Evening star., 1932-04-26
PRODUCE MARKETS
IN WEAKER TREND
Potatoes, Butter, Eggs and
Dressed Fowl Steadier,
However.

Prices of farm products have shown
rather weak trend since the middle
of April, says the United States De-
partment Of Agriculture, Bureau Of
Agricultural Economics. Market News
Service But firmness, or at least,
steadiness, appeared in some lines, like
potatoes, butter, eggs and dressed fowl,
all important sources of cash income to
many farmers at this time of year
The loss of a large part of the months
previous rise in the wheat market was
in response to better crop news and
larger supplies at hand. Mill feeds and
hay average a little higher, compared
with mid-April prices. Live stock and
meats met slow demand and there were
lower prices quoted on calves, lambs
and hogs.
Butter Price Sustained.
Prices of butter were fairly well sus-
tanned after the middle of April fol-
lowing the weak and unsettled condi-
tions the first half OF the month
Buyers were operating little more
freely and receivers effected close
clearance of daily arrivals. Speculative
BUYERS were conspicuous by their alb
sence and no great confidence was ex-
pressed at the present price levels. In
so far as the supply and demand angle
is concerned, the market appears to
be III a normal healthy condition, but
outside factors, such as condition OF
stock and grain markets and general
industrial conditions, have a decidedly
unsettling effect. Price of standard
grade at New York has averaged close
to 20 cents during April. Most points
report increased arrivals from the
South and Southwestern States, with
much of this butter showing the eff
fects of the early pasture feed IN the
color as well as in the flavor.
Fresh cheese prices, in the principal
centers of distribution, dropped u to
a. cent following the lower replace
ment costs in producing sections. Net
decline since the first of the month Is
about cent. At the new price level
the tone was steady. While the lower
prices resulted in some increases in the
demand in a few quarters, trading in
general was confined to actual needs.
Fine quality cured and held cheese con-
tinueS full steady to firm. The net
out-of-storage movement Of cheese in
the 26 markets during the first half of
April was about equal to that of year
ago. Cheese prices in foreign markets
were practically unchanged.
Potato Market Irregular.
City prices of Florida potatoes were
higher, but Texas potatoes were some
what weaker Green Mountains ad-
vanced at shipping points in Northern
Maine to a range of so to IS cents per
100 pounds, but other leading districts
for old potatoes reported steady mar
ket.
Cabbage markets were considerably
higher Practically all onions sold
lower except for a firm market on Mid
western and Far Western yellow varie-
ties and on imports from Chile. Florida
and Mexican tomatoes were higher.
The active shipping season for Arizona
lettuce closed and cash track values
were higher there.
With Louisiana strawberry movement
active, the average of f. o. b. auction
prices dropped to S1.60 per 24-pint
crate. Apples were slightly stronger at
Western New York points, the bushel
tubs of best Baldwins returning $1.10
to $115.
The egg markets remained steady and
unchanged in late April, having shown
little variation through the month.
Wholesale prices at New York for re-
handled receipts, mixed colors, held at
1872 to IA cents.