Alfalfa Seed Prices Unchanged Alfalfa seed movement was fairly active in many districts during the two weeks ending November 4. More than one-half of the crop has left growers' hands. Movement has been slowest in southeastern Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. Growers have been selling freely in a majority of districts at prices that averaged about the same as two weeks ago; that is, $15.65 per 100 lbs., basis clean seed. Considerable variation in prices was noted, some prices being higher than, others lower than, and still others the same as those of the preceding two weeks. The recent trend was slightly downward. Growers in portions of Utah were being offered on November 4 about $14; in northern Kansas mostly $14.50; in southwestern Kansas $14.90, and in southeastern Kansas $16.30, marked declines in these two districts from prices of two weeks ago; in western Nebraska $15.75 and in southeastern Nebraska $16.50; in western Oklahoma $16.25; in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado about $15; in northern Wyoming $16; in western South Dakota $17.50, and in Montana $17.75. During October 38,800 lbs. of alfalfa seed was permitted entry compared with 638,800 lbs. last year, 1,668,600 lbs. two years ago, and 1,157,700 lbs. three years ago. The latest figures of the Seed Branch of the Canadian Department of Agriculture indicate that 3,000,000 lbs. of alfalfa seed was produced in Ontario and 180,000 lbs. in southern Alberta. The production of alfalfa seed in France is expected to exceed the good crop of last year. Upward of 17,000,000 lbs. probably was produced in that country this year, and much of this will be available for export. Best grades of French and Italian alfalfa seed were being offered on October 25 at about $19 per 100 lbs. c. i. f. New York (i. e., $23 duty paid), but lower prices are anticipated. This price is considerably higher than American-grown seed can be bought at, hence little or no choice seed is being purchased on this basis at the present time. Approximately 2,000,000 lbs. is expected to be carried over in Argentina after the present sowing requirements of that country have been taken care of. Chicago.. 11,826 77.8 Denver.. 18,749 108.8 1,547 13,970 156.9 117, 304 East St. Louis. 9, 135 90.0 Fort Worth.. 6,420 114.2 Indianapolis. 790 69. 1 119 120 37.1 38.5 Kansas City. 5,438 114 7,072 Oklahoma City. 97.4 Estimates of Bread Grain Exports, 1924-25 New estimates of wheat production in Canada and Argentina make necessary corresponding changes in the estimates of exports for the season 1924-25. The Canadian crop is now estimated at 272,000,000 bushels, whereas the export estimate published on November 8 assumed a crop of from 290,000,000 The Argentine estimate was based to 300,000,000 bushels. largely on acreage reports, as no official estimate of production had been issued. The preliminary estimate just issued is 190,000,000 bushels. Allowing 70,000,000 bushels for consumption and seed, this would give a surplus from the new crop of 120,000,000 bushels, to which must be added the surplus from the large 1923-24 crop still available for export on July 1. Actual exports from Argentina from July 1 to October 30 have been 30,000,000 bushels, with shipments still in progress. The new crop is likely to move early to take advantage of high prices, so that the total exports from July 1, 1924, to June 30, 1925, will probably be considerably higher than the indicated surplus from the 1924-25 crop alone. The revised table of exports follows: Wheat: Exports from the Principal Exporting Countries, Year Ending June 30, 1923 and 1924, with Estimates for 1924-25 Fruits and Vegetables Apple Situation Encouraging Brighter aspects of the fruit and vegetable markets began to appear during the second week of November. A number of important products showed upward price trends. Since the peak of the season's shipments, total weekly movement has been fast decreasing, and accumulated supplies have had some chance to clean up. Apple forwardings were 1,400 cars less than during the preceding seven days, and grape shipments dropped to 1,370 cars. The week's potato movement was 500 cars lighter, but shipments of oranges almost doubled. Combined output of 16 products was 18,750 cars. Apples. The relatively light crop of northwestern apples and the lighter arrivals in terminal markets have tended to advance city prices about $1 per box above last November's level. Weekly receipts of all western apples in Chicago have been running only half as heavy as a year ago. New York City's arrivals have been considerably more, but a large part of that stock was for export. To November 15 total movement from the western States still was 11,300 cars less than to the same time last fall. California has marketed 4,000 cars of apples, compared with 5,600 to mid-November, 1923. The Pacific Northwest shipments of 21,100 cars are about 8,250 behind the 1923 record, but 5,000 cars in excess of the 1922 movement. The northwestern commercial crop two years ago was 20% heavier than this season's estimated production, but car shortage at that time greatly retarded shipments. Most varieties have reached the high price levels attained in 1921. Chicago sales to jobbers closed last week at $2.85-$3 per box for Spitzenbergs, $3-$3.15 for Jonathans, and $4-$4.25 for Delicious, Extra Fancy packs, medium to large sizes. A year ago Jonathans were bringing about $2 and Delicious $3 in that market. Pittsburgh recently quoted northwestern Rome Beautys at $2.50-$2.65, while Texas dealers were getting $2.50-$3 a box on New Mexico and Arkansas Jonathans. At Washington shipping points the f. o. b. price on Winesaps was $2.25, Spitzenbergs $1.90-$2, and Romes $1.60-$1.85. Both the Hood River district of Oregon and the Watsonville section of California were reporting sales of Yellow Newtowns around $1.90 per box. These ranges are from 50% to 75% above the corresponding prices of last November. At this time last season about 18,000,000 boxes of western apples remained to be shipped and November 1 holdings in cold storage were 6,886,000 boxes. This year scarcely more. than 10,500,000 remain unshipped from the commercial crop, and November 1 storage figures are about 6,400,000 boxes. În spite of heavier export movement, therefore, a larger percentage of the commercial western crop is being held under refrigeration this season. Barreled apple holdings were 3,073,000, or nearly 30% less than a year ago, and considerably below the five-year average. In addition, cold storages reported 1,102,000 bushel baskets of apples on hand. Total shipments to date from eastern and middle western States are 15,000 cars behind last fall's movement, and the past week's output decreased to 2,650 cars. New York led with 815 cars; Virginia forwarded 600, Maine 235, and Michigan, West Virginia, and New Hampshire averaged 150 each. At western New York shipping points best packs of McIntosh advanced to $7.60 per barrel. Various varieties, 24 inches and up, sold at $1.25 per bushel basket. Highest prices to Chicago jobbers were $8-$9 a barrel on Missouri and Iowa Jonathans, $7.50-$8 for Illinois Jonathans, $6.50-$7 on Virginia Winesaps, and $5.50-$5.75 for Michigan Baldwins. In the East the general jobbing range was $5-$5.50 per barrel, althouth No. 1 Maine Wolf Rivers could be had in Boston at $3.50. Onions.-The outlook is brightening. F. o. b. price in northern Indiana held at $1.25-$1.35 per sack; west Michigan points closed stronger at $1.40, and Rochester, N. Y., sales were made mostly at $1.60-$1.70. A range of $1.50-$2 covered the city quotations on yellow varieties, whites bringing 256 more. Western stock sold generally up to $2.25 a sack, California whites reaching $3.50 in Chicago. Spanish Valencias were in demand at $1.75-$2 a crate. Shipments of main-crop onions gradually are catching up with last year's total as weekly output exceeded the corresponding movement of a year ago. Indiana holds first place as a source of current supply, followed closely by Ohio and New York, these three States furnishing 465 cars. Michigan's movement also was active. Connecticut Valley onions are practically all in storehouses and shippers unwilling to market their stocks at present prices. About 1,000 cars remain to be shipped from that section, according to local estimates. Boston market was slow, with Massachusetts yellow onions bringing $1.75 per 100-pound sack but receipts from other States selling firm at $1.75-$2. Potatoes. A decrease in carlot arrivals of potatoes at most of the leading markets probably helped to strengthen prices slightly. New York round whites were about steady in the East at 906-$1.25, sacked and bulk per 100 pounds, and Maine Green Mountains were in fair demand at $1-$1.45. Chicago carlot sales of northern round whites advanced to a range of $1-$1.15, while Minnesota and North Dakota Red River Ohios tended upward at $1.05-$1.40 in midwestern cities. In the Southwest, Colorado People's Russets reached $1.80-$1.85, Brown Beautys $1.75-$1.90, Idaho Rurals $1.85-$1.90, and Russets $2.25. Shipping-point prices were generally steady to stronger. Round whites brought 80-856 f. o. b. western New York, 65¢-75¢ in Wisconsin, and 75¢ in Minnesota. Maine quotations on Green Mountains were still 50-556; Russet Rurals sold at 656-686 in Michigan; Idaho Rurals advanced sharply to 806. Per capita production of potatoes this year is estimated around 4.08 bushels, compared with an average per capita the past twenty years of about 3.76 bushels. In 1922, with a total crop slightly less than this season's, the per capita was 4.18 bushels. Shipments were only 500 cars lighter during the week, but Maine's output decreased more than 400 cars, and Minnesota's nearly 500. Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, New York, and Washington all showed gains. Cabbage markets showed signs of a better feeling. New York Danish-type sold about steady at $15 per ton in New York City, advancing in Pittsburgh to $13-$15. Northern Danish-type closed around $12-$15 in the Middle West, after reaching higher levels earlier in the week. At Wisconsin shipping points, Danish-type advanced $1-$2 per ton to a range of $10-$12, but at Rochester, N. Y., the price remained $7-$8. Movement from all sections was slightly less than the week before, averaging about 210 cars a day. Sweet Potatoes.-Only 244 cars of sweet potatoes moved from Virginia, compared with 411 the week before, and the total from all shipping States decreased to 485 cars. Advances of 256-50 per barrel marked the week's sales of Eastern Shore Virginia yellow varieties. This stock reached a general range of $3.50-$4, touching $5 in Minneapolis. New Jersey yellows sold irregularly. The price in New York city was 256-75¢ per bushel hamper higher at $2.25-$3. Tennessee Nancy Halls were quoted on the Chicago market at $2-$2.25, with Arkansas stock $2-$2.15 in other midwestern cities. Florida green beans sold mostly around $4-$4.50 per seveneighths bushel hamper. Some Norfolk, Va., stock was offered at about the same price. Cauliflower from California, Colorado, and Oregon supplied midwestern markets mostly at a range of $1-$1.50 per crate, California stock selling as high as $1.75. Long Island and Catskill cauliflower brought $1-$1.25 per crate in New York and $1.50-$2.50 elsewhere. New York Golden Self-blanching celery dropped to a level of $2-$2.25 per two-thirds crate in the East. Carload Shipments of Fruits and Vegetables St. Louis. 7 81 95 166 79 4.00-4. 10 4. 25-4.50 62.00 1022.00-2. 15 3. 25-3.50 3.00-3.25 3.90-4.00 3. 75-4.00 4. 50-4.75 1.50-1. 75 $8.50 $3.50-3.75 3.75-4.00 3.75-4.00 3.50 3.75-4.00 4. 15-4.25 Apples: Winesaps.... Boxes 4. 25-4.50 7.00-8.00 7.00- 8.00 13.00-17.00 10.00-12.00 9.00-10. 00 10.00-12.00 22.25 22.23 22.50 Spokane, Wash. 1 U. S. No. 1 and partly graded. 2.25 2.00-2. 25 1. 40 -1.55 Storage stock. More Potomac Valley Apples Stored Since the October 1 survey of the storage situation in the Martinsburg-Winchester-Hancock apple belt, there has been a heavy increase in reported holdings. The estimate at that time for the plants at Winchester, Martinsburg, Charles Town and Berkeley Springs was 200,000 to 225,000 barrels. The November estimate is 300,000 to 325,000 barrels, with nearly 275,000 barrels already in storage on November 1. These same storage plants expect to receive more than 225 cars of western boxed apples. About 125 had already arrived by November 1, and operators had been advised that other cars were rolling. A considerable number of cars usually are received without previous advice from the Northwest. The supply of baskets and eastern boxed apples is practically negligible in comparison to barreled and western boxed stock. A new feature this season is the storage of large quantities of apples in bulk. The total in this form probably will be about 100 cars. Approximately 450,000 barrels of eastern apples were stored in these plants during the 1923 season, as well as large supplies of western boxed apples. At least 40% of the stored apples this season are York Imperials. The Ben Davis crop was unusually light and not more than 10%-15% of the stored stock is of variety. Operators have gone into Virginia for many of the apples stored in their houses. Considerable quantities of Albemarle Pippins, Winesaps, and Stayman Winesaps are on hand, most of the Pippins being held for export either by growers or by exporters. The Virginia apples came mostly from Frederick and nearby counties, but large supplies of Pippins and Winesaps came from Albemarle, Augusta, and Rockingham counties farther south in the State. The first estimate of 200,000 to 225,000 barrels was made upon the assumption that the export market would hold up and the domestic market would remain steady. First break in the British market last year came about the middle of October, and this year the break came after the heavy arrivals in Liverpool on Wednesday, October 22. During the ten days following, prices remained about the same. There was a firm belief on the part of some members of the trade that the lighter shipments overseas would insure a more profitable market by the 20th of November. On October 22, York Imperials averaged 22-24 shillings per barrel and Ben Davis 221⁄2 shillings. During this shipping season the shilling has been worth about 221⁄2 cents, so that York Imperials averaged $5.16 and the Ben Davis $5.06 per barrel on the date mentioned. There were many slack packs and poor quality apples dumped on the English market, and shippers of such stock received small returns. According to the Federal market reporter at Martinsburg, W. Va., net profit to the shippers in this section is the gross sale price less ten shillings ($2.25) which covers transportation, commission, etc., on barrel basis. When apples are shipped under refrigeration, 121⁄2 shillings ($2.81) should be deducted from the English market price. Even at its lowest, the average price netted the shipper here as much as or more than the domestic markets. would have paid for fruit of similar size and quality. Virginia had loaded more than 7,600 cars of apples through October 31, and a very large percentage had already gone into British markets or was being held in storage for export later. Shipments from Virginia during September and October averaged 125 cars daily. At that time most of the markets in eastern and southern States were well supplied by near-by apple sections, and comparatively light car-lot supplies were shipped in from a distance. The export market has been of great benefit to shippers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Many growers have been netting more than $2 for barreled 2-inch to 24-inch apples, which would have brought less than half that sum in bulk, provided there had been no active export movement. Cider, evaporating, and canning plants also would have been working overtime. The heavy export demand for small sizes has made good prices possible to those growers who preferred selling this stock at home. For growers who have had a fair-size crop, this season has been fairly successful. Those who were fortunate enough to have a good crop have realized nice profits. There were many, however, who had about a 25% crop and these may face heavy losses. Production in this section is about 40% of last season's crop. If prices for stock now in storage advance sharply, the season as a whole will show not much loss and possibly a slight profit. Wisconsin Potatoes Harvested After several weeks of unusually pleasant fall weather, Wisconsin potatoes were practically all dug and in storage, either in pits and cellars on farms or in warehouses, according to midNovember reports from the Federal market news representative at Waupaca. This completes a very satisfactory producing season, with the exception of the late blight epidemic which occurred during October in the central part of the State. Although this epidemic was severe, causing considerable loss both to growers and to shippers, the worst of the trouble is past. Stock being shipped about the middle of November was of excellent quality and condition. In general, Wisconsin potatoes are of better quality than for several years. Marketing, however, is another question. At the beginning of the season prices to growers were relatively low in comparison with other seasons, chiefly because it was known that country-wide production was heavy. But each estimate increased the probable total, and hope for the deal reached low ebb when the November figure of 454,119,000 bushels was announced, the largest crop in history. Prices to growers had risen from a level of 30¢ per 100 pounds during the latter half of October to approximately 40¢ the first few days in November, but as soon as the last estimate was released, a weaker feeling became apparent. This season may be a repetition of the 1922 deal, when for weeks the price to growers dragged along between 30¢ and 50¢, often at the former figure. In spite of the fact that practically all of the stock has been harvested and that quality is very good, movement from the State is far behind last year's. The principal late producing States have shipped about 17,000 cars less than the total at a corresponding date last season, and Wisconsin's share of the shortage is 1,400 cars. Poor market conditions undoubtedly are responsible for the draggy movement. When the price was 50 bulk per 100 pounds at the warehouse, growers seemed willing to sell, but the volume of sales decreased as the price dropped, and, when the 30¢ level was reached, very little stock changed hands. Storing increased, and many warehouses have practically all available space occupied. In mid-November, the price to growers was 40¢ per 100 pounds for U. S. No. 1 round whites, with trading very light. Carloads delivered sales, freight only deducted, were quoted at 606-65¢, with a few cash track sales each day around 60¢. It is evident that the deal is dull, and the outlook for improvement is poor. All factors realize that there are too many potatoes in the country. It is predicted that, if the price to growers should again reach the 50¢ level, warehouses could not take care of the offerings. The seed situation is different. Demand has been fairly good, with numerous sales for prompt and future shipment. Warehouses recently offered 75¢ per 100 pounds for uncertified Triumphs in bulk. In carlot quantities the same grade stock was quoted at $1-$1.10 for prompt shipment, and around $1.30 for January delivery. Idaho Apples Nearly Shipped Although it was estimated in October that the Idaho apple crop would fill only 800-1,200 cars this season, 1,235 cars had been moved to November 7, and daily shipments averaged around 20 cars. To the same date last season the total was around 2,700 cars, with the entire output last year 6,935 cars. However, the bulk of the 1924 crop had been moved by November 6, according to the Spokane representative of the Federal market news service. Local factors estimated that only 200-250 cars remained in storage throughout the State. If these figures are correct, total shipments will be about 1,500 cars, or 22% of last season's movement. This is one of the shortest crops Idaho has had for years. The State was hard hit by spring frosts, and the crop was further reduced by the dry, hot growing season and shortage of irrigation water. Because of the light, scattering crop, spraying was neglected in some orchards, and worm injury is more extensive than last season. Much of the stock moved has not been up to the standard of last year. In normal years Idaho's crop is estimated about 40% Jonathans, but this year Romes and Winesaps make up the bulk, Romes leading. Keeping quality does not promise well. Shippers are of the opinion that maturity of most varieties is about 60 days advanced over normal seasons. Some Romes that have been in common storage for only a short time show considerable decay, and, because of this, are being rushed to market. In certain sections size of the fruit is smaller than usual, because orchards lacked water. More apples are affected by scale this season than last, as a result of neglect in spraying. For some reason, this also was an off-year as to color, although apples from Idaho usually show a high color. With the combined advantage of a short crop in the Northwest and the freight rate from Idaho lower than from other northwestern States, shippers were expecting better prices than had been received. During the heavy shipping period in Idaho, Colorado supplied many of Idaho's usual market outlets, keeping prices rather low. As in other districts, numerous shippers found themselves oversold, and the season has not been very satisfactory as a whole. Most of the crop moved in bushel baskets and in bulk, only a small quantity being packed in boxes. Romes have ranged $1.25-$1.35 f. o. b. for bushel baskets, while Winesaps have sold mostly at $1.10. A few important shippers held most of the remaining stock early in November. Oregon Celery Profitable Competition from surrounding irrigated sections has compelled western Oregon to plant crops other than those on which its agricultural reputation was originally based. Production of lettuce, celery, and cauliflower has been increased, and the crops marketed with profit this year. This section is in the rainy belt of Oregon. Freezes seldom occur before Thanksgiving. The Portland representative of the Federal market news service advises that by the 13th of November no killing frost had occurred and there had been three weeks of rain, which were of great benefit to the cauliflower and celery. Celery growing began in a small way there in 1909 and first entered the commercial field in 1915. Since the war, acreage has increased so that this year Oregon will ship nearly 500 cars of celery. There are three principal celery sections: Troutdale, on the Columbia River slough land, 15 miles east of Portland; Milwaukie section, 8 miles south, largely beaverdam land, adjacent to the Willamette River; and the Lake Labish section, a reclaimed swamp area 45 miles south of Portland. There is more land available and more sections will be opened up if the industry continues to progress. Celery is packed in standard 22 by 24 crates. Stock grows large, running mostly 42 to 51⁄2 dozens per crate. The size is one objection from the eastern buyer's standpoint, because it increases the cost per bunch. Stock is mostly marketed west of the Mississippi, but a short time ago a car certified as U. S. No. 1 was shipped to Miami, Fla. It made the journey in 13 days and proved so satisfactory upon arrival that a wire order for two more cars was received by the shipper. Cauliflower of excellent quality is being produced around Troutdale and Portland. It is packed in flat crates, containing 8 to 12 heads. Sales this year have netted from $1-$1.40 per crate. Two or three cars a day have been moving since October 15, mostly carrying U. S. No. certificates. Dairy and Poultry Butter Markets Firm and Active Due mostly to light receipts during the past two weeks and diminished stocks, butter markets held a much firmer position during the week November 10-15. Early in the week buyers experienced difficulty in finding sufficient quantities of fine butter to satisfy their needs and as the week progressed this shortage became acute. Light supplies of top scores improved the demand for lower grades so that at the close of the week general advances had occurred. With the lighter supplies of fresh butter, buyers began to show more interest in storage goods. The out-of-storage movement at four markets about equaled the net reduction for the corresponding week last year and was about a half million pounds greater than for the first week of the current month. The monthly cold storage report for the United States which was released on Wednesday, November 12, showed holdings of butter on November 1 of 135,251,000 pounds, as compared with 76,472,000 pounds on November 1, 1923, an excess of 58,779,000 pounds. This report was considered by some as bullish, as the excess was estimated by various members of the trade at 60,000,000 to 62,000,000 pounds. Others of the trade looked There was, upon this excess as a confirmation of bad news. however, 135,000,000 pounds of butter in the United States on November 1, which must be moved into domestic consumption During the past three years or exported before next season. the net storage reduction has averaged 71,110,000 pounds for the six months period beginning November 1. Possibilities of further exports from the United States are less promising, due to weakness and declines in foreign markets. Reports indicate that New Zealand and Australia have a much greater production this year than last and that a considerably larger volume of butter from those countries is now en route to England than at this time last year. Canadian and English markets are reported weak with trading dull. The Danish market was also reported easier, with the Copenhagen market quoted at 536 kroner per 220 pounds, or approximately 43¢ at prevailing exchange. It was rumored, but not verified, that around 2,000 packages of American butter was being returned from England. Higher Prices at Wisconsin Cheese Markets Wisconsin cheese markets fully maintained during the week November 10-15 the advances which occurred on the Farmers' Call Board, November 7, and on the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange, November 8. On those dates advances of 2¢ were registered on practically all styles. That the firm trend of the past few weeks was carried over was fully evidenced by the way in which the higher prices were maintained, with demand somewhat improved apparently at each advance. Trade was reported as being very good, with asking prices showing a good margin over Board prices and with no evidence of price cutting noted. In view of the decrease in make and the continuance of demand, general sentiment was favorable to maintaining the higher markets as shown among other things by the reduced offerings on the Cheese Exchange as well as by the heavy buying reported from many quarters. The firmness of New York State primary markets was due in large measure to the same causes. The make continued to fall off considerably, and with demand sufficiently active to absorb receipts either for current use or for speculative purposes, firmer trend was apparently well under way. At distributing markets conditions were somewhat irregular. While the firmness of country markets was reflected to a considerable extent the semiactive trading was not followed at all points. Prices were advanced and confidence was generally much improved among dealers. Fresh cheese received a fair amount of attention and the light receipts were well cleared. An encouraging feature was that at certain eastern markets, particularly at New York, demand for held and short held cheese was improved to a considerable extent and buyers were willing to pay a larger margin over fresh than has previously been the case. The market on this class of goods was described as firm. The New York State cheese situation was somewhat firmer than that on western goods at the New York market. The decided and rapid decline in production which at no time was considered heavy was largely responsible for this fact. The monthly cold-storage report as of November 1 was released during the week under review. Total holdings of American cheese were shown as 67,651,000 pounds, a surplus this year over last of 9,724,000 pounds. This represented a decrease of slightly more than a million pounds from the preceding month's surplus, and is regarded as a slightly more favorable condition. While not materially improving the statistical situation it did indicate a more favorable turn. When it is considered that the surplus of holdings on November 1 over the five-year average was 15,010,000 pounds compared with 14,476,000 pounds on October 1, the reduction does not appear to be so favorable, but nevertheless there was a feeling that the statistical situation had taken a turn for the better. |