Soybean Production: A Comparative Economic Analysis of Louisiana in 1950 and Illinois in 1950
A
Comparative Economic Analysis of Louisiana in 1950 and Illinois in 1950
Abstract
This study
examines the economic conditions surrounding soybean production in Louisiana
and Illinois in 1950, a pivotal year in the post-World War II agricultural
boom. Utilizing quantitative data from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) historical records and qualitative insights from
contemporary agricultural journals, this research employs a mixed-methods
approach to analyze and compare the soybean economies of these two states. The
study reveals significant disparities in production scales, technological
adoption, and market integration between Louisiana and Illinois, reflecting
broader regional economic patterns in mid-20th century American agriculture.
These findings contribute to our understanding of the uneven development of the
soybean industry across different geographical regions and its implications for
local and national economies.
Introduction
The mid-20th
century marked a transformative period in American agriculture, with soybeans
emerging as a crucial crop in the nation's agricultural landscape. This study
focuses on soybean production in two distinct regions: Louisiana and Illinois
in the year 1950. This comparison is particularly intriguing due to the
contrasting agricultural traditions, climatic conditions, and economic
structures of these states. Louisiana, with its diverse agricultural portfolio
and historical focus on cotton and sugarcane, presents an interesting case
study in soybean adoption. Illinois, on the other hand, situated in the heart
of the Corn Belt, had already established itself as a major soybean producer by
1950.
The year 1950 is
significant as it represents a period of rapid agricultural modernization and
economic recovery following World War II. It also precedes the major
technological and policy shifts that would dramatically reshape American
agriculture in the latter half of the 20th century. By examining soybean
production in these two states during this pivotal year, we can gain insights
into the regional variations in agricultural development, the factors
influencing crop adoption, and the broader economic implications of these
differences.
This study aims to
provide a nuanced understanding of how geographical, historical, and economic
factors influenced soybean production in these two states. By doing so, it
contributes to the broader discourse on agricultural economics, regional
development, and the historical trajectory of American farming.
Research
Methodology and Sources
This study employs
a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative
historical research. The primary quantitative data source is the United States
Department of Agriculture's report, “United States Census of Agriculture:
1950”, for both Louisiana and Illinois. This comprehensive dataset
provides detailed state-level information on soybean production, including
acreage, yield, and market value, allowing for direct comparisons between
Louisiana and Illinois.
To analyze this
data, the application of statistical methods outlined in Hartley and Rao's
"Sampling with Unequal Probabilities and without Replacement" was
utilized. This approach allows for the accountability for the disparities in
sample sizes between the two states and ensure robust comparisons despite
differences in scale and variability.
For qualitative
insights, contemporary agricultural journals were relied upon, particularly Earl
R. Swanson and John T. Scott’s 1950 work, “Potential Profits from Soybean
Production in Illinois” from the Journal of Farm Economics. This source
provides valuable context on the challenges and opportunities faced by
Louisiana farmers in soybean cultivation, offering a ground-level perspective
to complement the broader statistical data.
This methodology
is appropriate for this comparison for several reasons:
1. Comprehensive
Data Coverage: The USDA dataset provides consistent and reliable data for both
states, ensuring a fair basis for comparison.
2. Statistical
Rigor: The application of advanced sampling techniques allows for meaningful
comparisons despite differences in scale between the two states' soybean
industries.
3. Contextual
Depth: The inclusion of qualitative sources provides essential historical and
cultural context, enriching our understanding beyond mere numbers.
4. Temporal
Specificity: By focusing on sources from or near 1950, the analysis accurately
reflects the conditions of the time, avoiding anachronistic interpretations.
5. Multifaceted
Analysis: The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods allows for a
more holistic understanding of the economic conditions surrounding soybean
production in both states.
It is important to
note that for this study, only the statistics for the category "Soybeans
harvested for beans" were used from the “United States
Census of Agriculture: 1950”. The 1950 report for both Louisiana and
Illinois included other categories such as soybeans planted for hay, silage,
and green manure, which were excluded from this analysis. While including these
categories could potentially increase or decrease overall production numbers,
not all of them had monetary values assigned in the report. Although there
would be value to farmers using these crops for supplemental feed (as it would
reduce the need to purchase hay from elsewhere), accurately calculating this value
is challenging given the limitations of the available data. By focusing solely
on soybeans harvested for beans, there can be a consistent and economically
quantifiable basis for comparison between the two states. This approach also not
only enables the comparison of raw production figures but also to understand
the underlying factors influencing soybean cultivation in each state, from
policy decisions to cultural attitudes towards crop adoption.
Analytical
Comparison of Louisiana and Illinois Soybean Production in 1950
The comparison of
soybean production between Louisiana and Illinois in 1950 reveals stark
contrasts in scale, efficiency, and economic impact.
Production Scale
According to the “United States
Census of Agriculture: 1950.”, Illinois was a dominant force in soybean
production, with approximately 3,135,002 acres planted in 1950, yielding 73,390,475
bushels.[1] In stark contrast,
Louisiana's soybean acreage was significantly smaller, with only about 22,815
acres planted, producing 303,225 bushels.[2] This disparity reflects
the different agricultural priorities and conditions in the two states.
Yield and Efficiency
Illinois not only
outpaced Louisiana in total production but also in efficiency. The average
yield in Illinois was 23.4 bushels per acre, while Louisiana's average yield
was 13.3 bushels per acre. This difference can be attributed to several
factors, including soil conditions, climate, and farming practices.
Economic Value
The economic
impact of this production difference was substantial. The total value of
soybean production in Illinois in 1950 was approximately $157,717,408, compared
to Louisiana's $721,911.[3] This vast difference in
economic value underscores the relative importance of soybeans to each state's
agricultural economy.
Factors Influencing Production
1. Historical
Agricultural Practices: Illinois had a longer history of soybean cultivation,
with the crop being well-integrated into rotation systems with corn.[4] Louisiana was still in the
early stages of adopting soybeans as a major crop, with many farmers viewing it
as experimental.
2. Climate
and Soil Conditions: Illinois's climate and soil were more naturally suited to
soybean cultivation. Louisiana's humid subtropical climate posed challenges,
including increased pest pressure and disease risk.[5]
3. Technological
Adoption: Illinois farmers generally had access to more advanced machinery and
were quicker to adopt new agricultural technologies. Louisiana's agricultural
sector, still recovering from the long-term effects of the Great Depression,
lagged in mechanization.[6]
4. Market
Integration: Illinois, being closer to major soybean processing centers and
transportation hubs, had better market integration. Louisiana farmers faced
higher transportation costs and less developed market infrastructure for
soybeans.[7]
5. Agricultural
Policy: Federal agricultural policies tended to favor Midwestern grain
production, providing additional incentives for Illinois farmers to expand
soybean cultivation.[8]
Qualitative Insights
Swanson and
Scott's article in the Journal of Farm Economics provides valuable
insights into the economic potential of soybean production in Illinois. They
note that soybeans were becoming increasingly profitable for Illinois farmers
due to favorable price relationships and the crop's adaptability to various
soil types. The authors state, "The profitableness of soybeans relative to
competing crops has been an important factor in the rapid expansion of soybean
acreage in Illinois".[9] This economic advantage in
Illinois contrasts sharply with the situation in Louisiana, where soybean
cultivation was still in its nascent stages. The lack of established markets
and processing facilities in Louisiana likely contributed to the slower adoption
of soybeans as a major crop.
Swanson and
Scott's analysis also highlights the importance of crop rotation systems in
Illinois, where soybeans were often rotated with corn.[10] This practice not only
improved soil fertility but also allowed for more efficient use of farm
machinery and labor. In Louisiana, where traditional crops like cotton and
sugarcane dominated, integrating soybeans into existing farming systems posed a
greater challenge. Furthermore, the authors discuss the role of technological
advancements in boosting soybean yields in Illinois. They note that
"improved varieties and cultural practices have resulted in substantial
increases in yields".[11] This level of research
and development was likely not as advanced in Louisiana's soybean sector at the
time, contributing to the yield disparity between the two states.
These qualitative
perspectives align with the quantitative data, illustrating Illinois's position
as an established and economically advantageous soybean producer in contrast to
Louisiana's emerging industry. It also suggests that despite the large gap in
production, there was growing recognition of soybeans' potential as a
profitable crop, which would influence future agricultural development in both
states.
Conclusion
This comparative
analysis of soybean production in Louisiana and Illinois in 1950 reveals
significant disparities in scale, efficiency, and economic impact. Illinois,
with its established soybean industry, favorable geographic conditions, and
advanced agricultural practices, far outpaced Louisiana in all metrics of
soybean production. However, the study also highlights the complex factors
influencing agricultural development, including historical practices, climate,
technology adoption, market integration, and policy environments.
The vast
difference in soybean production between these two states reflects broader
patterns of regional agricultural specialization and development in post-World
War II America. While Illinois represented the pinnacle of modernized,
industrialized agriculture, Louisiana's smaller-scale soybean industry was
indicative of a state in agricultural transition, seeking to diversify beyond
traditional crops.
These findings
contribute to our understanding of the uneven development of American
agriculture in the mid-20th century. They underscore the importance of
considering multiple factors- environmental, economic, and cultural- when
analyzing agricultural trends and economic conditions. Furthermore, this study
provides a snapshot of a pivotal moment in American agricultural history, as
regions like Louisiana began to adopt crops and practices that would reshape
their agricultural landscapes in the decades to come.
Future research
could explore how these disparities evolved over time, examining whether
Louisiana's soybean industry eventually caught up to Midwestern standards or if
regional specialization persisted. Additionally, investigating the long-term
economic impacts of these agricultural differences could provide valuable
insights into patterns of rural development and economic divergence in the
United States.
[1] Ray Hurley, “United States Census of Agriculture:
1950,” Counties and State Economic Areas: Illinois (Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Department of Commerce; Bureau of the Census, 1952), USDA Census of Agriculture
Historical Archive,
https://agcensus.library.cornell.edu/census_parts/1950-illinois/, 13.
[2] Ray Hurley, “United States Census of Agriculture:
1950,” Counties and State Economic Areas: Louisiana (Washington, D.C.: U.S.
Department of Commerce; Bureau of the Census, 1952), USDA Census of Agriculture
Historical Archive,
https://agcensus.library.cornell.edu/census_parts/1950-louisiana/, 12.
[3] Hurley, “United States Census of Agriculture,”
1952, 13; Hurley, “United States Census of Agriculture,” 1952, 12.
[4] Theodore Hymowitz, “The History of the Soybean,”
in Soybeans, ed. Lawrence A. Johnson, Pamela J. White, and Richard
Galloway (AOCS Press, 2008), 1–31,
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-893997-64-6.50004-4.
[5] Larry G. Heatherly and Roger W. Elmore, “Managing
Inputs for Peak Production,” in Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2004), 451–536,
https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr16.3ed.c10.
[6] Alan L. Olmstead and Paul W. Rhode, “Reshaping The
Landscape: The Impact And Diffusion Of The Tractor In American Agriculture,
1910-1960,” The Journal of Economic History 61, no. 3 (2001): 663–98,
https://ideas.repec.org//a/cup/jechis/v61y2001i03p663-698_03.html.
[7] Christine M. Du Bois, The Story of Soy, 1st
ed. (London, UK: Reaktion Books, Limited, 2018),
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=5399258.
[8] Willard W. Cochrane and Mary E. Ryan, American
Farm Policy, 1948-1973 (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1976).
[9] Earl R. Swanson and John T. Scott, “Potential
Profits from Soybean Production in Illinois,” Journal of Farm Economics
32, no. 4 (1950): 15–23, 15.
[10] Swanson and Scott.
[11] Swanson and Scott,
16.
Bibliography
Cochrane, Willard W., and Mary E. Ryan. American Farm Policy, 1948-1973. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1976.
Du Bois, Christine M. The Story of Soy. 1st ed. London, UK: Reaktion Books, Limited, 2018. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=5399258.
Hartley, H. O., and J. N. K. Rao. “Sampling with Unequal Probabilities and without Replacement.” The Annals of Mathematical Statistics 33, no. 2 (1962): 350–74. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2237517.
Heatherly, Larry G., and Roger W. Elmore. “Managing Inputs for Peak Production.” In Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses, 451–536. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2004. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr16.3ed.c10.
Hurley, Ray. “United States Census of Agriculture: 1950.” Counties and State Economic Areas: Louisiana. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce; Bureau of the Census, 1952. USDA Census of Agriculture Historical Archive. https://agcensus.library.cornell.edu/census_parts/1950-louisiana/.
———. “United States Census of Agriculture: 1950.” Counties and State Economic Areas: Illinois. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce; Bureau of the Census, 1952. USDA Census of Agriculture Historical Archive. https://agcensus.library.cornell.edu/census_parts/1950-illinois/.
Hymowitz, Theodore. “The History of the Soybean.” In Soybeans, edited by Lawrence A. Johnson, Pamela J. White, and Richard Galloway, 1–31. AOCS Press, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-893997-64-6.50004-4.
Olmstead, Alan L., and Paul W. Rhode. “Reshaping The Landscape: The Impact And Diffusion Of The Tractor In American Agriculture, 1910-1960.” The Journal of Economic History 61, no. 3 (2001): 663–98. https://ideas.repec.org//a/cup/jechis/v61y2001i03p663-698_03.html.
Swanson, Earl R., and John T. Scott. “Potential Profits from Soybean Production in Illinois.” Journal of Farm Economics 32, no. 4 (1950): 15–23.
