Tobacco Farmers Rejoicing in Goldsboro, Sept. 2, 1923

397,428 Pounds of Weed Net Growers $52,049.80

There was general rejoicing in the camps of both the co-op and the independents concerning the first four days of the Goldsboro tobacco market according to information gathered yesterday by representatives of the News. More of the weed was sold, better prices were paid, and there was more satisfaction on every hand.

According to information given out by the local Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon the 1923 tobacco market shows a 100 per cent increase against the first week of the market last year. For the first four days of the auction market last year 118,721 pounds were handled at a value of $16,620.94. For the past week of the current season 297,428 pounds were sold, bringing $52,049.80. the officials of the local chamber have consulted over 50 farmers during the past week, all of whom sold on the local market, and not one of them criticized the prices.

The Co-ops

At the co-op warehouse it was declared that the opening days had been better than the highest expectations. Advances paid to members delivering their product was from 45 to 50 per cent more than the first advances paid last year, it was declared. This was pointed to as proving that the Association had reached a strong financial condition and was better prepared to protect its members.

Co-op officials explained that figures concerning receipts would be sent out by officials of the association designated for this purpose; but it was learned that 15,000 pounds were received Friday. The returns as to number of pounds was declared satisfactory.

“Members this year have learned not to dump all their crop onto the market at one time, but the first few days indicate that they will distribute it over the entire season,” it was declared. This was said to be a valuable lesson learned last year.

Farmer’s Warehouse

In the four days at the Farmer’s warehouse $19,000 was paid for a total of 108,000 pounds. Prices ranged from 18 to 21 cents, much better than last season at the corresponding dates.

Receipts at this house were as follows: Tuesday, 47,000 pounds, Wednesday, 9,000 pounds, Thursday, 20,000 pounds, Friday, 34,000 pounds.

Currin’s Warehouse

D.F. Currin of Currin’s independent warehouse could not be located in time yesterday to get daily receipts for his house, but totals given by him indicate that tobacco received here has been greater than at any other receiving place. He declared that a total of $38,000 had been paid to farmers for 185,000 pounds.

“This is from $4 to $7 higher than prices paid at the same date last year,” he said.

From The Goldsboro News, September 2, 1923