The Republican journal., 1915-10-07
APPLE MARKETING.
Commercial Supply Much Less Than Last
Year. Market Conditions Show Marked
Improvement.

Improvements
The marketing of the 1915 apple crop
opens with more encouragement to grow
ers and dealers than they found in the
prospects for the 1914 crop. According
to Investigations conducted by the Bureau
of Crop Estimates. last reports show the
condition of the crop TO be approximate
ly so per cent of the yield last year.
The merchantable supply or commercial
crop, as distinguished from total produc-
ton, therefore, would appear to be ap-
proximately 100000 barrels at the
highest, whereas the commercial crop OF
1914 is variously estimated as having
been from $4,000, 900 to 60. 600. 900 bar
rels.
1t is reported that, in the large areas
where barreled apples are produced, the
crop of early fall varieties is relatively
larger than the crop of winter varieties.
This would seem to indicate that within
very short time a considerable guam
tity of apples included in the bureau s
estimates will be eliminated from con-
sideration. Furthermore, it is said that
the crop in some sections is seriously af
fected with fungus and blotch. To the
extent that these defects prevail will the
merchantable supply be reduced. Under
these conditions, therefore, it would ap-
pear that the commercial crop of winter
varieties may be considerably smaller
than the total production the report
would seem to show.
The business conditions show marked
improvement over last season, according
to trade reports received by the Office of
Markets and Rural Organization. The
South, particularly, is in easier condi-
ton, and it is said that the United King
dom and countries III the north of Europe
will take liberal quantities. However,
with reference to Europe, it is TO be re-
membered that steamer space is in great
demand 1t is reported that all cold
chambers are under contract with meat
packers until the first of the year, and
ordinary space is said to be more limited
than in 1914. In shipping circles it is
maintained that Europe may not be eX-
pected to take the same quantities as
last year.
According to trade reports the abund
ance and cheapness of apples during the
past year will be reflected in satisfac
tory consumption this year. In other
words, it is thought that the habit of
eating apples may be expected to hold
over from last season. However, one or
two correspondents maintain that the
conditions of one season do not affect the
next in so far as consumption is con-
cerned.
Il is generally reported that abundant
storage space will be available and that
comparatively there will be no great
difficulty in financing the movement of
the crop. Conditions for liberal consump-
ton are said to be good in most markets,
and altogether there is decided teel-
ing of optimism on the part of those con-
cerned as compared with absolute gloom
this time last year.
1t is to be remembered, however, that
40. 900, 900 barrels of merchantable ap-
Piles, which is thought to be the maxi
mum estimate for this year, are a good
ly supply, and that to assure steady
normal movement throughout to the con-
clusion of the season next spring, large
quantities must pass into consumption
between now and the first of the year.
Unreasonably high prices at this time
will mean curtallment of consumption
and the storing by the growers of larger
Justify, with the result that later on they
of opening values.
By this it is not me mt that growers
ought to sell now for less than market
value, nor is it meant that buyers are to
be encouraged in depressing opening
values. The outlook is normally encour-
aging for satisfactory profits to all con-
cerned if good judgment is used, and it
is meant to urge upon growers and deal
ers alike the ACCESSIBILITY OF breaking
deadlocks with reasonable. concessions on
the part of all. Arbitrary IDEAS OF values
should be avoided, so that the movement
of the crop may proceed in healthy
way.
Unfortunately, when the demand for
apples is good, many growers and pack
ers seem to feel that poor grading is
justified, and in such years there is a
tendency to lower standards. Attention
is called TO the fact that no condition can
justify anything but an honest pack.
For a poor grade and shoddy pack the
producer ultimately must pay, although
temporarily the packer may receive an
advantage. Apples should be sold for
just what they are, according to the
recognized grades. Whether or not the
price may be nigh, growers and dealers
alike should adhere strictly to the policy
Under all conditions there are certain
fundamental processes that ought to be
observed i'll preparing the crop for mar
ket if success is to be assured.
The fruit should be picked and packed
in such condition as to insure it against
abnormal deterioration. With perishable
varieties having long ripening season
it is suggested that growers should not
attempt to harvest the crop at one pick
ing, but rather should CLEAN the trees
for only such fruit as is ready to come
off, repeating the process until the crop
has been picked in uniform condition.
The advantage is that the shipping per-
iod may begin earlier and last longer,
thereby securing greater time for effect
ing distribution. Furthermore, if all the
fruit is harvested at the same time, it is
to be remembered that shipments repre-
sent extreme stages of maturity, rang
ing from ripe to green In the same pack
age, and that frequently toward the end
of the season over-ripe condition of a
portion of the crop may result from fail
ure to pick first only what is in condition
for marketing.
Careful handling from tree to car is
necessary to prevent deterioration. IL
is not difficult to understand why a lot
of fruit does not arrive in the market in
prime condition if it is picked and piled
on the ground in the hot sun, placed in
packages in heated condition, and final
Nv hauled in wagons without covers and