Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-12-21
Entire Bovine Trade, Steers as
Well as Cows, in Bad Con-
ditiOn
BREAK IN HOG PRICES CHECKED
Light Run and Shippers and scaIpers'
Activity Chief Factors in Lifting
Prices-M arket Closes Without Los
ing Any of ItssOpening Gains-Sheep
and Lambs Both Steady.

Chicago Dec. 21.--Cattle We're nom
inally steady. The week has been far
from satisfactory from the standpoint
of the seller, and while receipts have
previous week. there has been little
# any improvement in prices. The
entire bovine trade, steers as well as
COWS, is in bad condition. The de-
mand from no quarter is active
Trade has been very uneven all week
and the slump in prices for good steers
today wiped out any appreciation noted
for such kinds as compared with week
ago. There was also little change in
prices for medium and lower grades
compared with the close week ago,
and despite the big decrease in receipts
this week tone of trade for low grade
steers is but little better than week
ago. A slightly freer outlet has been
due entirely to the small receipts rath-
er than to any urgency in demand.
Receipts have been quite light COM
pdltd Will last WcSh, iNC NttS uiAAN us
standing at $500, against 1928 a
week ago and 1883 year ago. Con-
ditions demanded a big cut in the runs
and the checking of heavy liquidation
this week prevented further recession
in values which would have material
lied had the big runs continued. The
relatively poor condition of trade for
most classes under the small receipts
has been evidence that big run would
have gone very poorly indeed.
Outside demand has been the only
really good support to trade all week.
Shipments have been only a few thou
sand smaller than a week ago. but on
the other hand packers actions in the
market plainly showed their lack Of
need for big offerings. Failure Of a
generally liberal advance in values all
along the line has been an Indication of
the continued bearish tone in the trade
and sellers urge another week Of small
marketing.
With the next Wednesday market off
the calendar the market promises to be
rather lightly supplied, and 1t is hoped
by traders that shippers will go eau
tiously in marketing in the first two
days next week. Poultry is command
ing most favor from the public and big
beef stocks now on hand seem proof
against a probable sharp up turn in
prices, even tho receipts next week are
quite small.
Hogs.
The break in prices was checked to-
day. The chief factors in lifting
prices was a light run and activity of
shippers and scalpers in the opening
hours. The initial advance was 100
15c. but most big packers were reluct-
ant to pay advances which sellers de-
manded. The market closed without
losing any of it's opening gains.
Sheep.
Both sheep and lambs were steady.
There was but little stuff of quality on
todays market and prices for the week
closed 25@4Oc lower.
The market this week has been the
dulleSt of the season and prices in
main dropped CSC from late last week,
late transactions being at the lowest
level in several years. Only light sup
plies will be needed next week. as
poultry will be in high favor with the
public, and liberal supplies of sheep
or yearlings would enable buyers to
pound the market hard.