28 WISCONSIN BULLETIN 224 



SUGGESTIONS ON MARKETING 



Every farmer who feeds or handles cattle for the market 

 should take some reliable daily farm paper, which has a good 

 complete market report, and keep posted on the market. He 

 ought to know the type of cattle he has and in what class they 

 belong, so that he can intelligently interpret the market reports. 

 He should also know at what time of the year his cattle are most 

 in demand. 



From a study of monthly prices on the Chicago market over 

 a period extending from 1899 to 1909, G. H. Dacy drew the fol- 

 lowing conclusions: 



Of the various grades of beef cattle prime steers fluctuate the 

 least, and present the most conservative ratio between demand 

 and supply. 



The most desirable weight for prime steers is about 1,300 

 pounds, and the preferable age is 2y 2 years. 



The most favorable period at which to market prime beef is 

 during June and December, although there is a constant demand 

 for it throughout the entire year. 



All grades below prime, fluctuate widely. They are influ- 

 enced visibly by dry weather, competition from other grades, 

 the high price of feed, and an overstocked market. 



Butcher stock is most in demand during the spring months. 



Stockers and feeders bring the highest prices during February, 

 March, and April. 



Stocker and feeder quotations are inclined to depreciate very 

 markedly, being influenced by shortage in supply, dry weather, 

 high prices of grain, and similar factors which would affect the 

 produce of the farm. 



The canner trade was depressed very considerably from 1902 

 to 1907, but the general character of this stock was such that a 

 uniform standard as regards demand, supply, and market prices 

 was maintained. 



The above conclusions were drawn from a study of market re- 

 ports, and were verified by statements from two of the best known 

 commission firms on the Chicago market, and although no hard 

 and fast rules can be laid down as to the proper time of year 

 to ship certain classes and grades of cattle, there is a general 

 agreement between market fluctuations comparing one year 

 with another. 



