MEAT TRADE NARROW DURING MOST OF SEPTEMBER.

Fairly Good Demand Early in Month Not Sustained—Week-End Accumulations Frequent.

Fresh-meat trade during September was narrow and movements into consumptive channels were considerably less than during August, except for a short period at the beginning of the month when there was a fairly good demand for all classes. Although receipts of some classes were less than normal, week-end accumulations in wholesale markets were frequent and as a rule sharp declines followed.

Supplies of beef at eastern markets were approximately 8,250,000 lbs., or 13,800 carcasses less than a year ago. Veal supplies decreased 6,300 carcasses and mutton 32,000 carcasses. Lamb increased 63,000 carcasses, or 2,500,000 lbs. At eastern points the decrease in supplies of fresh pork from locally slaughtered hogs was more than offset by increased shipments from middle western packing centers and a net increase of 110,000 lbs. for the month was shown.

BEEF TRADE UNIMPROVED.

Beef.—Improved trade conditions which were expected to follow cooler weather did not materialize. Average weekly supplies were less than for several months past, but the demand was curtailed to an even greater extent. With liberal quantities of low-grade beef offered at packing centers, increased supplies of sausage material were available, and prices in most cases were fully 50% below those prevailing a year ago. Comparatively little choice beef was offered at any of the markets, and when it appeared in the form of heavy carcasses it was hard to move, selling only at a heavy discount. Carcasses weighing from 450 to 600 lbs. were the kind most in demand.

With supplies at eastern markets consisting chiefly of medium to good grass-fed steers, prices were uneven and during most of the month tended downward. Boston was relatively steadier than other eastern markets and closed only about $1 lower, while New York and Philadelphia registered sharp weekly fluctuations and closed unevenly $1 to $2 net lower. Although the demand at Chicago was again narrow and showed no apparent improvement over that of the preceding month, price changes were slight. To some extent this was caused by local conditions and the ability to adjust supplies to the demand.

Cow beef constituted a relatively small proportion of the offerings at all markets, and was materially less in quantity than at the same time a year ago. Markets were not generally supplied with bulls, and in most cases daily receipts were insufficient to justify quotations.

While kosher beef markets registered slight weekly fluctuations, the range of prices generally was steady, though somewhat higher than in August. The better grades were in best demand. Because of the near approach of Yom Kippur and other Jewish holidays, kosher killing was discontinued during the closing days of September and any surplus supplies were offered for sale to the regular trade.

Veal.—Liberal offerings of heavy veal carcasses, most of which were of undesirable quality, had a depressing effect on prices in general. Milk-fed veal was scarce, but when available found ready sale at firm prices. Receipts at eastern markets were 6,300 carcasses less than during the corresponding month a year ago, but were more than the trade required. Price ranges were materially widened, with the trend upward during the first week, but sharply downward through the remainder of the month. All markets were similarly affected. Closing prices at eastern markets were unevenly $2 to $3 lower than the opening, with common and medium grades registering the greatest decline. Choice veal at Chicago closed steady to $1 higher, with other grades mostly $2 lower than the opening.

LAMB TRADE CHAOTIC.

Lamb.—With continued heavy receipts of lambs at live-stock centers, the dressed trade was in a chaotic condition. Although estimated receipts of lamb at seven of the principal live-stock markets showed a decrease of 12% as compared with the same month one year ago, liberal offerings of Canadian lambs at eastern markets more than offset the decrease and intensified the already existing unsettled condition. This, together with the continued unequal demand, assisted in pushing prices of the dressed product below the low point reached in February of the present year. Total supplies at eastern markets exceeded those of the same period a year ago by 2,500,000 lbs., and fluctuations on the different grades amounted to $6.

While Chicago registered smaller fluctuations the trend was steadily downward and closing prices were $2 to $3 below the opening. Although closing prices at eastern markets were slightly above the low spot for the month, trade conditions at the close were generally unsatisfactory to the selling side. At the beginning of the month cold storage holdings were 820,519 lbs. less than a month earlier, but were still considerably above the season’s average during prewar years.

Mutton.—Receipts of mutton at eastern markets decreased 32,000 carcasses as compared with the same period a year ago. This reduction, together with a general improvement in quality over that of the previous month, was the principal factor contributing to a generally steady market in the East, particularly during the last half of the month. With supplies at Chicago consisting largely of heavy bucks and ewes and practically no handyweight wethers, that market declined sharply and closed $1.50 to $2 below the opening.

Pork.—Conditions in the fresh-pork trade were generally unsettled. Sharp weekly fluctuations caused by erratic advances on Mondays, which could not be maintained through the week, were an outstanding feature of the month’s trade at some markets. Supplies of loins at eastern markets were practically the same as a year ago and consisted mostly of frozen or chilled stock, for which there was an uneven demand. The latter sold at a wide range of prices and unevenly $4 to $10 below corresponding averages of fresh loins. Closing prices at eastern markets were only slightly changed from the opening, some averages being 50¢ to $1 lower.

Conditions at Chicago, which has been the high market during the past two months, were materially changed and declines equaling the advances of late July were registered during the last half of September. From the high point of $32 on light average loins, prices had dropped to $26 at the close. Heavier average loins registered similar declines. Shoulder cuts were relatively more stable but were mostly $1 to $1.50 off at the close.

Cured pork and lard.—The domestic demand for cured pork cuts and lard, while fair for the season, was not of sufficient volume to offset the decline in live-stock markets and prices registered sharp declines. Dry salt meats and lard were in relatively better demand than hams, bacon, and picnics, and showed proportionately smaller declines. At the close wholesale prices of hams at Chicago were off $3 to $3.50, bacon $2 to $2.50, and picnics $1.50 to $2. The net decline on lard amounted to 75¢, dry salt backs 50¢ to 75¢, and dry salt bellies about $1. Reacting from the general upward trend of prices during August, compound lard markets were weak and closing prices were unevenly 75¢ to $1.50 under the opening.

STOCKER AND FEEDER SHIPMENTS.
Week ending Friday, Sept. 30.

Iowa led all other States in the number of telephones on farms reported to the Census Bureau on Jan. 1. A total of 2,508,002 farms or 38.9% of all farms in the country, had telephones.

List of Brazilian Live-stock Raisers and Breeders Available for Distribution.

A list containing the names and addresses of 10,000 live-stock raisers and breeders has just been received from the Minister of Agriculture of Brazil. The list also gives the number of animals owned by each producer. The total number of animals represented is 5,227,113.

Of the 10,000 breeders, 1,092 have 1,000 to 5,000 animals; 107 have between 5,000 and 10,000; and 39 have more than 10,000. Three of this latter group have 34,000 animals and one has 85,000. This list has been classified according to the number of animals owned, made up in mimeographed form, and will be sent to interested parties upon request. The list does not show the breed or kind of live stock grown.

Similar lists of breeders in Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico are also available. The list of Uruguayan breeders includes only those who have pure-bred animals and does not give the number owned. They are classified according to the breed raised. The list of Argentine breeders consists of the exhibitors at the Palermo show.

Argentine Exports of Chilled Beef, Frozen Mutton and Lamb Increase.

The exports of frozen beef from Argentina during the first seven months of 1921 show a decrease of 3,154,275 quarters, compared with the exports during the corresponding months of 1920, according to statistics compiled by the Review of the River Plate. The exports of chilled beef during the same period increased 601,096 quarters; exports of frozen mutton and lamb increased 1,011,754 and 355,593 carcasses, respectively.

The United Kingdom furnished the chief market for all of the frozen and chilled meats exported from Argentina during the seven months’ period, taking 1,582,035 quarters of frozen beef, 772,162 quarters of chilled beef, 1,468,466 carcasses of frozen mutton, and 586,123 carcasses of frozen lamb.

The following table shows the exports of frozen and chilled beef and frozen mutton and lamb from Argentina for the first seven months of 1921 as compared with the same period in the five preceding years:

CHICAGO WHOLESALE PRICES OF CURED PORK AND PORK PRODUCTS.
[Per 100 lbs.]

COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS OF FISH, SEPT. 15.
[Thousands of pounds, i. e., 000 omitted.]

Canadian Livestock Marketing Costs.

“It has been announced in the press that Quebec farmers are receiving a few dollars only for grass-fed calves, and from $10 up for cows, steers, etc.,” reports the American vice consul at Montreal. “The farmer sells his steer to the drover for 5¢ a lb. on the hoof. The latter sells to the abattoir for 6¢, and, after he has paid his overhead expenses, freight, shrinkage, etc., he makes an average of about $5 on each animal. The abattoir figures on a profit of about $6 on an average steer. There is little or no profit made on the forequarters, and for this the hind-quarters must compensate.”

ANIMALS SLAUGHTERED UNDER FEDERAL INSPECTION DURING AUGUST.

Horses slaughtered at all establishments, 175; Inspections of lard prepared at all establishments, 126,026,473 lbs.; compound and other substitutes, 29,823,542 lbs. Corresponding inspections for August, 1920: Lard, 96,527,453 lbs.; compound and other substitutes, 28,322,618 lbs.

HEAVY PRODUCE MOVEMENT SENDS PRICE TREND DOWNWARD.

Potato Shipments Double Those of Preceding Week—Total Movement Near Peak of Season.

Potato prices declined during the week ending Oct. 3 under the heaviest movement of the season. Prices of cabbage and sweet potatoes were lower. Apple prices showed a weaker tone. Other lines were fairly steady. Total shipments of leading lines for the week were 24,033 cars, or about one-third more than during the preceding week. During the corresponding week last year 17,283 cars were moved. The heaviest week’s movement last season was during Oct. 12 to 18, with 27,171 cars.

POTATO SHIPMENTS HEAVY.

Potatoes.—Potato shipments reached 10,001 cars during the week ending Oct. 1, thereby increasing the season’s total shipments to 80,560 cars as compared with 65,833 cars moved last year to the same date. The week’s shipments nearly doubled those of last week which were 5,824 cars. Minnesota, the heaviest contributing State, shipped 2,573 cars, North Dakota 1,656 cars, and Maine 1,010 cars. Markets were heavily supplied, demand was slow and prices declined, but strengthened at the close. New York Round Whites declined 25¢ to a close of $1.75 per 100 lbs. sacked f. o. b. shipping points and ranged 40¢ to 50¢ lower in Pittsburgh at $2 to $2.10. Bulk stock declined 25¢ to 50¢ in Philadelphia to a range of $1.75 to $2 the middle of the week, but recovered at the close and ruled $2.15, a net loss of 10¢ from last week’s price.

Northern Round Whites declined 70¢ in the Chicago carlot market, to a range of $1.65 to $1.85, but strengthened to a close of $1.90 to $2. In producing sections, prices declined 20¢ to 35¢ during the week, ranging $1.45 to $1.80, but closed stronger at $1.60 to $1.90 f. o. b. Idaho Rurals ruled 25¢ lower at $1.10 f. o. b. shipping points. Maine Irish Cobblers followed the general trend, showing a net loss at shipping points of 25¢ and closing at $1.11 to $1.21 per 100 lbs., bulk f. o. b. Green Mountains declined 10¢ to 20¢ and closed at $1.26 to $1.41. Cobblers declined 15¢ to 25¢ in consuming markets, bulk stock ranging $1.65 to $1.85 in New York and sacked stock $1.75 to $1.85 in Boston.

Sweet potatoes.—Sweet potato markets were well supplied, demand was slow to moderate and prices weakened. More than half the week’s supply in city markets was furnished by Virginia, now the leading shipping State. Yellow varieties from the Eastern Shore lost $1.25 in New York City, closing weak at $2.75 to $3 per bbl. This stock ranged $4 to $4.50 in Chicago and $4 to $4.25 in other markets. Tennessee Nancy Halls declined 10¢ to 30¢ in Chicago to a range of 90¢ to $1.15 per bushel hamper, but were firm in St. Louis at $1.15. New Jersey yellow varieties were about steady in New York at $1.50 to $1.60 per bushel hamper and in Pittsburgh at $2, but weakened slightly in Chicago to a range of $1.90 to $2.15.

Apples.—Apple markets were well supplied, demand was slow to moderate, and prices show some declines. New York Baldwins, A2¹⁄₂, were steady at $6.50 to $7 per bbl. in New York, $7 to $7.50 in Philadelphia, and sold in Boston at $2.10 to $2.15 per bu. box. This stock closed 25¢ higher at $6.25 f. o. b. shipping points. New York Rhode Island Greenings declined 50¢, closing at $7.50 to $8.25 in Chicago, and at $8 to $9 in New York. Northwestern Extra Fancy Jonathans were firm early in the week in New York City at $4.75 to $5 per box, but declined to a close of $4 to $4.25. Total shipments of apples from all sections for the season were 17,288 cars, or slightly more than for last season to the same date. Boxed apple shipments were 3,568 cars, or nearly double last week’s movement and more than three times as heavy as for the same week a year ago. Washington with 1,864 cars exceeded last week’s entire boxed apple movement of 1,846 cars. Barreled apple shipments were 2,348 cars compared with 2,771 a year ago. New York, the heaviest shipping section, sent 1,301 cars.

Onions.—Demand for onions was slow and markets were dull in the East. Chicago held steady. Eastern yellow Globes No. 1 were firm in New York the middle of the week at $3.75 to $4 per 100 lbs. sacked, but declined later, reaching $3.25 to $3.50. Other markets were firm at $3.75 to $4. Middle western yellow stock strengthened in New York and Cincinnati, ranging $4 to $4.25, and declined 25¢ in Pittsburgh, clos- $3.75 to $4. California yellow and brown varieties were steady in Chicago at $4.25 to $4.50.

Cabbage.—Markets for cabbage were dull in producing sections, with slow demand and movement. New York Danish type stock declined $2, ranging $30 to $33 per ton bulk f. o. b.; domestic closed slightly higher than last week at $23 to $25. A decline of about $10 occurred in consuming markets. Domestic stock closed at $30 to $35 in New York and at $20 to $25 in Philadelphia. Northern Danish held steady in Chicago at $35 and at $40 in St. Louis. Cabbage shipments for the week were 682 cars, exceeding those for the same time last year, but showing a decrease from last week’s movement. New York shipped 197 cars, Wisconsin 177, and Colorado 154.

CARLOAD SHIPMENTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

PRICES OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
Jobbing Range.