SMALL SEEDS ZN U.K.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29057, 20 November 1959, Page 22

SMALL SEEDS ZN U.K.

N.Z. Prices Rose

Too High

After months of sporadic buying of all New Zealand seeds in the United Kingdom, there was a sudden change to more active conditions last month. The London office of the Bank of New Zealand in its market review says this resulted from the Irish Government’s decision to withdraw all offers of ryegrasses, enabling New Zealand holders of perennial ryegrass to sell for shipment to the United Kingdom and Eire. As a result prices were increased in New Zealand to levels which United Kingdom buyers declined to follow, and prices have lately eased. New Zealand perennial ryegrass mother seed, which was selling at the end of September at 150 s ext, has since advanced to 170 s without sales. It is now offered at 160 s. Permanent pasture is about 5s lower. New Zealand short rotation ryegrass was sold early in October at 155 s ext Mother seed with good analysis has since been advanced by New Zealand exporters to 185 s, with 182 s asked for standard grade. United Kingdom buyers are reported to be disinterested in the big advance. New Zealand Italian ryegrass found buyers during October at 165 s c.i.f. for mother seed and 162 s 6d for standard, but no recent business has been reported. There has been a better demand for white clover. Prices for mother seed, which was obtainable early last month at 400 s c.i.f., have increased to 4355. Permanent pasture seed has risen from 380 s to 4205, with limited business at the higher figure. Other New Zealand grasses are too dear for most buyers, the bank states. There have been occasional sales of New Zealand maple peas at about 57s a cwt gross, ex store, for No. 1 grade, but little business has been reported at other ports at that price. They have been offered for shipment at 54s c.i.f. with no business reported. United Kingdom merchants find it difficult to account for the lack of demand in all positions.