2. What was the ‘Beef Bonanza’ and what made it possible? Achievements Difficulties Development John Illif Ranching Goodnight-Loving trail Joseph McCoy

3. What was the ‘Beef Bonanza’ and what made it possible? Railroads Indians Cattle-traders Trailblazers Goodnight continued to use the trail as the meat was needed on the reservations. He sent 2m cattle to Chicago. Gained the reputation for reliability hence ‘the real McCoy’ Achievements Government grants of land required you to grow crops and so the cattlemen had to abandon their ranch houses whenever the cattle moved on. His route avoided farmers, but went through Indian territory. Each steer need 30 gal water and 10 acres grass. Of which there were shortages. Difficulties He sold beef to the rail companies that were building the cross-continent railroad. He also supplied the Sioux reservation. He produced a better quality of beef using cross-breeding. Established ranches on the plains because they didn’t like the long drives. Realised the government needed food on their outposts and the Indian tribes needed meat. Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving blazed a new trail. Used railway to carry cattle Built a cow-town at Abilene. The Chisholm trail was wide and easily used by cattle men. Advertised the trail and began the ‘beef bonanza’ Development John Illif Ranching Goodnight-Loving trail Joseph McCoy