New York and Michigan Concord _grapes_ in 12-qt. climax baskets declined
10¢ to 25¢ in New York and Boston, ranging 75¢ to $1.10, and closed
lower in Chicago at $1 to $1.25. Niagaras were weak in New York at 75¢
to 85¢. New York _cauliflower_ was slow and dull in Philadelphia at
$1.75 per crate, and ranged $2 to $2.25 in other markets. Michigan
Golden Heart _celery_ in highball crates was slow and steady in Chicago
and St. Louis at $1 to $1.25 and ranged $1.75 to $2 in Pittsburgh.
Massachusetts _cranberries_ were steady in Boston at $5 to $6 per
¹⁄₂-barrel crate, and at $6.25 to $6.50 in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. New
York Bartlett _pears_ ranged $3.25 to $3.50 per bushel basket in leading
markets.
Northern Maine Has Large Potato Crop.
The potato crop in Aroostook Co., Me., promises to be the largest ever
produced in northern Maine. Early plantings were damaged somewhat by dry
weather, but the later plantings have developed fully, and the stock has
become overgrown in many cases. The yield of Irish Cobblers will average
120 to 150 bbls. to the acre, with some yields as high as 200 bbls.
With a probable demand from a wide territory there is much local
confidence in the outcome of the marketing season, especially after the
first of the year. During the rise in the market the first week of
September large quantities of potatoes were sold on a basis of $3 per
bbl. to the grower, but many of these shipments were marketed at a loss.
Large quantities of potatoes are being stored because of the generally
low price level. Much of the stock that is being sold is that for which
storage space can not be obtained or which must be sold for financial
reasons. The growers generally feel that they should have $1.75 per 100
lbs. bulk.
The first heavy frost of the season came Sept. 21, and digging of all
varieties will be pushed from now on. Shipments will continue moderately
heavy and would undoubtedly become very heavy with stronger market
conditions.
Top price of the season in New York was $1,150 per car. The general
range in June in New York was $450 to $900 and in July $250 to $550. No
sales of medium sizes were reported in Philadelphia above $900 and
prevailing ranges during June were $400 to $700, but declines to a range
of $250 to $500 occurred in July. Sales in Boston ranged nearly as high
as in New York, allowing 1,000 melons per carload. Early quotations in
Boston ranged 60¢ to $1.10 per melon, but price declined in July to a
range of 30 to 65¢. Pittsburgh carlot sales ranged $500 to $1,025 in May
and June and $250 to $500 in July. Chicago market quoted a top of $1,100
the last of May, but prevailing early ranges were $500 to $800 and July
sales $200 to $600.
Correction.
In the table “Carlot shipments of cantaloupes” on page 217 of the The
Market Reporter for Oct. 1. the last column should be headed “To Sept.
17, 1920,” and the next to last column headed “To Sept. 17, 1921.”