Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-03-16
CITIES
BUSINESS
GETTING BETTER.

(By Arizona Industrial COhSreSS')
A more quiet tone was apparent in
business lines in February, although
very fair level was maintained in
most, considering the between sea-
sons period. Conditions reported
over the state are inclined to vary
rather widely in different sections
and different lines, but while trade
in the agricultural communities has
felt the influence of the reduced
crop return of last season the gem
eral situation has been held stable
by operations of other industries,
the large amount of new construction
under way and the excellent winter
tourist season.
Opening of spring lettuce movement.
has been the principal new activity
in agriculture, with indications that
shipments from the Salt River valley
will exceed the winter seasons total
of $500 cars. Cotton ginning is in
the final cleanup, and alfalfa, grains
and other growing crops have made
fine progress.
General rains over the state during
the month We're of benefit to ranges,
which are in excellent shape over
practically the entire grazing area.
Stock is likewise in excellent con-
dition, and contracting of cattle for
spring delivery has started at prices
above those of year ago, which
We're we'll above the preceding year.
Lamb markets have advanced, but
1.-THE wool market has been rather
slow.
There has been no change in the
mining industry, with the exception.
of curtailment of production at
the Inspiration and Ray mines.
! Activity in development of new prop
critics continues very brisk.
Banking transactions in principal
cities of the state for February
showed the customary decline from
January figures, but in a majority
of cases We're above those for Feb
ruary, 1926
Agriculture
| Beginning of spring lettuce move
nent and excellent progress of al
falfa, grains and other growing crops
! have been centers of interest in
agricultural pursuits. A little cotton
! is still being ginned in the Yuma
and Salt River valleys, with state
! production standing at about 100000
bales, but this will end in another
1 week or two.
I The lettuce crop is reported in
| very good condition and it is ex
pected shipments from the Salt River
valley this month and next will
exceed the winter movement of $500
cars, with indications they will be
considerably higher if weather is
favorable. Lettuce now coming in
is of fine quality, and Improvement
, in prices is looked for as the month
goes on.
1 Rains of the past month interrupted
farming operations to some extent
but caused no damage, and on the
other hand added greatly to water
supplies for irrigation, the Roosevelt
reservoir receiving a heavy run-off
The outlook for the new season con-
tinues to find an encouraging inter-
est in revival of dairying and diver
sification Of crops. Grain acreage is
materially increased over last year,
and alfalfa acreage to a lesser de-
gree, with a reduction in cotton
acreage and greater proportion of
Pima long staple. Cantaloupe acreage
this summer probably will be about
the same as last
Livestock
Good rains over the entire state,
accompanied by snow at higher ele
vations, have assured ample supplies
, of feed and water for livestock.
Range conditions are everywhere re-
ported excellent, and stock has come
through the winter in fine shape.
Contracting of cattle for spring
delivery has opened with prices from
81 to 81 a head higher than a year
ago and prospects for spring move
ment are favorable. The fat cattle