2 5
250
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FY
0
NS
yr,
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th
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ol
XY
5
1928] THE AGRICULTURAL SITUATION IN CALIFORNIA 17
only a moderate increase, however, it is probable that they can be
sold at profitable prices. The present is a favorable one to increase
the quality of our beef cattle by better breeding.
With the more strict grading in effect with beef cattle and the
increasing interest in feeding, the possibility of finishing more beef
presents itself. If this can be done some of the surplus could be
removed from the grass cattle season.
The California cattlemen might well take advantage of the high
prices now prevailing to wipe out debts incurred during the lean
years and put their business on a safe and sound basis rather than
to use returns to increase inventories greatly.
50 —
California
Onited Stet+-
(25
-
$
100
1
6
A
0)
1h
-
a
Oo
0
=
7)
jl
MN
oO
—
0
ho
0
~¢
>>
~N
oO
0
pp
J
mn
x
[s+]
Sr
A
V
2
fa
2
©
2
te
a
a
a
—
or
QF
&
o
o
gf
8 o
8 8
Fig. 6.—Purchasing power of beef cattle, United States and California,
1870-1928.
Swine.—The swine industry is passing through the low period of
a hog price cycle as a result of expansion in production stimulated
by the high hog prices and the favorable relation between corn and
hog prices prevailing in 1925 and 1926; also by the sudden official
regulations in the British Isles preventing importation of fresh meats
from Continental Europe, due to the existence there of foot and
mouth disease. This forced Denmark, a large exporter of fresh pork,
to suddenly change its method and ship cured products to Britain,
where they came into competition with our cured pork products, and
this reacted unfavorably on price levels. It is not likely that hog
prices will go much lower and there will probably be a substantial
recovery within the next two years.
The number of cars of live hogs being imported into the state in
order to supply the demands for pork and pork products is remark-
able. However, it is extremely doubtful whether anyone should be
21
a
0
T
