Miscellaneous. 



633 



preceding year's short feed crop — and hungry for cattle to consume the growing crops. 

 All eyes were turned on Kansas City — the greatest stock cattle market in the world — from 

 the west for an outlet, from the east for supplies, with the result that the trade in the three 

 big months, August, September and October, was the heaviest known. For the above 

 period there was a gain of 117,600 over 1912. The big gains were made by Missoxu-i, Iowa, 

 Illinois and other eastern states, while Kansas, Nebraska and other western states encoun- 

 tered corresponding losses. There was an unusually strong demand for choice to prime 

 grades, while the eastern buyers were prominent in the trade, and the top prices for stockers 

 imder 900 pounds ranged from $7.70 to $8.60, against $6.10 to $7.25 in 1912. Feeders 

 over 900 pounds ranged from $7.75 to $8.65, against $6.60 to $8.25 in the preceding twelve 

 months. Stock cows, heifers, bulls and calves sold at the highest range ever known in the 

 history of the trade, practically the whole year, showing slight declines in the final month. 

 At times choice fleshy steers sold to feeders fully as high as fat cattle and competition 

 between packer and feeder buyer was no uncommon sight. Choice toppy feeders seldom 

 sold under $7.75 and up to $8.65 in June. Prime stockers and yearlings ruled above $7.75, 

 except in January and September, and ranged up to $8.60 in October. Stock cows and 

 heifers were scarce, and with the exception of the final month maintained the highest level 

 of prices ever known in the history of the trade. Thin western and range heifers frequently 

 sold at $7 and up to $7.50. 



HOGS. 



Receipts of hogs at the Kansas City Stock Yards for the 

 year 1913 were 2,567,785. This was an increase of 52,000 head 

 over 1912. During the first half of the year the quality of 

 hogs marketed was exceptionally good, but toward the close 

 of the year weights ran lighter and quality was rather poor.^; 



Cattle and hogs on a big Missouri farm. 



In April hogs reached $9.25 per hundredweight. The following 

 from the Kansas City Daily Drover's Telegram shows the 

 opening and closing range of price for each month (bulk of 

 gales) and net gain or loss for the year: 



