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1 he commonwealth, especially in the higher elevations, could renew itself in grass, so pasture made more sense than continuous cultivation in many areas. Also in the sloping, rocky fields, livestock production made good use of lands unsuitable for other crops. Breeds of cattle traditionally raised in this state are Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Shorthorns and Simmental. "" Cattle production is greatly affected by the law of supply and demand. Production normally goes in cycles of 10 to 12 years. At first, farmers see favorable market prices for their cattle and expand their herds or, in some cases, enter the cattle business.
This trend gradually results in more beef on the market than consumers are willing to buy at a price that allows cattlemen to make a profit. The price goes down, farmers leave the cattle business or reduce their herds until the cycle begins again.
For years, farmers have tried to even out cattle production cycles. But calves continue to be born in the spring when good grazing will help cows produce milk. The calves go to feedlots for finishing in the fall, then to the packing houses in early spring.
The prices affecting finished cattle sales affect feeder calf sales, too. Part of the intent in having the stategraded sales was to stabilize prices somewhat. At a feeder calf sale in Culpeper on October 28, Owings talked about the early sales. “At first, the Extension agents did everything,” Owings said. “We unloaded cattle, fed and watered them, ran the sales and loaded them back up for the buyers.” Over the years, the volume has increased until the management of the sales is the responsibility of the sales » . " T 1 —%
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