33S IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The world's fair year (1893) brought to the United States among its 

 visitors those whose search for good horses for export, directed toward 

 the great markets of the west, was to be the rejuvenating force that 

 would once more place the horse in his rightful position as a revenue 

 producer for the farm. The effect of the demand they created was an 

 almost instant rise in prices of the better grades. Inferior sorts were 

 only sympathetically affected, for it is not profitable to ship anything but 

 "toppy" animals. The growth of exports was tremendous. From about 

 3,000 in 1893, they have increased fifteen times over in seven years, and 

 to all appearances the demand is by no means yet satisfied. 



The exporters entered the market with a call for horses of definite 

 qualifications that have been rigidly adhered to. Hodgepodge methods 

 would not and cannot pay in supplying this market. 



The following statement of exports for the fiscal years 1890 to 1901, 

 inclusive, shows an enormous growth:* 



Exports of horses for the fiscal years 1900 to 1901. 



1890 3,501 



1891 3,110 



1892 3,226 



1893 2,967 



1894 5,246 



1895 13,984 



1896 25,126 



1897 39,532 



1898 51,150 



1899 45,778 



1901t 64,722 



1901 82,250 



The demand for so many animals for export very greatly increases 

 competition, and, as it represents a much broader field for the market 

 to cover than formerly, it is a second cause for the apparent scarcity of 

 good marketable stock. This trade is the means by which surplus stock 

 may be marketed and good prices maintained. If no more horses are 

 produced than are needed for our own uses, it will generally happen 

 that the export trade cannot exist; for home buyers can nearly always 

 pay better prices than exporters, and it is easily seen that, when the 

 supply is short, a strong market may exist independent of foreign de- 

 mand. Information received within the last two months indicates that 

 such conditions are largely present at this time. There is still a large 

 demand from abroad, but prices have risen to such an extent that this 

 trade has been very much diminished. 



* From reports of Bureau of Statistics, Treasury Department . 



+ The shipments to Africa during the last two years are largely responsible for the 

 great increase for the years 1900 and 1901. This is shown as follows : 



For fiscal year ended June 30, 1899 127 



For fiscal year ended June 30, 1900 10, 220 



For fiscal year ended June 30, 1901 37, 465 



These exports, developed under abnormal conditions, must not be looked upon as 

 permanent. 



