The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1923-04-18
Livestock Report

Cattle and sheep showed seasonal
declines in condition during the month
of March, due chiefly to cold, stormy
weather which prevailed during most
of the month. Losses of stock have
been very light, those from exposure
being practically negligible, and stock
are yet in very good condition.
Additional moisture improved pros
poets for summer grazing, although in
the north central and northern sec
tions more is needed. Grass is slow
to star. Feeding was quite general
throughout March, while the much
used winter pastures and ranges were
getting short of feed. The condition
of Montana's ranges, including sum-
mer ranges, was 90 per cent of nor
NAL, the same as for last month. No
feed shortages have been reported,
but the supply of hay will Just about
suffice for needs in many localities
in the main cattle sections, with ex-
ceptions in the southeast, east, south
west, and in a few other parts, where
there is a surplus.
Cattle declined 3 points in condi-
ton, being SO per cent of normal for
April l. In the important cattle sec
tions in the southeast particularly,
and in the southwest sections, cattle
are in good to excellent shape, while
fair to good in most other sections,
making the general average very
good for this time of year. Losses
have been very light; blackleg in
scattered localities, MOSTLY east of
the mountains, being accountable for
considerable losses among young
stuff. A good calf crop is expected,
as cows are stronger than usual.
Trading in cattle has been limited,
but more confidence is indicated by
prices paid. Sales of hay-fed cattle
from Beaverhead county had only be-
gun to move in quantity by April 1,
and the prices were generally unsat-
isfactory to the feeders.
Sheep still remain in excellent con-
dition, being 90 per cent of normal
, on April /, compared to SO per cent
last month. Landing up to April
? was confined to a few flocks, but
> prospects are very good for a big
crop being dropped. Losses among
. sheep have been unusually light.
2 Fleeces will undoubtedly be consid-
e erably heavier than last year, and of
, better quality, while the prices for
S wool will exceed those of a year ago,
Judging by prices paid for Utah and
Oregon pools. Good prices for lambs
are expected this fall.
e Storms and cold weather over west
" ern range states, except California,
Oregon, Idaho and Washington, and
: drouth in parts Of the states men
toned, operated to reduce the con
dition of live stock during March,
Cattle averaged 80 per cent of nor
NAL On April 1, a 1 point decline
from the previous month; sheep
showed a condition of SO per cent, q
decline of 2 points; and ranges aver
aged "a per cent, compared to sc pei
cent on March 1. Prospects for goot
calf and lamb crops are promising
over most all of this area.
Unfavorable conditions caused
losses in Kentucky and Tennessee
anon gthe early lambs, while droutl
in California cut down the number O.
lambs that will be ready for immedi
ate shipment. Big crops of lambs
are reported in all these sections, a.
we'll as in Idaho and Texas. There i
some tendency shown to hold lamb
for wool and later feeding, but no
yet pronounced. In Idaho, an excel
lent crop of early lambs has come Of
conditions, and it is estimated tina
there will be about 20 per cent NOR
of this class Of lambs shipped iron
that state than in 1922, which Wi
leave less for the feed lots and mar
kets in the fall.
The market discrimination agains
heavy lambs is a cause of concern t
feeders especially, which of cours
reflects back on the prices paid t
the range men. It is difficult to pU
lambs in the feed lot and put on
good finish at less than 85 pounds
while the demand for lighter cut
from so to 80 pounds grows stronger
III SOhue cases Tile duO1CAOHoA WC1SA
of well finished heavier lambs ha
more than compensated for the per
atty of the lower price per pound rt
ceived at the markets.
Cattle on feed in the corn state
on April 1 show an increase in nun
{ bers over last year of about Is pc
cent. The rising price Of corn
causing many habitat cattle to /
sent from the corn belt feed lots
markets, and is operating again'
: feeder shipments to the farms
some extent. The most noticeab
feature of the cattle now being fed
the preponderance Of lighter weirl
/. cattle. According to reports consc
idated at Chicago, about one-third
these cattle weigh less than a
--.--I- "A H. - - Goo.