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Show Counties which consistently gained population, 1920-1950 Counties which gained population, 1940-1950, total gains, 733,327 Counties which lost population, 1940-1950, total losses, 471,705 Counties which consistently lost population, 1920-1950 Missouri River Basin POPULATION TRENDS, 1920-1950 Source: Department of the Interior, Missouri Basin Field Committee FIGURE 2. On these units, seeds adapted to more humid re- gions were planted. Crops frequently withered in the sun. Adaptation of practices and crops to the limited an<i undependable rainfall evolved very slowly and only after numerous disasters. The stationary population in the basin and the declining rural population are largely adaptations to a land of limited rainfall. The limitations in holdings established by the Federal land homestead laws, believed to be a generous help to quick set- tlement of -the West, proved to be a barrier to suc- cessful agriculture over a large area. It since has been learned that in a grass economy, an area of several thomisand acres per operator is desirable. In dry farming areas, which developed more recently, at least 640 acres of land is necessary to support Si farm family reasonably well. Many of the farm units in the valley are still under- sized. Laclc of increase in farm population there- fore is not cause for alarm. On the contrary, a stable or declining population, along with favor- able rainfall conditions, has contributed to recent 164 prosperity in the grass and wheat areas since 1941. Noteworthy agricultural adaptations and inno- vations have been made in the western part of the Missouri River Basin during the last several dec- ades. These changes promise greater future sta- bility. Because of these changes, moderate or short droughts should prove less devastating than they proved in the past. These changes and adaptations include larger operating units, efficient mo- bile power equipment, new and better farm imple- ments for large scale operations, selected crops and seeds better suited to the environment, widespread use of moisture conservation methods under dry farming practices. For many farmers in the Mis- souri River Basin these changes are more important and more reassuring than prospective river control works. Manufacturing in the basin has grown at a more rapid rate since 1939 than has manufacturing throughout the country. However, the basin is still lagging behind the Nation in this respect. Manu- |