Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1897-08-05
GRAIN TRADE AND CROPS.


Thursday says
There has been considerable rajpfu]
the past week, widely distributed. Its
influence on crop conditions has been
variable. In some instances there has
been interference with having opera
tions. and more or less injury to this
crop, but the extent of such damage
does not appear to be especially impor-
tant. Threshing operations have been
interfered with in some places, and the
movement of grain hindered.
The corn crop continues to encour-
age expectations of good results. The
recent moisture has been beneficial.
This crop however is not yet on basis
furnishing certainty of full yield, al
though the position has almost steadi.
ly become more assuring, and it it is
now reasonable to anticipate fairly
good outcome. In many sections where
this grain is grown largely the situa-
ton is now especially favorable. The
wide extent of uneven conditions of the
growth elsewhere however is q modify
ing feature in the general indication.
In regard to oats there is little to
note of new characteristic. This crop
is decidedly irregular, but the late in
formation is fully as favorable as that
previously, as to yield and quality.
The hay crop will be large, mostly Of
good quality.
Rains in the Northwest have occa.
stoned apprehension of unfavorable in
huence on the wheat crop, and there
is some room for the view that is par
ticular localities there will be impair
ment OF yield, but taken as whola the
effect is not especially important, and
the indications remain favorable.
The winter wheat movement has en-
larged, but still falls short of expects
tions. This has been attributed to
causes including the strengthening of
the holding sentiment by the advanc-
ing course.Of the markets and the ur-
gency of demand from interior millers.
1t is further suggested by careful OBJ
servers that threshing operations in the
West where the harvesting was early
yield abundant have been restricted
from lack of threshing machines, caus-
ing more grain to be stacked tnan
would have been the case under other
conditions. The quality of the har-
vested wheat continues to be spoken of
more favorably than usual.
The Chicago wheat market has lost
some OF the strength shown on the clos
ing day of the preceding week, but
continues to present strong charac-
teristics in a general way. Interior
millers are paying close to Chicago
prices. There has also been a good
foreign demand, encouraged by the
high quality of the grain, and the rec
ognized deficiency in European produc-
ton.
As to probabilities of futures prices
of wheat, the result of the spring wheat
crop in this country will have an in
fluential bearing. II existing indica-
lions are realized and selling is ordina-
rily free incident to the threshing pe-
Rod, and the European situation
should not be more serious than con-
ditions now may be regarded, the tone
OF the markets at least for time may
be materially changed. and possibly
emphasized by enlarging offerings of
winter grain under a possible shaping
for the wheat grower to sell a
portion of his crop on the existing firm
position of the market.
Gable advices give Beerbohm credit
for estimating European wheat crop
shortages at 100000 quarters for
France, 6,500.000 for Bulgaria, Servia
and Turkey. 4, 00O, 900 for Italy, 4. 800, 900
for Austria Hungary, 5000, 900 for Rus
STA, and about 100000 for Germany,
United Kingdom, etc.-in all $4,000, 900 |
quarters, 222, 100000 bushels. These
deficiencies being understood to be in |
comparison with last year, such a |
shortage would imply about Is per cent,
and in comparison with an annual
average for the past six years a short /
age OF 10 per cent. Quite likely the |
results may disclose a much narrower
disparity.
Sep. rhaT wreat ST Chicago closed |
l5c below the highest point of the
week, lie above the lowest point, and |
&c higher than a week ago.
Corn at Chicago for September clos.
I'd &c below the highest point of the
week, &c above the lowest point and
Fc lower than week ago
Wheat receipts at primary markets
we're 1916, 600 bushels for the week
sgainst 1.972.000 the preceding week
md 3, 1863, 900 last year.
Corn receipts were 8 1866. 900 bushels,
'gainst 2,752, 900 the preceding week,
md z, 23S. 600 last year.