The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1923-03-21

crease was due mostly TO the severe
storm which caused some shrinkages.
While most of the cattle are in very
good shape, there are a few locali-
ties which report them only in fair
condition. Losses have been very
light So far, and with plenty Of food
on hand, few losses are anticipated
during the spring months. Hay fed
cattle are going to market slowly at
prices unusually unsatisfactory, al
though some shipments have returned
fair to good profits. The cattle bust
mes is slowly taking on a more OPP
timistic tone, but it is quite obscured
by the general feeling of discourage
ment among the cattle growers.
Sheep.-The condition of sheep is
the same as for cattle. and the slight
decline due principally to the same
cause. Most flocks are being well
cared for, and there are bright pros
poets for a big lamb crop. Of course
the spring weather is a big factor in
determining the number of lambs pro-
duced- Good percentages Of lambs
have been reported from small
bunsheS LANDED in sheds. Local trad
ing in sheep and lambs has been very
limited, although there has been a
strong demand. Most owners desire
to hold their sheep. The wool and
mutton markets remain strong, which
gives the sheep growers much conf
dence in the coming seasons opera
tionl-
Hoeseg.-Range horses have suf-
fered more than other stock, losses
being common in the north, northeast,
and central sections, although most
losses have occurred among rather
ordinary stuff. The horse market
for heavy sound drafters is improv-
ing, but little demand is expected for
m horses.
Dairy Cattle.-Good dairy cows are
still in demand at comparatively high
prices in various sections of the state.
Butter fat prices are encouraging an
increase in the number of cows, and
exerts a decided influence for better
car and feeding.
Swine production for 1928 promises
to exceed that of last year. A sur
vey recently conducted by the U. S,
Department of Agriculture shows a
pronounced increase in the number of
sows bred for spring farrow, not only
in Montana but in the country as a
whole.
Livestock and Range Conditions in
the Seventeen Western States.
The bureaus report issued from the
Denver office, covering II western
range states, gives the conditions of
ranges as Sc per cent of normal, COM
pared to IS per cent on February 1.
The condition of cattle over this area
declined one point. being 80 for March
l, while sheep improved one point, be-
ing 95 per cent OF normal on March L.
Range conditions declined consider
ably in Washington and California
and slightly in the great plains area
between North Dakota and Texas.
Ranges improved in other states, and
especially in Texas and Arizona, due
to abundant moisture. The feed sup
ply is generally sufficient. Prospects
are favorable for good calf and lamb
crops this spring.
Early Spring Lamb Crop.-The
supply of early spring lambs for mar.
ket before June 1 promises to be con,
siderably larger than last year, anC
to move to market earlier, according
to a report issued from the Chicago
regional office of the bureau of agri
cultural economics. Lambs markete,
before June 1 are considered in thl
class. Most of them come from Call
fornia, Arizona, Tennessee and Ken
lucky. Lambs from Idaho, Oregon
Virginia, southern corr belt section
and other sections closely follow tn
early crop, running on the marke
mostly in June, July and August. 1
practically all of these e condi
lions are favorable for big lamb crop.
fact that Idaho and some other stat:
have bred a larger proportion of eve
for early lambing than usual ma
have a favorable effect on the Quite
for late lambs from Montana ne1
fall. However, there are other fac
ors of more Importance to be consi,
cred in this respect