Wenatchee Bets the Valley on Alfalfa — And Dreams of Dairy Herds

Speaking of co-operation, one of the main elements of its success is the confidence of each man in his fellow. To the stranger one of the most impressive facts is that every man speaks well of his neighbor, and seems to feel proud of his friendship and takes a deep interest in his welfare.

Fruit has been considered the leader up to this year, when alfalfa passes it and now becomes recognized as the banner crop. And no wonder, for the demand for alfalfa seems to have no limit. It grows to perfection and produces most abundantly, and the effort required in harvesting is not nearly so great as with the fruit crop. Alfalfa is being sown by every one, and in the course of a year the product will have increased many times.

The consumption of alfalfa can properly be put in three distinct forms: it is sold in the field to stock men; it can be fed by the farmer to his own stock and thus marketed; and it can be baled and shipped. The latter method will meet with disfavor, because it is robbing the soil too much of elements that are valuable, while feeding on the farm not only retains fertility but actually adds to its richness. Alfalfa will work out its own destiny, and, unlike the fruit crop, its market is at home. It will make such valleys as the Wenatchee great feeding centers in the winter, and will mean a new era in the stock business. Feeding by farmers will mean that the standard of breeding must be brought to its highest perfection, and in a few years we will find some of the best herds that can be seen anywhere in the west. Alfalfa farming will also mean that the dairy industry will be one of the most prominent sources of income. The farmers of Wenatchee are showing an acute understanding of what the future will bring forth when they take up so readily the cultivation of alfalfa.

This year the output of fruit in Wenatchee will be immense. Growers have mastered pretty well the science of growing good fruit, of picking and packing, and getting it on the market in good shape. All seem to have a general premonition that this year will be one of better times and higher prices than last season, because of the reports of heavy losses from other great fruit sections of the United States. They expect to profit by the proverbial "ill wind," and they are making extensive preparation for the season's output. It is probable that within the next few weeks the fruit growers' association will be organized and some practical method evolved for the handling of their fruit as a union.

The Mission district shows quite an advance over the past twelve months and new comers are dropping in right along. They locate there because they see what those located there already are doing, and the evidence of what can be accomplished is plainly at hand in the condition of the farms and homes.

Editor Fuller, who makes the Wenatchee Advance such a readable paper, extended to The Range Rider the courtesy of a day's personal attention, and in his light rig took a very pleasant drive over a good part of the valley. One of the best and most neatly kept places that we passed was that of Conrad Rose. Mr. Rose has reason to take an honest pride in his farm, for there have come under our observation but very few places in the state that show such an indication of thrift and general good care.

E. Messerly, Mr. Rose and others were away on a week's outing. Such seasonable recreation is a good investment at the periods when farm work is not pressing, and gives as much benefit in its relaxation as does the vacation to the business man.

There are grand opportunities for all kinds of fishing, hunting, etc., convenient to Wenatchee, and make another favorable point for people thinking of locating.