Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-23

about the effect of the war upon the live
stock industry:
THE worlds production Of hides. wool
and animal food products was already
strained to meet the demands when the
war began. Now the supply is far from
sufficient
The need of animal products and the
shortage of feeds and labor has caused
heavy slaughter of all classes Of live
stock in both Europe and America. The
Federal Food Administration estimates
the total decrease in cattle at 2s.UW.00,
sheep at 81 100000 and hogs at g., i25.0,o
The slaughter Of poultry has been en0r-
nous, probably not more than half Of
the poultry population of this country re-
naming, the stocks Of all Europe greatly
depleted and with whole areas swept
clean of any feathered inhabitants.
The European demand for our animal
products will be continued long after the
advent OF peace. For years to come, we
may look forward to high prices on
meats, fats. hides. wool and all -nimal
products. Our problem then. is nor only
10 supply our armies and allies now ami
for the duration of the war, but We must
also prepare to meet the great demand for
breeding stock which will come with
peace.
our herds and fiorhs cannot be in
creased in q single night or in a single
year. few moments of slaughter de-
plete herds which require years an.
years of patient breeding and feeding to
replace. Our stock keepers will, beyond
A.,
laying the foundations of larger and bet
ter herds and tiocks now, and they will
also serve the nation and the welfare Q,
humanity for years TO come if the best
strains of cattle, sheep, swine and poultry
are conserved and propagated.
This. increase in herds must be ac-
complished and it should he done with
prolit to the producers Economy of pro
ductions is the keynote Of success, ana
minimizing the amount of purchased
grains and the production On the farm or
more high grade roughage and fodder.
1T is well to foresee that after the
war Europe, with lessened herds and
pending their rccUperaton. will require
less fodder and pasr:rage and conse-
quently will produce more bread grains
and foods and import less of them. The
greatly increased production of cereal
grains in this country can then no longer
be continued because the foreign market
Will have disappeared unless live stock
production is now foStered so that sur
plus grains may be marketed in the form
OF much needed meats, hides, wool and
other animal products. In other words.
with the close OF the war and the return
, Of armies and muntion workers TO the
farms and industry, Europe will be long
on reeds and short on STOCK We, too. will
be long on feed and short on stock unless
corrective measures are taken at once to
replenish and invigorate our live stool,
industry.
The next few years to come arc to he
banner years FOR live stock breeders IN
America. The demand for stock now il
! lar in excess of the supply. This condi-
uon Is being intensified each dav that
passes. Cattle. hogs and sheep are now
bringing unprecedented prices and wish
the close of war and the coming of bnv
ers 70 purchase breeders for repIenishing
me stock Of Europe prices on all crai-es
OF live stock is bound to soar stiI hieber
Inc demand for registered cattle. espec-
laiis dairy cows will be tremendous, even
IN excess Of the fondest hopes of MIRO
pred enthusiasts. Now is the time ia nre-
pare for the markets that are To come ii
Is only the breeder who has the stock thai
can sell it,"