The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1901-07-11
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5Stock ans
Stockn1ef1
Live Stock Conditions.


sends out the following information
regarding present conditions of the
live stock industry:
"Semi-annual reports received by
Secretary of National Live Stock
Association from all western states
and territories regarding conditions
OF the live stock industry on the
range, indicate a most prosperous
year for the industry as a 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 will not reach over three
per cent. Many sections report
losses from predatory 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 unusu-
ally bold and successful during the
last few months, especially on the
horse ranches. Reports from round
ups show an average above the usual
calf crop. At the present time the
only sections threatened with drouth
are southern and eastern New Mex
leo and southern Arizona. There is
still time. however, for summer rains
to relieve these conditions. The
northern half Of Montana and west
ern North. and South Dakota suf
fered from late spring drouth, but
these conditions have lately been re-
lieved and the range feed, though
late, was never better. There has
been d large movement of stock cat
tie from the sou thwestern to north
ern ranges, approximating 100000
head. The movement OF western
cattle has been very much lighter
than usual, being principally from
Pacific coast states to Montana and
Wyoming. Many sections report
the range badly crowded and early
in the spring there were many
clashes between sheep and cattle
owners for possession of the range,
but the good rains and consequent
Improvement of the feed on the
range has temporarily relieved this
condition. Prospects are considered
good for a heavy movement of west
ern range grass cattle commencing
about a month earlier than usual
and probably continuing late into
the fall. Prices on stock cattle have
been from $l50 to $3.50 per head
lower than last year. Strictly high
grade cattle are steady with a year
ago and in demand.
"The sheep situation is not so sat
isfactory. Reports all indicate a
general expectation of lower prices
due to the crowded condition of
the ranges and the absolute neces-
sity of reducing the flocks to fit the
conditions. The lamb crop has been
unusually heavy, owing to the mild
winter and favorable weather at
Landing time. The movement from
the range to market will commence
earlier than usual on both cattle and
sheep and heavy run Of sheep and
an average run Of cattle is expected.
Gentlemen expect to market a
larger per cent. OF their beef than
usual. owing to the good feed that
has prevailed in nearly all sections.
Owing to the general favorable con-
ditions of the beef market, range
prices are holding steady and cattle.
men are looking for steady prices in
the fall at about an average with
last year. The strong demand or
the Pacific coast for all kinds Of
stock has diverted many cattle in
that direction that usually come
east. The movement in this direc
ton will continue this fall and is
caused by the increased home ant
Asiatic demand for meats. This il
particularly true of Nevada, Utah
Idaho, Arizona and western Wyo
ming. Quite number OF Montan;
cattle, mostly fat stuff, have alst
gone westinstead of east, tomarket
and more will go in the fall. Th'
movements Of horses is EXCEPTIONAL,
large owing to the unusually remun
erative prices prevailing in the east
and the ranges are being cleaned VI
Of many bands which only a few
years ago were considered WORTHLESS
n wa