STATE OF MONTANA 11 



CROPS AND LIVESTOCK IN MONTANA DURING 1953 



Crops — Total production of crops in 1953 attained a record high volume, nearly one-fourth 

 larger than the 1952 harvest and 22 percent above the average for the preceding decade. The 

 acreage harvested, hov/ever, was only 6 percent greater than a year ago. 



The 1953 season opened normally, but heavy precipitation in May and June delayed 

 seeding in northern and eastern sections. Planting was not completed until late June. Favorable 

 summer growing conditions and a long, dry fall permitted maturity of these late crops, and 

 resulted in a bounteous harvest. 



Wheat production in 1953 was by far the highest of record. At 114.2 million bushels, the 

 harvest was one-fifth larger than the previous record crop produced in 1951 and more than* a 

 third greater than the 1952 crop. Production of spring wheat was over half again as large as in 

 the preceding year, although the acreage harvested was only one-tenth higher. Favorable moisture 

 conditions in major producing areas resulted in an increased yield. The winter wheat crop was 

 slightly smaller than the year before. Much reseeding to spring wheat was necessary because 

 of the dry fall and winter of 1952-53. 



Total production of oats and barley in 1953 was slightly above 1952 crops, primarily because 

 of increased acreage. Hot, dry weather during July slightly reduced the barley yield. 



Production of all hay totaled nearly 3.1 mUlion tons in 1953, a 17 percent increase over the 

 previous year. Yields were higher in northern and eastern sections because of increased 

 moisture supplies. 



Flaxseed production jumped over 300 percent from 1952, as a result of expanded plantings. 

 The quantity of mustard seed harvested was about half of the previous year's production. 



Both acreage and yields of alfalfa and clover seeds were reduced in 1953. Frost damage, 

 the need for hay and low seed prices contributed to these declines. Crested wheatgrass seed 

 production increased sharply. 



The corn crop increased over 70 percent from the previous year due to abundant moisture 

 supplies. 



Most irrigated crops achieved excellent production, but very hot July temperatures damaged 

 non-irrigated seed peas in Flathead County. 



Cherry production continued high in 1953, but spring frosts limited the apple crop. 



Livestock — Cattle and calves on Montana farms and ranches numbered 2,281,000 head on 

 January 1, 1954, an increase of 6 percent during 1953. Prices continued downward most of 

 the year, but began an upturn in November. Even though marketings were slightly above 1952, 

 many ranchers with sufficient feed held stock into 1954 in anticipation of a strengthening 

 price. Range feed and hay supplies were ample except in the southwestern portion. 



The sheep and lamb inventory totaled 1,749,000 head at the close of 1953, indicating a de- 

 cline of 42,000 head during the year. A gradual price decline during the first 10 months 

 encouraged reduction of numbers. The lamb crop was virtually unchanged from the year before. 



The hog population dropped 22 percent in 1953, with an inventory of 101,000 head, at the 

 close of the year. The number of horses declined 7 percent, and chickens on farms were 

 reduced 3 percent. 



