The Powder River County examiner and the Broadus independent. [volume] (Broadus, Mont.) 1919-1935, 1920-12-31
TREASURE STATE FARM AND LIVESTOCK
the LIVESTOCK SITUATION IN MONTANA
NJ w. J. BUTLER STATE VETERINARY SURGEON
and necessary for the very existence
Of our country that stock growing

and necessary for the very existence
Of our country that stock growing
and agriculture should receive the
financial assistance and c0nsidera-
ton of the entire nation. Endeavors
are being made to form q pool, but
so far as we are aware no definite
arrangements have been formulated
for the distribution of this money.
We realize our knowledge OF finance
is very limited. but as one who lives
In the west and whose knowledge is
that of livestock, we sincerely trust
that all moneys released BY any ma
tional agency for the aid of the stock
industry will be placed to the credit
of our local banks, and by them be
allotted and loaned to the stock
grower.
| 100000 Cattle In the State
| At the present time We have ap-
proximately one million cattle in the
state of Montana. 1t is estimated
that we could take care of two mil
lions Of cattle. and more. as our state
develops and diversified farming pro-
crosses. This does not mean that we
l
lion more cattle. That Is danger
we must avoid. Our ranges must be
restocked slowly. They never should
be stocked beyond their capacity and
beyond the owners ability to take
care of his animals during the win
ter months. 1t is equally essential
when we do restock that We do so
with we'll bred animals of exception
ally good quality. raised in a section
where conditions and climate are
similar to those of Montana. Our
future will indeed be unfortunate II
We should attempt to restOck with
animals of poor quality. or animals
purchased in eastern stOckyard CEN
tiers. 1t is true that the initial pay
ment for this class of animal is con-
siderably less than that for the well
bred animal from a range country.
1t is just as equally true that they
are much more expensive in the long
run and will financially embarrass
any man who attempts to raise or
feed them in this state.
Only pure bred sires of recOg-
nized type should be used. The
stock grower who uses inferior grade
sires. and who raises an inferior
quality of livestock will lose money
Different Conditions
Associated with the question OF
quality, there is the question of the
kind of stock to be raised. Where
diversified farming can successful!
be carried on, and that must neces
sarily mean where summer range is
available. we believe she stock of :
recognized beef type offers YER,
safe and sound investment. 1t is Il
be distinctly understood. however
that wherever she stock are handled
that the stock grower must be 81
situated that he can feed his COWS
and calves during the winter months
1t is also essential that his ranch OF
range furnishes open water the en-.
tire year. Each year we grow more
convinced that an open spring or al
artesian we'll is one of the very hes,
assets that a stock grower can have
In winter feeding where upland hay
is used a small amount of oil cake is
a valuable adjunct; in fact we be-
lieve we are safe in saying it is nov
prime necessity. Where alfalfa il
fed. corn should be used in place o.
oil cake.
To the larger stock grower. anc
especially where open range is large
~ depended upon. we would favor
southern steers. Naturally. a few
cows should be associated with these
steers. as steers are much better sat
isfied and more cOntented and locate
much easier when associated with
cows. 1t is our firm belief. however
that she stock should not be raised il
greater numbers than the ability o.
the stock grower to provide shelter
and feed them on an average of a,
least four months during the winter
Unless this policy is followed the
calf crop will be very small and the
death loss will be above normal. I,
is absolutely essential that the stock
grower be in a position to feed anC
protect she stock during the earl!
spring months. Our greatest losses
have always occurred during or fol
lowing one of our early spring
storms.
Where to Raise sheep
| Oftentimes it has been stated thai
our bench land farms will be import
ant producers of livestock We d.
not agree with this statement Stocl
cannot be profitably raised in Mon
tana where summer range is no
available and where there is no nat
ural winter protection. Where sum
mer range is available, and wher,
there is certain amount of natura
winter protection. diversified farm
ing will be profitable
In certain districts where diversi
fled farming is carried on, sheep viii
offer a more profitable investmen
than cattle. We know OF no NOR,
profitable animal to the farmer thar
sheen. This animal is a weed des