The Kennewick courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1905-1914, 1913-05-02

The value of this years straw
berry crop to the growers of the
Kennewick- -Richland valley is being
estimated at close to $50, 900, nearly
half of which will go to the Rich
land growers. Manager Olinger, of
the Kennewick district association,
reports that their estimate of the
Weld under the contracts already
signed up with them will total
about II 900 crates, of which prob
ably 5000 crates will come from
Richland. Adding to these figures
the berries which will be marketed
other than through the association,
it is safe to estimate that the total
crop will exceed 10000 crates. At
1915. which is about the average
price received in past years, this
will bring in nice little chunk of
money. If the f. o. b. selling sys-
tenn works out as is expected this
average price will be considerably
bettered.
The regulations which shippers
through the association will be re-
ouired to live up to are published
below. They show that every care
is being taken to put out pack of
berries which will come to be a BY
word for excellence wherever west
ern strawberries are eaten.
Only two grades will be shipped
under the association label-the
extra fancy which is to consist
of Clark Seeding variety only, and
the fancy" to be made up Of the
softer varieties.
Inspectors for the association will
be on the job continually in each
district to see that the picking and
packing rules are lived up to and
the berries will also be put to an
other rigid inspection at the ware
house. In this way it is hoped to
prevent any but the very best Der.
ries being shipped under the label
and the cooperation of each grower
is earnestly desired to bring about
this result.
GRADES
Extra Fancy-This grade shall con.
sist of all perfect berries, Clark 8 Seed
ling variety, picked at the proper stage
of ripeness for shipping. All berries
must show at least three-fourths red
Nothing smaller than a 5x5 and nc
stemless berries in this grade.
Fancy-This grade to include al
soft" varieties, such as Nick Dinner,
Glen Mary, etc. This grade shall con.
sist of all perfect berries, picked al
the proper stage of ripeness, vel
packed with uniform berries. Nothing
smaller than 5x5 and no stemless berries
in this grade.
Canning Stock-This grade to consist
OF berries irregular in shape, unpacked,
out well colored, firm, clean, free from
leaves, grass or other trash.
Berries of the above grades that are
TOO ripe for long distance shipping
must be so designated by the letter
n placed on the end of the crate in
conspicuous manner and the atten.
uon OF the receiving clerk called to il
and so receipted for.
PICKING
berries must not be picked while
tnere Is moisture on the vines.
DO not pick after the berries get hot
from the sun.
I berries must be picked ripper in cool
weather than in warm.
flckers must not be allowed to hold
several berries in the hand at the same.
DO not allow full carriers to stand in
the sun and wind.
flick all berries with stem quarter of
an inch long. Berries pulled off the
s'em decay very quickly.
10 not pick green berries. This is
reckless waste.
10 not step or kneel on the vines or
green berries.
PACKING
study carefully specifications for
each grade.