Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-03-07
STOCK CONDITIONS.

Although it is somewhat early in the
| season to make an accurate estimate OF
the condition of range cattle and the
losses sustained in the herds the past
| winter, the National Live Stock Associ-
| alton has been securing information on
the subject, and the data secured to
date have been issued in circular form
for the information of the members of
the organization.
The report which has been issued
| deals with range cattle and the condi-
| ton of cattle in the western states, and
| therefore does not give any figures CON
| corning the cattle on farms in the
| middle western and eastern states,
| which are sheltered and fed through the
fall and winter months.
From reliable cattle men in Texas,
| New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Utah,
| Wyoming, Colorado, oklahoma, North
and South Dakota, Kansas and Ne
braska, have been received statistics
regarding weather and stock, both cat
tie and sheep, and the recapitulation
| has rather a somber side to it. The
winter has been one of unusual severity,
and except in the southern portion of
the range country, feed has been very
scarce and difficult to procure. The
heaviest losses sustained by cattle men
are reported from Wyoming, where
herds have decreased nearly TOPPER cent.
the cattle are in a weak condition and
more losses are feared during the pres
ent month. The lightest losses are re-
ported from Kansas, where 2 per cent
will cover the death rate. New Mexico
comes next with a death rate of az per
cent. The average for the states and
territories covered by the estimate made,
is about 4 per cent, and it is thought
the losses will be increased by an aver
age of 3 per cent before warm, settled
weather comes.
The department of agriculture reports
that there were in the vicinity of 49,
900. 900 head of cattle in the western
range country IN January 1, 1899. ASH
Stunning that this is correct, 6 per cent of
this number would indicate a loss of
$50, 600 head of cattle during the winter.
Or a sufficient number to appreciably
affect the supply delivered in the eastern
markets during the coming spring and
fall. In addition to this loss in num-
bers, in the northern states and in those
sections where feeding is largely the
rule, the cattle have not done well be-
cause of the extreme cold, and there will
be a shortage of marketable animals in
the earlier part of the spring. In fact,
there is a shortage of steers over years
old reported from all sections of the
range country.
In the southeastern sections the range
is said to be in good condition, and so
o o as warmer days come feed will be
The cattle south of the 37th
parallel will begin the spring grazing in
good condition, and with an abundance
feed and water, which are now prom
Used, stockmen in New Mexico, Arizona
and Texas. will soon be ready to place
their saleable stock on the market.
North of the 37th parallel, conditions
are somewhat problematical, and it will
be several weeks yet before the real
state of affairs will be known.
Among the sheep, losses averaging 80
per cent are reported from most of the
northern states, and the worst season of
The year for those animals still to be
through. In New Mexico, sheep
ire in good condition. Feed has been
during what cold weather there
has been, and there has not been any
material weakness developed in the
aocks. Should the spring open early,
the weather w%iseacres seem to
think it will. the sheep men will have
every reason to feel that their luck is of
,he best.
Taking everything into consideration
,he year 1899 promises to be a prosper
Jus one for sheep and cattle men in
New Mexico. Because of the misfor-
une of the northern stock men in los
ng such a large per cent of animals and
# the poor condition of all live stock,
'rlces must necessarily range at last
ears prices, or even higher, although
he present high price of corn and other
eed will have a t%endency'to make feed !
RS wary in buying. But the demand !
or meats will have to be supplied, and q
he markets will be active. Ii