This is the only time in 36 years of record that the U, S. average egg price has 

 dropped during the month ending September 15, The 16 percent drop in egg prices dur- 

 ing the month in the West North-Central States, Illinois, Wisconsin and Okleihoma, com- 

 bined, was more than enough to offset the seasonal increase in all other states. 



Chicken prices averaged 27.5 cents a pound live weight on September 15, the 

 highest price of record for the month, compared with 25.7 cents a year aigo and 16.14- 

 cents for the 10-yeetr average. Turkey prices in mid-September were the highest for 

 the month in 15 years- -55 -6 cents a pound live weight, congpeured with 51.1 cents a , 

 year ago and I7.I cents for the 10-year average. 



Illinois farm flocks laid l62 million eggs during September, the second 

 largest number on record for that month. Although that total is 6 percent less than 

 the peak record of 172 million eggs produced a yeeur earlier, it is 5^ percent larger 

 than a lO-year average for Septeniber. Production during the first nine months of 

 19^5 totaled 2,28^^,000 eggs, h percent less than during the same period in 19^4- but k 

 percent larger than 19^-5 and 58 percent greater than the 10-year average, 1955-^2. 



Fertilizer prospects . Production of fertilizer during World War II rose 

 from 7 1/2 million tons in 1959 to 12 million in l^kk. During the period of World 

 War I, production declined from seven million tons in 191^ to five million in I916 and 

 did not recover its 191^ volume until 1920. r 



Domestic capacity for production of nitrogen materials is now far in excess 

 of normal requirements. Supplies of sulphuric acid should now be plentiful for the 

 manufacture of superphosphate. Potash supplies will be sufficient to meet all domestic 

 requirements that cem be amticipated, but probably little if any will be available for 

 export. Only the higher eoialysis grades may be available for purchase. These higher 

 grades may cost more per ton, but the price per unit of plant food will generally be 

 lower. Farmers need to understand this ftict. 



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iLW:wd 

 IO/25A5 



