_Timothy._--Very light receipts of timothy at New York and efforts on
the part of dealers to replenish their light stocks from the small
quantity of hay arriving caused prices to advance $4 per ton during the
week in that market. Buying was restricted, however, by the higher
prices. Other eastern markets were practically unchanged. Good hay is
scarce but equal to the light demand.
Prices at both the Pittsburgh and Cincinnati markets advanced $1 during
the week, but the advance at Cincinnati was lost on Saturday because of
a lack of support from shippers. Light receipts were almost entirely
responsible for the firm market tone both at Chicago and St. Louis, as
the demand was not large and was confined principally to local needs. At
Chicago cars of choice hay in small bales sold at premiums of $1 to $2
over current quotations. Receipts on the North side increased and those
on the South side decreased, so that the premium at which hay sold on
the North side tracks last week was reduced about $1 per ton.
There was very little activity in the southern markets during the week.
Stocks are light, but buying is only for the light local demand.
Richmond reports a good demand for No. 1 clover hay, of which very
little is being offered.
_Alfalfa._--The alfalfa market showed some advances during the week, but
prices were not materially higher. A better demand from southern and
southeastern consuming sections and from interior Kansas points, where
supplies are relatively small, was reported at Kansas City. Los Angeles
also reports an increased demand for good grades. Choice dairy and
rabbit hay is selling at a good premium over No. 1 and standard alfalfa.
A sharp demand for fertilizer alfalfa is also reported from southern
California.
Further shipments of alfalfa from San Francisco to the New England
States were made during the week, but local demand in that market is
very light. The movement of alfalfa in other Western States is light,
caused principally by the light feeding demand and high freight rates.
_Prairie._--More favorable weather has resulted in larger receipts of
prairie hay at Minneapolis. The market remained steady, however, because
of buying by the local stockyard. Firm prices on timothy and light
receipts of prairie totaling only six cars for the week caused a firm
market at Chicago also. The light receipts were attributed to the low
prices which prevailed a short time ago. Increased receipts at Kansas
City, caused apparently by the recent high prices, are more than equal
to the limited demand and the market for prairie is weak with prices
somewhat lower than last week. There was a good local demand from the
stockyards, but practically no shipping demand, which is required to
absorb any materially increased receipts. But little change is expected
until colder weather arrives.
_Straw._--Light receipts of straw caused slight price advances in
several markets. Demand is light, however, and would not absorb a large
increase in receipts except at price concessions. The following
quotations represent current prices: No. 1 wheat straw--Philadelphia
$12, Pittsburgh $11.50, Richmond $13, Cincinnati $9, Chicago $11.50,
Minneapolis and Kansas City $8; No. 1 oat straw--Philadelphia and
Pittsburgh $12, Cincinnati $11, Chicago $12.50, Minneapolis $9, Kansas
City $8; No. 1 rye straw (straight)--New York $22.50, Philadelphia $20;
(tangled) Pittsburgh $12.50, Chicago $13.50, Cincinnati and Minneapolis
$9.