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Newspaper
Big Timber Pioneer
Location
Big Timber, Montana, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1908
Page
1
A March 13 fire destroyed much of Big Timber’s business and residential districts, wiping out homes and many businesses with losses near a half million dollars. The town rises anew with new concrete cottages and modern homes as Carey lands reclamation spurs growth and the Commercial Club plans a broad advertising push to attract settlers and industries.
G B Pope writes to the Big Timber Commercial Club arguing that sugar beets and tops are a cheaper, faster fattening feed than corn for cattle and sheep. He notes experiments in Sweetgrass county showing rapid fattening of beef and mutton using beets.
After the blaze officials plan a larger building boom with three modern store blocks. New residences flood in including two-story bricks and bungalows as a church costs 14009 dollars and a gravity water system from Boulder river serves 108 towns. Investments exceed 6500000 as streets, sidewalks and plants are upgraded.
Sweet Grass County offers rich soil and ample water from snow fed streams, fostering a shift from stock grazing to small diversified farms. Roads, rural mail, telephone lines, and alfalfa mills boost dairying and fattening, with egg prices strong and a future sheep band of 75 to 150.
A writer compares feeding cattle and sheep on sugar beet tops versus alfalfa and grain, noting faster gains, lower cost, and high return. Experiments claim five acres of beets equal 30 acres of corn, with beets offering profits up to 75 per acre. Sugar beet land near railroads should triple in value, and plans include 100 more acres in Park county to boost mutton lambing and beef production.
In a letter from G. B. Porr the Yellowstone Valley farmer argues cattle fed on beet tops and pulp could greatly expand shipments. He notes thousands of cattle ready for transport and urges support to push the idea forward.
Montana flockmasters predict a 20 cent wool price for 1909 unless Congress alters tariffs. Many will hold fleece for that level, while mutton demand remains high and fat lambs fetch strong prices. Poor markets earlier in the season caused feeding challenges, but the winter has been favorable with few losses and strong range conditions.
Ship your hides and pelts both dry and green to Billy Miles and Company of Livingston Montana for highest market price by return mail.
One man cleared 30 256 dollars an acre in sugar beets at four 50 dollars a ton.
The Dillon Tribune reports a farmer yields 17 tons per acre of beets sold at 5.50 per ton yielding 87.50. After subtracting 46.25 cost per acre, a clear profit of 30.25 per acre remains. Plowing and cultivating are done by the farmer.
Auction notice offers two hundred middle aged ewes to lamb March 1st at four dollars twenty five cents per head. Will contract for delivery around February 20th. Also three thousand lambs for April delivery at four dollars twenty five cents per head.
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