The increase in numbers of swine came with the increased acreage in com 

 and alfalfa. The peak of exports was reached in 1925 when 216,000 were market- 

 ed. In 1926 the number decreased to 166,000 and a further decrease was shown in 

 1927 when market receipts totaled only 95,000. In 1928, 146,000 head were 

 shipped. 



Statistics show that the mountain states have doubled their production in the 

 last few years. However, both the north and south Pacific states have under- 

 gone a decided decrease in production during the same period. 



As swine production proportionately falls off in the coast states, Montana 

 will have an increasingly better market. Growing population in the northwest 

 also is making a market for Montana swine. 



It is believed that two distinct swine industries will be developed in the 

 state — one located in those irrigated districts not adapted to com but to alfalfa 

 and small grains where feeders can be economically raised and disposed of in 

 the com districts for finishing. 



The principal grains used in the production of pork are corn, barley and rye. 

 Barley is the standard grain in the higher mountain valleys, while in the eastern 

 section of the state, where corn yields well and matures satisfactorily, this crop 

 is becoming the principal feed. Alfalfa, red clover and sweet clover fumish the 

 principal pasture forage crops and hay. 



Both spring and fall litters are produced although the majority of pigs are 

 farrowed in the spring and marketed in the fall or early winter months. The 

 bulk of marketings are made in December and January. There is usually a good 

 demand for feeder pigs from the old Com Belt states, but with normal feed 

 supplies, more profit can usually be realized by finishing to a market weight. 



The practice of hogging-down the low-growing varieties of com in the com 

 producing sections of the state, is rapidly increasing. Alfalfa or sweet clover 

 forage available while the hogs are in the com field, are said to be the most 

 practical supplements. 



Hogs in Montana are practically free from disease and losses from outbreaks 

 of cholera are very few. In fact, only a very small percentage of the hogs are 

 ever vaccinated against this disease. 



There is considerable opportunity of increasing pork production, especially 

 in sections adapted to com growing. 



The recommendations of the Livestock Committee of the various sections, 

 co-operating with the Montana Extension Service, are as follows: 



Central Montana: It is recommended that pork production be continued as 

 a sideline to the livestock business. A feed reserve is necessary for safe opera- 

 tions. Com should be grown more extensively. 



Western Montana: Considerable expansion in pork production is justified 

 to supply a deficient west coast market that may be reached at an advantageous 

 freight rate. Dairy by-products, cheap forage and high yields of barley and 

 soft wheat that make for economical gains put this section in a favorable position 

 in the competition with other regions. 



North Central Montana: It is recommended that pork production be in- 

 creased since hogs produced in this section have an advantageous freight rate to 

 an undersupplied west coast market and the feeds produced in this section make 

 for economical gains that may compete with other sections. 



Northeastern Montana: It is recommended that more hogs be raised and 

 forage crops of either spring rye, sweet clover or alfalfa should be available. 

 For late summer feeding, hulless barley to be followed in the fall by a com field 

 of sufficient size for finishing, is desired. 



The hog business should be started on a small scale. Increased production 

 should be limited to the increase in feed crops. 



The total value of hogs marketed during 1927 was $2,734,000, as compared to 

 $3,896,000 in 1926. The decrease in the 1927 production is attributed in a large 

 measure to unfavorable spring farrowing condition. The outlook for producers 

 of hogs in Montana is more favorable for 1929 than it was for 1928. 



POULTRY IN MONTANA 



Estimates for January 1, 1929, place the number of chickens on Montana 

 farms at over 2,863,000, the average flock numbering close to 100. About 13,- 

 400,000 dozen eggs are produced annually which, together with the sales of chick- 

 ens, return to the farmer more than three million dollars. The estimated total 



46 



