10- 



through the entire month o£ October. Prices for Mcintosh apples 

 from regular storage averaged only slightly higher than in 1970-71 

 and most growers lost money on bagged apples. During May and June, 

 1972, some Massachusetts growers again encountered the "soft 

 Mcintosh Problem". Low prices for CA-Mclntosh through the remainder 

 of the marketing season reflected the market concern about fruit 

 softness , 



1972- 75 . A small crop was harvested in Massachusetts and in 

 the U.S. as a whole. Prices in Massachusetts were $0.75 to $1.00 

 higher for regular storage Mcintosh than during the previous year. 

 Stored Mcintosh kept exceptionally well, no soft Mcintosh were 

 encountered and prices reflected this quality. 



1973- 74 . The U.S. apple production was higher than in 1972 

 but the New England apple crop was the smallest since 1956 because 

 of frost and poor pollination weather. Massachusetts experienced 

 extremely hot weather from August 27 through September 4, 1973 

 and fruit probably softened rapidly. After September 4, the weather 

 became favorable for color development. 



Due to a short Mcintosh crop, a light crop in eastern U.S., 

 and an increasing demand for juice and sauce, prices were very 

 favorable for apples from regular storage. Most growers made money 

 on their bagged apples, which is not a common occurrence. 



In early March of 1974, some storage operators again encoun- 

 tered soft Mcintosh, especially with larger sizes. Although the 

 problem was not as serious as other years the market reflected its 

 concern. 



1974-75 . The national crop again exceeded 150 million bushels 

 and in New England it was 30% larger than in 1973. Mcintosh apples 

 in Massachusetts were smaller than usual, but the harvest season 

 was favorable for good color development. 



Prices for regular storage Mcintosh were only slightly higher 

 than during the previous season. The prices for bagged and juice 

 apples were lower than in 1973, and those for CA Mcintosh reflected 

 the sof t-McIntosh problem encountered the previous year. Mean- 

 while, production and marketing costs increased drastically because 

 of the energy crisis. 



1975-76 . The national crop was a record 178 million bushels 

 with 52 million from Washington alone. The early crop forecast for 

 New England was a 15% increase from 1974. However, rains delayed 

 harvest and drop was excessive in some orchards. Consequently, 

 storage holdings in Massachusetts were less than the previous season. 



Prices for 120 counts were $0.75 to $1.00 less than during the 

 previous season for regular storage Mcintosh and somewhat less for 



