The full text on this page is automatically extracted from the file linked above and may contain errors and inconsistencies.
_ _ ,_A_G_R_IC_U_L_T_U_R_A_L_N_E_w_s_o_F_T_H_E_W_E_E_K_ _ - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK Of DALLAS Number 832 Wednesday, Decemb~r 8, 1965 DESERT MULTIWELL SYSTEM FOR REVEGETATION Four or five shallow wells, coupled together and pumped simultaneously, have provided enough irrigation water to establish experimental grass plots on semidesert western ranges, reports the U. s. Department of Agriculture. Preliminary studies in Nevada indicate that the total yield of water is increased by the use of the multiwell system; however, additional research is under way to determine how extensively ranchers may be able to use this method for practical range revegetation. Under extended pumping with gasoline engines, the estimated cost of water in the Nevada tests ranged from about $11 to $19 per acre-foot. TEXAS POVERTY STUDY A study of poverty in Texas reveals that nearly 700,000 families - 29% of the State's total - are in the low-income group. (An income of $3,000 or less is considered· an indication of poverty.) The Texas percentage is higher than the U. S. average, according to Texas A&M University. Rates in both the urban and rural areas of the State are higher than the national average. The A&M study shows that poverty varies greatly from county to county in Texas. COTTON USE UP Per ca~ita mill consumption of cotton in the United States for 1965 is estimated to be 22.8 lbs., or 3% above a year earlier and the highest level since 1960, says the Economic Research Service. However, cotton's share of the total fiber consumption is expected to be an all-time low of 53%. The reason for the decrease is that consumption of noncellulosic fibers (nylon, orlon, and glass) may rise as much as 19% this year, and total man-made fiber consumption is likely to reach an all-time high of around 18 lbs. per capita. Per capita consumption of all fibers is expected to total 43 lbs., or 6% above the 1964 level and the highest figure since 1951. Overall consumption of all fibers is expected to be 7% above the previous peak of 7.8 billion lbs. established in 1964. CH0 L E R A F I GHT A L L S T A T E S NOW IN H 0 G The entire Nation is now united in the campaign to eradicate hog cholera. According to the USDA, this goal was reached when Texas was enrolled in Phase I of the four-phase cooperative hog cholera eradication program. Each phase of the program represents a gradual buildup in a state's fight against hog cholera until the disease is wiped out. The target date for a "hog cholera free" United States is 1972. F A R ME R ' S S HARE 0 F F 0 0 D D0 L L AR The farmer's share of the consumer's farm-food dollar will probably average 39~ this yea:r, or 2¢ more than in 1964. The increase is the largest since 1951 and represents the first annual rise since 1960, when the figure advanced from 38¢ to 39¢. In 1966 the farmer's share of the food dollar is expected to be 38¢ or 39¢, reports the ERS. A S T I T C H - I N - T I ME A new USDA publication, entitled Clothing Repairs, describes ways in which homemakers ca.n stretch their clothing budgets - by applying a stitch-in-time. The well-illustrated, 30-page booklet includes a list of repair equipment and aids, shows how to make and use basic repair stitches, and contains information on how to reinforce new clothing in order to reduce wear and tear. Single copies of Clothing Repairs (HG-107) may be obtained, without charge, by postcard request, from the Office of Information, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 20250. The USDA asks that the person's ZIP Code be included with the request. LI VE S T 0 CK For the week ended Thursday, December g, Fort Worth supplies of all classes of livestock were substantially larger than the previous week's 3-day receipts (the trading period was shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday), reports the Consumer and Marketing Service. Cattle offerings, at approximately 4,800, were about double the week-earlier receipts but were ~2% below the corresponding 1964 period. Demand was generally broad for all slaughter classes, and Thursday prices for steers were about steady with the previous week's close. Mixed Good and Choice 1,150- to 1,290-lb. slaughter steers brought $23.50 to $24.70 per cwt., and Utility and Commercial cows sold at $14 to $15. 50. Demand for feeder cattle was broad throughout the trading period, and quotations were steady to strong. Good and Choice feeder steers and yearlings, ranging from 505 to 1,090 lbs., sold at $21.40 to $24.90 per cwt. The calf run is placed at 2,500, compared with 1,550 a week ago and 3,225 a year earlier:--Slaughter calves sold at prices which were fully steady to 50¢ per cwt. higher than in the previous week. Standard and Good grades of killing calves weighing mostly 350 to 550 lbs. cleared at $19 to $22.70 per cwt., and Good and Choice 300- to 500-lb. stocker steer calves brought $22 to $26.40. Hog receipts totaled an estimated 900 head, a. gain of 16% over the previous week and 2Q%over the comparable period last year. Demand was broad each day, and the general price trend was upward. Thursday quotations for barrows and gilts were ma.inly 50¢ per cwt. higher than the previous week's close. The majority of the 4-day supply of mixed lots of U. S. No. 1 through No. 3 Grades of 200- to 265-lb. butchers cleared at $24 to $24.50 per cwt. A total of 1,800 sheep and lambs was received at Fort Worth during the week ended December 2, or 500 more than in the preceding week but 600 fewer than a year earlier. Demand was fairly broad, and trading was rather active each day. In most cases, prices continued fully steady. The bulk of the Good and Choice 83- to 105-lb. slaughter lambs brought $22 to $23 per cwt. BROILER CHICK PLACEMENTS Percent change from Comparable Previous week weeki 1964 Area Week ended November 27i 1965 Texas •••.•. Louisiana •• 2,785,000 682,000 -3 2 26 23 States •• ~-3z 598,000 0 12 5
@FedFRASER