The Harlem News

Montana Range Stock
In Excellent Condition

Helena. May 7.-At the close of April, Montana livestock shows, in the case of sheep and lambs an increase of one point over the condition of a month ago; while cattle remain at the same figure as last month, both being well above the normal figure with 104 and 105 per cent respectively. In general the range growth is much ahead of usual, but the new grass will soon need rain if burning is to be avoided. Hot, dry winds prevailed throughout the most of April, with but scant precipitation, states a report released by the State-Federal Crop and Livestock Reporting Service. Conditions on May 1, 1926, is placed at 101 per cent of a normal compared with 97 per cent on April 1, and 109 per cent a year ago. Moisture reserves have been further reduced generally over the state by the high temperatures and winds of the past month. Rain is needed throughout the state if burning of the new grass is to be avoided. Condition on May 1, 1926, is placed at 105 per cent of a normal, the same as last month and compared with 104 on May 1, of 1925. Calving is reported as favorably started with prospects for a good crop. Cattle are in excellent condition generally. Very few local sales have been reported. Condition of sheep on the first day of May is placed at 104 per cent of normal compared with 103 on April 1, and with 107 on the first of May a year ago. Lambing and docking have progressed under the most favorable conditions in many years-except for a short cold snap in the latter part of March. The lamb crop is expected to run from very good to excellent as to per cent saved, in all districts. Few contracts for lambs have been reported, mostly under 10 cents. Contracts for wool are averaging about 35 cents, although considerable is being held back at present offers.