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Show to restrictions, costs of production, the unprofitable wool an lamb markets-as well as inroads made by the synthetics, many sheepmen lost or closed their business. Before World War II, the United States grew three-fourths of its wool requirements, but it wasn't many years before the same proportion of wool needs were having to be imported. The wool growing industry attracted less and less capital, fewer and fewer people-and resulted in dwindling numbers of sheep The labor situation also played an important part in determining the likelihood of a sheepmen remaining in business or not doing so. It was fortunate for John K that he was never dependent on imported labor, although at times, he discussed the possibilities in case of need. Some of his contemporaries were finally forced to import Basque herders. John K. employed all local men who remained with him for years, content with matters as they were, and always sure of wages when they were due. SYNTHETICS Even though John K saw the advent of man-made fibers in rayon, acetate, and nylon during his lifetime, he could have had no inkling of the fantastic number of new synthetic fibers still in the test tube. He was concerned, however, as he saw the clothing manufacturers taking to the trend of using chemical materials. 235 |