The Cattle Trade Of Western Canada

Author : J. G. Rutherford
Publisher : Forgotten Books
ISBN 13 : 9781330195086
Total Pages : 29 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (95 download)

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Download or read book The Cattle Trade of Western Canada written by J. G. Rutherford and published by Forgotten Books. This book was released on 2015-06-25 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excerpt from The Cattle Trade of Western Canada: Special Report Sir, - Ever since July, 1906, when you added to my other duties those pertaining to the office of Live Stock Commissioner, I have been quietly investigating the conditions surrounding the commercial live stock trade of Canada. To this subject comparatively little attention had previously been given, my predecessor having devoted more time and effort to the interests of the breeders of pure bred stock than to those of the ordinary farmer and feeder. This was doubtless both proper and necessary, the pure bred herd or flock being the fountain head of all profitable stock keeping, and therefore of prime importance to the whole industry. It is nevertheless a fact that in Canada, as elsewhere, the breeders of pure bred stock are more independent and less needful of government assistance than any other class in the farming community, excepting perhaps the original settlers on the western prairie, who, certain of a rich return, and reckless of the future, too often exploit the virgin soil with a fine disregard of all the principles of husbandry. The breeder is independent of government aid for two reasons: firstly, because he is a breeder and therefore, as a rule, a man of more enterprise, and wider knowledge of business methods than the majority of his fellow tillers of the soil, and, secondly, because, being united with others equally intelligent, in one or more thoroughly organized and active breed associations, he is in a position to reach a definite decision as to what his rights and requirements are, and to apply to those in authority the pressure or persuasion necessary to obtain them. On the other hand, the breeder or feeder of ordinary live stock pays but little attention to the commercial aspect of his business, and being, as a rule, without organization, is at the mercy, to a large extent, of the dealer, to whom he is practically forced to sell and who is generally more than a match for Mm in experience and acumen, and besides, often in a position to dictate his own terms as to price and delivery. In view of these facts, I deemed it my duty to endeavour to ascertain and present to you a summary of the facts as to the conditions under which our commercial live stock trade is being carried on, so as to enable you to take such steps as might appear to be necessary or advisable in the interests of the producers. The present report is confined almost entirely to the cattle trade of the western provinces, as, of all branches of the business, this appears to me to be subject to the most numerous and serious disabilities and disadvantages. You will recollect that in 1902, at your special request, I prepared a brief statement regarding this trade, dealing specially with transportation, which was published in your annual report for that year. Since that time conditions have been somewhat bettered, but there is yet much room for improvement, particularly in the matters of transportation and marketing. During the seasons of 1907 and 1908 special officers were employed to investigate all phases of the western cattle industry, beginning with the animal on the ranche and ending with his marketing either on this continent or in Europe. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com