The Coconino sun., 1927-04-15
Year 1926 Not Up
To 1926 Standard

The general business situation in
Arizona during March was again
characterized by a rather wide varla-
ton in different localities and differ
ent lines. Strictly agricultural sec
tiOns continue to feel the effects of
the poor returns for cotton ard some
mining districts have been affected
by some curtailment of operations due
to metal markets. On the other
hand, the large amount of new con-
struction and development under way
and the excellent winter tourist sea-
son now closing have maintained
ditions in the larger centers' range
areas have the prospect of q good
livestock season, and many mining
sections are unusually active in new
development work.
Taking the state as whole, busl-
ness appears to be but few points
below this time last year, and while
the next few months are expected to
be quiet no material recessions are in
sight. The "Trade- -at-Home, Use Ari-
zona Products" movement has un-
doubtedly been an important factor IN
maintaining a firm underlying. level,
as it has concentrated great part OF
the states purchasing power in Ari-
zona channels and this has done much
to offset adverse influences.
In agriculture, cotton planting is
general and the first cutting of al
falfa has begun. Natural conditions
have been favorable, and the spring
lettuce crop is bringing fair returns.
Total land in cultivation will show an
other increase this season, as in
creased acreage planted to many
crops, particularly grain, represent
considerably more than the reduction
in cotton area.
Excellent range conditions; and
outlook for satisfactory markets for
cattle and lambs have given the live
stock situation favorable tone.
There has been considerable activity
in contracting of feeder cattle for
spring delivery, and early lambs are
now moving to eastern markets.
| In mining the curtailment Of pro-
duction made by several of the large
producers has attracted attention, but
the reductions represent coInpara-
lively small percentage of thel total
and in comparison with year ago
there is no great change. Develop
ments work continues active.
Banking transactions in principal
cities of the state, as reported to the
Arizona Industrial Congress, were
generally above February figures, but
| in most cases fell somewhat below
those for March, 1926
Activity in contracting of cattle for
spring delivery has been the principal
| DEVELOPMENT in the livestock indus
try. Buyers have been active in 2
number Of sections, and feeder prices
continue above those Of year ago
averaging about $35 head for year
| ling steers. From present indications
no difficulty will be had in moving al
the stock available at satisfactory re-
turns, and the fat cattle market con.
tinues to hold strong level.
Range conditions remain excellent
both for cattle and sheep, and re
ceived further benefit from lMarcl
rains. Without anything like norma
summer precipitation the present veal
should be very good one SO tar al
feed is concerned.
The situation In the sheep industry
has been rather quiet, as March was
4 a little too early for the run OF lambs
to eastern markets. Prices were Of
| the mend during the latter part Of The
1 month, and indications are that early
| Arizona lambs will find good markets
during April. Department of agri
| culture reports estimate that from
4 $4,000 to 10000 head may move b.
1 April Is, with possibly another 10000
]up to June !, the latter m0vemen
/ representing lambs that normally
move summer fat but that with pres
ent feed conditions are likely to corn'
4 into condition earlier. Some lambs
were sold the last few days Of Marcl
at $40 head, f. Q. b. Phoenix.
4 Only one or two sales of wool wer'
reported during the month and tn,