Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1914-10-20

tuc y4Siu IL HSdfy. IL IS 10 De TeLneII-
bered that under the circumstances
little profit aecrues to any one from
such fruit, but that disaster frequently
results by congesting the markets with
stocks that are not sufficiently good
even to justify the expense of handling.
The elimination of inferior grades from
the green fruit markets is very impera.
i've this year for successful disposition
OF the commercial crop, and it is desir-
able that all parties to the deal strictly
adhere to this principle.
For the benefit of those who may not
be disposed to exercise especial care in
preparing the fruit for market on the
grounds that it will not be worth while.
it is suggested that under conditions
prevailing at this time the difference
between proper and improper handling
will probably be the difference between
success and failure.
What will more largely affect the
situation than anything else are open-
ing prices in the primary markets. If
the growers and operators hold for ar
bitrarily high prices. the crop will not
pass readily into consumption, and be-
fore conditions could be adjusted con
gestion would undoubtedly occur
throughout the channels of trade, with
disastrous results to all concerned. |
Both in the primary and secondary
markets the fruit should be offered at
prices that will assure early trading and
a quick movement so as to avoid abb
normal accumulation at shipping point |
and in the market. Such accumulation |
not only causes depression in values, |
but, due to delay, over-ripe condition
frequently arises and the trade finds
itself dealing in partially decayed fruit
at ruinous prices.
Owing to geographical location, some
important apple producing States have
the natural advantage of an early sea
son. 1t would be folly for such States
not to profit by that advantage. 1t is
possible for growers so situated to
leave their crop on the trees until the
period of greatest movement, and fire.
quently in years past they have suffer
ed great loss by doing so. The south
ern States of the apple belt should be-
gin early and market the greatest por-
tion possible prior to the period of
greatest movement. and thereby avoid
competition with the producing areas of
the northern belt. On the other hand, |
States that go to market latest should |
be in no hurry to rush the markets |
during the period of greatest move.
ment. In brief, the crop should be dis
tributed throughout the longest time
possible, cold and dry storages being
judiciously utilized for conservation.
Regarding the suggestion that not
only bookkeeping standard-grade var
ieties be placed in cold storage, it is
explained that prices which are likely
to rule in the early winter will hardly
justify accumulated charges on short
keeping and low-grade varieties. Dry
storage apples from the North and
Northwest are likely to limit the sale |
of cold-storage fruit until midwinter.
AT no time is it profitable to cold stor-
age inferior grades, and especially is
this true in times of bountiful produc-
ton.
Small towns outside of the apple belt
are often poorly supplied, even in large
crop years. Growers of the Middle |
West have taken advantage of this
condition by going to such towns with
cars of apples and selling on the track.
In order to succeed with this method
the shippers should know conditions of
supply and demand in the town selected,
ascertain the railway and township
regulations controlling track sales, and
precede delivery of the car with judi
cious advertising. The mayor can give
information as to whether or not a IL
cense is required, and the railway agent
as to whether or not track sales are
allowed.