( 17 ) 



in the fall of 1942, farm prices remained relatively stable 

 through February of 1943. Thereafter they rose rapidly in 

 spite of the ceiling prices (figure 1). These fluctuations were 

 in striking contrast to the relative stability of prices during 

 the previous crop year. 



There was not much difference in the production of po- 

 tatoes between these two years. The United States crop for 

 1942 was 4 per cent greater than the previous year; and for 

 the thirty late states, 3 per cent greater. With the higher 

 prices prevailing for 1942 crops, there was less loss after 



FIGURE 1. INDEX OF NEW YORK FARM PRICE OF LATE 

 POTATOES, 1941-2 AND 1942-3 MARKETING SEASONS 



1910-14 = 100 



230 



190 



150 - 



NOVEMBER JANUARY 



MARCH 



During 1941-2, free prices were relatively stable. During the first part of 

 the 1942-3 season, prices were stable at a higher level. Thereafter, despite 

 ceilings, prices rose from an index of about 190 to 400. 



