The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-09-28
IDAHO STATE FARM
MARKETS BULLETIN
Apples.

There is much speculation as to the
prospective price to be paid for Idaho
apples, and while this is not yet fully
determined, uesire to ask the growers
not TO be too hasty in contracting
their crop. From present indications
we have reason 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 Horticultural 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 a
greater quantity than the grower is
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 uniform price
for picking, either by the day or by
the box, that one grower will not bid
against his associate grower. Have
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 suitable head, 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.
J By way of answer to many inquiries
respecting the sale of wheat, will say
| that the base price of $500 at Chi
| cago terminal is maximum price-a
price fixed in order to prevent wheat
advancing beyond that figure. | am
Informed that this price includes the
cost of handling, by dealers, and
transportation charges, subject also tC
| any dockage or deductions justly made
| for foreign matter or inferior wheat
| This fixed price does not mean thai
dealers must pay that full price, less
transportation charges and actual cos
of handling. Dealers are privileged t.
pay just as much less for the whea
as they can buy it of the producer
for. You will see, by this, that tn
element of speculation, at the eXpens
of the grower, is not eliminated; Will
it is eliminated at the expense of tn
consumer, and that the producer pay
the cost of handling, and all commits
sion the dealer has power to charge
The fixed maximum price of $2.2'
bushel at Chicago would permit thu
paying of $1.85 per bushel, on an av
erage, f. o. b. cars at southern Idaho
points. 1t is estimated that the cos
of handling is about &c a bushel, which
takes care of shrinkage, and in many
Instances nets a profit to the dealer
1t is quite certain that every cent
above that is clear cut profit for the
dealer, if his system eliminates need
less waste.
All grains received are subject to
tiockage for sand, dirt, weed seed
stems and certain other matter that
may be in excess of one-half of one
per cent by weight, and also subject
to grading as to quality.
The only way in which producers
can protect themselves against exorbi
tant profits on the part of the dealer
is to pool their products and market
direct, or through some farmers or
ganization now in existence, and o.
good standing.
HARVEY ALFRED,
State Director of Farm Markets.
Boise, Idaho, Sept. IL, 1911.