Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 172, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1918 — Sheep Production Must Be Increased to Meet Meat Requirements of Nation [ARTICLE]

Sheep Production Must Be Increased to Meet Meat Requirements of Nation

By A. C. BIGELOW.

President oi Philadelphia Wool and Textile Association

\ The number of sheep in our farming sections has declined nearly one-third since 1900, and the decline for the entire country has been over 12 per cent. Our actual sheep population today is approximately 32,000,000 head, while according to good authority our grazing ares should easily maintain 150,000,000. The development of agriculture over the western plains reduced the former great cattle industry. Our great staple meat food, beef, has been advancing in price/ for years, but with utter lack of foresight we have failed to promote the production of mutton and lamb, which is the most wholesome meat product, which is produced at less cost, and is therefore a desirable substitute for the more costly beef. Our lack of attention to sheep has not only affected our meat supply but it has rendered us dependent on foreign countries for the major portion of our wool supplies, with which to provide our people with woolen clothing. The war has brought to us the new experience of meatless days, and to many of our people with slender purses it will bring woolless clothing. Our lack of wool supplies has been a cause of great embarrassment to our government in supplying our military requirements. These sudden acute conditions have been brought about by the pressure of war.