MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LIVE-STOCK INDUSTRY IN 1906.

The live-stock industry of the United States was in a remarkably flourishing condition during the greater part of 1906; never before in its history were such high prices obtained for all classes of farm animals nor such a high average reached for the year, with the single exception of 1902, the meat-famine year. For a short portion of the year, however, the meat trade was in a precarious condition, owing to the so-called packing-house disclosures, which precipitated a violent prejudice among the people against meat products as a whole and certain grades and kinds in particular. But the public soon learned to discriminate between canned meats, sausage, etc., which were most affected by the insanitary conditions at packing houses, and fresh meat, the wholesomeness of which was never seriously called into question. The result was a greater demand than ever for the better grades of meat, and consequently prices were obtained which were highly remunerative to the producer.

It will be seen from the table of market prices of live stock at Chicago (page 311) that the average price of native cattle for 1906 was $5.60 per hundredweight, as against $5.05 in 1905. This is an increase of 55 cents on each 100 pounds of live weight, or 11 per cent. Texas cattle rose on the average from $4.20 to $4.45, and western cattle made the highest gain of any, their average going from $3.80 to $4.40. Hog raisers had a phenomenally successful year. The hogs sold at Chicago alone during the year, according to a good market authority, realized $15,000,000 more to the raisers than was received in 1905, and the average price on the market was an even $1 per hundredweight more than in 1905, an increase of 19 per cent. Sheep raisers had a good year also, although their increases were not as great as the preceding.

The export trade in animal products for 1906 reached the highest aggregate yet attained in any year, the total value having been $296,527,588, an advance of $23,144,694 over 1905. The records show that prior to this the highest total value of animal products exported in one year had been $286,826,152, in 1901. The agitation previously

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mentioned seriously affected the exports of canned meats, but the falling off in this branch was more than offset by the great gains in the other classes of meats.

The prosperous condition and the vastness of the live-stock industry are well shown. by the annual estimate of the number and value of farm animals on farms and ranges January 1, 1907, by the Bureau of Statistics of this Department, as follows:

The total value reaches the stupendous sum of $4,423,697,000. The above statement shows an increase during 1906 in the number of all classes of animals except "other cattle" and swine, and the decrease in swine was insignificant. A striking enhancement in the value of farm animals during the year is shown by comparing the average prices per head as estimated on January 1, 1906, and on January 1, 1907. The increase in each class is as follows: Horses, $12.79; mules, $13.85; milch cows, $1.56; other cattle, $1.25; sheep, $0.30; swine, $1.44.

MARKET PRICES OF LIVE STOCK.

On the following pages are shown the prices of the various classes of farm live stock at two of the principal markets, Chicago and Omaha. These figures, excepting the first table, are compiled from official reports of the stockyard companies at those cities. The average prices are given whenever possible, but unfortunately in most cases only the high and low range of prices could be obtained. It will be understood, of course, that the mean between the highest and lowest prices does not necessarily give the true average.

Average prices, per hundredweight, of live stock at Chicago in 1906, by months, and annual average, 1894-1906. [From the Weekly Live Stock Report.]

$7.25

6.30

6.40

6.20

6.40

6.70

6.60

7.00

7.00

6.90

7.00

7.15

6.80

6.75

5.45

3.40

5.45

4.80

5.90

5.50

Range of prices, per hundredweight, of cattle at Chicago and Omaha in 1906, by months, and annual range at Chicago, 1892-1906.

This price, $17 per 100 pounds, was paid for the grand-champion load of 2-year-old Angus, averaging 1,438 pounds.

$10.50 represents the price paid for the grand-champion load of the international of 1904.

d $12.25 represents the price paid for the champion load of Angus yearlings at the international of 1904.

The top price, $8.35, was attained by one load of yearling Hereford steers, averaging 1,099 pounds.

f One load of Aberdeen-Angus steers, averaging 1,510 pounds, sold at $14.50.

Fifteen Aberdeen-Angus steers, averaging 1,492 pounds, sold at $15.50.

Range of prices, per hundredweight, of cattle at Chicago and Omaha in 1906, by months, etc.-Continued.

Range of prices, per hundredweight, of hogs at Chicago and Omaha in 1906, by months, and annual range at Chicago, 1892-1906.

This price was paid for hogs at the International Live Stock Exposition.

Range of prices, per hundredweight, of sheep at Chicago and Omaha in 1906, by months, and annual range at Chicago, 1892-1906.

• International show lambs sold at auction December 6 at $11.25, the highest on record. They were range bred.

2.25-5.65

2.50-5.55

4.00-7.00

2.00-5.25

3.75-6.75

3.50-7.25

3.50-6.25

3.00- 6.00

2.50-5.80

2.25-6.75