The advocate., 1897-09-08


ons," the "kings" of the Western trade
began unloading. Capitalists having
heavy holdings on the range realized
that values were top-heaVy and must
seek lower level They began selling
out. Liquidation became general, and
the downward rush Of prices afterward
became memorable in the trade. In the
corn belt business ran along for time In
its usual channels. Breeding stock
still changed hands at prices nearly
equal to those that ruled before the
shreWd traders OF the West got out from
under; but Generalization on the range
finally began to tell. There was no de-.
mand for bulls Females lost their for
mer value, and in due course cattle
breeding in the valley States adjusted
itself to range conditions. The entire
interest fell into a sOmnOlent state
owners Of cattle everywhere wrestling as
best they could with conditions more or
less discouraging. Last fall marked
change came over the Western situation.
Values in the Southwest began to shoot
upward. Money again sought cattle.
The cOntagiOn spread, sweeping like
wlldflre throughout the length and
breadth of the range country. SpeCula-
tiOn had once more entered the business,
indicating the restoration of confidence
in cattle on the part of capital Great
profits were reaped in Texas and else.
where and early this spring came the
invasion of the range men after we'll
bred bulls HerefOrds were in special
favor with Southwestern buyers. Breed
ers named and obtained prices which five
years ago would have been deemed ex~
travagant. Buyers ransacked the States
and Canada for bulls showing good
reeding-fnding the supply generally
below the demand. Their purchases
have left the country bare of bulls and
have aroused our breeders to realiza-
ton of the fact that cattle are once more
becoming desirable property.
The range has pointed the way. AS
it gave the first signal of distress in 1888
so now it is flying the flag of restored
vitality. 1t is to be hoped that no fool
ish boom" will strike the business of
our farmer-breeders. It is time, how
ever, that they all woke up to the fact
that good COWS of the beef types can
once more be kept with profit Present
prices for feeders" give producers a
wide margin. 1t is their inning" and
as a Well-pOsted feeder remarked a few
days since: 1T should take at least four
years for the country to get long on
cattle again. The heifer calves saved
from the butcher last year and put to
breeding will not produce for two years.
Their calves when they come will be
One-half she stock. The prospect,
therefore, for any special increase in the
available supply of steers during the
next few years is slight" Prices will
vary somewhat, of course, with the corn
supply, but that any special relief can
come through the feed lot through nat
ural causes in the near future seems i'm.
probable.
This points to a very strong situation
and seems to clearly warrant the conf
dence so many are now evincing in the
future Of cattle. The Gazette has urged
farmers all through the depression to
stand by their herds, but many have not
needed the advice. Those who remained
loyal to their colors are now entering
upon their reward. The cow has again
come into her own.-Breeder's Gazette.