Marcli 1895.] 



GENERAL AGRICULTURAL NOTES. 



829 



Exports of Meat and Dairy Produce from Manitoba 



IN 1894. 



In a Bulletin recently issued by the Department of Agriculture 

 of Manitoba, it is stated that the export trade in cattle and hogs 

 from that province gained special prominence during the year 

 1894. It is estimated that 11,000 cattle and 8,000 hogs were 

 exported at an average price of 2^ cents per lb. live weight for 

 beef-cattle, and 4 cents per lb. live weight for hogs. 



All the poultry disposed of by the farmers, viz., 46,183 

 turkeys, 16,334 geese, and 200,000 chickens, was consumed in 

 the province. The supply was far short of the demand for home 

 consumption, and large shipments of poultry were brought, as in 

 previous years, from Ontario for the Winnipeg market. 



The price of butter ranged from ] 0 cents to 20 cents a pound ; 

 2,516,000 lbs. were sold in the province during the year, and the 

 average price received was 15^ cents. 



At one creamery, during the first part of the season, 16 cents 

 was paid for the cream necessary to make 1 lb. of butter; 

 during the latter part of the season 15 cents was paid for the 

 same. Payments were made in cash monthly. 



Another creamery realised 20*18 cents per lb. for the output 

 of the season : 85,000 lbs. Other creameries in the province 

 give similar figures. By the introduction of creameries, much 

 labour on farms is saved, and better returns realised in cash. 



It is expected that the export of butter from Manitoba will 

 be an important item in the near future. The necessity is 

 pointed out, in the Bulletin, of starting the industry by establishing 

 a high standard of quality, and maintaining it, so that markets 

 once gained may be retained. The manufacture of butter in 

 creameries is, it is stated, the only way of producing a uniform 

 quality of high standard. 



As regards the agricultural prospects in the province, it 

 appears that the reports received from the regular corre- 

 spondents of the Department have never before been so emphatic 

 as to " hard times." From all parts of the province, corre- 

 spondents say that it is impossible to pay the cost of machinery, 

 and all the requisites necessary to farming operations, when 

 prices of produce are so low. 



Complaints are made against high tariffs, freiglit rates, interest, 

 municipal taxes, and cost of supplies of all kinds, as well as 

 harsh measures in collecting debts, with excessive costs on the 

 same. 



A few reports, however, say that careful expenditure and 

 strict economy in every possible way, are beginning to show good 

 results. 



