Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-04-11
SHEEP INDUSTRY IN IOWA.
Has Had Remarkable Growth During
Past Ten Years.

Past Ten Years. &
The sheep breeding industry OF the
country appears to be afflicted with
noticeable shrinkage Of interest and
enthusiasm Of late years, and II the
present trend continues few more
years we, whose bank accounts are
not Of the plethoric sort, will be
forced to forego the time -honored and
toothsome "leg o. mutton with our
dish Of June peas. For the country
does not own nearly so many sheep
as 1t did some years ago. 1t may be
true that the total value of sheep and
wool Is much greater than ever before
in proportion to the number grown,
but it is an indisputable fact that
there has been a gradual and steady
decline since early In the nineties. A
few states, Iowa among the number,
are giving more attention to the pro-
duction of mutton and wool than for
merly. Incidentally they are growing
vastly richer in every way because
of it. But the country as a whole
seems to be gradually going out of
the business, going out at the rate of
more than million sheep a year:
The population, meanwhile. is grow
Ing at the rate of more than million
souls a year. Hence the prospect of
June peas minus the mutton.
The high mark in sheep growing
was recorded in 1903. When Uncle
Samuel counted his numerous fochs
that year he found q grand total of
g. 965, 900 head, which,, valued at the
reasonable figure of 1888 each.
amounted to the comfortable sum Of
$16S, 315,OGO. There have been years
since when the valuation assumed
somewhat more attractive figures, but
so far as mutton and wool are con-
cerned that year, 1908, is entitled to
be called the banner year in produc-
ton. Since then the decline has been
marked, tho gradual. from year to
year. The decline appears to have
been generally distributed over not
less than two-thirds Of the states.
By consulting the tables published
in connection with the subject it. will
be noted that, with q few exceptions.
the far west is responsible for the
slump. This is due to changing con-
ditions. the passinr of the open range
and the dedication Of the lane
ricultural purposes. Montana in par
ticular, at one time the banner state
in sheep and wool growing, with near
~ "S,VVU,OUU SHeep III ISVo, HAS AdACiA
Off more than so per cent. Wyoming,
New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and Oregon
have likewise turned their energies
into other channels to a large extent.
Washington also appears to be de-
sorting sheep for apple growing and
other industries. OF the middle west
erng states Wisconsin is the only one
that has greatly reduced her holdings
IN the world of mutton and wool,
while Down East" practically all the
states have curtailed operations in
sheep breeding, especially New York
rand Pennsylvania ~ 1sz.s 80, .s- (
Iowa has been wise. A marked
growth Of interest can be traced since
1903. In that year when the indus
try touched the high mark Iowa made
a meager showing compared to some
Of her neighbors, with only 100000
head, valued at sa,747. Geo. Since that
year the business has grown and de-
veloped steadily, and the count made
January 1, 1916, indicated 100000
head, worth $s,020.OO0.$ The advance
has been steady and uniform, undis-
, turbed by backslidings, which indicates
the healthy condition of the industry
and proclaims it money maker for the
state. Ie,~.sSBs5 "