Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-12-18
GROWERS Of HOGS
DUMPING PICS To
AVOID FEED COSTS
BY J. G. ROYLE

Especial Leased Wire to The JournaI-~Copy
right, 1921
NEW YORK, Dec. 16.-"Eat and
grow thin" has become the motto of
the American hog, according to the
farmers of the country. and many
of the raisers are getting rid of their
animals as fast as possible in conse-
quence. All previous records for
receipts of hogs at Chicago were
broken this month, 1872 900 being mar
leted in the week Of December 6,
and 10000 being disposed Of Mon
day.
The determination to get rid of
their hogs, which would be held and
fattened under normal circumstances,
has been brought about by the high
price of corn. The supply of old
corn is beginning 10 run out while
mitch of the new crop is soft, in
ferior quality and of little value in
f9ttenirg. While quality and weight
of animals now coming to the pack
ers' pens is better than a month ago,
they are still under normal.
These heavy stocks are being
thrown ON the market with replace
ments not in sight. The number of
sows kept for breeding purposes last
year was 20 per cent under the 10
year average. Owing to cold wealth
er last spring a smaller number Of
pigs from its filters reached matur-
ity. Farrowings this fall were 10 to
Is per cent under last year. These
conditions point strongly toward
higher prices for meat products for
every American breakfast table and
dinner pail.
Swift Explains Situation
In commenting on this Situate
today, Louis f. Swift, president or
Swift & Co., packers, said
Although corn and hog produc-
ton combined have brought fairly
good returns to producers this year,
the relation between corn and hog
prices has for some time been un-
favorable for the raising of hogs.
AS a result of this and the small
1924 corn crop, indications for 1925
point rather definitely to a consid-
cradle decrease in the marketing of
hogs.
More or less liquidation has been
going on in the range cattle coun.
try, and it is generally thought that
reduced marketingS of cattle are in
prospect.
1.-THE short year and poor quality
of the corn have lowered quality ana
finish of hogs and cattle coming to
the market and there is a general
feeling that there will be higher
prices for hogs and cattle, especially
for vel finished animals.
Nineteen twerty-four has been a
fairly good year in the meat packing
industry. During most of the year
| basic conditions were satisfactory for
good financial returns. Production
Of cattle ind hogs was above prawa1
| level. Hos nlarketings will Just
| about equal the record run of 1925
which were IS per cent above those
of the previous record year OF 1918
| Heavy marketing of calves continued
throughout the year and are an in
| dication of liquidation in the cattle
| business.
1.-THE demand for meat products
| has been satisfactory during most
Of the year The domestic market
has absorbed large meat supplies at
fairly good prices. Total exports for
the year will probably be about 10
per cent less than last year.
Prices Higher During Year
"Hog prices during the year were
! about per cent higher than for
| 1928. Lamb prices average per
cent above those for the previous
yer and cattle prices were about the
same level IS in the previous period.
With the exception of lambs, live
stock prices are not yet in line with
! tie prices Of all commodities. I'm
rrovement has taken place the past
| year in this respect, but indications
point to still further advances in
7 live stock prices.
''It is true that hog prices have
been considerably out of line with
| the general level of prices du ms
the past year but the total income