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.
Reading edition
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. Cost.
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 11.33
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 10.47
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 9.54
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 9.32
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 1,698
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 3,871 997
Indianapolis[4] 8,341 4,727 4,194 44,242 15,360 28,561 4,400 1,693 2,202
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 80 295
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 6,396
St. Paul[4] 35,933 19,472 15,369 30,560 3,616 24,224 5,982 883 5,048
Sioux City 12,746 7,336 4,314 45,910 17,483 27,478 1,060 333 544
Wichita[4] 7,415 3,739 2,614 9,915 136 9,271 544 373
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
108Lamb.—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.
Wool Imports at Two Ports.
Imports of wool through the port of Philadelphia during the week ending July 29 amounted to 417,226 lbs., valued at $77,165. Imports through the port of Boston during the same week amounted to 2,774,745 lbs., having a valuation of $878,563, and in addition there was received through the port of Boston 48,776 lbs. of camels’ hair, valued at $11,986 and 244,767 lbs. of mohair having a valuation of $56,581.
CHICAGO WHOLESALE PRICES OF CURED PORK AND PORK PRODUCTS.
[Per 100 pounds.]
July 28. July 21. June 30.
Hams, smoked, 14‒16 average $26.00‒28.50 $27.00‒29.50 $28.00‒29.50
Hams, fancy, 14‒16 average 29.50‒31.50 30.00‒32.00 31.00‒33.00
Picnics, smoked, 4‒8 average 17.00‒19.00 17.00‒19.00 17.00‒19.50
Bacon, breakfast, 6‒8 average 25.00‒28.00 24.00‒28.00 25.00‒27.50
Bacon, fancy, 6‒8 average 32.00‒36.00 32.00‒35.50 32.00‒35.00
Bellies, D. S., 14‒16 average 15.50‒16.00 15.50‒16.00 16.00‒17.00
Backs, D. S., 14‒16 average 12.00‒13.50 12.00‒13.50 12.00‒13.00
Pure lard, tierces 13.00‒14.25 12.00‒13.25 12.50‒14.00
Compound lard, tierces 12.75‒14.00 12.50‒14.00 12.75‒14.00
New Zealand’s Production of Butter and Cheese for Export Increases.
The production of butter for export in New Zealand during the nine months ending Apr. 30 amounted to 102,637,920 lbs., compared with 71,412,650 lbs. during the corresponding period ending Apr. 30, 1921. The production of cheese for export during the nine months ending Apr. 30, was 133,579,600 lbs., compared with 118,628,490 lbs. for the same period of 1920‒21.
These figures show an increase of 44% in the production of butter and 12.6% in the production of cheese. The above figures relate only to the quantities produced and graded for export and do not include the amounts intended for local consumption.
LIVE STOCK PRICES, TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1922.
[Per 100 pounds.]
Chicago. East St. Louis. Kansas City. Omaha. South St. Joseph. St. Paul.
CATTLE.
Beef steers:
Medium and heavy (1,101 lbs. up)—
Choice and prime $10.00‒10.75 $10.00‒10.50 $9.85‒10.50 $10.00‒10.50 $9.75‒10.35
Good 9.10‒10.00 9.25‒10.00 8.90‒ 9.85 9.25‒10.00 8.70‒ 9.75 $8.75‒ 9.50
Medium 8.15‒ 9.10 7.50‒ 9.25 7.60‒ 8.90 8.00‒ 9.25 7.00‒ 8.70 7.50‒ 8.75
Common 6.65‒ 8.15 5.50‒ 7.50 6.40‒ 7.60 6.00‒ 8.00 5.50‒ 7.00 5.75‒ 7.50
Light weight (1,100 lbs. down)—
Choice and prime 9.85‒10.65 9.75‒10.50 9.65‒10.25 9.75‒10.50 9.65‒10.25
Good 9.00‒ 9.85 9.00‒ 9.75 8.65‒ 9.65 9.00‒ 9.75 8.60‒ 9.65 8.75‒ 9.50
Medium 8.00‒ 9.00 7.50‒ 9.00 7.25‒ 8.65 7.50‒ 9.00 6.85‒ 8.60 7.50‒ 8.75
Common 6.50‒ 8.00 4.75‒ 7.50 5.50‒ 7.25 5.75‒ 7.50 5.25‒ 6.85 5.50‒ 7.50
Butcher cattle:
Heifers, common-choice 5.15‒ 9.00 6.00‒10.00 4.75‒ 8.85 5.00‒ 9.25 5.00‒ 9.00 4.00‒ 8.50
Cows, common-choice 4.10‒ 8.15 4.00‒ 6.25 3.85‒ 6.75 4.25‒ 7.50 3.75‒ 7.50 3.75‒ 7.25
Bulls, bologna and beef 4.00‒ 6.50 3.75‒ 6.25 3.50‒ 5.50 3.75‒ 6.75 3.25‒ 5.75 3.25‒ 6.00
Canners and cutters:
Cows and heifers 2.85‒ 4.10 2.50‒ 4.00 2.35‒ 3.85 2.75‒ 4.25 2.25‒ 3.75 2.25‒ 3.75
Canner steers 3.50‒ 5.25 3.25‒ 4.00 3.00‒ 4.25 3.00‒ 4.25 2.75‒ 4.00
Veal calves:
Light and med. wt., med.-choice 9.00‒10.50 6.50‒10.00 6.25‒ 9.25 7.50‒ 9.50 6.25‒ 9.25 4.00‒ 9.00
Heavy weight, common-choice 4.00‒ 8.00 3.50‒ 7.50 4.00‒ 8.25 5.25‒ 7.75 5.00‒ 7.00 3.59‒ 7.00
Feeder steers:
1,001 lbs. up, common-choice 5.50‒ 7.65 5.75‒ 7.50 6.15‒ 8.40 5.75‒ 8.25 5.25‒ 8.00 4.25‒ 7.25
750‒1,000 lbs., common-choice 5.50‒ 7.65 4.75‒ 7.50 6.10‒ 8.35 5.25‒ 8.00 5.25‒ 8.00 3.75‒ 7.25
Stocker cattle:
Steers, common-choice 4.75‒ 7.65 3.50‒ 7.50 4.60‒ 8.10 5.00‒ 7.75 4.50‒ 7.50 3.50‒ 7.00
Cows and heifers, common-choice 3.50‒ 5.75 3.00‒ 5.50 3.25‒ 5.85 3.50‒ 5.75 3.25‒ 5.50 2.75‒ 5.50
Calves—
Good and choice 6.75‒ 7.75 7.00‒ 8.00
Common and medium 4.00‒ 6.50 5.00‒ 7.00
HOGS.
Top 10.75 10.75 10.20 10.30 10.10 10.25
Bulk of sales 8.10‒10.65 10.25‒10.65 9.00‒10.10 7.75‒10.25 9.50‒10.10 7.50‒10.00
Heavy wt. (251 lbs. up), common-choice 9.80‒10.30 9.25‒10.25 9.00‒ 9.75 9.00‒10.00 9.00‒9.90 8.25‒10.00
Med. wt. (201‒250 lbs.), common-choice 10.20‒10.65 10.15‒10.70 9.75‒10.05 9.65‒10.25 9.85‒10.10 8.75‒10.00
Light wt. (151‒200 lbs.), common-choice 10.50‒10.70 10.60‒10.75 9.70‒10.20 10.00‒10.25 9.90‒10.10 9.75‒10.25
Light lts. (131‒150 lbs.), common-choice 10.25‒10.65 10.50‒10.75 9.60‒10.10
Packing sows (250 lbs. up), smooth 8.00‒ 8.65 7.75‒ 8.00 7.50‒ 7.85 7.75‒ 8.50 7.65‒ 8.00 7.25‒ 8.25
Packing sows (200 lbs. up), rough 7.25‒ 8.00 7.60‒ 7.75 7.25‒ 7.50 7.25‒ 7.75 7.25‒ 7.60 6.75‒ 7.25
Pigs (150 lbs. down), common-choice 9.75‒10.40 10.00‒10.60
Stock pigs (130 lbs. down) 9.75‒10.25 9.75‒10.50 9.00‒10.00 10.00‒10.50
SHEEP.
Lambs:
84 lbs. down, medium-choice 11.50‒12.75 11.00‒12.25 10.25‒13.00 11.50‒12.25 11.50‒13.00 11.00‒12.25
Culls and common 7.50‒11.25 5.50‒11.00 6.00‒10.00 7.25‒11.50 7.00‒11.25
Feeding lambs 11.50‒12.50 9.25‒12.00
Yearlings, wethers, medium-prime 8.50‒11.00 8.00‒10.75 7.00‒10.50 8.25‒10.50 7.50‒11.00 6.50‒10.50
Wethers, medium-prime 6.00‒ 8.75 5.50‒ 8.25 6.25‒ 8.25 6.25‒ 8.75 6.00‒ 8.00 7.50‒10.25
Ewes:
Medium, good, and choice 3.25‒ 7.60 3.00‒ 6.00 5.00‒ 7.00 4.00‒ 7.00 4.00‒ 7.00 4.00‒ 8.25
Culls and common 2.00‒ 3.75 1.50‒ 3.00 2.00‒ 5.00 2.00‒ 4.00 1.50‒ 4.00 3.00‒ 6.75
Breeding ewes (full mouths to yearlings) 5.00‒11.50 5.50‒ 8.50 5.75‒ 9.00 2.00‒ 3.50
WHOLESALE PRICES OF WESTERN DRESSED MEATS, TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1922.
[Per 100 pounds.]
Chicago. New York.
Aug. 1. July 25. July 3. Aug. 1. July 25. July 3.
Fresh beef:
Steers—
Choice $15.50‒16.00 $16.50‒17.00 $15.00‒16.00 $16.50‒17.00 $16.00‒17.00 $17.00‒17.50
Good 14.50‒15.00 15.50‒16.00 14.50‒15.00 14.00‒16.00 15.50‒16.00 16.00‒17.00
Medium 13.00‒14.00 14.00‒15.00 13.00‒14.00 11.00‒13.00 13.00‒15.00 15.00‒16.00
Common 10.00‒12.00 11.00‒13.00 12.00‒13.00 8.00‒10.00 10.00‒12.50 12.00‒15.00
Cows—
Good 11.50‒12.50 12.00‒13.00 12.00‒12.50 11.00‒12.00 13.00 13.00‒14.00
Medium 10.50‒11.50 11.00‒12.00 11.00‒11.50 9.00‒11.00 11.00‒12.50 12.00‒13.00
Common 8.50‒ 9.50 9.00‒10.00 9.00‒10.00 8.00‒ 9.00 10.00‒11.00 11.00‒12.00
Bulls—
Good 10.00 11.00 12.00‒12.50
Medium 9.00‒10.00 9.00‒10.50 10.00‒12.00
Common 7.50‒ 7.75 7.75‒ 8.25 7.00‒ 7.25 7.00‒ 8.00 8.00‒ 9.00 9.00‒10.00
Fresh veal:
Choice 16.00‒17.00 16.00‒17.00 15.00‒17.00 16.00‒18.00 17.00‒18.00 15.00‒16.00
Good 14.00‒15.00 15.00‒16.00 14.00‒15.00 13.00‒15.00 15.00‒17.00 12.00‒14.00
Medium 12.00‒13.00 12.00‒14.00 13.00‒14.00 11.00‒12.00 12.00‒15.00 10.00‒12.00
Common 10.00‒11.00 10.00‒11.00 8.00‒12.00 10.00‒11.00 9.00‒11.00 8.00‒10.00
Fresh pork cuts:
Loins—
8‒10 lbs. average 23.00‒25.00 23.00‒24.00 22.00‒23.00 23.00‒24.00 23.00‒24.00 22.00‒23.00
10‒12 lbs. average 20.00‒22.00 20.00‒22.00 21.00‒22.00 22.00‒23.00 22.00‒23.00 21.00‒22.00
12‒14 lbs. average 17.00‒19.00 17.00‒19.00 19.00‒20.00 21.00‒22.00 21.00‒22.00 20.00‒21.00
14‒16 lbs. average 14.00‒16.00 15.00‒16.00 18.00‒19.00 18.00‒20.00 20.00‒21.00 19.00‒20.00
16 lbs. and over 12.00‒14.00 13.00‒14.00 16.00‒18.00 16.00‒18.00 18.00‒20.00 18.00‒19.00
Shoulders—
Skinned 13.50‒14.50 13.50‒14.50 14.00‒15.00 15.00‒16.00 15.00‒16.00 15.00‒16.00
Picnics—
4‒6 lbs. average 14.00‒15.00 15.00‒16.00 15.00‒15.50
6‒8 lbs. average 13.00‒14.00 14.00‒15.00 14.50‒15.00 15.00‒16.00 14.00‒16.00 16.00‒17.00
Butts—
Boston style 16.00‒17.50 16.00‒17.50 16.00‒17.00 18.00‒19.00 16.00‒18.00 17.00‒19.00
Fresh lamb and mutton:
Lamb—
Choice 26.00‒27.00 27.00‒28.00 26.00‒28.00 25.00‒20.00 26.00‒21.00 24.00‒27.00
Good 24.00‒25.00 26.00‒27.00 24.00‒26.00 22.00‒23.00 24.00‒25.00 18.00‒20.00
Medium 21.00‒23.00 23.00‒25.00 21.00‒23.00 21.00‒22.00 22.00‒23.00 16.00‒18.00
Common 16.00‒20.00 16.00‒21.00 15.00‒20.00 19.00‒21.00 16.00‒20.00 12.00‒14.00
Mutton—
Good 14.00‒15.00 14.00‒15.00 13.00‒14.50 13.00‒16.00 15.00‒17.00 14.00‒16.00
Medium 10.00‒12.00 10.00‒12.00 10.00‒12.00 10.00‒12.50 13.00‒14.00 10.00‒12.00
Common 6.00‒ 8.00 6.00‒ 8.00 6.00‒ 8.00 7.00‒10.00 10.00‒13.00 8.00‒10.00
109
WEEKLY LIVE STOCK REVIEW.
(Concluded from page 107.)
were considerably heavier. Chicago quality was the best for several weeks, a generous proportion of the supply consisting of good light and medium weight butchers. This, coupled with the narrowest shipping outlet for hogs in weeks, attributed to an extent to unsettled railway labor conditions, was partially responsible for sharp declines, especially on the better grades. Closing prices Were 40¢‒55¢ under those of the week previous on bulk of good lights and butchers and 25¢‒50¢ lower on mixed and packing grades. A slight reaction was noticed toward the week end, with small advances scored on some of the in-between butchers and better packing grades.
Big packers were bearish and very indifferent buyers, even at the sharp decline, leaving liberal holdovers each day. The week’s top at Chicago was $11, secured on early sessions for good lights and light butchers, but best sold at the close at $10.60, and bulk of good lights and light butchers sold at the week end from $10.30‒$10.50. Bulk of good 220 lb.‒300 lb. butchers closed at $9.75‒$10.25. Such shipping orders as were filled called largely for the better grades of mixed packing, good, smooth, light weight sows and these failed to show the extreme decline apparent on other grades.
GOOD PIGS IN DEMAND.
Demand for good pigs at Chicago was broad and such sold readily all week, with bulk of good 100‒130 lb. averages clearing from $9.50‒$10.50. Saturday’s closing values on pigs were around 25¢ lower for the week. Stock pig prices, both at St. Paul and Missouri River markets declined 25¢‒35¢, best strong weights selling at $10.25‒$10.50 at St. Paul and Kansas City, respectively. Several shipments of good quality thin sows went to the country from St. Paul and Chicago for feeding purposes, costing $8‒$9. The trade generally displayed considerable anxiety on account of the railway and coal strikes.
Sheep.—An oversupply of sheep at Jersey City at the week’s opening was the chief factor in further declines in prices following the declines late last week at Chicago and other western markets, but with aggregate slaughter falling considerably short of the week previous, the market made good recovery as the week’s trading progressed. Closing Chicago prices, compared with the week previous, were strong to 25¢ higher on fat native lambs, mostly 50¢ higher on cull natives, steady to 15¢ lower on fat western lambs, 35¢‒50¢ lower on western feeding lambs, generally steady on light sheep and 25¢‒50¢ lower on heavy sheep.
Subsequent to Monday when Jersey City had a full supply, the run of southeastern lambs was light and natives from other sections were in smaller supply than during the preceding week. The market-ward movement of range stock from the Northwest was of fair volume, although hampered to a certain extent by conditions arising from the strike of railway shopmen. Feeder demand was narrow at the week’s opening but declines then enforced attracted buyers subsequently and both fat and feeder lambs closed about 25¢ above the week’s low spot.
At the week end, choice western lambs were safely quotable up to $13 at Chicago, good Oregons, rather lightly sorted, selling up to $12.85, and best natives up to $12.75 straight, with bulk of natives at $12.50$12.60 and native culls mostly at $8‒$8.50. Feeder buyers paid up to $12.50 for light and tidy weight Western feeder lambs, but a number of loads of heavy feeders sold during the week at $11.50‒$11.75. Fat heavy ewes sold downward to $3, a few below $3.50 at the close, while fat light native and Western ewes reached $7‒$7.25. Wethers and yearlings were virtually lacking. There was call for western yearling breeding ewes, with none offered and choice quotable to $11.50. Native yearling ewes were taken on breeder account up to $9.50‒$9.75, twos to fours mixed up to $8‒$8.75, with heavies and less desirable kinds on down to $6 and below, depending on age, weight, and quality.
Opening, July 31.—Beef steers, yearlings, butcher cows, and heifers at Chicago sold actively at strong to 25¢ higher prices, mostly 10¢‒15¢ higher. Eleven loads of matured beef steers averaging 1,283 lbs.‒1,694 lbs. topped at $10.60. Best long yearlings brought $10.50, bulk of beef steers $8.50‒$10.15. Twelve loads of Canadian steers arrived, five loads going to stocker and feeder dealers at $5.75. Stockers and feeders displayed some strength.
Good butcher weight hogs gained 10¢‒15¢ and closed firm at the advance. Top was $10.70 with bulk of desirable butchers at $9.90‒$10.60. Activity of shippers, who absorbed around 10,000 head, lent zest and higher prices to the better grades. Mixed and packing grades opened higher, but lacking good competition closed steady to 150 lower, bulk of packing sows turning at $7.75‒$8.60.
Fat lambs closed weak to 15¢ lower after a steady to strong start. Natives and westerns topped at $12.75, bulk of the natives bringing $12.25‒$12.60 and bulk of the rangers $12.65. Feeding lambs at $12.35 downward were lower. Sheep held firm. Choice handy Montana ewes reached $7.50.
STOCKER AND FEEDER SHIPMENTS.
Week Ending Friday, July 28, 1922.
Cattle and calves. Hogs. Sheep.
Market origin:
Chicago 4,077 17,432
Denver 4,368 286 241
East St. Louis 3,317 836 492
Fort Worth 1,406 170 1,369
Indianapolis 908 192 772
Kansas City 18,483 917 1,919
Oklahoma City 2,996 120
Omaha 8,591 75 19,861
St. Joseph 2,098 298 2,798
St. Paul 13,441 1,169 883
Sioux City 5,786 353 333
Wichita 1,512 136
Total 66,983 4,552 46,100
Previous week 47,627 5,140 34,919
Same week last year[5] 28,747 2,161 41,592
State destination:
California 170
Colorado 1,374 286
Illinois 8,458 826 3,681
Indiana 2,105 192 3,521
Iowa 17,302 1,266 8,695
Kansas 6,716 266 1,380
Kentucky 487 366 1,202
Maryland 101 310
Michigan 308 11,445
Minnesota 1,014 397 513
Missouri 5,654 588 4,159
Montana 493
Nebraska 14,942 75 9,417
New York 48
Ohio 1,009 801
Oklahoma 735 120
Pennsylvania 3,894
South Dakota 837
Tennessee 36
Texas 901 270
Virginia 129 411
West Virginia 59 121
Wisconsin 323 174
Wyoming 58
Total 66,983 4,552 46,100
New Publications Issued.
The following publications were issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture during the week ending Aug. 1, 1922. A copy of any of them, except those otherwise noted, may be obtained free upon application to the Chief of the Division of Publications, U. S. Department of Agriculture, as long as the department’s supply lasts.
After the department’s supply is exhausted, publications can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. Purchase order and remittance should be addressed to the Superintendent of Documents direct and not to the Department of Agriculture.
Sugar Beet Growing Under Irrigation. By C. O. Townsend, Pathologist in Charge of Sugar-Plant Investigations. Pp. 32, figs. 17. Contribution from the Bureau of Plant Industry. Revised June, 1922. (Farmers’ Bulletin 567.)
The Insulating Value of Commercial Double-Walled Beehives. By E. F. Phillips, Apiculturist in Charge, Bee-Culture Investigations. Pp. 9. Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology. May, 1922. (Department Circular 222.) Price, 5¢.
A Handbook of Dairy Statistics. By T. R. Pirtle, Dairy Division. Pp. 72, fig. 1. Contribution from the Bureau of Animal Industry. June, 1922. (A. I. 37.) Price, 15¢.
Vegetable Growing in Guam. By Glen Briggs, Agronomist and Horticulturist. Pp. 60, pls. 17. June, 1922. (Bulletin 2, Guam Agricultural Experiment Station.)
COLD STORAGE HOLDINGS OF FROZEN AND CURED FISH, JULY 15, 1922.
[Thousands of pounds; i. e., 000 omitted.]
Species. Total holdings June 15, 1921. Total holdings July 15, 1921. Total holdings June 15, 1922. Frozen since June 15, 1922. Total holdings July 15, 1922.[6]
FROZEN FISH.
Bluefish 128 114 65 97 147
Butterfish 153 154 46 83 139
Ciscoes 2,525 2,605 1,080 167 987
Cod, haddock, hake, pollack 1,955 1,916 391 26 339
Croakers 187 277 24 65 75
Halibut 4,375 6,213 3,878 742 4,380
Herring, sea 2,889 3,775 1,121 127 1,085
Lake trout 944 1,032 498 109 562
Mackerel 1,695 1,670 1,929 624 2,422
Sablefish 270 456 580 56 492
Salmon, silver and fall 658 905 344 346 656
Salmon, all other 963 2,182 719 785 1,138
Shad and shad roe 250 324 273 22 299
Smelts, eulachon, etc. 248 268 351 1 333
Squeteagues, or “seatrout” 263 1,405 283 40 260
Squid 3,026 3,170 1,036 92 1,039
Whitefish 985 1,278 1,427 50 1,439
Whiting 2,690 4,499 1,445 1,857 3,048
Miscellaneous 8,107 7,917 4,074 865 3,313
Total 32,311 40,160 20,818 7,376 25,601
CURED FISH.
Herring 9,210 8,389 12,991 13,425
Mild cured salmon 1,672 3,140 2,358 3,849
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