Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-19
TIMELY ADVICE
ABOUT MARKETING
The APPLE CROP
Given Out from the Office of
Markets, United States De-
partment of Agri., to the
Growers and Dealers of the
Country

Washington, Sept. 1S.-According TO
the Office Of Markets, Department of
Agriculture, present indications are
that the commercial apple crop of the
United States is much larger this
year than last, but less than that of
1912 by several million barrels. How
ever, it is estimated in the current
number of the Agricultural Outlook
of the Department that the problem of
distribution will prove to be more
complex than two years ago, owing to
certain conditions resulting from the
European war.
Attention is called to the small
quantity of American apples-less
than 100000 barrels-taken by
Europe in normal times. Both the
growers and dealers are urged to view
the situation with optimism and to
prepare for the disposal of Europes
usual portion in other ways. 1t is
suggested that with judicious hand
ling the demand at home may be in
creased and the commercial crop
marketed with relatively fair success
to all. AS to just what constitutes
judicious handling. the Office of Mar
kets makes the following suggestions:
l. Growers should pick the fruit in
uniform condition, cleaning the trees
only for what is ready to come off
repeating the process until the crop
is harvested. The advantage is to
secure a longer time for distribution
and to prevent the pack from repre-
senting extreme stages of maturity
ranging from ripe to green.
hsa oh he
handled from orchard to cars in such
way as to prevent deterioration,
care being exercised to protect the
apples from the elements. 1t is ex-
planned that under proper conditions
fruit which is picked today should not
be packed until tomorrow and that
for this purpose shelter should be pro-
vided.
3. Those using the barrel package
should uniformly grade and pack the
crop in compliance with the Sulzer
law and brand in accordance with its
provisions. for the purpose of Great
ing a feeling of confidence among
dealers and consumers.
4. Inferior grades should be elimi-
mated from the green fruit markets,
not only for the reason that the de-
mand for such grades will be very
limited, but also because their pres
ence in the markets will undoubtedly
hamper profitable disposition of the
better fruit
5. All apple growers, operators,
dealers and associations should early
arrive at an estimate of true values
in order to secure a quick movement.
- lai arhi fra ~ x- hi O
prices rule In the beginning of IL.
season, the crop will not pass readily
into consumption, but that on the
other hand, abnormal accumulation
and congestion will occur throughout
the channels of trade with disastrous
results to all concerned.
6. Only standard varieties well
packed should be placed in cold stor-
age for the reason that prices likely
to rule in the late fall and early win
ter, as the inevitable result of liberal
offerings of common storage stock,
will probably limit the demand for
cold storage apples until midwinter.
T. An effort should be made to full
ly supply small towns by direct sales
in order to secure more uniform
distribution and avoid congesting the
large markets. Attention Is called to
the practice in some sections of/erow-
ers who go with cars of apples to
poorly supplied towns and sell on the
track. Growers or dealers who de-
sire to use this system should apply
to the town and railway authorities
for information as to regulations con-
trolling such sales, and, if conditions
justify shipping, the arrival of the
car should be preceded by judicious
advertising.
s. Growers who live in communities
where cooperative organizations are
operated should do all possible to
strengthen these exchanges. 1t is as
serted that the disloyalty of members
is the chief element of failure in CO.
operative enterprises, and growers are
strongly urged to support their as
ISOLATION as the best way to effect
satisfactory distribution.
Those who grade, pack and brand
their barrels in accordance with pro-
visions. of the Sulzer law should ba
more successful. in making quick and