The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-06-05
SHEEP IN THE NORTHWEST.
An Industry Which Promises a Solu-
tion of an Important Problem.
From the Minneapolis Tribune.


ton of an Important Problem.
From the Minneapolis Tribune.
One of the pronounced recent de-
partures in the agricultural industry of
the northwest is a change from exclusive
grain growing to a mixed industry in
which live stock and dairying are promi-
nent features. In Minnesota special at
tention thus far has been given to horses,
cattle and hogs; but in Montana and the
Dakotas sheep are arouslng the most
notable interest
In Montana the sheep focls have multi
piled tenfold in ten years, and in 1891
mum bered over 2,S00,000 animals. The
sheep industry of Montana represents a
capital of 1000 600 and brings in a reve-
nue. of nearly $500 600 from wool alone.
Montana wool has in a brief period at
tanned a national reputation.
North Dakota is a recent convert to the
sheep industry, but already has more
sheep than all other domestic animals
combined, and the industry is rapidly
growing in popular favor as in protita BILE
ness. The Tribune is informed by North
Dakota farmers that sheep bid fair to be
the solution of the crop problem in paving
the way to diversification of products.
Experienced authorities insist that there
IS more money in North Dakota
olACtp uAictAA III grant, anu bllhu otANNp
raising is likely to be the great industry
of the state before many years. With
only few seasons start the sheep in
dustry of North Dakota has grown to
embrace capital of over s. 100000 and
flock of SOC, 900. The average cost of keep
ing is estimated at 81 per head for the
state, and the average fleece about eight
pounds. Consequently the wool alone
more than pays the cost of maintaining
the flock, leaving the natural yearly in
crease in flock net profit. Abundant
cheap lands, the low cost of hay, grain
and pasturage, and the healthfulness of
the climate make the Dakotas a natural
sheep region. The new industry is solu-
ton of the single-crop problem.
In Minnesota the sheep industry has
not yet attained the prominence given TO
several other branches of stock raising.
Indeed, the state has more dogs than
sheep. Yet the government report for
1891 credits the state with 600 sheep,
and an average wool clip of z pounds per
sheep. The principal aim of sheep rails
ing in this state is mutton. The govern
ment Special Report on the Sheep In
dustry," 1892, states, in the chapter on
Minnesota "Sheep now pay the farmer
better than any other class of stock,
and in the prairie country those who
are now engaged in raising a few
sheep find it the most profitable
branch of mixed industry" The average
annual increase in flock is placed at 95 per
cent, and the average cost of keeping at
81 or less per head The government de-
partment enumerates numerous adj
vantages- exceptionally favorable eli
mate, the best of feed and water, freedom
from disease, and frst-class local mar
ket-which Minnesota possesses over all
eastern states. Sheep brought to that
state from Ohio and other eastern sheep
regions show a marked gain in weight of
fleece and carcass. The government de-
partment entertains enthusiastic senti-
ments regarding the future of Minnesota's
sheep industry.