Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-08-28
Much justification
For Attendance at
Drouth Conference

HELENA, Aug 25.-(U.P.) -Condi-
tons in the livestock industry were
generally improved, Gov. j. E. Erick-
son found upon his return from the
presidents drought conference, last
weekend.
However, an unattractive market and
the necessity to move more than the
normal shipments, remains to confront
cattlemen.
A marked improvement in range con-
ditions was noted in many parts of the
state during the governors absence,
and in some localities conditions gave
promise of an increased yield of hay.
While the cattle market has improved
somewhat, especially for fattened stock,
and the necessity to liquidate cattle is
less urgent, the lamb market still was
low.
At the Washington conference, Gov
Erickson outlined the conditions exist
ing in Montana, especially the winter
feeding problem which was a serious
threat to growers, and recommended
purchase Of lambs in sufficient quanti-
ties to Stabilize the market, assuring
the grower of safety margin.
The federal farm board marketing
agencies promised their support in any
move to bring about more stable mar
ket conditions, but said purchase Of
livestock agencies was out of the ques-
ton.
In response to the governors sug-
gestion that forest ranges be kept oper
longer than customary for grazing pur-
poses, thus saving hay stocks and lower
grazing grounds, Secretary Hyde, chair
man of the drought relief committee
assured Montana's executive that such
an order would be issued.
The states normal movement of cat
tie is about $4,000 head annually, anc
about 2,O0o,o 600 head of sheep. Livestock
interests have advised the governor
that the winter feeding problem thi!
year could be solved were 1t possible
to increase the movement by 300,00t
head Of cattle and a million sheep.
However, the poor market situation
makes increased movement hazardou.
to the industry, which would suffer
severe losses if the market prices con-
tinued at the present low level
Sheepmen generally have shown a
tendency to disregard offers Of five
cents, although some sales at six cent:
have been reported. However, the
movement has been very scattered.
Conditions that resulted from the
droughts of 1919 and 1921 are still toe
vivid in our memory to warrant us ir
overlooking any opportunity to avoic
similar situations this year. Govern
or Erickson said.
He was advised Saturday that the
Intermountain Marketing association
had set aside $15O,00O for livestock loan.
in this state. The association is affil-
lated with the federal farm board
Commissioner of Agriculture A. H
Stafford, in answer to critics Of Mon
tana's participation in the nationa
drought relief program, said the COVER
nor was entirely justified in accepting
the presidents invitation to participate
Governor Erickson was entirely JUS
titled in participating in the conference
called by President Hoover to consider
the situation of livestock producers ane
farmers in the drought areas Of tht
west" Stafford said.
Critics of the Governor have taker
advantage Of the fact that during thu
past two weeks unexpected genera
rainfall has relieved the crisis that pre-.
vailed at the time the governor wa
Obliged to make his decision. At tina
time they were conspicuous by thei
absence.
aAt the time of the first conference
which was attended by bankers ant
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