Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-05-26
CROP AND MARKET
SITUATION IN HOPS
STILL in THE AIR
Rains Beneficial to Growth Of
Vines But Yield Doubtful
Some Contracting

While it is conceded that the pres
ent rains will be of great benefit to
the growing hops nobody has cared to
venture even the remo-est guess at the
effect they will have upon the probable
yield and the market prospects as these
are matters which seem to be very
"much in the air and there are no two
so-called authorities who agree in the
essential details of either.
1t is fact, nevertheless, that many
of the yards which looked very sickly
and unpromising before the rains set
in have taken on new life and are put
ting forth a sturdy and very encourag-
ing growth. On the other hand there
were many yards which were not
trained and the continued rains are
working hardship upon the growers
in this respect. The "missing hill -
question is, however, not influenced or
improved under the present weather
conditions and the future Of the market
is in such an unsettled and uncertain
condition that few growers are taking
the trouble or going to the expense Of
replacing dead roots.
There is little interest manifest in
the market for futures at the present
1915 crop is reported at lO12 to II cents
to the dealers but the Oregon hop
growers association is forging ahead
and doing business every day that it is
possible for the field agents to get in
to the country and growers are signing
up their crops continually. Last week
a contract for $4,000 pounds of 1875
was reported in Marion county for 10
cents, and some scattered lots were also
reported in the vicinity Of McMim.
vile, but, on the same days these con
tracts were reported the association
signed up 1000 bales in Washington
county approximately 100000 pounds)
and $4,000 pounds in another Lane
county lot was signed up upon the same
day. Other growers have signed W
! the association in the meantime anC
! the quantity of 1915 hops which the
organization will control this year il
steadily increasing and assuming i'm
mense proportions.
Contracting with the dealers anC
signing up membership with the asso
citation, however, present two entirely
different phases to the grower which
the officers of the association claim
contract prices to the grower being
equal, reflect favor upon the associa
tion plan in that, while it will be i'm
possible for the grower to realize NOR,
than the stipulated price in the contrac
with the dealer under any and all mar
ket conditions of the future and h
stands in danger Of having his hops re
iec' ed and forced to accept any ole
price the dealer sees fit to pay hin
for first class quality Of product thu
grower is assured the full contrac
price, based upon quality, under the as
socotion membership and stands a goo,
show for premium above that pric
= should the market advance.
Under an association membership til,
grower is guaranteed from s to II cents
according to quality up to choice, fo
his product whether sold or not II
however, the market should be abov
that the grower receives all the SAM
grade Of hops as his brings above tn
commission to the association, and tn
commission tot he association, and tn
stockh0ldCr member Of the association
, al9o is entitled to receive diyideu,
Of the funds collected by the associo
I Ii n over and above the actual cost O
conducting the business and maintain
ing the association headquarters. 1t i
yet too early fer anybody to make a
intelligent forecast upon the crop AM
, market conditions and the latter vii
remain problcmatical until war condi
4, tions are somewhat settled.