The Coconino sun., 1924-04-04

in 1890 was Al, ,398,00 By January,
1924, this number had been reduced
1,272,000. In 1920 the number of milk
cows was 23, ,722, ,60O BY January,
1924, this number had been increased
by $4,000. All dairy cattle event
ually produce beef and the dairy in
dustry furnishes about rs per cent of
the veal.
Slaughter Of cattle and calves in
1923 was about 5 per cent more than
in 1922, but only la greater than the
five-year average. The proportion of
females slaughtered in November,
1923, was 81 per cent compared with
81 per cent for tho same period in
1922. Stocker and feeder shipments
back to the country in 1923 decreased
ga per cent.
It is estimated that beef consump-
tion in 1923 increased only about 3
per cent over 1922, or IL pounds per
capita. This compared with an in
crease of 15.4 pounds per capita or
nearly % per cent in consumption OF
pork excluding lard. Even lamb and
mutton consumption increased 5.3
per cent.
In word, during 1923, the beef
cattle man was able to move into con-
suming channels a slightly increased
number of cattle at practically steady
prices. He succeedees in holding the
modest gains made during 1922 but
was unable to materially improve his
market position.
A survey covering the more impor-
tant feeding areas indicated that on
January /, 1924, there were just about
as many cattle on feed in the corn
belt as year earlier, whereas in
some of the western districts, partic-
ularly those which normally supply
Pacific coast markets, there were de-
creases amounting to as much as Az
per cent. Average weights, however,
were somewhat lighter.
Present indications would seem to
lead to the expectation that the mar
ketward movement during 1924 will
be orderly and about normal in vol
ume. There are those, however, who
anticipate lighter receipts at markets
next fall because of an anticipated
decreased movement of range cattle,
if prices advance sufficiently to en-
, courage cattIemen to expand their
operations. If however, prices
do not show more marked i'm
provement than in 1928, it seems
reasonable to expect sufficient
liquidation to bring total market re-
ceipts Of cattle up to or above those
of last year.
The condition of ranges on the
plains and in the far west on Feb
ruary /, 1924, averaged SO per cent of
normal compared with S6 per cent a
year ago. In fact the range at the
present time is in the best condition
it has been for years with the single
exception Of some Of the valleys IN
southern California. In most regions
the past winter has been comparative
ly mild and cattle have wintered we'll.
The average condition of cattle on
February was 92 per cent compared
with 90 year ago. Cows are gen
orally in good condition and the calf
crop this spring should be above the
average. Supplies of hay and other
dry feed have been conserved and sur
pluses are reported from certain sec
tions.
Total importations of live cattle into
the United States during 1928 We're
only 138,481 head, whereas in 1922
Canada alone sent 208,419 cattle
across the border. Total importations
of beef and veal in 1928 decreased
more than AZ per cent compared with
those of 1922. During the latter year
Canada alone exported TO the United
States 19,625, 900 pounds Of beef and
veal whereas in 1923 total importa-
tions into the United States from all
sources amounted to only 19,356,000
pounds.
The expected decrease in hog and
pork production in 1924 should help
the cattlemen in two ways-first by
reducing the demand for, and there
fore the price of, corn, and second,
by relieving the market from the del=
uge of cheap pork which was so much
in evidence during 1928 and allowing
beef end cattle prices to make a near
er approach to the general comnod-
ity price level.
General industrial conditions will,
of course, have much to do with de-
termining beef and cattle prices. Beef
is a prosperity meat and for that rea-
son the cattleman usually suffers
more than the hog producer during
periods of business and financial de-
preston.
To sum up, total receipts of cattle
at public stockyards during 1924 are
expected to be about equal to those
of 1923 despite the possibility of
somewhat lighter runs of range cat
tie next fall. Ii less pork is offered
and pork prices advance, beef con-
sumption may show increase. In
view of prospective favorable range
and pasture condition, cattle should
come to market next fall carrying
considerable flesh and fat. This, to-
gether with cheaper corn, may result
! in an increase in the average weight
Of cattle slaughtered during the early
! spring of 1925.
In a word, most. signs appear hope
| full for the experienced cattleman
possessed of geod judgment and rea-
sonable resources, for the man wht
can keep down production costs. Al
though the cattle industry appears t.
have turned the corner, there is little
apparent in the present situation tc
encourage material, immediate expan-
sion.
Sheep, Lambs and Wool