The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1918-12-10

There has been a gradual and logical
movement in the sheep industry to-
ward more and better flocks on the
farms Of the Central and Eastern
states. That the farm states are
destined TO become the seat Of the
great sheep industry the farm
Hook a more important part in per
manent agriculture, is the opinion OF
specialists Of the United States depart
ment Of agriculture who have been In
close touch with the situation. While
the number and size OF the tlocks in
most Of the range states are declining,
there is a distinct trend toward the
production Of more wool mutton
in the states where more intensive
farming liz practiced, they say.
Taking the entire country as a whole
the sheep industry Is on the increase
In 1917 there was "A net increase OF :
per cent N tho United States over 1915.
according to reports OF the bureau OF
crop estimates OF the United States de-
partment OF agriculture, while the July
|, 1918, estimates show a TT per cent
Increase over the same date Of the pre-
vious year. Further proof that the
sheep industry has gathered impetus Is
shown by the record Of wool produc-
ton, estimates for 1918 showing ISL
92l, 900 pounds, as against 24O,5tS.OOO
pounds In 1917.
The increase In the farm states and
the decrease in the range territory Is
due partly to the fact that range lands
have increased in value n the con-
tinued demonstrating has broken up the
areas which were once in free range.
In the farm states also, the wool type
Of sheep has given way to the wool and
mutton varieties, which a been the
principal factor in bringing about an
increase. The decline in the sheep in.
dustry on the Western range should not
he interpreted to mean that the bust
ness in that section is going to entirely
disappear, for there is every reason to
believe hat the range country will al
ways continue as an important sheep
producing center. Large areas in
Western states will not economically
lend themselves to any other grazing
purposes.
Sheep which yield both wool and NUT
ton are we'll adapted to more or less
intensive farming. Farmers are begin
ming to realize that sheep OF this kline
III admirably into n system OF mixed
farming, and with the meat and wool
markets becoming more stabilized there
Ia little need to become concerned with
! the yearly market fluctuations OF these
two products. Sheep on farms should
he assured n larger place as they can
successfully share with other stock in
tho economical and profitable utiliza-
llNIl VI lilll 'IbHbt dn NtH 40 btlllE
producers of valuable clothing material
FOR which there is no complete substi.
tute, Doubling our wool production
would not render us independent Of
wool imports but would about meet the
needs for military purposes and a large
part OF that needed for civilian uses.
Ono Of the chief drawbacks at the
present time to a more rapid develop
ment Of the industry in the farming
states IL the lack of knowledge OF good
flock management, There is danger
In the tendency to rush into this new
line Of farming, which Increased prices
have brought about, where experience
Ia lacking. While there is nothing diff.
ficult about managing sheep, 1t must
he remembered that sheep breeding Is
essentially n long-term proposition and
not n one.season crop like wheat, corn
or oats, and should he entered into
with this well in mind IL ~disappoint-
ment and failure are to be avoided.
Sheep require "A small amount Of
high priced grain compared with other
farm animals, They utilize n thrive