San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1926-01-31
RANGE AIDED
BY HEAVY
FALL OF
SNOW
White Blanket of Last WeeH
Means Millions to Stock
men of District i

The biggest year in III. livestock
industry since the post war slump
played havoc among the cattle and
sheep men Is In prospect throughout
South and Southwest Texas for 1926
This is the consensus Of opinion Of
dozens Of livestock producers who
make their headquarters in San An
tonic with extensive ranchins inter-
ssts throughout this territory.
Financial conditions also. are more
favorable TO the ranchers than they
have been since the war and cattle
paper" is In better shape than in
many years.
When the post war slump occurred,
it brought heavy losses to Southwest
Texas. Not only cattlemen were af-
fected, but the result OF the condi
tons in the cattle industry penetrated
into nearly every line of business here
due to the fact that the livestock in
dustry is the third in Importance from
an income standpoint.
LOSSES ABSORBED.
Southwest Texas cattle and sheep
men who had invested in livestock at
the high prices prevailing at the close
Of the war were compelled to let 20 on
falling market.
These losses have largely been alb
sorbed in various channels and the
livestock men who survived the dis
aster are looking forward to 1926 with
more hope than at any time since the
market crashed.
The recent snowstorm, which had
been preceded by numerous rains, far
from doing damage, was worth mil
lions Of dollars to the range. While
there were reports of losses here and
there, due to the cold and snow, the
bulk of the livestock came through in
good shape. But the moisture went
into the ground and range conditions
have not been in such good shape in
mary years.
EARLY GRAZING.
The drouth of 1924-25 left some
pas; IIes in bad shape and the rains
came so late that not a sufficient
amount of cured grass was on the
ground when winter arrived. Hence
it is very important that the weeds
which are the first green forage to
show in the spring. shall appear early
and that this growth shall be heavy
The weeds tide livestock over until
the grass sprouts some so days to six
weeks later in the season.
Livestock men report that range
conditions generally speaking, are
fine and that green stuff is begin
ming to show in protected spots where
the sun warns the earth. There
should be a good crop Of weeds by
March 1 and livestock is in good con-
dition to go through until then.
The tanks are full of water and
streams are bank full aud running in
dicating ample water for the coming
season.
BUYING STOCK.
A steady demand is noted for young
stock, especially for heifers and cows.
Due to conditions of the past few
years, many ranges are badly depict
ed. But the high price of feedstuffs
in the states where winter full-feeding
is practiced has lessened the demand
for livestock to finish.
Those conversant with the industry
predict a higher market in 1926 and
general prosperity in the business.
The cattlemen, who have been hit the
hardest by past conditions, bid fair 70
prosper in 1926 more than in many
years ana numerous pasture leases
and deals made in the last 60 days
are indicative Of general revival OF
faith in the industry.