Show improved conditions become widespread lasalle alle map of business conditions condition 1 EE t V for may 1941 LA LUL ION L CP C P k improving conditions in the U S during the mouth month of may are indicated by the above map farm income is slowly but steadily rising volume of trade is at a peak 15 per cent higher than last year as larger pay tolls rolls boost buying power by L G ELLIOTT ELLIOIT president ident lasalle extension university the influence of rising pay rolls in industry continues to be reflected in increased purchasing power ot of consumers production of factories is 20 per cent higher than a year ago and retail sales are up about 15 per cent the trend in nearly all lines is upward the beginning of the new grow f fe season finds farm conditions favorable vo able rable good crops are anticipated and prices are expected to average higher than last year total farm arm income is now running several per cent above a year ago and is expected to show still further gains the expanded program of the department part ment of agriculture encourages larger production of some farm products and supports prices thus providing a further stimulus to to improving conditions farmers raising hogs poultry and those producing dairy products will be most favorably affected by the new program but all farmers will feel beneficial effects certain shifts in crop plantings have taken place this year but the total acreage planted to crops remains about the same as it was a year ago increases in acreage are indicated for oats hay sweet potatoes and those crops which will find better markets this fall as the result of continued improvement in the demand from domestic consumers the general outlook continues favorable vo rable widespread improvement in the face of uncertainties is a good indication that labor and production difficulties are being settled rapidly |