for substantial increase in pork production and processing. Estimates 

 by Pork Council personnel are; if returns to resources are such that 

 one-half of the barley now shipped out-of-state were to be utilized 

 in hog production, Montana could produce some 1,000,000 hogs for pro- 

 cessing annually. 



The hog slaughtering facilities in the state include modem, well- 

 equipped, federally-inspected plants with varying capacities. Eleven 

 of the 28 federally inspected slaughter plants in Montana indicate a 

 capacity of processing 2,800 more hogs per week at current levels of 

 production. Many of these facilities which are of a smaller size are 

 capable and interested in slaughtering hogs on a custom basis, giving 

 attention to special requirements needed in cutting pork specifically 

 for the foreign markets . 



The Montana pork industry has steadily increased its production 

 of quality hogs to a level which can supply additional export markets 

 on a continuing basis. Further, the producer's interest through their 

 associations in market development and experience in coordinating the 

 purchasing, processing and selling of pork provides a unique flexibility, 

 within the market structure, to supply the growing demand for pork. 



SHEEP 



Montana's sheep hold a distinct advantage over those produced in 

 most of the other states principally because of its dual purpose breeds. 

 The greater majority of Montana's sheep are of the white-face breeds 

 which produce high quality wool that is very much in demand, and also 

 produce a very acceptable feeder lamb for delivery to feeding operations. 



The average ewe produces ten pounds of wool per year and at least 

 one lamb. This total production of 6,444,000 pounds of wool and 635,000 

 lambs in 1976 ranks Montana sixth nationally. 



Like that of other states, Montana's sheep industry has experienced 

 a measurable decline over the past ten years, with sheep numbers re- 

 flecting an approximate 46 percent decrease in the state. Increased 

 use of synthetic fibers causing less demand for wool, restrictions on 

 available range to graze sheep, increasing predatory animal problems 

 have all had a causal effect on the decline of "rangeoriented" sheep 

 production, 



Montana's sheep industry is launching itself into a plan of 

 performance -- testing its seed stock for use in commercial and purebred 

 operation. They have introduced a system of performance -- testing in 

 the annual "State Ram Sale" which markets over 500 of the top quality 

 rams in the state each year. Other positive factors within the structure 

 of the industry are increase in farm flock operations which are less 

 affected by problems of predators and lack of large tracts of range; 

 new breeds, with emphasis on multiple births are gaining acceptance 

 with the industry, and growing interest in confinement and integrated 

 systems to accelerate production. 



