MONTANA LIVESTOCK 23 



Swine Swine production is increasing in the state more rapidly than any other 



pi.- branch of the live stock industry at the present time. Fluctuations 



in volume are easily brought about by low or high prices, or other 

 factors, although a general tendency to increase is expected to continue with the growth 

 of population and of western industries. Production of swine grew quite in proportion 

 to the state's population up to 1916, followed by a distinct reduction for about five 

 years. Since 1921 greater production has been stimulated by diversification tendencies 

 and corn-raising in greater volume. The making of excellent market hogs has been 

 shown to be a profitable enterprise in Montana, using the extensive alfalfa and other 

 legume pastures, and corn, barley, rye, skim milk, and other available feeds. At present 

 the local and western markets absorb practically all the surplus hogs from the state, 

 and this demand is expected to keep pace with a reasonable increasing supply. 



Milk Cows This branch of the state's live stock industry has enjoyed and still is 

 ^ 1 making a steady growth, as a study of the sub-joined tables will show. 



. . This is due to other factors as well as to the increase in population. 



airying Climatic conditions are favorable for handling milk and its products 



the year round, and are conducive to healthfulness of stock as evidenced by the very 

 low percentage of tubercular cattle in Montana, and by freedom from other diseases. 

 The enormous production of alfalfa hay as well as other nutritious tame and wild hays, 

 and of feed crops such as corn, barley, oats, rye, root crops, and sun-flowers, insure an 

 abundance of the best of dairy feeds in most parts of the state. The conversion of these 

 feeds into dairy products permits the shipment of them in concentrated form, which 

 largely overcomes the disadvantage of being distant from heavy consuming centers. 

 More recently the tendency toward safer farming through diversification, combined 

 with the effect of steadier and comparatively higher prices received for dairy products, 

 has stimulated this industry. The rapid extension of corn production in the state can be 

 regarded as both a cause and result of increased use of dairy cows. The recent advance 

 is marked more by the introduction of many bulls and cows of the dairy type, and by 

 more general improvement in care and feeding of dairy cows, than by increased numbers. 

 Indications point to a continuance of the growth of dairying in the state, in the number 

 of dairy cows as well as in the improvement of average production and in quality of 

 products. 



The United States Bureau of the Census gives the following value for dairy 

 products, produced in Montana in 1909 and 1919: 



1909 $2,093,594 



1919 7,534,413 



These amounts represent the total farm value of dairy products, excluding milk 

 and cream consumed as such on farms where produced. * 



p 1 Poultry production in Montana ranks as one of the major farm en- 



terprises. A comparison of the census data on poultry since- 1880 

 reveals the fact that this industry has made a most remarkable growth. Improvement 

 in the quality of the poultry, and in the methods of production has more than kept pace 

 with the grovrth in the size of the industry, as is evidenced by the rapidly increasing 

 number of flocks of standard-bred fowls, and by the more general employment of modern 

 methods of housing, care and management. 



Montana climatic conditions are extremely favorable to the raising of poultry. 

 This has been thoroughly demonstrated by members of the State College and Extension 

 Service staffs, and by farmers and poultry raisers over the state, as well as the fact 

 that winter egg production is not difficult in any section of the state. 



Large quantities of eggs and poultry are now imported into the state, which, with 



