222 



ANNUAL, EEPOETS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



ranges in the Southwest were materially overstocked with cattle for 

 which no market was available, while surplus range existed in the 

 Northwest. 



For the sheep industry the outlook by the close of the summer 

 season was exceedingly hopeful. A sudden rise in the lamb market 

 and prospects of good prices for wool turned the disheartening situa- 

 tion of the early part of the year to one of extreme promise. The 

 spring of 1922 proved to be all that could be desired in the way of 

 markets, since wool and sheep of all kinds reached prices higher than 

 before the war. 



The general financial situation was materially relieved late in 1921 

 by extensions of credit from newly formed loan associations and 

 through the reestablishment of the War Finance Corporation. 

 Relief measures were also applied by the Forest Service. In many 

 instances more stock were allowed to remain on the forests than the 

 permanent capacity of the range justified, to avoid forcing the sale 

 of beef at prices which would send the producers into bankruptcy. 

 The usual reduction in the number of stock for which permits are 

 given new owners coming into possession of the stock of permittees 

 through transfers and sales was in many cases waived as a stabilizing 

 measure. Permittees temporarily unable to maintain their prefer- 

 ences because forced liquidation left them without stock were given 

 time to recuperate their losses and secure other stock without for- 

 feiture of the grazing privilege. In recognition of the necessity the 

 stockmen were under to cut down their operating expenses, many 

 minor infractions of the regulations due to inadequate help on the 

 ranges were overlooked and only aggravated cases were prosecuted 

 under the trespass procedure. The lack of efficient help on the 

 ranges, however, increased administrative difficulties materially, 

 caused poor distribution of stock, and in some places resulted in a 

 seriously overgrazed condition of parts of the range. 



As explained last year, Congress afforded a further measure of 

 relief through legislation postponing the payment of grazing fees, 

 which are required under the regulations 30 days in advance of the 

 opening of the grazing season. 



The following table shows the amount delinquent on December 1, 

 1921: 



