Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-12-19
Butcher Stuff Somewhat Lower
Than Last Week - Market
Nominally Steady
HOG MARKET CLOSES STEADY
Altho Shippers Were Fair Buyers,
Packers Were Tardy in Taking Hold
and Averse to Paying Present Prices
Sheep Steady, But Lambs Have
SIumped Badly This Week.

Chicago, Dec. 19.-Cattle We're NOM
inally steady, with no actual trading.
Steers close the week at slightly high
er values, while butcher stuff is some
what lower than last Saturday.
Trade closed the week on a strong
basis, there being a firm undertone to
the situation at present, which points
to prospective good markets in the
near future in the event that the coun :
try does not become too enthusiastic
to unload half fat and medium steers.
Demand for beef has broadened
quite materially of late and killers
from their coolers and have thus af :
forded good outlet for marltetings this
week. While prices have not made any
very decided mpturn over a week ago,
the advance being measured at 100
15c. this gain has evidenced a better
situation in consumptve channels,
which has encouraged sellers. y
Yearlngs and the handy weight fat
steers have had preference all week,
but due to short supplies, there was
also quite satisfactory outlet for heavy
lots and not enough of the prime kinds
have been here to fill demands Trad
ers have claimed that something
strictly prime in the yerlng class
would have landed upward of $500.
Hogs.
Hogs were strong early. closing
steady. Shippers were fair buyers but
packers were tardy in taking hold. and
averse to paying the prevailing prices
Hog trade was as erratic as ever.
Packers pursued the same lay-back
policy. The only thing they are driv-
ing at apparently is a reduction In
cost of droves and they are running the
bear campaign in a manner calculated
to create the impression that II they
cannot get hogs ut their own prices
they do not want them at all. Fresh
supply was not excessive, being esh-
mated at $4,000, but nearly l,000
hold overs had to be reckoned with.
The six western markets had around
$4,000 or 10000 less than last week
and the 5-day run at these points is
100000 less than last week. Supply
here for the week is but slightly
heavier than year ago and $4,000 less
than last week, while the December
run to date is only $4,000 more than
last year. Shipping demand has fallen
off this week, owing to resumption OF
business at eastern markets and this
is the only bear card packers have had
to play.
The way light weights have been
coming to market for the past few
months it would not be surprising to
see combined receipts the first three
months of this year at eleven markets
fall at least 100000 short of the to-
tai the first three months of 1905
Smooth loads weighing around 200
lbs, but even as to weight, acted we'll,
but loads of the same average with
long light end had hard shedding.
Sheep.
Sheep were steady and quiet. LAMBS
have slumped badly this week. while
sheep. tho not showing as inucM de-
cline, ruled slow and weak.
The 5-day run has been palpably eX-
cessive and the list has had to take
severe but logical punishment. Ship
ping demand has waned and there has
been a constant glut of half-fat and
common stuff that seldom finds other
than the city butcher outlet. The
country, enthused by the bulge last
week, has cut loose regardless of con-
dition. Thousands upon thousands of
sheep and lambs sold at ruinously low
prices that We're by no means tit TO
come to market and that would have
made their owners plenty of money to
hold back twenty five to sixty days.
Receipts contain liberal portion OF
stuff that would do no good to hold,
aud the quicker feeders are rid of 1T
the better, but this particular time,
just around the holidays, is the worst
spot they could land on Orders are
confined to good to choice lambs, other
stock getting but little attention.
Feeders have taken care of them
selves all week, supply being unequal
to demand. There is AN occasional
call for breeders, the limit being
around $4.15.