The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1953-12-03
1854 Outlook For
State Agriculture


Maryland farmers will continue
to feel the effects of the cost-price
squeeze the rest of this year and
during 1854. Although the squeeze
may not intensity Significantly in
1854, farm cost rates are expected
to remain about the same as they
are at the present time Prices re-
eeived by farmers, according to the
latest figures, average about ii
per cent below a year ago. ON the
other hand the average of prices
paid by farmers is only 3 per cent
lower than year earlier. Only
three farm commodities hogs, APP
pies, and eggs showed any sub
stantial increase in price during
1853. Practically all Of the decline
in prices paid by farmers was due
to lower prices for feeder livestock
and for feeds. Prices of industrial
commodities purchased by farmers
have held steady, close to their
highs, with some showing slight
increases.
The domestic demand for food
and other agricultural products is
not likely to be any better in 1854
than it was in 1853. Foreign tax
ings of U. S. farm products, which
were sharply reduced during 1852
SO probably will not strengthen
during 1854.
Supplies Of most farm products
are expected to continue large in
1854. Government holdings will in
crease further by the end Of this
crop year, making for larger car
ryover stocks. Acreage restrictions
ale likely to hold down the crops
Of wheat and possibly cotton in
1854, and price support programs
will continue to cushion the impact
of large supplies on farm prices.
However, part of the acreage di-
verified from controlled crops may
be used to increase output of other
small grains, hay and oil bearing
crops.
Supplies of livestock and live
stock products are expected to re-
main at present levels. A smaller
spring pig crop and prospects for
a small fall pig crop this year in
dictated reduced nalketings Of hogs
this fall and the first half of 1854
Total farm income is likely to
drop The 3l.2 billion dollars re-
ceived this year as cash receipts
from farm marketings probably
will not be equalled in 1854. This
will be due partly to the prospec-
tive reduction in the wheat and cot
ton crops and partly to drops in
prices received for some commodi-
ties Price support programs for
basic commodities such as wheat
and corn will continue at 80 per
cent of party for 1854 unless mar
keting quotas for individual crops
are disapproved. Support levels for
oats, barley, rye and grain sor-
ghums have been announced at IS
percent of parity. Cattle prices
can be expected to continue at rela-
lively low levels. With no signifi-
cant increase in marketings of
hogs and eggs, the price prospects
for these commodities are fairly
favorable for 1854.
In summarizing the overall stu
alton, 1854 doesn't look any better
than 1853 so far as the farmer is
concerned There is little or no
prospect for prices and incomes to
be improved in 1854. The cost
price squeeze will continue and the
impact may be felt slightly more
than in 1853. Adjustment Of the
large supplies to coincide more
nearly with the domestic and for
eign needs appears to be the major
problem facing agriculture during
the coming year.
Commodity Highlights
A continued large supply Of cat
tie is in prospect for 1854. Slaugh-
ter will be high and despite a con-