White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1931-08-27
PASTURE CONDITIONS GOOD

Feed and pasture conditions in
Washington are considerably better
than in most other western states, &C
cording to federal and state surveys,
reports Leonard Hegnauer, extension
agronomist. Scarcity of hay, barley,
and oats in many of the western states
may serve to upply market for any
surplus raised in this state. Pasture
conditions in western Washington and
under irrigation in the central part
of the state are close to normal.
A serious shortage of feed and pas
ture is indicated in the western states,
with little chance for improvement as
the season advances The states of
Montana, Nevada, California, Utah and
Wyoming are most affected. Little re-
lief can be expected through the
movement of stock from one state to
another within the western group.
Such relief must come from states
outside.
The poor condition of pastures and
hay crops in most of the western
states means an increased demand for
local feed grains, wheat and feed stuff.
Due to unsettled financial conditions
it is impossible at this time to esti-
mate feed requirements for winter fat
tening operations.
The average condition of pastures
and ranges in the western states up
to July'1 was TOT per cent of normal
compared with 81.2 per cent a year
ago, and 1874 per cent for the 10 year
average, 192O-193O The condition in
Washington was better than last year,
but slightly under the 10 year average.
While rain this fall would somewhat
relieve the acute feed situation in
many sections, little recovery can be
expected this pear particularly in areas
of desert pasture.
Supplies of local hay in the western
states for the 1892 feeding season,
according to conditions reported up
to July /, are expressed as about 10
per cent less than a year ago, and
10 per cent under the five year aver
age.
This seasons expected hay crop of
20,738,000 tons in these states is the
smallest in recent years. Alfalfa pro-
duction is forecast at 12,882,0O0 tons
compared with last years crop of
slightly less than 100000 tons, which
was about an average crop.
The total production of feed grains
in the western states, as reported up
to July l, will be materially smaller
than year ago. The total crop of
corn, oats and barley will amount to
about 127,940,000 bushels The five
year average production is about 1885,
345,OOO bushels.
There was a heavy carry-over of
both kinds of seed from the 1880 crop
The present indications are that the
1881 seed crop will be light-some-
where between 80 per cent and 10 per
cent of normal.
A movement is now on foot to de-
termine the actual hay surplus within
the county with the idea of trying to
induce men with feeder stock to shift
to this valley and feed during the COM
ing winter. With an apparent sur
plus of hay and wheat which may be
bought at reasonable figures for feed
ing purposes and the possibility of
securing Gull potatoes and corn and
squash it looks as though good bal
anced ration could be made available
for larger number of beef cattle or
sheep than is usually fed. The rather
open winter prevailing here would al
so make. this good feeding section.
E. G. DURDLE,
County Agent