The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1908-05-01
SUMMARY OF MARKET CONDl-
TIONS.

AS far as fresh produce from the
local field is concerned, Western Ave
nue. at the present time is very quiet,
but eXpectant Fresh radishes and
onions are about all the market has
to fall back on, but within few weeks,
the strawberry season will open, and
this will be followed by other I'M
portant producing seasons, so that
from that time on, the street will be
we'll supplied with fresh produce and
fruit from the Pacific Northwest, and
consumers will no longer be depen-
dent upon California and Australia
shipments. The prospects are good for
big strawberry crop, especially
from Vashon Island and the Lake
Washington country, and reports from
east of the mountains are likewise en-
couraging.
There is little change in the apple
situation since the last issue of The
Ranch although it might be stated
that there is more movement in fancy
goods since that time. Considerable
shipments of fine apples from the irri-
gated sections has set in as result
of the fact that the cheaper culls
which have hitherto ruined the mar
ket and confused the demand, are we'll
cleaned up. Dealers are making an
effort to move quantities of apples
between now and the opening of the
berry season, as the demand will un
doubtedly drop off at that time, the
new produce always taking the con-
sumer's eye in preference to hold-over
goods from the previous season.
After many months Of lax conditions,
there is a decided stiffening in the pO-
Just what has caused this condition it
is difficult to estimate, for it is we'll
known fact that the supply of potatoes
is ample and that large quantities still
remain unshipped in the Wenatchee,
Yakima and White River Valley. New
ertheless, shipments are considerably
lighter, and the lessenig of the avail
able supply on the markets has caused
prices to stiffen considerably. There is
a possibility that the smaller ship
ments result from the fact that the
farmers are now busy with prepare
tons for the coming season and are
giving less attention to the market
ing of last years followers. Dealers
report that there is no change in the
quality of potatoes coming in, the gen.
eral trade being poor. The market at
present demands good, well-graded po-
tatoes, and growers will realize bet
ter price if they consider this fact be-
fore making shipments.
The production of eggs in the local
field is dropping off to some extent as
the moulting and setting season ap-
nhnc hIIt tho Trina about
the same, as Oregon and Eastern ship
ments have been commenced again to
complement the supply. An advance
in price may come later, however, If
the local shipments continue to shrink.
The butter market is in weak condi-
ton owing to the fact that very large
quantities are arriving from Washing
ton and Oregon. These shipments are
ample to supply the demand at the
present time, and Iowa butter has
been eliminated from the market for
the time being.
There is a downward tendency in
the veal market, the supply being
plentiful. The demand continues to
be very satisfactory, however, and
dealers report no trouble in moving
shipments rapidly.
The fruit demand is being supplied
at present by fancy apples and
oranges, the latter being shipped in
from California in ample quantities at
present to warrant a popular selling
price.
Southeastern Alaska is at present a
considerable factor in the market, TAX
ing large quantities of eggs, poultry,
apples and onions. A little later on
navigation will omen into Central