The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-12-19
WEEKLY LIVESTOCK
REVIEW
Week Ending Dec. Is
BY L. S. Dept. Of Agriculture

HOGS
Local packers absorbed the major por-
ton Of the weeks hog supply. but ap-
paTentiy would not tolerate higher prices.
shipP9ag Interests we're ,hs51dicspped By
and low prices for live hogs in the west.
Sroes infatuated slightly from day 70 day,
toe 81 $50 was 3ss IN ys ssi sur
CAV and early sales Monday were made on
the same basis This position could not be
tbe sSs &C., no,gever and slight dovnturns
morning. Closing prices today for al
weights from 100 70 800 pounds are 81 TO
choice lights. This is a net loss OF 10 70
Is cents compared with last week The
big question In almost all minds now is
re @nsss Is tne bottom and has it been
knows2"
The past week S Ca, BId5 on. ., n. mo.,
oiSatrous periods within the recollection
OF many producers and cattle statesmen.
ana has been equally unsatisfactory to
The congested condition of eastern NOR
kets has been reflected in no uncertain
manner in the terminal markets for live
oped such unusual. although expected. de-
cllnesi that comparison means little If
The net result Of the weeks price change
has been a narrowing Of the unreason-
able spread between strictly choice and
highly finished descriptions from the pin
nacle which they have heretofore held.
All grades and classes Of slaughter cat
tie have worked downward during the
week. and the loss on steers IS estimated
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 a loss OF confidence in
the future are paramount to the price con-
cessions enforced this week.
At times the principal concern of sales
men was TO find buyer regardless of
price From the buyers standpoint moth
ing is cheap unless he has a home for it.
so the result was series of dull, lifeless
markets with the price trend Enthusiastically
Steer sales for the week bulked from
load Of near good hghtweights averaging
923 pounds. Two loads scaling l,072
pounds topped at 50 rs and a load Of
heayies averaging 1880 pounds cleared at
All grades Of she stock went to new low
levels. with better grade cows and light
suitable for carcass beef are now selling
from $3.50 to $3.50 with few UP to Sd,
EePFfe ess loss Of rs to So cents
drastic. but unmeasurable. decline has
been recorded. Bulk sales range from
SsS9 to sS5o th fey 9 b8ss se h
within the latter range have been SO
scarce that they might well be ignored.
Low cutters ana cutter COWS closed the
period at ST. so to $3.50 with the exception
of a 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 SO. so
and less. Common and medium vealers
have been slow movers at uncertain
values.
Lamb supplies during the past week have
been normal in volume and fairly we'll
distributed from day to day. Local pack
ers and shippers have operated consistent
ly. but were forced to rduce their ideas
loss of at least Is cents has been en-
forced. Bulk prices today. for good and
choice lambs are $3.50 to S575. compared
with 1913 to S. week ago. A few choice
eve and wethers reached Sc Wednesday,
and others have sold at $5.85. These are
comparable with lambs at 500 and $625
last week. The downward price trend has
not been confined to local trade and there
is normal outlet for all available sup
plies at prices on parity with other CEN
trail markets.