The Central Nevadan. [volume] (Battle Mountain, Nev.) 1885-1907, 1901-07-18
STOCK OUTLOOK
A MOST PROSPEROUS YEAR FOR THE
INDUSTRY.

Semi-annual reports received by the
Secretary of the National Live Stock as
sociation from all western states and
territories regarding conditions of the
live stock industry on the range, indicate
most prosperous year for the industry
as whole. The winter losses were
lighter than for many years, but heavy
spring storms in some sections caused
about the usual spring losses, but the
average viii not reach over three per
cent Many sections report losses from
pedatory wild animals greater than usual
showing that this pest must soon be
met in some way. Another cause of loss
has been thieves, who have been un-
usually bold and successful during the
last few months, especially ON the horse
ranges.
There has been large movement of
stock cattle from the southwestern to
northern ranges approximating 10000
head. The movement OF western cattle
has been very much lighter than usual,
being principally from the Pacific coast
states to Montana and Wyoming. Many
sections report the range badly crowded
and early in the spring there we're many
clashes between sheep and cattle owners
for possession Of the range, but the good
rains and consequent improvement of
feed on the range has temporarily re-
lieved the condition. Prospects are con-
sidered good for heavy movement of
western range grass cattle commencing
about month earlier than usual and
probably continuing late ilto the fall.
Prices on stock cattle have been from
81 80 to So 80 per head lower than last
year. Strictly high grade cattle are
steady with year ago and in demand
The sheep situation is not so satisfac-
tory. Reports all indicate general ex-
pectation Of lower prices, due to the
crowded condition OF the ranges and the
absolute condition of reducing the f3ocks
to fit the range conditions.
Cattlemen expect to market larger
per cent OF their cattle as beef than
usual, owing to the good feed that has
prevailed in nearly all sections. Owing
to the general favorable conditions of
the beef market, range prices are hold
ing steady and cattlemen are looking for
steady prices in the fall at about an av-
erage with last year. The strong de
mands on the Pacific coast for all kinds
Of stock has diverted many cattle in that
direction that usually come east. The
movement in this direction will continue
this fall and is caused by the decreased
home and Asiatic demand for meats,
This is particularly true of Nevada.
Utah, Idaho, Arizona and western Wye
ming.
The movement of horses is unusually
large owing to the generally remnnera-
tive prices prevailing in the east, and the
ranges are being cleaned up of many
bands which only few years ago were
considered worthless and nuisance.
The outlook for the live stock business
on the whole is good. While much de-
pends upon the growing crops of corn
and hay, stockmen are not looking for
any advance in stockers and feeders, but
they do not anticipate a steady market
at about last years figures. Should the
corn crop be unusually large these prices
will be much firmer, but should it fall
short they will expect to take something
off the present prices.