The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1923-02-14
LIVESTOCK REPORT :
ISSUED. FORMONTH

A%
The special livestock report issued
today blythe ~Federal-State cooper
alive crop and livestock reporting
service indicates that among the fac
tors affecting the states livestock In
dustry, the favorable ones at present
far outweigh those which are unra-
vorable. Continued mild and open
weather throughout practically all of
January which permitted nearly max
imum use of winter pastures and
ranges; livestock in excellent condi-
ton; a general surplus of hay and
other feed; very light losses to date;
the forest service announcement Of
no advance in grazing fees for the
coming season; evidence of many
ranges coming back under light
usage; increases in pork production
and in daIrying justified by good
prices; and a general confidence m
the future demands for livestock and
their products, as indicated by light
world supplies of most Of these com
modities. These are some of the
hopeful signs for Montana's livestock
industry at the present time.
Among the unfavorable factors
mentioned by reporters from over the
state, the ~deplorable financial condi-'
ton of stockmen, and especially cat
tlemen, is outstanding. Others OF
Importance are lack Of credit, low cat
tie prices, high freight rates, too
many horses of the cayuse class on
the ranges, serious depredationS by
predatory animals in some localities,
and lack of adequate range.
The condition of cattle in the state
on February / is normal, or 100 per
cent. which means that it is about all
that can be expected under our con-
ditiors and system of production, but
does not mean that the condition is
ideal Feeding of hay has been very
limited since about Christmas, as pas
lures and ranges have afforded the
necessary food in most sections. Hay
feeding of cows and steers for mar
ket is about on the usual scale, and is
confined largely to Beaverhead coun-
ty and to the valley Of the Yellow
stone. Some of this fat stuff is al
ready moving to markets Prices are
low, but profits on this beef are not
uncommon. The movement to west
ern markets is stronger, with Los
Angeles the most favored market
point.
The practice of keeping cattle in
better shape during the winter is
growingI and there is evident move
ment toward hay feeding a few weeks
before marketing steers off grass.
However; the efficiency of Montana
grasses to make first class beef1with-
out additional feed, and the depend
ence of the middle west farmers upon
the supply of western feeders; for
which they will pay profitable prices
if necessary, are factors that will pre-
vent any early radical departure from
the present methods of beef produc-
ton inathis state ag--uass
There Is considerable local trading
in all classes of cattle in the state,
and there are notaa few current forced
sales. Prices vary widely, ranging
from real sacrifices to fairly good,
depending largely upon the ability of
local buyers to finance further pur-
chases.
Losses to- date have been incense
quential. One rather extensive sec
ton toward the eastern part Of the
state has had quite heavy, losses from
blackleg, while a few scattered local
tiles have suffered light losses, from
the same and other diseases, and from
predatory animals. ...e !,
The condition of sheep is very good
being normal for this season. Little
feeding has been necessary, but ewes
: that will lamb are being kept strong
by using extra feed, as a genera
thing. Losses have 90 far been ex
, tremely light Prospects are YER
bright for the coming season. Littb
! trading in sheep or lambs is noted
Prices on a few sales show an up
J ward trend for breeding stuff, the re
|, ported prices being within the rang
Of SO to $13 per head. 1t would tax
even higher offers to move any larg
numbers.
Good dairy cows are in general de
mand at prices averaging about So
per head. The value Of the crear
check is being appreciated more an
more, and dairying as a part Of farm
n ing is growing steadily. The wide
recognition of the value Of good dair
Il cows, and of the need for inteiigel
% care and feeding Of them, are factor
which insure this branch of our liv,
stock industry of attaining its d,
h served prominence in the state.
Swine production is growing TASTE
than any other branch Of livestoc