Left - F. L. Cooper, field man for the Holly Sugar Corporation. Right - E. J. Ludington, one of the early settlers and prominent farmers and livestock raisers of the Lower Yellowstone Project. Mr. Cooper was formerly employed by the Lower Yellowstone Development Association.

"I came here in 1918 but sold out and went to Colorado and returned early in 1927.

I have been successful in growing sugar beets, potatoes, wheat and barley. This year I had eight acres in potatoes and have sold $3300 worth up to this date, October 3, 1929, from this field, and have $1000 worth more in cellar. My beets have averaged 12 to 23 tons each year. This year I expect them to make 14-15 tons judging from what I have delivered thus far this season from 100 acres.

The amount of capital depends largely on the new settler. I had nothing when I came here the first time. I did very well and accumulated enough to buy my outfit and to purchase a farm on contract. I had a chance to sell at a good profit and sold out moving to Colorado. I was not successful there and returned to Sidney. I have been renting here the past three seasons but have just bought a farm of my own and expect to remain here the rest of my life. My family and I like the climate, the country, and the people here. We get along well with our neighbors and the people in town.

Irrigated land in my neighborhood ranges from $50 per acre upward depending on quality, location and improvements.

I have just bought 2000 lambs to feed this fall and winter. Last year I made $2200 clear money on 450 head of lambs. I bought barley at 50¢ per bu. and hay for $12 per ton and had that profit for my labor, after figuring all feed at above prices.

We have about 150 chickens, 35 geese. Always eggs to sell as well as dressed poultry in season.

I always grow alfalfa and barley to feed with beet tops and roughage."