The Swarm Descends on Okanogan
Farmers in Okanogan County are battling a historic infestation of grasshoppers that threatens the region's entire wheat yield.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Hordes of grasshoppers, the largest number that ever invaded Eastern Washington, are now being fought by the wheat farmers in Okanogan County. The invasion started more than a week ago, and the pests have increased in such numbers that an appeal has been made to E. L. French, director, state department of agriculture, for aid in combatting them. The department has prepared large quantities of poison bait, which will be shipped to the centers where the grasshoppers are the worst. Unless immediate relief is obtained, the wheat crop around Molson, Omak and surrounding territory is threatened.
“Hordes of grasshoppers, the largest number that ever invaded Eastern Washington, are now being fought by the wheat farmers.”
Agricultural crises in Okanogan County continue to define the regional economy. The battle against invasive pests remains a recurring struggle for growers in Eastern Washington.
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