Evening star., 1937-08-21
PRODUCE RECEIPTS
DECLINE IN WEEK
Large Cities Report Quiet
Conditions as Nearby
Offerings Increase.

Demand in the produce markets is
generally slow TO moderate Many of
the large cities report draggy condi-
tons caused largely by heavy receipts
by motor truck from nearby produc-
ing sections. In some markets the local
supplies are croWding out most of the
usual carlot shipments, and the carlot
movement became light in late August
because low prices caused distant
shippers to hesitate
Shipments of fruits and vegeta bles
were less than $4,000 carloads the
second week of August, according to
reports of the Bureau of Agricultural
Economics They were about 4 per
cent less than for the week before and
one-third less than a year ago. Sea-
sonal decreases of melons and canta-
loupes account for part of the light
total movement
Potato output was only about | 900
cars, a drop of one-third from the
same week last year. Moderate gains
occurred for celery, sweet potatoes,
grapes, peaches. plums and lemons.
Carlot movement was fairly steady for
cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes,
grapefruit, pears and apples. Price
trend is comparatively steady for
many products. A few lines show re-
coveries as the supply decreases. but
for the majority the changes are still
slightly downward.
Potatoes Fairly Steady.
A few further declines occurred in
Eastern potato markets, but Midwest
ern markets have been doing little
better since the middle of the month.
Weeks potato shipments were only
1900 cars, drop of about one third
from the same week last year Despite
temporary recoveries in some markets,
Chicago dealers seem to expect gener-
ally low prices for potatoes during the
Fall season, especially during the
heavy harvesting period in the late
States, and they take cautious atti-
tude toward the market. New York
dealers have been talking of buying
Northern Maine potatoes as low as IS
cents to ST per barrel, but actual price
levels will be Influenced greatly by
weather between now and digging
time
Most Eastern markets report mod
crate supplies, slow demand and fairly
steady prices. Baltimore market
weakened and there were declines of
cents or more at some other points.
Onion Supplies Moderate.
The leading Eastern markets re-
ported moderate supplies of onions,
with slow demand and barely steady
prices. Shipments continue at fairly
steady volume, mainly from Eastern
and Midwestern sources. Eastern
markets are somewhat irregular, but
general range on yellow stock is IS
cents to 81 per so pounds. The main
crop is turning out not far from aver
age but about II per cent less than
last season.
Cabbage continues to meet with
slow demand at prevailing low prices.
New Jersey stock sells around so cents
per hamper in New York Eastern
iClgdSC 40 Ili iSSuldl, Will du-
vances of about Is cents and a lob
bing price range of IS cents to 81 per
Eastern crate
Apple Markets Dull.
Trade in apples is very moderate
In Eastern markets and prices rather
weak on small fruit of ordinary quail
ity but best large apples sell at steady
prices. General range in the East is
so cents to 81 per bushel for the mid
season varieties. but some are lower,
and there were tops of $125 to s1.5O
on the best Mcintosh at New York.
suggesting some market Improvement
on arrival of the choicer late varieties.
Current receipts are of the midseason
kinds. Some markets are supplied
mainly by motor truck.
The Southern peach season was
near its end and some receipts are
arriving ripe and soft, causing wide
price range Of $l.25 t. 1925 bushel
on Elbertas, but price trends were
quite irregular. Supplies of Eastern
cantaloupes are decreasing and prices
slightly higher at New York Water
melons from Maryland and Della ware
had moderate demand, with many
sales at II to rs cents wholesale