164 Sheep Management, Breeds and Judging. 



BEST TIME TO MARKET. 



Lambs are generally fed from sixty to ninety 

 days before marketing, depending upon the condi- 

 tion they are in when put into the feed lot. The 

 prices on the market must also be taken into con- 

 sideration. If lambs are to be marketed early in 

 the season the feeding should be commenced 

 early, so that they may be ready just about the 

 time when the rush to market in the fall is over. 

 There are times when there is a notable scarcity 

 on the market, one of which is between the mar- 

 keting of the grass-fed and the winter-fed lot, 

 from about December 10 to January 10. At this 

 time lambs usually sell for high prices, since the 

 grass lambs have all come to market and most of 

 those put in the feed lot are not ready for market. 

 By having the lambs ready for market at this time 

 strong competition may be avoided. If a late mar- 

 ket is decided upon the feeding may be started 

 late, so as to get the lambs on the market when 

 most feeding yards are exhausted, namely in the 

 latter part of March and April. Although a high- 

 priced market cannot be guaranteed for these 

 times every year, still, on the average, compara- 

 tively high prices are paid at this period of the 

 year. Always try to bring your stuff to market 

 when the other fellow is not there, so as to avoid 

 competition. 



