Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-07-26
PEACH AND MELON
CROPS ARE RECORDS;
EXCEED S10,000,0OO
BY RALPH SMITH

Georgia for 1921 has far exceeded the
highest production heretofore record
ed, and it is estimated that the re-
turn in dollars and cents will ex-
coed ten million dollars.
The Fruit Growers Express, which |
furnishes the refrigerator cars for
the preservation Of peaches in tran
sit, announced yesterday that 10,264
cars of peaches had been shipped
from Georgia within the past two
months, and that there was every
reason to believe that this number
would be swelled by an additional 300
carloads before the season closes.
In 1920 Georgia shipped 1868 cars.
The watermelon production has not
been less satisfying than the pro-
duction Of peaches. Up to date TO-
10 carlads of melons have been
shipped from the state, as compared
with 5,20S cars for the corresponding
months last year. The watermelon
seaso continues throughout the sum-
mer, and fruit will be shipped as
late as September Is. 1t is obvious,
therefore, that the melon crop will be
the largest and most remunerative
ever marketed in Georgia. About 200
cars are now being moved daily.
Both the peach and watermelon
crops proved unusually satisfactory
to the growers. 1t is estimated that
the peaches on an average sold for
$3.50 a crate. This is about $500 a
car, based on the average of 475
crates per car. Assuming that the
figures of the Georgia Fruit Growers
Express are correct, the 10,264 cars
of peaches shipped from the state
brought in $7,350,0O0 in cold cash.
Authorities estimate for the season
that watermelons are netting about
5000 car, based on prevailing prices
July 1, f. o. b. track.
100000 for Melons
At 5000 a car the melon crop thus
far has yielded above 100000. The
magnificent return the planters in
middle and south Georgia have re-
ceived on their peaches and melons
completely explodes approximations
and misgivings that were entertained
earlier in the year, when it was pre-
dicted that the peach and watermelon
crops would rot in the field because
of highly increased freight rates.
1t is apparent that the. public in
the north and east has consumed the
melons and peaches Notwithstanding
over, paid a fancier price to the pro-
ducers for their product.
The Georgia peach and melon crop
has been favored by almost ideal
weather conditions, and improved
transportation and refrigerator IA
cilities have combined with modern
methods of marketing to contribute
to the financial success of the two
crops.
A prominent railroad official, who
is familiar with every phase of the
peach and melon situation in Geor-
gia, attributes much of the success
| of the producers to the organizat ion
which the peaches and melons have
been marketed.
1.-THE Georgia peach growers long
ago emancipated themselves by the
organization Of a fruit growers eX-
change" said the official.
1.-THE exchange is cooperative
association that superintends the dis
tribution of it's members products.
prevents the rushing Of too many
peaches to one market at one time
and thus stabilizes and maintains
prices.
Marketing Plan Praised
1.-The improved methods of. distri-
button have demonstrated the ability
! of the peach growers to market their
crop for cash to buyers who would
accept the peaches f. O. b. at point
of origin. Responsibility Of the pro-
Queer ceases when the peaches are
| loaded.
The success of the peach growers
in their cooperative marketing slim
| ulated the watermelon producers to
| employ similar methods, and this
year there was organized in south
west Georgia a growers association
| with headquarters in Abel. All mem
| bers of the association marketed
| their melons through the exchange
under the general brand of 'SoWega.'
1.-The results obtained by this or
! ganization were unusually crafty
| ing to the members, and in conse-
quence of it's success the melon
growers in middle Georgia have re-
! Gently organized a similar exchange.
| having it's headquarters in Macon
They are selling their products I'M
| der the brand of 'Midga.' Although
| it is a comparatively recent organize
ton, it's efforts have met with un-
| usual success, and the middle GeOr-
| gia growers have reaped and are
reaping return for their product
which heretofore has been denied
| them"