The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1918-07-18

Chicago, July l8.-The American
livestock situation, as viewed by
the National Livestock Exchange,
after a survey of conditions at the
sixty big markets and the great pro-
ducing areas, never was brighter
from the standpoint of the producer
and the consumer. on the other
hand, need have little fear of in
creased prices during the fall and
winter. In fact, slight reduction in
beef prices may -De expected by win
ter, while pork and mutton prices
probably will see little change, in
the opinion of c. b. Heinemann,
secretary OF the exchange.
The splendid response to the gov
ernment's request for increased pro-
duction, the phenomenal reduction
in losses from preventable diseases,
war measures for the producers
protection, improved railroad serv-
ice, especially to western markets.
and the satisfactory condition of
most ranges, combine to make the
outlook unusually promising, ac-
cording TO Mr.. Heinemann.
The cattle increase. based on ex-
change reports from 50 marekts and
covering the first five months OF the
year, is l2.4 per cen over the cor
responding period of 1917. Officials
OF the organization say that late
reports indicate that the increase of
1871 900 hogs estimated January |,
by the department OF agriculture,
will be far surpassed, and sheep re-
ceipts for the first five months in
crease 3o7 ,327, or o.S per cent over
the same period of 1917. The west
ern lamb increase alone, Mr.. Heine-
mann reckons will be 100000 head
over last year.
Establishment of shipping zones
which makes a five-day market,
long sought by shippers, and elm
mates the Monday market "gluts"
that formerly caused wide price
swings, together with the bureau OF
markets recent action in taking
over the work of handling estimated
receipts and prospects, have been
big factors in stimulating confidence
of the producers, Mr.. Heinemann
declares. The licensing system, ef-
fective July rs. under which packers
will operate, also had an encourag-
ing effect upon producers, he says.
The food administration, in CO.
operation with the quartermaster
department contemplates the estab-
lishment at western packing centers
of a meat reserve of S0000.O00 lbs.
to take care of emergencies, and
this purchase will act as stabilizer
to protect the price situation, Mr..
Heinemann said.
The stocker or feeder movement
during the first two months of 1918
showed no material increase. Later
price readjusiments restored conn
dence and the first hve-month period
shows shipments from 80 markets
increased approximately 81 per cent
over 1917. This is equivalent to
l30.3& more cattle sent back to the
country. MAY is so far the banner
month with an increase OF 1917
head. This stocker demand was
especially benefited by rains in the
Texas drought district which caused
cattlemen there TO re-enter the
game.
More and more are the feeders
going in for quality. The South
whose stock-raising resources are
almost untouched is showing a won
derful increase, W. G.. Harding. one
Of the NEST posted men on Southern
stock conditions. reports orders for
ll.OOO stockers for southern feeders
with an unprecedented demand for
pure-bred bulls.
The policy OF long feeding