The Coconino sun., 1923-09-21
GENERAL REVIEW OF
STATES INDUSTRIES

l11e Arizona INDUSTRIAL Congress
furnishes the following report on gem
eral conditions in Arizona for the
month of August.
General business in August showed
little change from July; if anything, d
very slight falling off. But the month
marked the close of the summer vaca-
tion season, and merchants are look
ing forward to good fall business
buying conservatively, however, in
view Of uncertainty in the trend of
wholesale markets.
Estimates that business was about
25 per cent better i'm general lines
this summer than last are worthy of
note.
Good progress is being made in
agriculture. Grain harvests have
been satisfactory. Hay production
will exceed that Of last year. Cotton
looks promising in all sections; the
crop is expected to total around $4,000
bales Of long and short staples.
Cattle and range conditions showed
further material improvement during
the month. Summer rains were gen
eral, and cattle will be In good shape
by usual fall delivery dates. Califor-
MIA buyers are contracting for aged
steers, particularly in the north.
The price of copper declined during
August, finishing the month around
13 5-8 cents a pound. While this is
too low to allow expansion, and while
the European situation continues dis
couraging, no curtailmert of produc-
tion is in prospect. Increased market
activity is expected in the next few
months.
Manufacturing concerns generally
have held their gains of the past year.
Banking transactions reported to the
Industrial Congress showed slight de-
creases from the July figures, but in
creases over the corresponding month
of last year.
Corn, oats and potatoes are making
promising growth in the northern part
of the state. While condition of north
ern crops is good at present, some
apprehension is felt lest early frosts
occur, which would mean that many
fields would not reach maturity. The
Coconino county potato acreage shows
a decrease from last year, preliminary
estimates being for about $500 acres,
compared with 5000 in 1922.
Apples and peaches of good quail
ity are being harvested in the north
ern counties, and in the higher alti-
tudes Of the southeastern counties.
Arizona's oat crop is expected to
aggregate 100000 bushels, in round
numbers, this year, while barley pro-
duction of around 100000 bushels is
expected. Wheat production already
has been estimated at 10000 bush
els, and the total tame hay crop at
6O9 bales. All these figures are sub
ject to revision after fall reports have
been received.
Preparations of commercial lettuce
beds is we'll under way in the Salt
River Valley, an acreage Of $500 be-
ing indicated. Most Of the acreage
will be planted early in an effort to
produce lettuce for market in De-
cember.
Livestock Conditions Satisfactory
The condition of cattle and ranges
over the state Is reported to be very
satisfactory. Summer rains were gen.
orally heavy, and except in a few dis
tricts came well in average seasonal
time. Cattle are improving rapidly,
and by the usual fall delivery dates
will be in good condition. Many Sec
tions report that range beef will be
obtainable in good percentage.
California buyers are now contract
ing for aged steers, especially in the
northern part Of the state. Five and
a quarter cents to five cents per
pound, (. o. b. shipping point, is the
price at present for steers
of all ages. The stuff is being turned
at three and half to three cents d
pound, according to quality and per-
centage of fat cows in the herds. More
activity is expected in the next six
weeks or two months in this class of
cattle from the ranges.
The Arizona Cattle Growers asso-
citation is receiving wide support in its
plan, whereby the associa-
tion acts as selling agent for the in
diyidual cattleman.
1t is estimated Arizona will have
approximately 10000 head of cattle
available for fall delivery, and pre-
Iiminary estimates indicate a fall sup
ply Of around 100000 lambs.
Latest estimates are that Arizona
produced 100000 pounds of mohair
last year, from 10000 goats. This
of goats does not include
about $4,000 kept on Indian reserva-
tions for meat and milk, being nom
producers Of mohair.
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