Weather Crops and Markets by the United States Department of Agriculture

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Title: Weather Crops and Markets
Vol. 2, No. 6

Author: Anonymous

Release Date: April 25, 2019 [EBook #59362]

Language: English

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105

WEATHER

CROPS AND MARKETS

Published Weekly by the

United States Department of Agriculture

CERTIFICATE: By direction of the Secretary of Agriculture the matter contained

herein is published as statistical information and is required for the proper

transaction of the public business. Free distribution is limited to copies “necessary

in the transaction of public business required by law.” Subscription price $1 per
year (foreign rate $2) payable in cash or money order to the Superintendent of

Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.

WASHINGTON, D. C.
AUGUST 5, 1922.
VOL. 2, NO. 6

EXPORT BUTTER DEMAND CAUSES MUCH INTEREST

Sales to United Kingdom Strengthened Early Summer Market—Shift in

England’s Supply Sources.

A demand for American butter by English buyers had a materially strengthening effect on the early

summer market in the United States. This generally unexpected export demand has called forth various
explanations in the attempt to determine the probability of continued demand from that source.

An analysis of the international butter trade of the past 10 years indicates that a change not yet

generally realized has taken place in the seasonal trend of imports of butter into the United Kingdom,
which largely accounts for this demand in anticipation of an autumn shortage. This change is due to the
shift that took place during the war in the sources of supply of that greatest of all butter-importing
countries.

SUPPLY WAS UNIFORM.

Prior to the war the United Kingdom obtained its butter supply from such widely scattered sources in

both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres that the supply was remarkably uniform from month
to month throughout the year. During the war, when supplies available from continental Europe and
Russia were reduced, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina were encouraged to expand their dairy
industry, and have together since that time continued as the most important sources of supply of butter
on the British markets.

As the flush of production in Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina occurs during the fall and winter

months when production is lightest in North America and Europe, England now receives an average of
two-thirds of the total supply of foreign butter during the winter and spring, whereas formerly but one-
half was received during this period.

Although consumption does not necessarily follow the same seasonal trend as the imports, it is a fact,

according to reports of London dealers, that butter stocks are now lower than at the same time last year,
when at least 50,000,000 lbs. of Government stocks still remained unsold in England. With
comparatively light stocks and the certainty that imports into England after July can not be as heavy as
during the first six months, a speculative demand has been stimulated in that country in anticipation of
an expected autumn shortage.

Although butter production since the war has recovered rapidly in practically all of the important

dairy countries, Russia is still out of the world’s market. The cutting off of the Russian exports to
England, which amounted to 150,000,000 lbs. annually from 1909 to 1913, was the greatest single
factor in bringing about, this change in the seasonal supply of the latter country.

The present statistical position of the United States is, therefore, somewhat misleading, unless due

consideration is given to

(Concluded on page 111, column 2.)

IN THIS ISSUE.

Page.

Crop Reports
106

Condition of cotton crop on July 25. Truck crop reports.

Live Stock and Meats
107

Nearly all classes sold at lower levels. Fresh meat markets were slow.

Dairy and Poultry
110

Butter markets weakened under heavy supplies. Cheese prices were lower. Monthly report on
condensed and evaporated, and powdered milk markets.

Fruits and Vegetables
112

Shipments continued liberal. White potato prices slumped. Most other lines steady to firm.

Grain
114

Wheat prices continued downward trend. Cash corn fairly steady.

Hay and Feed
115

Hay demand was dull. Feed prices were easier for most kinds.

Seeds
116

Reports on Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, and meadow fescue seed crops.

Cotton
117

Prices declined slightly. Weather reports a factor.

Weather
118

Weather favored growth of most crops.

COTTON CROP CONDITION 70.8 PER CENT NORMAL

Loss Amounts to 0.4 Per Cent During Past Months—Total Output Estimated at

11,449,000 Bales.

The condition of the cotton crop on July 25 was 70.8% of normal, according to the estimate made by

the U. S. Department of Agriculture on Aug. 1. Compared with the condition of 71.2% on June 25, this
shows a decrease in condition of 0.4% for the month. The average condition of the cotton crop on July 25
for the past 10 years stands at 73% of normal.

A condition of 70.8% of normal on July 25 this year forecasts a yield per acre of about 157.2 lbs. and a

total production of about 11,449,000 bales of 500 lbs. gross weight each. The final outturn may be larger
or smaller than this amount, of course, depending upon whether or not the conditions that develop
during the remainder of the season prove more or less favorable to the crop than such conditions
ordinarily prove.

Condition of the Cotton Crop on July 25, with Comparisons.

[100 = normal.]

State.
July 25.

June 25, 1922. July 25, 1922.

Change, June 25 to July 25.

10‒yr. av. 1920
1921
10 yr. av.
1922

Virginia
81
74
82
85
80
0
‒5

North Carolina
77
77
75
76
78
‒1
+2

South Carolina
73
77
62
60
60
‒2
0

Georgia
71
68
59
58
54
‒3
‒4

Florida
71
64
60
75
65
‒5
‒10

Alabama
69
67
58
68
70
‒5
+2

Mississippi
72
71
68
76
74
‒4
‒2

Louisiana
70
71
59
69
70
‒7
+1

Texas
72
74
62
72
72
‒6
0

Arkansas
76
78
76
80
81
‒3
+1

Tennessee
78
76
75
83
85
0
+2

Missouri
80
81
80
92
90
0
‒2

Oklahoma
77
85
68
76
75
‒2
‒1

California
95
85
83
91
95
+2
+4

Arizona
[1]90
85
89
85
86
[1]+1
+1

New Mexico

85
88
85
85

0

United States
73.0
74.1
64.7
71.2
70.8
‒3.9
‒0.4

Last year the production was 7,953,641 bales, two years ago 13,439,603 bales, three years ago

11,420,763 bales, four years ago 12,040,532 bales, and five years ago 11,302,375 bales.

The 1922 acreage of Egyptian type cotton is estimated at 80,000 acres in Arizona and less than 1,000

acres in California. In 1921 Arizona had 75,000 acres and California 9,000 acres, while in 1920 the
estimate for Arizona was 200,000 acres and for California 45,000 acres.

The department’s estimate of cotton acreage in cultivation on June 25, which was made public on July

3, remains unchanged at 34,852,000 acres because the acreage abandoned before that date was
excluded. A great decrease in cotton acreage followed the high acreage of 1920, which was 37,043,000
acres, because of the disastrous break in prices to growers in that year.

The accompanying table gives detailed information on the condition of the cotton crop on July 25, by

States, together with comparisons.

106

Paradox in Forecast Yield of Crop per Acre as Indicated by Condition.

A crop may deteriorate in condition during a growing month and yet its yield per acre as forecast by a

computation based on the lowered condition may increase. In the average of crop experiences during the
growing period a certain crop declines in condition during a certain month by a certain percentage of a
normal condition.

For instance, the cotton crop has a record of a deterioration of 3.9% of a normal condition from June

25 to July 25 in the average of the last 10 years. As a matter of fact, however, during this period in 1922
the deterioration in the condition of the cotton crop was only 0.4%. This is clearly a relative
improvement because it is less than the usual deterioration of 3.9%. Hence the yield per acre in the
forecast for July 25 must be greater than in the forecast made a month earlier, notwithstanding the
absolute decline in condition.

Apple-tree tent caterpillars are very numerous in New England and New York this year. Farther

south these pests are noticeably less numerous than usual.

Report on Cabbage, Celery, and Onions in Michigan.

Reports from the field service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the date of July 25 concerning

commercial cabbage, celery, and onions in Michigan contain the following information:

Cabbage.—Five counties in southern Michigan have about 1,285 acres of commercial cabbage

compared with last year’s area of 590 acres, or an increase of 118%. The counties and their cabbage
areas are: Ingham 160 acres, Eaton 225 acres, Jackson 67 acres, Hillsdale 233 acres, and Branch 600
acres. The principal increases over 1921 are in Hillsdale and Branch Counties. The crop is generally in
excellent condition.

In Hillsdale County, Jonesville has 200 acres, of which 130 acres are under contract; Mosherville has

13 acres for kraut; and Litchfield has 20 acres. In Branch County, Quincy has approximately 250 acres
of commercial cabbage, of which 170 acres are under contract: and Coldwater has about 350 acres, with
60% under contract. The kraut plant in Coldwater will be in operation this year. Baroda, in Berrien
County, has 60 acres of cabbage and Niles, in the same county, 40 acres for kraut.

In northern Michigan, Saginaw County has 1,400 acres of commercial cabbage, 300 acres of which are

under contract.

Celery.—The combined area of commercial celery in Lenawee, Cass, Allegan, and Kent counties is

1,005 acres, an increase of 450 acres over 1921. Lenawee County has 117 acres, Cass 118 acres, Allegan
170 acres, and Kent 600 acres. The crop is in excellent condition.

Onions.—Allegan County has about 603 acres of commercial onions, or 88% more than in 1921. The

Gull Swamp section (Martin, Gull Plain, Shelbyville, Hooper) has approximately 550 acres. Other
acreages are: Wayland 8 acres, Dorr 25 acres, Herps 20 acres. The condition of the crop in Allegan
County is above average. Kent County has an onion acreage about the same as last year’s.

Florida watermelons were widely distributed this season. Some shipments went as far as San

Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, B. C., and other Canadian points.

CONDITION OF THE COTTON CROP, JULY 25, 1922

INTERMEDIATE ONION CROP ESTIMATED AT 6,753 CARS

Early and Intermediate Crops Forecast at 13,605 Cars—Acreage Increased in Late States.

The production of commercial onions in the seven intermediate shipping States is forecast at 6,753

cars of 500 bus. each, compared with a production in 1921 of 4,472 cars, according to estimates of the U.
S. Department of Agriculture for July 15. These intermediate States are: New Jersey, Maryland,
Virginia, Kentucky, Iowa, Texas, and Washington.

New Jersey leads the intermediate States with an indicated production of 1.613 cars, and following in

order are Washington with 1,566 cars, Texas with 1,092 cars, Iowa with 1,062 cars, Kentucky with 600
cars, Virginia, with 560 cars, and Maryland with 260 cars.

The commercial onion crop in the intermediate and early States combined is forecast at 13,605 cars,

each car of the early crop containing 530 bus. and of the intermediate crop 500 bus. In 1921 the harvest
of early and intermediate onions totaled 10,287 cars.

About 38,000 acres have been planted to late commercial onions, compared with about 35,000 acres

in 1921, according to the department’s estimates. The condition of the late commercial onion crop was
83% of normal on July 15. This condition is about average.

The accompanying tables give detailed information, by States, on the early and intermediate crops and

the late crop.

Acreage and Forecast of Production of Commercial Onions in Intermediate and Early States.

State.
Acreage.
Yield per acre.
Production.

Harvested,

1921

Planted,

1922

Average,

1921

Indicated,

1922

Harvested,

1921

Forecast,

1922

Acres.
Acres.
Bu.
Bu.
Cars.[2]
Cars.[2]

Iowa
1,200
1,600
202
332
485
1,082

Ky.
1,000
1,000
324
300
648
600

Md.
500
500
250
260
250
260

N.J.
2,400
2,400
239
336
1,147
1,613

Tex.
1,000
1,500
275
304
550
1,092

Va.
800
1,000
280
280
448
560

Wash.
1,300
1,500
363
522
944
1,566

Total intermediate States
8,200
9,500
273
355
4,472
6,733

Early States previously

reported[3]
13,500
16,000
228
227
5,815
6,852

Total, intermediate and

early States
21,700
25,500
245
275
10,287
13,605

Acreage and Condition of Commercial Onions in Late States.

State.
Acreage.
Condition (100=normal).

Harvested,

1921.

Planted,

1922.

July 1, 7‒yr.

av.

July 1,
1921.

June 1,
1922.

July 1,
1922.

July 15,

1922.

Acres.
Acres.
P.ct.
P.ct.
P.ct.
P.ct.
P.ct.

Calif., central

dist.
7,800
6,500
90
89
100
90
95

Colo.
800
1,500
80
91
90
88
91

Idaho.
100
300
89
94
88
94
98

Ill.
1,100
1,300
89
79
75
82
79

Ind.
3,698
1,600
78
73
77
73
83

Mass.
4,500
4,600
83
73
78
79
75

Mich.
1,300
1,700
79
65
86
89
88

Minn.
1,300
1,300
88
89
85
95
90

N. Y.
7,300
8,300
75
78
86
74
68

Ohio
5,100
5,800
79
73
98
88
88

Oreg.
900
900
78
80
100
73
79

Pa.
300
400
81
93
100
95
95

Utah
100
100
93
94
96
91
90

Wis.
1,000
1,000
81
82
96
90
86

Total
35,200
38,300
82
80
89
82
83

107

Live Stock and Meats

NEARLY ALL CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK SELL AT LOWER LEVELS

Price Ranges on Beef Steers Widen—Heavy Hogs Break Sharply—Sheep Prices Irregular.

Practically all classes of live stock sold lower during the week ending July 29. In beef steer trade the

general decline was assisted materially by the heaviest run of native, western, and Canadian grassers of
the season. Downturns of mostly 25¢ at Chicago and of 50¢-$l at some Missouri River markets were
apparent on the more common descriptions. As supplies of western grassers increased, the supply of
long-fed bullocks decreased and as the latter were sought by all interests, the widest price range of the
season on beef steers was created at all markets.

Hog prices fluctuated sharply, closing Chicago values being 25¢‒50¢ lower on mixed grades and heavy

packers, and 40¢‒55¢ on good butcher hogs compared with the close of the previous week. Much of the
supply at Omaha and a good percentage of the run at Chicago and some other markets consisted of
heavy sows and mixed packing grades, and these pulled the general average down to the lowest levels
since early in February.

SHEEP TRADE ERRATIC.

Trade in fat sheep and feeding lambs was erratic, with closing prices highest of the week but showing

an irregular basis compared with the previous week’s close.

Receipts at 10 large markets for the week were approximately 199,000 cattle, 502,000 hogs and

195,000 sheep, compared with 215,357 cattle, 452,902 hogs, and 244,517 sheep the previous week, and
166,112 cattle, 398,424 hogs, and 199,137 sheep the corresponding week last year.

Cattle.—Receipts of grassers from native territory, range States, and Canada, assumed the largest

proportions of the season. Short-feds also were numerous, and long-fed matured beef steers and
yearlings correspondingly scarce. Canadians were unusually numerous at St. Paul and Chicago for so
early in the season, the July supply at the former market up to July 27 standing at 5,800 as compared
with 988 for the corresponding period a year ago. The collapse of cattle values in Canadian provinces was
an incentive for shipping across the border.

Canadians and Dakotas were generally in poor flesh and turned at $4.75‒$6.50, killers taking a few at

the latter price. Oklahoma and Texas grass steers invaded Kansas City and St. Louis in liberal numbers,
and sold largely within a spread of $4.25‒$7, many quarantine steers, grading as cutters, selling around
$4.25‒$4.75. Kansas pasture cattle were well represented at Kansas City, and winter grass steers of
good weight and condition sold there upward to $8.75 or slightly higher. A few lots of Utah and California
steers arrived at Omaha. Bulk of grass steers sold there at $6‒$7.25, a large proportion of the far
western steers being in feeder flesh. One lot of Montana steers showing breeding quality and good killing
flesh brought $8.75 at that market from a producer. This lot met good packer competition, and the
relatively high sale price indicated the plainness of the early run of grassers in general.

Long-fed matured bullocks, averaging 1,443 lbs. reached $10.80 at Chicago and best long yearlings

topped at $10.50, the premium of heavy steers over yearlings continuing in evidence. Sales above
$10.25 were comparatively scarce, bulk of beef steers at Chicago being of quality and flesh to sell at
$8.50‒$10. At that point few bullocks that had received even a sparse corn ration on grass sold under
$8, but common native and western grassers cashed well below that figure.

PRODUCERS IN MARKET.

The influx of westerns augmented the stocker and feeder supply and producers took more notice of

their pasture and feed lot needs than recently, insisting, however, on lower prices except on kinds of high
quality. A spread of $5.50‒$6.50 absorbed the majority of stockers and light feeders at Chicago, a few
heavy feeders reaching $7.50, while good feeders commanded $7.25‒$7.75 at Kansas City, most of the
desirable stockers bringing $6.50‒$7 at that market. Common light stock steers descended to $4.50 and
lower in instances there and at St. Louis.

She stock offerings were comparatively scarce, and flesh condition for the most part was plain to

medium. Highly finished kosher cows maintained $8‒$8.50 levels and above at Chicago, corn-fed
yearling heifers selling in line with steers of a similar finish. In-between grades of beef cows and heifers
lacked dependable outlet, generous runs of low grade grass steers at river markets being a weakening
influence. Bulk of fat cows and heifers at Chicago brought $5‒$7.25. Canners displayed strength, few
healthy descriptions selling there below $3.

Bulls closed largely 25¢ lower; desirable heavy bolognas cashed upward to $4.75‒$4.85 early at

Chicago, but descended to around $4.50, heavy beef bulls sharing the decline. Reduced arrivals of veal
calves at Chicago somewhat counteracted the effect of slump conditions in the dressed market and
values advanced 25¢‒50¢, packers taking desirable vealers at the close at Chicago at $9.50‒$10, these
interests as well as small killers paying upward to $10.50 for specialties.

Hogs.—Although receipts at Chicago were moderate, being about the same as in the preceding week,

those at western points

(Concluded on page 109, column 1.)

MODERATE RECEIPTS OF MOST MEATS IN EXCESS OF DEMAND

Prices Generally Lower on Beef, Veal, Lamb, and Mutton—Heavy Pork Loins Also Lower.

(Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.)

Moderate receipts of beef, veal, lamb, and mutton were in excess of the limited demand and prices

were generally lower for the week ending July 28. Heavy pork loins were weak to lower with other
classes steady to higher, except at New York, where all averages shared in the decline.

Beef.—Moderate receipts of beef at eastern markets found a limited outlet. Good and choice grades of

steers were not plentiful, but were neglected in favor of poorer grades as prices were given more
consideration than quality. The demand for chucks and rattles showed some improvement, and prices on
these were relatively firmer than on other cuts. Cows were mostly of medium and common grades and
were hard to move. At Chicago the assortment of steer beef was good, but prices weakened under a
narrow demand. Few desirable cows were available, most of the supply having consisted of the poorer
grades.

PRICES UNEVEN AT CLOSE.

Compared with the close of the preceding week. Boston was about steady, New York unevenly 50¢-$3

lower, Philadelphia $1‒$2 lower, and Chicago $1 lower. Cows were weak to $1 lower at Boston, $l-$2
lower at New York and Philadelphia, and 50¢ lower at Chicago. Receipts of bulls were light, and prices
closed steady to $1 higher at Boston, steady to $1 lower at New York, and 25¢‒50¢ lower at Chicago,
with very few on sale at Philadelphia. Kosher beef trade was slow, and prices closed around $1 lower at
New York and unchanged elsewhere.

Veal.—Except at Boston the demand for veal at eastern markets was poor after the early part of the

week, and prices declined daily. At that market western dressed receipts and local slaughter were light
and demand fair. At Chicago the fairly liberal offerings were too great for the slow demand, and the
market had a weak undertone. Compared with the close of the preceding week, Boston was steady to $1
lower. New York $2‒$3 lower, Philadelphia $2‒$4 lower, and Chicago $1 lower.

DAILY AVERAGE WEIGHT AND COST OF HOGS, WEEK ENDING JULY 29, 1922.

[Price per 100 pounds.]

Market.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
This wk.
Last wk.
1 yr. ago.

Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.
Cost.
Wt.

Chicago
259
$9.73
269
$9.52
252
$9.45
267
$9.25
266
$9.24
277
$9.24
263
$9.44
261
$9.53
252
$10.35

E. St.

Louis
200
10.70
198
10.71
218
10.36
203
9.96
205
10.03
199
10.22
202
10.33
199
10.66
201

Kansas

City
212
10.24
217
9.96
217
9.76
219
9.49
200
9.55
216
9.36
217
9.85
217
9.95
228

Omaha
261
9.06
273
8.81
280
8.46
273
8.20
273
8.32
281
8.43
274
8.54
265
9.00
265

St.

Joseph
233
9.71
233
9.75
233
9.50
246
9.16
250
9.04
234
9.32
238
9.45
238
9.67

S. St. Paul
277
8.45
282
8.62
281
8.30
269
8.10
279
8.14
256
8.25
277
8.32
271
8.50
257

The above prices are computed on packer and shipper purchases.

RECEIPTS, SHIPMENTS, AND LOCAL SLAUGHTER, WEEK ENDING JULY 29, 1922.

Markets.
Cattle and calves.
Hogs.
Sheep.

Receipts. Shipments.

Local

slaughter. Receipts. Shipments.

Local

slaughter. Receipts. Shipments.

Local

slaughter.

Chicago
61,949
14,367
47,582
141,033
30,301
110,732
69,291
19,002
50,289

Denver[4]
6,041
4,923
1,937
6,151
60
5,885
10,743
1,958

East St. Louis
26,146
13,103
14,721
54,947
25,404
25,941
21,991
4,597
13,814

Fort Worth[4]
21,089
7,681
10,727
5,472
746
3,926
5,055
3,871

Indianapolis[4]
8,341
4,727
4,194
44,242
15,360
28,561
4,400
1,693

Kansas City
58,679
26,973
29,574
39,383
10,627
27,387
17,871
4,067
12,453

Oklahoma

City
10,258
5,108
4,902
7,835
695
8,028
407
80

Omaha
25,524
10,795
14,060
72,894
18,668
54,144
57,645
26,612
27,353

St. Joseph[4]
8,388
2,344
5,548
40,712
6,822
31,942
9,264
2,908

St. Paul[4]
35,933
19,472
15,369
30,560
3,616
24,224
5,982
883

Sioux City
12,746
7,336
4,314
45,910
17,483
27,478
1,060
333

Wichita[4]
7,415
3,739
2,614
9,915
136
9,271
544

Total
282,509
120,568
155,542
499,054
129,918
357,519
204,253
66,004
121,462

Previous week
298,028
106,244
182,957
443,027
112,557
330,482
239,860
52,840
172,547

Lamb.—The lamb market showed daily declines at eastern markets and Chicago after opening firm to

higher on Monday. Receipts were fairly liberal and demand poor. Supplies accumulated, although some
lamb was put in the freezers. Compared with the close of the preceding week, Boston and New York
were $1‒$3 lower, Philadelphia $2‒$3 lower, and Chicago $1‒$2 lower.

Mutton.—The bulk of the moderate receipts of mutton at eastern markets was undesirable because of

weight and excessive finish. Prices were also influenced by the drop in lamb values, and daily declines
were the rule. At Chicago offerings consisted largely of heavy ewes and bucks, but prices showed little
change. Compared with the close of the preceding week, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were $2‒$4
lower, with Chicago unchanged.

Pork.—Fresh light loins were seasonally scarce and relatively firmer in price than heavier averages.

Receipts of fresh loins were light, but there was an ample supply of the frozen product on sale. Compared
with the close of the preceding week, Boston and Philadelphia were steady to $1 higher except on heavy
loins, which were weak to $1 lower with some sales off more. New York closed unevenly $2‒$5 lower,
and Chicago steady to $1 higher.

108