plague-of-locusts

01-what-is-a-pestA Plague of Locusts

The Summer of 1856 was a critical time for the struggling farmer around the Bertram Lakes. They were beginning to turn the tough prairie sod into tillable earth for the production of such crops as wheat, oats and rye and found the soil rich and responsive. Through hard work and good rains, the crops of 1856 were in very good condition and near ready for harvest.

But nature, as always, has it’s own way of doing things. In August, a hoard of locusts (flying grasshoppers) descended on Wright County and in particular the Monticello area. They attacked the oats, stripping the leaves and left only the stems. The wheat, having grown stronger stems, had less damage but the immature seed pods were easy eating. The rye, being the hardier plant, was less damaged but still was left in unusable condition.

Because of eggs being laid during the devastation in August, the next spring the locusts returned and devoured the young crops! Because of the loss of both crops many settlers picked up and left the county. A few, however, turned their attention to other forms of farming, especially dairy, cattle and sheep.

The locusts eventually left and farming in this area became more stable and productive.

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