Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-12-06
PRODUCE MARKETS
DECLINE SLIGHTLY.
Cash Grain, Cheese, Pota-
toes and Mill Feeds Resist
Downward Trend.

Several farm products showed re-
sistance to the slightly declining trend
of commodity markets in early Decem-
Der, according to the United States De-
partment of Agriculture. Potato prices
were irregular and continued to gain
in some Eastern markets. Cash grain,
also mill feeds, sold at fairly steady
prices and wheat made recovery at
times because of indications of poor
Winter crop prospects in western Sec
tons. Cheese advanced slightly at New
York after preceding gains in pro-
ducing sections. Choice lightweight cat
tie were in good demand and selling
higher. while most kinds of live stock
lost ground in the market because OF
larger receipts and poor demand. But
ter, eggs and poultry all declined to
some extent owing partly to the usual
dull market period between Thanks
giving and the year-end holidays. Most
vegetables meet slow demand. Onions
and cabbage have lost part of the No
vember price advance.
The butter markets developed a
weaker tone early in the month and
prices declined at all points. There
three larger Eastern butter markets
early in December. 1t was not the eX-
cessive supplies, as there were no bur-
densome stocks of fresh butter at any
point. After several weeks OF firm mar
kets prices had advanced 5l4 to 512
cents per pound, without any recess
sions. Prices to the consumer IN the
LARGE chain stores ranged from 81 10
IS cents on the Eastern markets ana
20 cents at Chicago. Prices PAID TO
the producer had advanced In line with
wholesale prices and this has been an
incentive to increase feeding.
Fresh cheese markets ruled steady to
firm and prices in most markets were
fractionally higher in line with higher
country costs. Most dealers expressed
increasing confidence in expectation OF
another advance in Wisconsin primary
markets. This advance, however, DID
not materialize, due principally to the
easier trend in butter markets.
Egg Prices Decline.
Eastern egg markets have declined
about cents per dozen on Pacific Coast
ano nearby Eastern whites. The decline
on Middle Western mixed colors has not
been so great, ranging from about AZ
cents on the lower grades to about 6
cents on the top grades. Retail prices
as yet have not shown much change.
Prices on fresh-killed dressed fowl
have dropped cents with supplies
clearing slowly. The demand for tur
KEYS continues quiet, particularly for
CARROTS and very little trading is re-
ported. Paying prices at country pack
ing plants at the present time are very
low but operators are unwilling to make
any contracts for Christmas delivery
on the basis of current prices. Consld-
cradle uncertainty exists with regard to
the probable market trend during the
next few weeks
In Chicago trading, cattle prices
showed irregular trends in early De-
cember. Tine lower grades of heavy
steers and all grades Of cow stuff de-
clined to new lows OF tlcc cc1-cl while
most other classes and grades, particu-
larly light steers end heiferS including
yearlings, advanced G little. The hog
market YVES handicapped by the lowest
pork loin market OF the year and by
declining lard values. Declines in hooi
prices. however, were moderate AFTER
advancing to new peak for the sea-
son the market for fat lambs -crumbled, |
losing the net gains made since the
middle of November.
Demand for beef ON Wholesale ma
kets continued marrow, the beef trade
being adversely influenced by liberal
supplies of pork. cuts, which were avail
able at the lowest prices since the early
COS. and by q continued relatively low
market for poultry of all kinds, cheap
turkey having had depressing 1nfiu-
ence on the beef trade throughout the
holiday season.
Inquiries for wool were more numer-
GUS and more bids were reported on
FL, Lpt than for time
previous. More offers were refused,
however, than accepted, as many OF
the large holders maintained an I'M
yielding attitude toward pressure for
lower prices.
Some Feeds Lower.
Demand for millfeeds remained slow
and prices receded, especially at East
ern and Central Western markets.
Weakness is wheat and coarse grains
tended to restrict trade in wheat feeds
generally. Cottonseed meal prices lost
further ground. Demand for cottonseed
meal in Atlanta showed some improve
ment, particularly from the East Glu-
ten feed prices were unchanged. Eon-
my feed continued a sharp upGrend:'
Iinseed and soy bean meal were I'M
changed to slightly lower.
Prices of timothy and clover hay re-
main unchanged at the principal mar
kets and the light offerings are about
equal to trade needs. Some increase
in arrivals was reported at New York.
The Pittsburgh market was firm.
Alfalfa markets ranged from slightly
stronger on top grade hay at few
points to steady whenever medium and
lower grade hay was quoted.
Further deterioration in domestic
TITiV,tay. 1x11n rfinrtlor1u IN orr
Kansas and Nebraska, and less favor
able prospects in Argentina were prln-
cipally responsible for the flrmness the
first four days of December. Corn re-
manned weak with demand very dull for
the moderate offerings. Cats and bar
lev markets held about steady with
offerings light and inquiry fairly active.
Rye and fax were steady to slightly
higher but receipts were light and trad
ing was of small volume.
The Chicago carlot potato market
was weaker on Northern Round Whites
at 67l2-70 cents per 100 pounds. Green
Mountains sold mostly higher in East
ern jobbing markets. Sweet potato
markets were unsettled. Barrels from
Virginia still ranged rs cents to 81 on
a jobbing basis. New York cabbage
declined at shipping points but adj
vanced in city markets. Celery was
lower at Western New York shipping
points at 1880 cents per two-thirds
crate, but held steady in city markets.
Best yellow onions advanced.
The Potomac Valley market for cold
storage apples showed considerable
strength. Bushel tubs of 2l2-inch
minimum YorkS returned $105, with
StaymanS at S115 and Winesaps Sl.35.
Western New York reported cold storage
Wealthys and Rhode Island Greetings
at 80 cents per bushel.