The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1919-06-26

forces, December 25, 1918, a total OF
| 191, ,631 animals This total included
26023 cavalry horses. 1oS,52S draft
: horses, 1854 draft mules and 1896
. pack and riding mules. The total loss
/, overseas to December 25. 1918,
amounted to 42,311 animals, which in
cIuded 36,1S9 horses and 6,122 mules,
i No arrangements have yet been made
by any foreign government for taking
over the animals belonging 10 the
j United States which are now in Eu-
rope.
"The domestic situation indicates
that a further increase in the number
of sheep is desirable.
sheep in Europe have undoubtedly
declined in numbers, but TO what ex.
tent is not definitely known. A slight
reduction in the United Kingdom and
about II per cent in France is indi-
Gated in some reports. Presumably
the same situation exists in Europe,
but definite figures are lacking. The
1918 price OF wool was greatly stimu.
a
pected TO be maintained.
"On the whole, an increase in the
number Of sheep for both mutton and
wool appears 10 be justified. Per
capita consumption of mutton in 1913
was about ~ pounds. but has de-
creased since that time owing TO re-
duced slaughter The American peo-
pie have learned 10 appreciate the
value of mutton. and the consumption
is likely to increase as soon as the
supply is sufficient
Exports of pork and pork products
fell from 1873 100000 pounds in the
fiscal year 1899 to 707 600, 600 in 1910,
and rose to 1885,, ,O00 900 in 1915" the
department says. Although definite
data are lacking, reports indicate a
considerable reduction in the number
OF the food administration reports a
reduction Of % per cent in the United
Kingdom, 1914 per cent in Italy and
10 per cent in France However, in
rope for American pork products, GER
tain factors must be borne in mind.
namely:
"Q) Large stocks now on hand in
the United States.
"(2) The rapidity with which the
muir Der OF swine can be increased in
Europe.
Another factor of Importance is the
large proportion Of lard in
the exports of this country, amounting
10 about so per cent of all pork pro-
ducts exported in the five year period
from 1910 to 1914. and about 200 per
cent more than the total quantity of
beef exported Exports of lard
amounted to 4S1, 100000 pounds in
1914; 476.000,000 pounds in 1915;
427 100000 pounds in 1916; 445,O0O,-
300 pounds in 1917 and 392,000,0 900
pounds in 1918. All reports empha-
size the shortage of fats and oils in
Europe at this time No shipments |
TO Germany and Austria have been in
Guided in the exports of lard from the
United States since 1914 However,
prior to the war, Germany was our
second largest customer, taking 146,-
300 900 pounds in 1914. or about 80
per cent of our total lard exports. The
'oreign demand for lard is likely to be
heavy during the present year."
hn o1a
rs to the future ability of this coun-
ry to hold It's due place in the trade
,f the world, and especially as to the
ability of agriculture to maintain it's
position.
"The markets OF the world are open
ng up for American products. 1t is
assured that a considerable demand
rom European countries for food
'tuffs will continue for one year or
more. For these reasons. therefore 1t
would seem that the American farms
should maintain as high production as
ocal economic conditions and the ap-
of the principles of sound ag-
.icultural practice will permit.
I'm response to the plead for food,
many farmers have plowed up perma-
tent pastures and other grass lands
hat are needed for livestock and
planted the INTO grain crops. Other
armers have broken their rotation of
,rops. and in many cases have planted
rain on the same land year after
rear. They were aware that this
practice meant the destruction OF the
lumus, the removal of large amounts
II fertility, and lowering of the pro-
luctive power of the soil; but they
we're willing TO sacrifice rotation and
oil fertility to help furnish food for
he army, the Allies and the hungry
,eople OF Europe
Now that farming is to be restored
o a peace time basis, 1t would seem
hat many OF the lands needed and
suitable for pasture or meadow should
% reseede6 to grass. Regular and
rotation OF crops should
,e establiEhed, so that fertility may
,e restored and the productive power
II the soils increased and maintained.