1871 | Agriculture
Agriculture
Rancher Charles Goodnight works with John Chisum to clear a profit of $17,000 driving cattle north from Texas (see 1867). He established his Rock Canon Ranch 2 years ago on the Arkansas River five miles west of Pueblo, registered a PAT brand for his longhorns, has been using irrigation to farm, and has invested heavily in farmland and city lots. He joins with some neighbors in November to form the Colorado Territory's first stock raisers' association (see 1876).
U.S. wheat and flour exports total 50 million bushels, while corn exports total 8 million.
Germany raises tariff barriers against food imports in a move to remain independent of France or any other country in food supply. German wheat prices will nevertheless fall 27 percent in the next 20 years and will fall 30 percent in Sweden, ruining many farmers and encouraging emigration to America.
Land planted to grain in Britain will decline by more than 25 percent in the next three decades as railroads open up the western United States, making it unprofitable for British farmers to compete.