The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-03-31

By Rex :. Willard. Farm Economist
North Dakota Agricultural College
Business Ceaditions

Business Coalitions
During the present month activ-
ity IN the automobile and steel In
dustries continued to increase reach
ing approximately levels OF Z. year
ago, but In spite Of this increase in
activity in these basic industries,
the total volume Of industrial en-
ployment and wage payments con-
tinued below that Of 4 year ago.
Farm Prices
The index Of farm prices in the
United States Feb. Is ct 1876 was
two points lower than Jan. Is and
eight points lower than = year ago.
Average farm prices in the United
States March Is were not materially
different from those Of February.
Wheat
The wheat situation This year -
IN many respects similar to q year
ago, and If prices should decline In
the coming month, farmers might
do well to refrain from selling. until
the release Of Canadiap supplies Is
no longer q factor in the market.
The trend Of wheat prices continues
upward, having advaneed about 3
cents at Liverpool. Stocks Of Cam
adian wheat in store IN the prin-
cipal markets were about Is, OOO,-
600 bushels larger at the middle
Of February than . yesr ago.
Flax
;. The heavy supplies Of flaxseed in
the United States have been moving
rapidly into consuming channels
and the amount on hand ct the
present time il estimated to be only
100000 bushels greater than at
this time last year. Indications are
that the world supply, exclusive Of
India and minor producing coun-
tries, Is now about LAG, 900, 900
bushels compared with 129, OOO, 900
bushels last year. F3axseed prices
at Minneapolis which, during Octo-
Der and November had reached their
lowest point since January, 1922,
continued their genea,al rally.
Feed Grains
A shortage Of fled grains in
Europe has been IN important fac
tor in raising the general price
level Of those graiMl above that Of
last year and the situation favors
exporting to Europe Of corn, barley
and oats from surplus producing
countries.
Growers in the 10 early shipping
states apparently plan to increase
their combined acreage about s per
cent over last season and may have
q total Of. about 2tA,O0O acres. This
would be- the hea West planting in
years. It is doubtful whether the
general market position this spring
will be quite % strong q q year
ago. On the other hand, there has
been an upward tendency during
recent weeks amounting sometimes
to 10 or is cents per hundred
pounds for old potatoes and holders
may be favored by fairly early
cleanup Of good quality stock.
Beef Cattle
Market supplied and the slaugh-
tering Of cattle will probably con-
tinue below that of the correspond
ing month Of 1927, at least until
July, with total slaughter for the
period the smallest. since 1922.
Slaughter cattle prices during Feb
ruary showed q general tendency to
decline. Cattle on ranges and
ranches have come through the win
ter generally in very good condition
with only the usual seasonal shrink
age in flesh. High prices have .
tendency to restrict restocking and
the buying Of cattle for spring de-
livery in some sections.
lambs
In the face 1t supplies Of lambs
at the seven leading markets above