The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1917-10-05
IDAHO STATE FARM
MARKETS BULLETIN
Apples.

HT
There is much speculation as to the
prospective price to be paid for Idaho
apples, and while this is not yet fully
determined, I uesire to ask the growers
not to be too hasty in contracting
their crop. From present indications
we have reaso to believe the price
will be good, and we hope to be in
possession of information that will in-
sure and stabilize the best price OBJ
tainable.
Our reports from producers and
State Horticulturist Graham are to the
effect that we have one of the best
apple crops ever grown in the state
good quantity, size, color and remark
ably free from worms If united eff
fort can be had on the part of the
growers, we should be able to realize
a just and uniform price for them.
We are now searching the markets
for additional quotations, and If any
growers have received quotations for
their crops, which they feel is equit-
able, and that market could handle q
greater quantity than the grower 10
able to supply, it would be helpful to
other producers If they would place
the farm markets in touch with it.
There should be paid a uniform price
for picking, either by the day or by
the box, that n grower will not bid
ora;ps+ h;c associate urnWnr HavQ
you any suggestions to offer as to what
that uniform price should be?
If the communities in any section Of
the state where fruits are not grown
will organize under their farm bu-
reaus, or other Sui.~Jlc ACad, and pool
their orders for fruits, submitting
same to the farm markets department.,
we will place them in touch with pro-
ducers, that they may buy direct.
Wheat.
By way of answer to many inquiries
respecting the sale of wheat, will say
that the base price of $3.50 at Chi
cago terminal is a maximum price-a
price fixed in order to prevent wheat
advancing beyond that figure. l am
informed that this price includes the
cost of handling, by dealers, and
transportation charges, subject also to
any dockage or deductions justly made
for foreign matter or inferior wheat
This fixed price does not mean that
dealers must pay that full price, less
transportation charges and actual cost,
of handling. Dealers are privileged to
pay just as much less for the wheat
they can buy it of the producers
for. You will see, by this, that the
element of speculation, at the expense
of the grower, is not eliminated; while
it is eliminated at the expense of the
consumer, and that the producer pays
the cost of handling, and all commits
sion the dealer has power to charge.
The fixed maximum price of $3.50
a bushel at Chicago would permit the
of $1.95 per bushel, on an av-
erage, f. O. b. cars at southern Idaho
points. 1t is estimated that the cost
of handling is about &c a bushel, which
care of %shrinkage, and in many
instances nets a profit to the dealer.
It is quite certain that every cent
above that is clear cut profit for the
if his system eliminates need
less waste.
All grains received are subject to
lockage for sand, dirt, weed seed,
stems and certain other matter that
nay be in excess of one-half of one
per cent by weight, and also subject
% grading as to quality.
The only way in which producers
IAN protect themselves against exorbi-
ant profits on the part of the dealer
s to pool their products and market
iirect, or through some farmers Or
,%anization now in existence, and Of
rood standing.
HARVEY ALFRED,
State Director of Farm Markets.
Boise. Idaho, Sept, II, 1911.