“A wider spread between feeder prices and fat cattle prices is one of the greatest needs in California,” declared John P. Cuddeback, prominent cattleman of Kern county, Calif.
“In order to break even, the California cattle feeder must have at least 2 cents a pound above the cost of thin cattle. This pays the cost of putting on flesh. Freight charges must be added. Therefore, if we are to pay $6.00 or better for our feeder steers, we should get $8.50 to $9.00 for fat steers at the market.”
The need of premiums for higher quality cattle was also mentioned by Mr. Cuddeback.
“If the new Los Angeles Union Stock Yards is the cause of cattle raisers receiving a cash premium for improved breeding and finish,” said Mr. Cuddeback, “a great thing will have been done for the industry. It certainly is an education for a cattleman to see his cattle matched up against the other fellow’s, as is the case in the pens here at the yards.
“Perhaps the coming of the yards will prove an incentive to better breeding, if the packers will recognize the difference in dollars to the breeder.”
