The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1924-06-26

pared to 80 a year ago.. Lack Of
rain in May, together with unsea-
sonably low temperatures result
ed in short grass in all of the west
north central counties, and delayed
growth over the entire state, ac-
cording to the June stock and
range report issued a few days ago
by George A. Scott of the Montana
Cooperative crop and livestock
reporting service.
In the territory drained by the
Yellowstone and it's tributaries grass
is considered the best in years, while
in central and northeastern counties
ranges are furnishing sufficient feed
but r late. Grasshoppers are out
in menacing numbers in parts of the
north central, western and south
western districts, in the Lewis and
Clark-Jefferson region, and in spots
in other sections, but little injury to
range grass has been done to date.
Since June l., general rains, which
were heaviest in the north central re-
gion, have improved range conditions
wonderfully over the entire state.
Cattle Conditions
Cattle are reported to be in very
good shape, but did not make normal
short grass. A few cattle are re-
ported to be in rather thin condition
yet. The condition rating for cattle
on June 1 was 104 compared with
107 of May 1, and with SO a year ago.
The calf crop is generally better than
last year, and losses have been light.
There are signs of increasing conf
dence in the cattle game. There is
little local trading in cattle, but some
usual spring shipments of young feed
ers have gone to corn belt states.
Sheep and Lambs
Sheep and lambs continue to show
LOG on June L, compared with 108 a
month ago, and to 81 a year ago.
The backward season resulted in sub
normal gains during May. Reports
indicate that the 1924 lamb crop has
been above normal, with light losses
the rule. Little shearing had been
done prior to June 1. Fleeces are very
satisfactory, both as to quality and
weight. Wool buying continued slow
ly, reported prices ranging from 38
to 43 cents, and averaging a little
better than 40% cents. Contracting
for lambs was slow, and apparently
about 70 per cen of the available
supply has been contracted for fall
delivery. Prices range between 9 IL
and 10 1-2 cents. Growers have held
or still higher offers.
District Reports
The following summary of cores
pondents' comments by districts
we're:
Northwestern district-Ranges are
7ery dry, grass short particularly on
over ranges and cattle beginning to
show effects of lack of sufficient
,rass. Crickets and hoppers are bad
n spots. Calf crop generally good;
osses light.
North central district-Grass is
low, but good in Bear Paw region,
nd in western Teton, Pondera and
but very short in the "Tri-
section. Range injury by
oppers is feared in several counties
this district. There have been some
osses of calves and lambs, but these
enerally have been light. Stock is
in good shape.
Northeastern district-Grass very
God, but a little slow. Stock in good
lape with satisfactory calf crops and
God lamb crops reported, and losses
ght.
West central district-Stock in
cry good shape although lower
very dry. Good lamb and calf
ops with small losses.
Hoppers Are Busy.
Central disadvantages quite dry {
grass short in the Broadwater-
efferson section, and hoppers are /
lreatening to injure the range in I
arts of this region. Cattle here not I
aking satisfactory gains, but sheep :
)lding up we'll. Low ranges dry in
evils and Clark and Meagher, and
me cattle reported thin. Through :
Q central counties grass is late but
e outlook is excellent for good II
later, and stock generally in W
lie condition. Excellent lamb crops ST
e the rule in this district and calf -
ops are generally good; losses have =
light. te
East central district--Grass has not "A
ade satisfactory growth due to the nj
Id spring, but soil moisture re-
rves are good. Calf and lamb crops
ported good to excellent. A few ul
tile reported to be thin yet; losses hi
hit. to
Southwestern district-All stock !,
ported in fine condition, but the
nges getting very dry as the spring CT
infall has been much below normal.
Decially in Beaverhead county. w;
NIB crop excellent; calf crop good. II
ass east of the Tobacco range bet
than west. Pc
Grass Crop Late ile
South central district-Grass is tie.
but there is sufficient soil mois- DIR
e, with the exception of a very few w;
its. Stock in good condition. Ex- "
lent lambing general; calf crop a VI
lie above normal, with generally we
hit loses reported extreme south wi
It Carbon county. 90
Southeastern diStrict-AlI ranges ~