Evening star., 1933-01-25
PRODUCE MARKETS
REMAIN IRREGULAR
Uptrend of Cotton and HOqS
Proves Feature of Dull
Trading.

The recent slightly upward price
trend of cotton and hogs partly off,
set the weaker tendency of grain and
cattle. since the middle of the month,
and the sharp somewhat seasonal de-
clines for dairy products and eggs. says
the United States Department of Agri-
culture. Bureau of Agricultural Econom-
les. Market News Service. Prices of
hay and millfeeds show little change
Poultry markets have shown stronger
action this month owing to lighter sup
plies. Milder weather has tended to
lessen consuming demand and to in
crease supplies of several important
lines of produce, especially affecting the
markets on eggs, butter, meats and vege-
tables. Most of the January price
changes in the fruit and vegetable mar
kets have been downward. Potato prices
recovered slightly in the Central West
after the middle of January.
Butter MARKETS. Weak.
The wholesale butter markets contin-
ued nervous and unsettled after the
middle Of January and prices declined
sharply, losing 2 cents on some lead
ing grades in New York. Dealers lacked
confidence and operated cautiously,
Stocks of butter in storage increased
in some markets. due to some rather
heavy storing, principally in the East
Trading in storage butter was slow at
most markets as many OF the larger
users were taking only fresh stock. But
ter production, as indicated by the re-
ports from receivers at the various mar
kets and the larger manufacturing
groups, is increasing slowly in most Sec
tions
Prices in the leading cheese markets
declined 2. to y cents on fresh cheese
during the third week OF the month,
these reductions being in line with
lower country replacement costs. Cured
and held cheese held full steady. ana
the usual quantity was moved into con-
sumption Production continues TO ex-
ceed that Of year ago.
Egg Trade Cautious.
Dealers in eggs, for the most part,
are buving slowly. The season is too
early for storing Production prospects
are uncertain and receivers are being
forced to cut prices in order to effect
anv sort of clearance. Sharp reduc-
tions are being made in retail prices,
which up to now, have not been in
clined to follow closely the gradual de-
clines in wholesale quotations that have
been under way since the price peak
was reached late in November. Decline
amounted to 10 to Is cents dozen the
first three weeks of this month.
Fresh killed chickens are in very light
supply, and the better packs are being
cleaned up closely, Immediately upon
arrival, with premiums OF to cents
on special marks. Buyers seem slow to
take storage stock, although with the
season of fresh killed supplies practi-
cally over, consumers will have to turn
more to storage supplies.
Hogs Sell Higher.
A more stable hog market, with prices
breaking through to establish a top
figure at Chicago equal to the best price
paid since December /, continuation of
the recently seriously depressed market
for heavy fat steers and a recession in
fat lamb values which reflected a de-
clining dressed market, were the out
standing features of the live stock trade
during the third week of January.
Marketings were moderate for the sea-
son of the year with unloads showing
decreases in all classes of live stock.
A f1rmer tendency was shown on the
Boston market for fine woods after the
middle Of January, while medium woods
ruled slightly lower Ohio fine delaines
moved at 1872 to 10 cents in the grease,
with French clothing and combing
staples at 13 to IA cents.
Wheat Feeds Higher.
Cottonseed meal prices were weak at
Eastern and Central Western markets,
but held steady at Western points.
Shipments Of cottonseed meal into trade
channels during December were about
as large as the production. Since the
beginning Of the season, August l, pro-
duction Of cottonseed meal has been
IL per cent smaller than a year ago,
while shipments have been 18 per cent
smaller, resulting in some accumulation
Of cottonseed meal at mills. Prices
of linseed meal were mostly unchanged
the third week of January, but gluten
feed and meal prices advanced about
SO cents per ton. The situation at
Eastern points was very strong, with
good demand for the light offerings
Eastern hominy feed markets were firm.
! Timothy hay markets remained very
quiet, with quotations nearly unchanged.
Demand was extremely slow at New
York and prices averaged somewhat
lower. The comparatively light sup
plies moved fairly well at Pittsburgh
ana Boston. Requirements Tor alfalfa
hay in the East and South remained
unusually light.
Grain Markets Weak.
Continued weakness prevailed in do
mestic grain markets during the third
week of January. Demand for most
grains remained dull and prices de-
clined slightly. The strengthening in
duence Of unfavorable prospects for
Winter wheat In the United States was
more than Offset by increased offer
ings Of new crop grain from the South.