norway and Sweden, and about one-half the population were Scandinavians or of Scandinavian descent. In 1878, a large immigi-ation of French Canadians and their descendants set in. In 1877 the railroad had been extended to St. Vincent.

Early Wheat Farming

The period of wheat farming in the Red River Valley began in 1870. In 1872 the average production per acre was 17.4 bushels as against 12.28 bushels in 1871. The use of middlings, through the invention of a middling purifier, in 1870, greatly increased wheat production. This invention was in general use by 1876. The invention of iron or porcelain rollers, replacing the old mill stones, added another strong factor in increasing wheat production. These inventions resulted in increased prices for wheat. During the years 1877 to 1884 there was a boom period in Polk County. This was followed by additional railroads tapping the county. In 1884, the raih'oad was laid from Shirley to St. Hilaire. In 1886 the D. & M. road was built fi*om Fertile to Red Lake Falls, and west through to Grand Forks. In 1898 the Great Northern line was built from Duluth to Grand Forks

The territory included in Polk County at that time comprised the present counties of Polk, Red Lake, Norman, and Mahnomen, with a population of 11,400 persons. In the same year, only 4.3 per cent of the land area of Polk County was improved. The acreage of wheat in 1879 in Polk County was 31,000 acres, producing 535,000 bushels of wheat, or an average of seventeen bushels to the acre. Wheat farming continued up to 1895, when diversified farming began to be practiced. The population of Polk County increased to 30,192 in 1890, and to 39,209 in 1895, and with Red Lake County taken out, to 35,499 in 1900; 37,212 in 1905 ; and 36,001 in 1910.

Statistics

The same condition of agricultural depression existed in Minnesota during the decade of 1870 as in other "Western States, though apparently in a less extreme form. As a result, farmers, on the average, found themselves able to accumulate little except through the rise in value of their lands. The inference seems warranted that it was this relative unprofitableness of agriculture which started the rush to the cities and likewise furnished the motive power both of the Grange movement to regulate railroad rates, and of the several cheap money campaigns designed to check the fall of prices.

There were no noticeable changes in the average size, value, and tenure of farms in Polk County from 1860 to 1910, as shown by census figures. The larger increase in the average value per acre of land and buildings between the years of 1900 and 1910 indicates one important result of the transition from specialized wheat farming to diversified farming.

From 1860 To 1910

Polk County early became one of the foremost counties in the Red River Valley group. The rapid advancement made in production of the principal crops is here given :

In 1880 there were 7,000 acres of oats with a production of 240,000 bushels ; 1,000 acres of barley with 20,000 bushels; 11,000 acres of hay with 7,000 tons. No statistics for wlieat, rye, corn, and potatoes are available.

The results of numerous chemical analyses of the soils of Polk County show them to contain all the plant food elements in abundance. Their high limestone content would class them with the best limestone soils in the world. They are, also, exceptionally rich in organic matter and potash. Many of these soils which have known no other than grsiin crops since first they were broken in the "eighties" still produce in a normal season, with good tillage, from 15 to 25 bushels of wheat to the acre. Where a rotation of crops has been followed, good plowing done, some manure applied, and good seed used, with proper preparation of the seed bed and adequate drainage, this soil will produce from 40 to 80 bushels of oats; 20 to 35 bushels of wheat of the finest quality; 30 to 50 bushels of barley; 15 to 25 bushels of flax ; 18 to 20 bushels of winter rye ; 30 to 50 bushels of corn, or when cut for silage, 10 to 15 tons per acre. Timothy and clover yield from one and one-half to three tons per acre; alfalfa from two to four tons; potatoes from 200 to 300 bushels on clover land, where manure has been used, and from 100 to 200 bushels following grain, without manure. Maximum yields are often reported doubling the minimum of those stated above.

Corn

Corn, it may be said, has completed the conquest of the State, since, according to the census of 1910, com of some sort was grown in every county but two. Polk County has shared greatly in this development, as it is gradually becoming a standard crop.

Potatoes

The opportunities for siiccessful potato growing in Polk County are unsurpassed. The soil and climatic conditions are such as produce potatoes of excellent flavor, splendid keeping qualities, and high yielding power. The counties of the Red River Valley have long been known as the home of the Early Ohio seed potato; however, both early and late varieties grow here to great perfection. This region is not subject to many of the serious diseases of other potato regions of the United States. It is because of their great constitutional vigor that the Red River Valley seed potatoes are much sought for in the seed potato markets of the middle west.

Contrary- to the view of those not acquainted with Polk County conditions, tree and small fruits are easily and profitably grown here. Native fruits, such as plums, grapes, blueberries, high-bush cranberries, gooseberries, and many others grow in great abundance in the woods along the watercourses.

The standard varieties of plums, gooseberries, currants, and crab apples grow with but little care, and produce large crops of fruit. Hardy varieties of apples given intelligent care and attention yield abundantly, as has been proved by the many bearing trees and orchards of Polk County. The same as in any other region, the successful growing of fruits is more dependent upon the man than it is upon the climate, and an increasing number of persons are proving that there are no handicaps of note to prevent success along this line, here.

Live Stock Industry

Beginning in 1890, live stock came to be gradually introduced into Polk County. It had been recognized all the time that the county possessed exceptional advantages for the growing of beef cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, as well as for dairying.

The fundamental conditions which are necessary for live stock raising are amply filled here. There are many varieties of cheap feeds which will furnish the different food nutrients for growth and fattening, such as are found in home grown feeds, as alfalfa, shock corn, or corn silage, barley, oats, and flax. Another great advantage is found in the dry climate, free from sudden and extreme changes. This fact regarding the climate is of greatest importance. The temperature in the winter is somewhat low but with the dryness of the atmosphere, this is not a serious matter with beef cattle, and especially those that are being fattened. Suflficient shelter can be provided at a very small cost, as, for example, simply a straw shed with openings at the south side. Beef cattle are different from dairy cattle in this respect, because they retain all the body heat, a large proportion of which, in the dairy cow, is withdrawn when the milk is removed twice each day.

Live stock raising with beef cattle production as the main ob.iect can be operated with probably the smallest amount of labor of all the different classes of farming. Polk County has the farms and the labor can be secured. The general conditions applying to beef cattle also applj' to sheep and swine. Great success has followed iu this work. In raising beef, mutton, and pork, the good water, the dry climate, and the easily grown feeds present unusually favorable conditions for the man of even moderate means. Many splendid herds are hei'e now, with increasing numbers each year.

Dairying

It has been demonstrated year after j'ear, that corn, clover, and alfalfa can be depended upon for a good crop in Polk Countj^ With these crops, dairying is assured of its proper place in the fi'ont rank. Dairying means a constant monthly income from the sale of the products, the utilization of the farm help during the winter months, when labor is comparatively cheap, and above all, the use of the home grown feeds upon the farm and the return of the fertility to the soil.

Polk County has all the elements of a dairying section. Dairy herds are springing up around every town. A co-operative creamery is the proud boast of nearly every community in the county. There are 21 creameries in the county, 19 of which are co-operative. This can be said of only four other counties of the state. These 20 creameries paid to the farmers of this county, $492,346.12, in 1912, for butterfat alone. There is room for mauj' times as many dairy cows as there are at present. The earning capacity of Minnesota cows has grown from $15.40 each iu 1890 to $53.10 each in 1912. With such a showing the prospects are favorable.

Poultry Raising

There is no section of the country that presents greater opportunities in poultry raising than Polk Countj^ The markets are at its door, the Twin Cities to the south, Duluth and the Iron Range cities to the east; and numerous summer resorts, scattered over a wide area, give access to the greatest markets in the Northwest.

The climate of this part of the State is exti'emely favorable to poultry raising. The stead.y, unvariable winter weather insures the best of health and vigor in the flocks, while tlie long cool summer days are conducive to the most rapid and steady growth of its young stock. Indeed, it is freely admitted by buyers of national reputation, that nowhere in the United States can be found young stock of chickens, ducks, and turkeys, that exhibit such marked indications of rapid growth and freedom from disease as are proluced in this part of the state.

Live Stock Farming

The greatest asset of any county is the number of farmers that are using the natural advantages surrounding them to the best advantage. Live stock farming, be it with beef cattle, sheep, dairy cows, brood mares, or poultry, is profitable every year, and annually leaves the farm in better shape. This is what the Red River Valley counties are going into, and Polk County is going with the rest. The movement is strongly in evidence in every community.

The following table shows the total number of cattle and per cent of dairy cows in Polk County for 1860 to 1910, with the exception of 1870. The table following shows the dairy production of Polk County for the same period:

Cattle Statistics Value Of Farm Products

There were two creameries in 1890. The number increased to three creameries and five cheese factories in 1896. In 1910 these increased to thirteen creameries and seven cheese factories, and in 1915 to twentyone creameries and one cheese factory.

The western lialf of Polk County is in the Red River Valley, and, to a casual observer, has the appearance of very level prairie land. In reality it has a good general slope towards the northwest ranging from three to sis feet to the mile. The eastern half

The valley portion of the county is separated from the rolling land to the east by a well defined gravel ridge claimed by geologists to be the eastern beach of ancient Lake Agassiz, which at one time covered the entire Red River Valley. The old Pembina Trail between Fort Garry and St. Anthony Falls followed this ridge.

Polk County has always been in the front rank in any movement having for its object the reclamation of the wet lands of the state. Her citizens have reached drainage in season and out of season, and were the first to take decisive action.

First Drainage Convention In The State

The first drainage convention in Minnesota was held in Crookston July 1 and 2, 1886. The subject of draining the Red River Valley had long been discussed by the citizens, but public attention was drawn toward its investigation by a newspaper article written by Hon. Frank Ives, of Crookston, and published in the Crookston press in the spring of 1886. Following the publication of Judge Ives' article, there was an outburst of comment and approval throughout the Valley, and the result was a call for a convention of the citizens at Crookston on tlie dates heretofore mentioned.

There was a large attendance of farmers and business men, fully representative of the interests involved. Mr. Springer Harbaugh, of St. Paul, presided ; Fred Puhler and H. E. Cook were secretaries.

The convention lasted two days; and during its sessions the necessity, practicability, and advantages of a general drainage of the low lauds of the county were thoroughly discussed. Near the close James J. Hill, president of the St. Paul, ^liuueapolis & Manitoba Railway (now the Great Northern) proposed that a drainage survey of the Valley be made. He further promised that if the several counties interested would pay one-half of the expenses of such a survey, the railroad company which he represented would pay the other half. An executive committee was created consisting of one member from each county interested in drainage and three members appointed by Mr. Hill. There were six counties that had declared themselves interested and the original members of the committee from these counties were :

The Red River Valley Drainage Commission

Thus was constituted the organization called the Red River Valley Drainage Commission so weU known in northwesteru Minnesota. It was largely a Polk County organization. The headquarters of the commission were at Crookston and two of its most active members were Polk County men.

The purpose of this commission was to take charge of the work of making a complete drainage survey of the Red River Valley. Mr. Hill, on behalf of his company, agreed to and did contribute one-half the cost of the survey, besides furnishing free transportation to those engaged in doing the work. The several counties affected furnished the other half. The headquarters of this commission was in Crookston. The survey was completed and maps aud reports compiled and published early in the year 1887. This survey was in charge of C. G. Elliott, of Illinois, chief engineer of the commission, who had twelve assistant engineers employed. The writer was one of the engineers employed on this work. J. T. Fanning was chosen as consulting engineer of the commission.

This survey proved very conclusively that the Red River Valley lands were not as level as generally believed to be, but had a slope of from three to six feet to the mile, and that complete and effective drainage was not only practicable, but could be secured at comparatively small cost.

The Legislature Aids The Work

The members of the Legislature from Polk and other Red River Valley counties fortified with this drainage report and backed by a strong delegation from Polk County tried, for several sessions of the Legislature, to secure the passage of drainage laws and appropriations for reclaiming swamp lands, but not until the legislative session of 1893 were they successful in securing the desired legislation. At this session an act was passed creating the Red River Valley Drainage Commission, and appropriating $100,000 for drainage work ; also an act which provided for a general state law for the drainage of wet lands under county management, and assessing the cost of doing the work against lauds benefited tliereby. The first ditch constructed under this law was County Ditch No. 1, Polk County, about six miles in length and running south and emptying into Red Lake River two miles west of Crookston. The first state ditch completed by the Red River Valley Drainage Commission was the Sand Hill River State Ditch, Polk County, extending from Beltrami along the Sand Hill and emptying into that stream nine miles WTst of the village.

Drainage work has progressed without interruption since 1893. There is, at the present time, approximately 800 miles of public drainage ditches in Polk County which have been constructed at a cost of a

Good Results Obtained

The rise in farm laud values from !{!25 per acre in 1900 to $60 and $75 per acre in 1915 is, in a large measure, due to the extensive drainage work which had been carried on during tliis period. Nearly all of the drainage work done in Polk County consists of open ditches. Tile drainage has just begun. The tile drains that have been constructed fully demonstrate the practicability as well as the great benefits that will result from this kind of drainage.

I am convinced tliat tile di-ainage will now supplement open ditches wherever additional drainage is required. The open ditch w-as necessary, not only for the purpose of removing storm water, but also to furnish an outlet for under drainage, and under drainage is necessary in order to get the greatest returns from the land. The effect of tile drainage on the lands of Polk County is just as marked as on lands in other States. A well-drained, well-cultivated farm in Polk County should give fully as good returns to the farmer as the best lands of Iowa or Illinois.

Some Of The Ditches Constructed

Among the most important county and judicial ditches are the judicial ditches numbered 1, 3, 4, and 60, and the county ditches niuiiliered 2, 9, 12, and 66.

Judicial Ditch No. 1 is one of the largest ditches in the county. It ha.s an average width of 50 feet, an average depth of 10 feet and is 12 miles long. It drains the northwestern part of the county. Judicial Ditch No. 3 drains the southwestern part of the county. It is 16 miles long, has an average width of 30 feet, and an average depth of 9 feet. Judicial Ditch No. 4 drains a large area in the eastern part of the county. It is 18 miles long, has an average width of 35 feet and an average depth of 8 feet. Judicial Ditch No. 60 drains the territory' northeast of Crookston. It is IG miles long, has an average width of 30 feet and depth of 8 feet.

County Ditch No. 2 drains the territory between Angus and tlie Red River. It is 12 miles long, has an average width of 35 feet and depth of 8 feet. County Ditch No. 9 drains the territorj' south of Russia village extending west to Sand Hill River. It is 11 miles long, 30 feet wide and 7 feet deep. County Ditch No. 12 drains the territory north and west of Beltrami. It is 16 miles long, 26 feet wide and 7 feet deep. County Ditch No. 66 drains a large area north and northeast of Crookston. It is 8 miles long, 25 feet wide and 6 feet deep.

State Ditches numbered 6, 23, and 61 are in Polk Count}'. No. 6 is known as the Sand Hill River Ditch. It is 12 miles long, 6 to 8 feet deep and 40 feet wide. No. 23, known as tlie Grand IMarais State Ditch, is 5 miles long, from 5 to 15 feet deep, and 40 feet wide. It consists of opening the outlet of this old river bed No. 60, known as Lost River State Ditch, and is an improvement consisting of opening up and straightening the channel of Lo.st River. It is 21 miles long, from 5 to 8 feet deep and 36 feet wide.

The work done by the Drainage Commission is and lias been of incalculable value, especially to the lands on the west side of Polk County. The reclamation of so many thousands of acres of these lands from watery and swampy conditions, forbidding cultivation, to areas of fine, fertile, and highly productive fields, has been a work of the greatest benefit to the county, the region, and the State. In its scientific character it is a very rare and unsurpassed piece of drainage engineering, and the best proof of this assertion is that the ditches have done the work assigned to them and expected of them. In some instances the sandy nature of the soil forming the sides and bottom of the ditch has been responsible for its washing away and its enlargement, but there is no danger of destruction, or even great damage from this cause. The damages to the entire ditch system will not be serious or consequential ; the benefits from the great enterprise will be magnificent and perpetual.