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seven percent increase in price at spring sales of steer calves and yearling steers. They averaged $72 and $66 respectively in 1983. Williamson also predicted that prices in the 1984 fall sales will rise 10 to 15 percent for steers, non-fed heifer calves and yearling steers. If this happens, he noted, it will be a sharp contrast from 1983 when prices lagged significantly behind 1982.
Figures from the 1982 census of agriculture indicate that Rappahannock farmers may be in a better position to feed cattle with the acreage devoted to hay production jumping from 7,503 to 1978 to 15,795 in 1982. During the same period, dry weight in tons of hay harvested climbed from 11,216 to 15,795. Acres classified as pastureland also in'*creased fj-om 15,250 to 18,136 over'the four years.
Hog Production
When the bottom fell out of the hog market a few years ago, at least one local farmer put off plans for starting a major hog operation in Rappahannock. The county may yet join the ranks of swine producers, however, if Thornhill's perception of the economic situation is correct. “Hogs are probably at the break even point right now. They’ve been way down for the past two years but I think they’re coming back,” he said, adding that “everything goes in cycles.”
According to Virginia Tech experts, hog prices should be at least as good in 1984 as they were in 1983. “It looks profitable for the first half of the year. What happens during the last six months is dependent on what happens to com production,” said animal scientist Charles Cooper. “Prices
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87.5%