The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-10-30
BEEF WILL BE HIGHER

BEEF WILL BE HlSHeh
That beef prices will be higher be-
fore they will be lower, and that the
time of cheap beef is thing OF the
past seems to be the opinion OF ex-
perts who have voiced opinions ON the
subject and of those who have taken
the time to give facts and figures.
Prof Kennedy, from Ames, Iowa,
the home of the great agricultural
college Of Iowa writes Interestingly
on the subject as follows:
1T Is really amusing to listen to
the many reasons advanced for the
present high prices of beef and other
meat products Some people place
all the blame on the farmer, others
blame the packer, and still others the
retail butcher. A careful study of
the existing conditions will reveal the
fact that no one of the much accused
and oftentmes bitterly abused above
mentioned parties is really response
BILE for the present prices of beef
steaks. 1t is governed by the law of
supply and demand.
For the first time in the history
of modern civilization our people are
facing what appears to be a near
beef famine. 1t has been gradually
facing us ever since 1907. Between
January /, 1907 and January /, 1913
our supply of beef cattle fell off
some l5,97O,OO0 head or about 80 per
cent, while our population Increased
about 100000 people. This would
not be such a serious matter from
the consumers standpoint If 1t ap.
piled just to the United States. A
careful study of the beef cattle stu
alton in all beef producing countries
clearly indicates that there is a world
wide shortage as in but two countries
namely, Australia and France, has
beef production kept pace with in
crease in population since 1900.
Between 1906 and 1912 our exports
IN live cate fell off about SO per
cent, our exports in fresh beef fell
off 81 per cent and our imports of live
cattle increased from $4,000 head IN
1906 to $4,000 in 1912. In December
1908, the reserve stock of beef in
the coolers of this country amounted
to 265, 100000 pounds; in 1910 it had
diminished TO 35,600,000 pounds and
in 1912 it was estimated to be but
some 100000 pounds. These fgue"s
are worthy OF careful consideration by
both the producer Of beef and the
consumer Of meats.
AT present there is great deal
Of speculation as TO what effect the
new tariff, which has placed meat on
the free list, will have on the cost
and supply OF beef In this country
TO reduce the cost OF beef, but 1t will
not have permanent influence on
the industry. This is due to the fact
that Europe is meat hungry, and thus
will bid against our people for the
surplus meat Of Argentina, Australia
and any other exporting countries
Even the most optimistic believ.
ers in free meat figure that at the
very outs de not more than 1000 head
Of cattle per week or 100000 pounds
Ct beef, can be expected, This amount
would barely furnish enough beef for
our annual increase in population
The very lowest estimates on our an
nual pea capita beef consumption
place the amount at Sc pounds pei
person, or 100000 pounds per day
Thus our people would eat the entire
amount of anticipated yearly importa
ton of beef, some 1O0,OOO,OOO pounds
in about seven days.
"In my judgment the days OF cheaI
beef for the American consumer are
a thing OF the past. Beef cattle were
grown in former days on free lane
or land very low in value in compari
son to present day land values. Tn,
present prices OF land, feed and Ia
Dor make 1t absolutely impossible t,
produce cheap beef. The farmer 4
not to blame for this as he canno
afford to, and what is more he is no
going to produce beef for prices be