Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-12
BUTTER. CHEESE AND POTATOES
ADVANCE ON FOOD MARKETS
Higher Prices Feature Produce Trade Dur
ing First Week or Ten Days of
August-ReAect Drought.

Higher prices for grain, butter, cheese
and potatoes were the features OF the
food products market the first week or
10 days Of August, according to the
United States Bureau of Agricultural
Economics Price gains in these lines
resulted from the lighter production
following the drought in central pro-
ducing sections. Live stock markets
were rather weak and cotton markets
were upset by prospects of liberal yields.
Grains were mostly higher and foods
lower. Potato markets scarcely held
their own in the East. Peaches and
lettuce sold a little higher. Rather
liberal supplies of eggs depressed the
price, but poultry markets advanced.
Eastern Potatoes Lower.
New Jersey cobblers were lower at
shipping points, while Kansas potatoes
advanced. Prices of cantaloupes tended
downward. Watermelon markets were
very weak and prices were lower on
nearly all arrivals. Prices Of peaches
showed a general upward trend, as
peak of the Southeastern movement
was completed. Lettuce markets were
strong and prices much higher. Onion
markets were unsettled. Massachusetts
yeliows advanced at shipping points,
Out were WedkcT III Cry MA ASpS'
Butter Position Gains.
The increased use of butter from
storage has had the effect OF changing
the ideas of many operators regarding
the outcome of the butter deal. Re-
ceipts Of butter at the larger markets
are light and a heavier movement OF
butter from storage compared with
year ago is indicated. Stocks OF butter
in storage at groups of representative
markets are decidedly less than those
of a year ago. Such developments have
STRENGTHENING effects on the market
and create more confidence in the pres
emit situation. The price advanced
cents the first week of August.
Cheese markets are rejecting recent
price advances and the confident tone
in both primary and distributing mar
kets. Spot trading resulted in a good
volume Of cheese moved, but orders Tor
Shipment were curtailed on account OF
short supply Of goods.
Egg Markets Unsettled.
The recent advance in egg prices
made it possible for many owners OF
short held June eggs to move them out
OF storage at pTifit, and considerable
reduction in storage stocks IN the Tour
large markets was recorded during late
July and early August. This wiling
ness to move storage eggs into con-
sumption at the first opportunity OF a
small profit has kept the market on
current receipts in an unsettled conol-
ton and made II impossible 70 reallze
the full effects of the seasonal decline
in receipts Retail trade outlets are
reporting a very strong consumption
resistance TO advancing prices, the IN
creased retail prices Of recent weeks
because of the upward trend in the
wholesale markets causing marked
falling OF in consumption purchases.
The market on fowl weighing 5
pounds and over was steady 10 flrm,
although prices remained unchanged.
Chickens sold about / cent pound
higher the first part OF August because
of limited supplies Turkeys from Ar
gentinR sold at steady prices TO mod
crate demand. The supply of domestic
turkeys reaching the markets is so
small as to make price quotations use
less.
Healthy Cattle Market.
The recent average Chicago price of
fat steers and yeariingS, including
native grassers and q seasonally lib
eral supply Of short-feds, is now
around s8.25. as compared with about
IS 90 in late May when most OF the
crop was strictly granted. Recent
advances may be attributed, not only
10 the dwindling percentage Of fed
cattle. but 70 a healthy beef market.
Accordingly, the trade is counting on
these factors TO carry strictly grain
fed cattle OF all weights to higher
prices.
The average price Of hogs at Chicago
the FIRST week OF August was s6.42r
which was II cents less than for the
preceding week and $2.is under the
average for the corresponding time q
year ago.
Average killing quality Of native
lambs at Chicago was not as good as
week earlier and many range lambs
showed the effects of dry weather or
other unfavorable growing conditions
As q result choice grade lambs COM
manded q substantial premium over
less desirable offerings and showed less
price fiuctuation. Most killing classes
were so to rs cents lower, with some
sales OF common lambs OF more.
The Boston wool market was mod
erately active. although there was les
demand for domestic 5es-60s and finer
woods than a wesk earlier Lower
slightly higher prices.
Grain Markets Stronger.
The grain markets strengthened
during the flrst 10 days Of August un.
der an improved demand for the lighter
offerings OF most grains. Record Low