Raspberries in the Northwest

Pierce County, Wash., which includes the. Puyallup Valley, is one of the important berry-producing sections of the United States. Reports of State authorities indicate that there are in this county approximately 2,000 acres of raspberries, 640 acres of blackberries, and 60 acres of loganberries. Last year more than 400 cars of berries were loaded at two shipping points, Puyallup and Sumner. On the basis of fresh fruit, total production in 1923 was estimated at 1,488 carloads, comprising 689 cars of raspberries, 580 of blackberries, 200 of strawberries, 16 of loganberries, and 3 mixed cars. The difference between this total production and the 400 carloads shipped as fresh fruit represents the quantity that went into cans, barrels, and local consumption.

About 65% of the Pierce County raspberry acreage is said to be of the Cuthbert variety. This is known as a sweet raspberry, and is generally considered far superior in flavor and eating qualities to the Antwerp, Marlborough, and King varieties. The latter are termed sour berries, and comprise the remaining 35% of the acreage. Many growers prefer to grow the sour varieties because production per acre is usually heavier. Some of the better "berry yards" yield an average of 4 tons to the acre each season, while others range down to as low as 2 tons.

LOADING AND INSPECTION METHODS

At Sumner station, the berries are removed from the truck, touring car, or wagon to a belt, which conveys them to the precooling room, where they remain until the following morning at a temperature of about 32 degrees. Most of the day's The pickings are delivered to the loading station after 4 p. m. next morning, the berries are placed on the same belt, and move out the opposite side of the room into the car. Inspectors of the growers' association and of the Federal-State staff stand by the belt, just outside the car door; raise the lid of every crate, and examine the contents of the upper layer of cups as the crates move past them. Any crate showing overripe or otherwise seriously defective berries is removed from the belt by the inspectors and later sent to the cannery or used in less-than-carlot shipments for near-by consumption, according to conditions. In addition to this, the Federal-State inspector, at intervals during the loading of the car, sets aside crates which he examines more thoroughly, through both upper and lower layers, and records the percentage of broken berries and such other defects as are commonly found in all crates but which do not bar the fruit from first-class shipping stock.

At Puyallup the berries are received on warehouse trucks, by which they are conveyed direct to the car door without passing through a cooling room. At the car door the two inspectors examine each crate before it is passed by hand into the car. After the car is loaded and sealed, it is switched to the ice plant and iced. Air at a temperature of 32 to 40 degrees is blown from a bunker room into a hatch at one end and drawn out at the other end for 30 to 45 minutes. Five per cent of salt is then added to the ice and the bunkers before the car is rolled. Recording thermometers are placed in practically all the cars shipped. These instruments record the fluctuations of temperature of the inside of the car for any period up to 30 days and are an important factor in checking up conditions during transit.

Michigan Fruit Growers Have Good Year

Thirteen hundred and twenty cars of fruit were shipped last season by the Michigan Fruit Growers (Inc.), Benton Harbor, Mich., a federation formed by 25 shipping associations in June, 1923, for the collective selling of fruits and vegetables.

Grapes and apples were the most important products shipped, numbering 626 and 425 cars, respectively. Peaches came next with 96 cars; pears filled 57 cars; plums, celery, onions, and mixed cars made up the total. Shipments were made to about 25 points and the volume of business totaled $787,786. Earnings of the federation were $15,400, the greater part of which came from selling fees. The expenses were $14,100, including salaries, $8,600; exchange, $1,217; directors' expenses, $806; telephone and telegraph, $737; advertising, $731; stationery, $600. There was a favorable balance of $1,375 in the profit and loss account at the close of the year. Capital stock outstanding amounts to $12,000.

Dairy and Poultry

Butter Markets Weaken Under Heavy Supplies

Following a two-day holiday the butter markets opened on Monday of the week ending July 12 with a half cent advance on all markets except Philadelphia. Trade on the whole, however, did not take kindly to the higher prices and sentiment for the most part appeared to favor lower values. There was practically no speculative support and buyers for consumptive trade adopted a conservative buying policy, limiting their purchases to immediate needs which resulted in a feeling of weakness all around.

The primary cause of the weak condition of the butter markets was that supplies were in excess of a ready demand. Receipts of butter at the four markets were heavy with advance information regarding anticipated receipts indicating continued heavy arrivals. Butter continued to move into storage at about the same rate as for the past two or three weeks. This heavy into-storage movement was not altogether unexpected, as the weather in a large part of the producing sections was quite favorable for continued heavy production. Pastures were reported in good shape, and although some sections, principally in the Southwest, complained of flies and mosquitoes the flow of milk was not affected to any appreciable extent at the moment. The peak of production for the year is undoubtedly past, but available information at hand tends to indicate that production for July will run slightly larger than the normal yearly increase. The report of butter manufactured by 109 plants of the American Association of Creamery Butter Manufacturers for the week ending July 5 showed an increase of 5.96% as compared with the corresponding week last year, but a decrease under the previous week of 3.45%. The Minnesota Cooperative Creameries Association with 200 plants reported an increase of 3.5% over the previous week. Imports for the week at New York were 350 casks from Holland, 26 firkins of Irish, 200 casks of Danish, and 225 boxes of Argentine. All foreign markets were reported as quite firm, and further imports in the immediate future were considered improbable except for some goods previously contracted for. Danish quotations early in the week were 40-42¢ c. i. f., which is about 2 higher than for the previous week.

Lower Wisconsin Prices Result in Firmer Cheese Markets

The rather radical declines which occurred on the cheese boards at Plymouth, Wis., on July 3 were apparently successful in attaining the desired end of overcoming the top-heavy condition which had previously developed and of stimulating confidnece and trade. It was true that during the early part of the week ending July 12 dealers and buyers were still inclined to be cautious in their operations resulting in a smaller volume of trade, nevertheless toward the close considerable confidence had developed regarding the healthiness of the lower level. A certain amount of speculative buying appeared and Cheese was the market in general took on a firmer tone. firmly held at 1 to 14 over board prices. But while it was generally thought that the market was in good condition most of the trade were inclined to discourage any advances at this time due to abundant rain, good growing weather, and bright prospects for a continued heavy make.

The weakness which appeared at Wisconsin during the week previous to the one under review apparently had little reflection upon the New York State markets. Here the backwardness of the early part of the season was still affecting production, supplies were generally little more than sufficient to meet the demand at up-State points, and prices obtained there were nearly as high as those asked at the larger eastern distributing markets. This was especially true of cheese that would grade No. 1 or better, and a considerable volume was stored at primary warehouses. Average run quality was a little more plentiful, demand was not so great, and during the early part of the week there was some tendency to shade prices. As a general thing, however, conditions continued full steady to firm. Due to the higher levels recently prevailing, the possibility of obtaining business from sections which ordinarily look to Wisconsin was considerable less than a month ago. At the large distributing markets, prices on Wisconsin styles were reduced somewhat to conform to the lower prices at producing centers. Trade the greater part of the week was

Grain

Corn Prices Have Reached New High Level

Corn prices reached new high levels during the week July 6 to 12 when the Government report disclosed the poorest crop condition in years and estimated the crop at about 500,000,000 bushels less than last year.

July future prices advanced about 10 during the week and cash prices followed the advance in futures and sold well above $1 per bushel in the central western markets. No. 3 white corn at Kansas City sold on a parity with the bulk of No. 3 hard winter wheat.

CROP MOVEMENT LARGE

The higher prices, however, failed to increase the movement and receipts at the principal markets were but little larger than during the previous week. The movement of corn for the crop year to date, however, has become about 16,000,000 bushels larger than for the corresponding period last year, which would indicate that while stocks on farms are probably above last year, that the carry-over will not be unusually large. The visible supply has decreased rapidly, but is still about twice as large as at this time last year.

While the trade generally had discounted the Government report, the estimate showing a probable crop of only 2,515,000,000 bushels imparted additional strength to the market and forced prices to the new high level. These high prices will likely cause a larger use of oats, barley, low grade wheat, and other grains, and also more careful feeding by farmers. With the decreased hog supply less corn also will be necessary for farm consumption during the next crop year.

There was an active demand from feeders, shippers, and millers which readily absorbed all the offerings, but the buying generally was for current needs. There was some inquiry at Omaha and other central western markets for corn for the Pacific coast. Argentine corn was being offered at competitive prices, and it is possible that some of this corn may be imported at both the Pacific and Atlantic coast markets. The total exports of Argentine corn, however, are very small compared to the production in this country and will probably have but little influence upon our market situation.

NEW WHEAT MOVEMENT HEAVY

Notwithstanding the heavy movement of wheat in the southwestern markets, wheat prices held firm and closed about 5é higher for the week, July wheat at Chicago closing at $1.1834 with the September $1.182.

The strength in the wheat market was attributed principally to the world's market situation and the increased hedging

pressure and large offerings of new hard winter wheat were given but little attention. Official reports from about half of the countries in the Northern Hemisphere showed a probable decrease of 7% in production, while reports from various sources for the remaining territory indicated that the total production might be as much as 10% below the last year's crop.

The latest official report of the Canadian acreage and crop condition indicates a crop of wheat in that country of about 325,000,000 bushels compared with 475,000,000 bushels last year. Since Canada is one of our principal competitors the progress-of the crop in that country will be of special interest. Weather conditions during the week were becoming less favorable because of dry weather and unless general rains should-be received at an early date serious deterioration seemed probable. The July 1 estimate by the department was for a crop of 543,000,000 bushels of winter wheat and 197,000,000 bushels of spring wheat, or a total of 740,000,000 bushels compared with 785,000,000 bushels last year. This was an increase of about 47,000,000 bushels over the forecast of June 1 and was caused by improved weather conditions in the wheat belt.

The decrease in the spring wheat crop in the United States is in the Pacific Northwestern States and the crop in the four principal producing States east of the Rocky Mountains is about 10,000,000 bushels larger than last year, which together with a decrease of about one and one-fourth million acres in the durum wheat will make considerable more spring wheat available east of the Rockies than last year.

The decrease in the winter wheat was almost entirely in the soft winter wheat-producing States and the crop of hard winter wheat will be materially larger than last year, the large increase being in Kansas and Nebraska.

NEW WHEAT SELLING FREELY

The first heavy after-harvest rush of new wheat was begun in the Southwest and the country apparently was selling very freely. One thousand nine hundred cars were received during the week at Kansas City and 1,787 cars at Wichita, which were the largest receipts in the history of the latter market. The movement, however, was from a limited area, and threshing was not expected to be general for another week or 10 days when the peak of the movement would probably occur.

Mills were the principal buyers of the new wheat and the demand from that source was sufficient to absorb these large offerings at the prevailing prices.

Exporters were active bidders at Kansas City, but their offers were below the domestic basis and very few sales were reported. Some wheat of unusually high protein content was being received at Kansas City from western Kansas. Some of this wheat showed a protein content of 171⁄2%.

Deliveries on July wheat contracts at Minneapolis were extremely light, as were also the receipts of wheat on the cash market. The average arrivals of old spring wheat were principally of the medium grades and cars of high quality were few. No. 1 dark northern sold at 5 to 28é over the July future price, but the trading basis was changed over to the September future at the close of the week.

The durum market was rather dull with the demand limited. No. 1 amber was quoted 1e over to 3é under Duluth July and No. 1 durum was 2 to 9e under. Duluth July durum closed Friday at $1.24.

The soft winter wheat markets were rather quiet with receipts light. Only a few cars of new soft winter wheat had been received at St. Louis and none were reported at the other soft winter wheat markets.

The oats market continued firm with other grains. The movement was not large and was scarcely equal to the active demand. According to the July 1 estimate the crop will be about 50,000,000 bushels larger than last year. With corn prices at the present high level, however, the oats market is likely to continue firm for sometime.

The rye and barley markets remained firm. The demand for barley was of only moderate volume but the demand for rye from millers and shippers was quite general at the principal markets and readily absorbed the moderate offerings at steady prices.

The flax market was slightly lower early in the week when receipts were quite heavy at Minneapolis. Later, however, the market advanced when the arrivals became smaller. No. 1 seed sold at 3 to 6¢ over the July at Minneapolis, which closed on Friday at $2.40 with the September at $2.16. No. 1 seed to arrive by August 25 was sold at about 3e over the Minneapolis September future price. The estimated crop this year in both the United States and Canada is considerably larger than last year. The July 1 estimate for the United States was for a crop of 25,900,000 bushels compared with 17,400,000 last year.

Hay

Hay Market Practically Unchanged

The hay market continued dull during the week July 7-12. Excellent pastures in many sections have restricted demand from the country districts and the light receipts have been sufficient for other requirements. Markets in general were working toward a new crop basis. Occasional choice cars found ready sale, but the supplies of low-grade hay were excessive and hard to move even at reduced prices.

The

Prices of No. 1 timothy range $4-$6 higher than the corresponding time last year, while alfalfa prices are practically on the same level and prairie hay is slightly lower. Government crop report of July 1 indicates a total tame-hay production of 90,100,000 tons for 1924, 1,000,000 tons over the amount harvested last year, and 4,300,000 tons more than the average for the years 1918-1922. The weather during the week was favorable for haymaking and the condition of the hay arriving on the markets was generally reported as good.

Alfalfa prices advanced slightly at Kansas City but declined at Memphis and New Orleans. New alfalfa arrived at St. Louis. A few cars changed hands at Omaha, but trading was light, and prices for the new crop had not been made public, although a little alfalfa in a heating condition brought $12 per ton. Weather for curing was favorable in the Southwest. There was a good demand from the South and Southeast and from mills for good quality hay at Kansas City.

Alfalfa was shipped to Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and some to Florida, while Colorado hay was largely reshipped to eastern points on account of favorable freight rates. The limited amount of brown alfalfa at Kansas City was absorbed by the local feeding demand. The average quality of the arrivals was good and the receipts of the new second-cutting alfalfa were reported as very good, being exceptionally leafy and smallstemmed.

The prairie market advanced slightly in Chicago, with very light receipts. The first cars of new prairie on this market arrived and graded No. 1. The stockyards were in the market only in a limited way. Little new prairie arrived at Omaha, but the market there declined with the movement of the new crop in the Southwest. At Kansas City the receipts exceeded the demand and prices declined, and some hay in the lower grades was difficult to sell. Stockyards were not actively in the market because of light cattle receipts and while there was some shipping demand for good quality hay the shippers were able to pick out cars at medium prices to fill their orders. The quality and color of this prairie is reported as very good and the low prices were attributed to the limited demand.

Closing Prices of Grain Futures, July 11, 1924, with Comparisons

July 712, 1924

June 30July 5, 1924

July 914, 1923

Jan. 1July 12, 1924

Cars

Cars

Cars

Cars

Cars

131

75

101

2, 302

2, 521

129

96

79

45

41

Wheat

Prices of the best grades of timothy ruled steady in eastern markets, though top prices were less easily secured, but low grades continued plentiful and hard to sell. Receipts were light in central-western markets and prices advanced slightly at Cincinnati. A few cars of new hay were reported at Chicago and Cincinnati but the movement was of small volume and had not reached the eastern markets. Timothy in the South developed a weaker tone on account of the offerings of new hay. A considerable amount of new timothy was shipped to the South and Southeast from Kansas City while new Illinois timothy was being offered for the following week's shipment. New Orleans reported new timothy from Ohio which arrived in exceptionally good condition. Buyers were allowing their stocks to run low, expecting to fill their needs from future receipts.