The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1905-10-15
Live Stock Influence Production.

relation between live stock and the
value of farm lands and of farm pro.
duction. A comparison of the statis
tics of different groups of states as
given by the last national census,
shows that in group in which the
average value of live stock per acre
on the farms was $2.04 per acre, the
value of all farm property, including
land, was SPAS per acre, whereas
in the states in which the average
value of live stock was S5.44 per acre,
the average total value of farm prop
erty was $406S per acre. In the states
which had only $2.04 worth of live
stock per acre, the value of farm pro
ducts was S6.6S per acre An analysis
of the figures by farms in Minnesota
showed that the same rule applies to
farms within that state as applies to
farms grouped by states. The farm
ers in Minnesota who make live STOCK
q leading branch of their industry
have land of higher value and raised
a greater value of products per acre
than the farmers who raised for sale
onlv grain and hay. These conditions
may be found in duplicate in many
another section, and are strong argu-
ment in favor of diversified farming
According to the National Provl-
sioner, the great demand for wool IN
this country during the last Few
mouths is evidenced by the fact that
the imports for the fiscal year end
ing June 80 will probably amount TO
nearly 250,000000 pounds. The nome
at prices in excess of any obtained
output has practically all been taken
in recent years, and still the demand
is not fully satisfied. Coupled with
the strong wool situation, from the
growers view point, is the fact that
lambs and sheep have brought hlgn
prices for slaughtering purposes. In
dications are that these conditions
will become tolerably permanent. The
demand for wool should never be
much less than it has been this year,
and the taste for lamb and mutton is
on the increase. These facts should
be all the inducement necessary for
the upbuilding of a great American
sheep and lamb industry. There is
no reason why this country with its
vast pasturage, should import any
wool whatsoever except that we do
not produce enough for our own needs.
The incentive for a correction OF this
condition is evident.
Our western lambs have become so
popular for feeding purposes in the
great central states that the farmers
there have become fierce competitors
with ourselves in securing this stock.
One feeder in Michigan writes: Il
have been feeding sheep for the last
ten years and during the last five
years have fed nothing but western
nd 1,in or
to native sheep In the first place
they usually weigh less, according to
size and frame than the natives and
have found them much more thrifty.
They are usually well shrunken after
their long trip from the range to
market and the gain they make when
put on good pasture and given plenty
OF grain is something good to behold"
II the American people continue eating
mutton in the genuine way it is no
wonder that our great ranges must
carry myriads Of sheep.
A wide distinction has been drawn
between the wool and mutton types
OF sheep, but conditions have so
changed that these must now be
piended into general type with the
Dlood or the pioneer Merton predom-
lhatlng. The blood which must be
USED TO produce this type has not
peeh clearly defined as yet by gen.
erai practlce. The type desired is one
vi medium size which can produce
close, heaVy fleece of medium length
win / Dre OF strong and good quail
NY rms type of sheep must also be
characlzed by longevity, ability to
tnriVe on somewhat scanty range,
Withstand severe climatic conditions
anu respond to the management of the
FEEDER in the feed lot. We cannot