The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1923-12-28
MONTANA STOCK
CONDITION GOOD
ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF FEED FOR
WINTER is ASSURED; SUP
PLY is INCREASING.
Range Condition Rated at 81 Per
cent of Normal; Cattle 1O3 of Nor
NAL; Sheep 1O4; $4,000 Head of
Cattle Being Fattened.

Montana's livestock is going into
the winter in excellent condition, with
adequate supplies of grass, hay and
other feed for winter needs. The
condition ratings of stock and ranges
are higher than year ago, when
quite general satisfaction was being
expressed. In addition, there are
substantial increases noted in the
number of cattle, sheep and lambs
land hogs being fed in the state for
markets, according to the December
livestock report issued by George
A. Scott, of the Montana Cooperative
Crop and Livestock reporting service.
Ranges
The condition of ranges is 81 per
cent of normal, compared with 80
year ago. Fall rains have been
generally beneficial, SHOWS have thus
far been very light and most ranges
are still open, and very small amount
of feeding has been necessary. Snow
has covered most of the ranges in the
south central counties, and in the
higher mountain valleys elsewhere,
but is much lighter than usual at this
time. Grass is generally reported to
be abundant, but there are spots, not
ably in the eastern and southeastern
counties, where winter grass is re-
ported to be short. Range coondi-
lions are favorable for next season,
but snow or rain will be needed later.
Rather dry conditions are reported in
some of the northern counties.
Cattle
The condition of all cattle is 103
per cent of normal, compared with "a
a year ago. Cattle are uniformly re-
ported to be in excellent condition
and are carrying more than the usual
amount of fat, while the normal
shrinkage due to cold weather has
not yet begun. Shipments of imma-
ture stuff and herd stock have been
heavy this fall, and cattlemen are
much discouraged.
Sheep and Lambs
The condition of sheep and lambs
is 104 per cent of normal, compared
with SO per cent a year ago. Sheep
and lambs came through the sum-
mer season in exceptionally fine con-
1ition, and lambs off grass are re-
ported to be heavier than they were
n 1922. The season for sheep grow
srs has been more satisfactory, and
here is the normal amount of local
rading in lambs and breeding stock.
On Feed in Montana
Based upon reports from all parts
If the state, there is estimated to be
$1,000 head of cattle in the state be-
ng fattened for market, compared 1
With about $4,000 fed last winter.
This figure includes those to be hay
ed in the Big Hole section of BeaV-
rhead county. The heaviest in
rease is noted in the Billings terri
DRY, where beet pulp is being fed
O several thousand head. Corn is
he basis of the fattening ration for
attic being finished in several of the
northeastern and eastern counties.
yhile hay and small grains are finish
ng a few lots in the western dis
riots. 1t is encouraging to note the
ute general tendency to finish more
attic on homegrown feeds, and it
hoped the returns will more than
lstify the practice.
More Sheep Fed
About $4,000 lambs and $4,000
neep, mostly ewes, are on feed in
he state, the bulk of these being in
he Billings district. This is about
0, 900 more than were fed last year.
Increases in the numbers being fed
re not confined to the Billings sec
on, where there is much more pulp
ian last year, but more punches
re being fed in the eastern and
cmounties, corn forming
lie basis of the fattening ration.
ambs and ewes have been running
corn fields, and early reports in
cate the returns will be satisfactory
both corn growers and sheepmen.
I'LL beans also are being used with
her feeds in the counties along the
e1lowstone. Reports indicate that
per cent of the lambs being fed
the state are eve lambs.
Besides cattle and sheep on feed,
ere are many more hogs fattening
an in recent years, the greatest
crease showing in the eastern
unties, where corn is the chief ele-
ant in finishing them