STATE OF MONTANA 13 



increase in wheat seedings. The late spring delayed planting and adverse 

 fall weather hampered harvest. A sizeable portion was damaged by excessive 

 moisture. 



Production of all hay amounted to 2,363,000 tons in 1951. The inclement 

 spring weather delayed early hay growth and frost damaged much of the 

 first crop of alfalfa. Drought conditions in sections of Eastern Montana reduced 

 wild hay yields. 



Flaxseed acreage was down from 1950 and production was the lowest 

 since 1938. Seedings were reduced by the adverse spring and poor harvest 

 weather caused considerable abandonment. Mustard seed was harvested from 

 35,700 acres. Yields were good despite hail damage and unfavorable harvest 

 conditions. 



Crested wheatgrass seed production was low in 1951. Prices were down 

 and the season was unfavorable for growth. Alfalfa yields were light in many 

 sections as a result of the drought. Conditions were more favorable in the chief 

 sweet clover seed area. 



Irrigated field crops, such as dry beans, sugar beets and seed peas, did 

 well, although hindered by the cool spring and fall temperatures. The short 

 growing season and dry conditions were not conducive to corn growth, with 

 only a limited portion reaching maturity. 



Production of apples and cherries was a near failure due to the late 

 spring frosts. 



Livestock — Cattle numbers in Montana totaled 2,107,000 head by the close 

 of 1951, a sharp increase from the 1,881,000 head recorded the beginning of the 

 year. High prices and a strong demand encouraged many ranchers to increase 

 their herds. Marketings were only slightly above 1950. Range feed was gen- 

 erally adequate, except in the drier areas in the eastern portion. Late summer 

 rains provided a good supply of fall range feed. 



The State's sheep and lamb population increased from 1,716,000 head on 

 January 1, 1951 to 1,861,000 head January 1, 1952. Prices during the yeor 

 were at a high level and there was considerable interest in restocking. The 

 lamb crop was larger than in 1950. 



A total of 188,000 hogs were on farms and ranches the close of 1951, 

 43,000 more than at the start of the year. Horse numbers dropped 14,000 head 

 during 1951. Chickens numbered 1,847,000 on January 1, 1952, compared with 

 1,778,000 on January 1 the previous year. 



