The Indianapolis times., 1931-12-18
WEEKLY LIVESTOCK
REVIEW
Week Ending Dec. Is
BY U. s. Dept. Of Agriculture

HOGS
,,d1 Local ot packers absorbed the major. por-
paTently would not tolerate higher prices.
Shipping interests we're Handicapped by
and low prices for live hogs in the west.
Prices huctuated slightly from day to day,
but the net result is loss in values.
oay and early sales Monday were made on
tne same basis. This position could not be
retained. however. and slight downturns
morning. Closing prices today for al
WelanLs from 100 TO 300 pounds are 81 TO
S4.2O. the. latter paid sparingly for a. few
Is cents compared with last week The
big question IN almost all minds now Is
where is the bottom and has it been
teacneu! Inc usual answer is Who
knoWs2"
:, The past week has been one Of the most
disatrous periods within the recollection
OF many producers and cattle statesmen,
ana has been equally unsatisfactory TO
packers and distributors of dressed meats
kets has been reflected in no uncertain
manner in the terminal markets for live
oped such unusual, although expected. de-
cnnes, that comparison means little If
ANYTHING.
The net result Of the weeks price change
able spread between strictly choice and
near good steers. removing long fed and
nacle which they have heretofore held.
All grades and classes Of slaughter cat
tie have worked downward during the
from so cents to 81. In the opinion Of
many closely associated with the market,
the most disturbing factor is stagnation.
In reality the severity of the decline can
not be accurately maseured in dollars and
cents Congested conditions in major
trade centers and loss Of confidence in
the future are paramount to the price con-
CeSSiOnS enforced this week.
At times the principal concern Of sales
men men was & to ma mo buyer REGARDLESS Of
ing is cheap unless he has a home for it.
so the result was a series Of dull lifeless
markets with the price trend Enthusiastically
steer sales for the week bulked from
S3.75 to S. the latter price paid for a
load Of near good lightWeights averaging
poan geS topped G So 9ads 81 and load o
heayies averaging 1880 pounds cleared at
All grades Of she stock went to new low
levels, with better grade cows and light
heifers taking most punishment Cows
suitable for carcass beef are now selling
from $3.50 to $3.50 with few UP to 81,
representing a loss of 25 to so cents.
Heifers are. an uncertain quantity and a
been recorded. Bulk sales range from
$3.50 to $3.50, with a few better light
weights from 81 to $3.50 Those selling
within the latter ate iaf a1ge s haye been
Low cutters and cutter cows closed the
period at $3.50 to. $3.50 with the exception
of few under 81.
Vealers started the Thursday to Thurs
day period with a flourish, holding to a
top Of SO, Later conditions did not Justify
this position and prices have receded to
the extent of 81. Strictly choice vealers
sold. today at 81 with some good kinds at
$3.50 and lower grades on down to $3.50
and less. Common and medium vealers
have been slow movers at uncertain
values.
SHEEP
Lamb supplies during the past week have
been normal in volume and fairly well
distributed from day to day Local pack
ers and shippers have operated consistent
lv but were forced to rduce their ideas
slightly in a price way. 1t seems that a
loss of at least 25 cents has been en-
forced. Bulk prices today. for good and
choice lambs are $3.50 to S5.75, compared
with s5.75 to $6 week ago. A few choice
eve and wethers reached Sc Wednesday,
and others have sold at S595. These are
comparable with lambs at s6.lO and 1925
last week. The downward price trend has
not been confined to local trade and there
is a normal outlet for all available sup
plies at prices on a parity with other CEN
trail markets